Stroud Camera Club welcomed landscape photographer Robert Bolton on Thursday evening for his talk “Minimal, Abstract and Otherworldly.” His presentation explored not only the remarkable images he creates but also the refined vision and philosophy that drive his work.

Robert began by describing how his approach to landscape photography has evolved. Rather than aiming for the conventional wide-angle view that includes a foreground, middle distance, and horizon, he now sees the natural world as a collection of shapes, tones, and textures — subjects that can become almost otherworldly when stripped of context. His favourite subjects include sea stacks, where form and light combine to create abstract compositions that hover between reality and imagination.

He explained that minimalism is not simply about removing elements, but about distilling a scene down to its essence. Whether shooting a lone rock in the surf or a subtle gradation of mist and water, Robert’s goal is to evoke a mood or emotion rather than document a location. Many of his monochrome images exemplify this intent, using tone and texture to communicate atmosphere. However, he also shared colour work — images where hues themselves became an integral part of the composition rather than a distraction.

Members were fascinated to learn how Robert achieves his striking perspectives. While some viewers assume many of his aerial images are made with a drone, he revealed that most are taken from a helicopter — often at around a thousand feet, leaning out over the side to capture the geometry of land and sea from above. This method allows him to create compositions that feel both intimate and detached, transforming familiar landscapes into patterns and abstractions.

Robert also shared highlights from his photographic travels. His recent trip to Oregon offered sweeping coastlines and dramatic rock formations that suited his minimalist style perfectly. In contrast, an earlier visit to Indonesia saw him turn his lens toward people — specifically local dancers whose movement and costume provided new opportunities for abstract expression. These projects demonstrate his versatility and continued curiosity about how the world can be seen in new and imaginative ways.

It was an inspiring evening that reminded everyone at Stroud Camera Club that the boundaries of landscape photography are limited only by the imagination.