Stroud Camera Club welcomed landscape photographer James Kelly-Smith this evening, and he gave members a generous, absorbing look into the forests, valleys and rugged edges of the place he knows best: the Forest of Dean. James is based there, and you could feel his connection to the landscape in every image he shared. Nothing felt rushed or formulaic. He walked us through his process with the ease of someone who has spent countless hours outside in all weathers, waiting for the moment when the land shows a bit of its character.

He opened with a set of broad views taken from vantage points including around Symonds Yat and the western ridges. These weren’t the usual postcard scenes. James talked about learning to shoot the same viewpoint over and over until he understood how light behaved there. A few members nodded knowingly when he described dragging himself out on dark, cold mornings only to find flat skies. But when the light does land perfectly on the valley floor, he said, the Forest rewards you with something special. His patience came through in the final results.

He moved into denser woodland work where his style really stood out, embracing his love of mythology and the ancient character of the Forest. Many of his images had a quiet, intimate feel—soft mist clinging to the tree trunks, cool winter colours, and a sense of depth that drew you straight into the frame. He explained how he looks for order in the chaos of woodland, trying to build simple, readable compositions even when the scene feels overwhelming in person.

Members particularly enjoyed hearing about his seasonal approach. James treats the Forest as a year-round project. Spring gives him bluebells and shafts of low light slipping through new leaves. Summer challenges him, with very early or late starts. Autumn, of course, is when the Forest shines. Rich golds, deep reds and thick morning mist made for some of the strongest images of the night. And when winter hits, he strips things back to minimalist scenes, often focusing on solitary trees or frosted textures.

He also talked about his editing choices. James keeps his post-processing restrained, using it to guide the eye rather than create drama that wasn’t there.

He described scouting locations, returning in different seasons and waiting months for the right mix of light, weather and atmosphere. He encouraged members to revisit local spots where familiarity is one of the most powerful tools a landscape photographer can have.

The evening wrapped up with questions from the floor, and James answered everything with openness and humour. Whether you were an experienced landscape photographer or someone who prefers a different genre, his passion for the Forest of Dean was infectious. Members left with a fresh appreciation for how much beauty sits just a short drive from Stroud—and how far patience and persistence can take you.