By Diane Sullivan
‘A friendly and inclusive meet-up where photography lovers can meet and share ideas’. This
is how Bramley photographer Paul Abraham describes the monthly meet-ups that he has started in The Mill Gallery.
The gallery opened in November 2024, and is a relaxed and welcoming artist-led community space and is an ideal setting for the meet-up.
Paul told WLD that he came up with the idea for a Friends of Photography a couple of years
ago. Paul is a great advocate of mindful photography and the role that photography can
play in promoting mental health and wellbeing.
Paul said: “It’s not about being perfect and you don’t need an expensive camera; a mobile phone can be just as good!”
Stephen Sloper, who has a passion for photography, brought a Mamiya 645 1000s camera to show others at the November meet-up.
“This one is 40 years old; they are still used today and were often used by fashion photographers” Stephen said. The rather splendid and surprisingly heavy camera led to some interesting group discussion.
The meet-up is suitable for anyone who has an interest in photography to the more
experienced, it’s all about learning from each other, sharing ideas and photos and talking
about photography.
There are handy tips available on composition, scale and what to avoid and Paul even promotes the benefits of keeping a memory stick of the shots that didn’t quite work to trigger fond or often funny memories.
Plans for the future include the opportunity for members to take part in a group exhibition
at The Mill Gallery next year. Other plans include inviting a guest photographer along and
possibly doing some outdoor sessions together.
Friends of Photography provides a supportive and encouraging environment for anyone 18+
who is interested in photography.
The next “Pay as you Feel” event is taking place on Friday, 21 November between 3pm and 5pm. Following a break in December three further meet ups are planned for the new year – see WLD What’s On page for further details.
Further information can be found at www.paul.abraham.info and www.themillgallery.co.uk.
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