Friends of Photography Exhibition

The Mill Gallery is playing host to the Friends of Photography exhibition on Friday 23 October, starting at 15:00. The show brings together work from eight local photographers: Stephen Sloper, Diane Sullivan, Jean Hollings, Mary Johnson-Green, Kelvin Wakefield, Beth Rippin, Paul Abraham and Solomon Charles-Kelly.

The exhibition is a celebration of the group it takes its name from. Friends of Photography is a local collective that meets monthly at The Mill Gallery, hosted by photographer Paul Abraham. What holds the group together isn't a single style or a particular kind of kit, but a shared love of taking photographs. The members range from first-time exhibitors to experienced hobbyists, and they shoot on everything from mobile phones to DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. It's built on encouragement rather than competition, and it's meant to be a relaxed, welcoming space for over-18s to show their work, pick up tips and connect with other photographers.

Abraham says the group and the gallery 'go from strength to strength', and he frames the exhibition as a reminder that art in West Leeds is open to everyone, regardless of background or ability. That's the spirit that runs through the whole thing: it's less about a polished gallery standard and more about a community of people who just enjoy the act of taking pictures.

If you're in the area on the 23rd, you can find the show at The Mill Gallery, Unit 5 Cardinal House, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 4EP. It opens at 15:00.