Stroud Camera Club was delighted to welcome back one of its longest-standing friends, the Cheltenham-based, internationally award-winning photographer Martin Fry, who gave a truly memorable talk this evening. Martin’s relationship with Stroud Camera Club stretches back an astonishing 44 years, first visiting us in 1981, and his return once again felt like welcoming an old friend home.

Martin shared his celebrated presentation, The Seeing Eye, a body of work that beautifully encapsulates not only his technical mastery but also his deep understanding of photography as a storytelling art. The evening featured a series of audio-visual sequences that were quite simply stunning — rich in atmosphere, emotional depth, and visual poetry. These were not images shown in isolation, but carefully crafted narratives where photography, music, and spoken word combined to create something far greater than the sum of their parts.

From the very first sequence, it was clear why Martin has enjoyed such sustained success on the international stage. His images demonstrated an exceptional eye for composition, timing, and light, but also an unmistakable sensitivity to place and people. Whether capturing landscapes, moments of quiet human interaction, or scenes steeped in memory and history, Martin’s photographs invited us to slow down and truly see.

A particular highlight of the evening was the use of authentic Laurie Lee narration, which brought a profound sense of Gloucestershire heritage and literary richness to the work. Laurie Lee’s words, so closely tied to the landscapes many of us know well, were a perfect companion to Martin’s imagery, adding depth, context, and emotional resonance. The narration felt entirely natural — never overpowering the images, but enhancing their meaning and drawing the audience deeper into the story being told.

Equally important was the music, featuring the unmistakable sound of Jonny Coppin. The carefully chosen musical accompaniment elevated the audio-visuals, providing rhythm, mood, and emotional flow. The seamless integration of imagery, narration, and music demonstrated Martin’s skill not only as a photographer, but as a storyteller who understands the power of presentation. It came as no surprise to learn that this work, and others like it, have earned Martin numerous international awards over the years.

Martin’s career spans over 50 years in the camera club world, a remarkable achievement that reflects both his enduring passion for photography and his commitment to sharing knowledge and inspiration with others. Throughout the evening, his enthusiasm for the medium was evident, as was his generosity in discussing his approach and experiences. His long-standing involvement with camera clubs has clearly shaped his work, grounding it in a love of photography for its own sake, rather than fashion or trends.

For many members, the evening was not only inspiring but deeply nostalgic, a reminder of the rich traditions of club photography and the enduring power of the audio-visual format when done well. Martin’s work reaffirmed that great photography is not just about sharpness or technique, but about vision, patience, and the ability to connect emotionally with an audience.

Stroud Camera Club is immensely grateful to Martin Fry for sharing his Seeing Eye with us once again. His continued friendship with the club is something we treasure, and his work remains a benchmark of excellence, creativity, and heartfelt storytelling. We look forward to welcoming him back in the future — and to being inspired all over again.