Stroud Camera Club members were treated to a lively and inspiring evening this week as six of their own took to the stage to share their photographic journeys. The presenters — Gary, David, Jeff, Karen, Rich and Annie — represented a wonderful cross-section of the club, from seasoned members to those who have joined only recently.

Gary set the tone with his witty and observant street photography. His images captured humour in everyday life, with “the trumpet through the legs” shot earning particular admiration and laughter from the audience.

David followed with a nostalgic and heartfelt presentation, tracing his photographic roots back to his earliest memories of processing film with his father in the family kitchen. His journey through time and technology provided an engaging reflection on how photography has evolved — and how his passion has grown alongside it.

Jeff then transported members into a world of classical beauty, with portraits inspired by the Pre-Raphaelite movement. His attention to detail, composition, and lighting drew audible appreciation and demonstrated how artistic influences from centuries past can find new expression through the camera lens.

Karen offered an honest and relatable account of her photographic development, describing how she feels she is transitioning from “taking pictures to becoming a photographer.” While she admits to not yet having time to master post-processing, her enthusiasm and growing confidence shone through in her images.

Rich, one of the newest members of the club, shared how his love of wildlife has led him deeper into the art of photography. His presentation featured striking nature images, including a particularly memorable camera trap shot of a wild fox visiting his back garden and a stunning shot of a robin (the featured image) with such a smooth background and a wonderful quizzical look from the robin.

The evening concluded with Annie’s fascinating exploration of alternative image-making. From pinhole photography to cyanotypes and even “lens whacking,” her creativity and experimental approach provided a refreshing and inspiring finale.

Overall, the evening was a celebration of the club’s depth of talent, diversity of interests, and shared passion for photography — reminding everyone that whether novice or veteran, there’s always something new to discover behind the lens.