Stroud Camera Club members were treated to an evening of expert insight and thoughtful critique as the club hosted its annual Image of the Year competition for the 2025/26 season. Martin Fry, a highly regarded photographer with extensive experience in club photography, was the judge. His expertise and passion added credibility and energy to the event.

Martin’s connection to Camera Clubs stretches back more than five decades, having joined Cheltenham as a teenager in 1972. That depth of experience was clear throughout the evening as he worked through a strong selection of entries, offering detailed feedback that was both encouraging and enlightening.

A total of 30 printed images were entered for the print section of the competition. These were judged solely as physical prints, allowing Martin to assess not only composition and subject matter but also print quality, including paper, and presentation. The range of work on display highlighted the breadth of talent within the club, spanning striking monochrome studies, richly coloured landscapes, captivating wildlife images, imaginative abstracts and lively street photography.

Martin took time with each image, sharing practical suggestions on composition, lighting and finishing techniques, while also recognising the strengths that made each photograph stand out. His observations gave members valuable ideas to take into their future work, making the evening as much a learning opportunity as a competition.

After a thorough and thoughtful judging process, the prestigious title of overall print winner for the 2025/26 season was awarded to Jeff Wilson for his portrait, So Beautiful. The judge commended the portrait for its remarkable tonal qualities and the sensitive approach Jeff took in capturing his subject, truly reflecting the essence suggested by the title. Martin Fry, the judge, highlighted the superb print quality and presentation, emphasising how the nuanced tones contributed to a memorable and striking image. The photograph stood out not only for its technical excellence but also for the artistic touch that made it a deserving winner in the print category.

The digital section of the competition proved equally popular, with 44 images entered across a similarly diverse range of genres. Members showcased everything from dramatic mono landscapes and wildlife encounters to portraits and creative conceptual work. The high standard of entries made the judging process challenging, with many images drawing appreciative reactions from both the judge and the audience as they were projected on screen.

Taking the overall digital title was Trish Bloodworth with her striking horse portrait titled Frank Portrait. The image captured both the strength and character of the animal, combining technical skill with a strong sense of personality. Martin highlighted the thoughtful pyramid framing, and excellent handling of the image tones, commenting that he felt it was perfection.

Throughout the evening, members valued the chance to hear professional-level critique delivered in a friendly and accessible manner. Martin’s experience and willingness to explain his reasoning gave photographers of all levels something to take away, whether they were seasoned competitors or newer members finding their creative voice.

The annual Image of the Year competition remains one of the highlights of the Stroud Camera Club calendar, celebrating creativity while encouraging continued improvement. With such a strong showing of talent across both print and digital categories, the 2025/26 season has once again demonstrated the club’s commitment to high standards and shared learning.

All members are to be congratulated for their excellent entries, with special recognition for new members who earned well-deserved awards. All the images and the results can be viewed on the Competition Results page, on this website.