Stroud Camera Club was treated to a fascinating evening this week when Dave Hyett and Richard McCleery visited to present the Cheltenham International Salon of Photography 2025 Audio-Visual show. Their presentation offered members a privileged look at some of the finest photographic work submitted to this prestigious international exhibition – and it did not disappoint.

The Cheltenham Salon, which attracts entries from across the globe, is known for its exceptionally high standards and diversity of styles. From evocative landscapes and striking portraits to abstract creations and wildlife, the salon showcases photography at its most accomplished and creative. Seeing the accepted and award-winning images presented in a beautifully curated AV sequence reminded everyone of the artistry, imagination, and technical skill that defines international-level photography.

The evening began with an introduction from Richard, who outlined how the Salon operates – from the call for entries and judging process through to the final exhibition and AV production. Members gained an insight into the scale of the event: thousands of images submitted, only a fraction accepted, and an even smaller number achieving awards. This gave real context to the achievements of those who succeed at this level.

It was therefore a source of great pride to hear that twelve members of Stroud Camera Club had images accepted into this year’s Salon – an impressive accomplishment that reflects both the talent within the club and the commitment of members to producing work of international standard. Having so many local photographers represented among such global competition was warmly applauded by everyone present.

The AV presentation itself was superbly produced. Accompanied by carefully chosen music, the sequence held the audience’s attention throughout. The transitions were seamless, the curation thoughtful, and the overall effect was one of polish and professionalism. The range of subject matter – from powerful monochrome portraits to vibrant travel scenes and delicate nature studies – demonstrated not only technical excellence but emotional depth.

As the evening drew to a close, there was an evident sense of inspiration among club members. Many commented that seeing such consistently high-quality work encouraged them to experiment more boldly with their own photography and perhaps to consider submitting to a Salon themselves in future years.

The visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. It was both an educational and uplifting evening, celebrating photographic artistry at its very best and reminding us all of the shared passion that connects photographers across the world.

(Image shown is Carol Barchou - Festival Scarves Triptych) A full gallery of our members' accepted images can be found under our Club Galleries page.