Local people showcase their work at photography exhibition

Local people enjoyed a unique photography exhibition yesterday at Pathways Day Services in Mirfield. The exhibition showcased an array of digital photographs taken by members of the Pathways digital photography group.

Pathways Day Services is jointly run by South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust and social services and helps people with mental health problems develop skills and confidence through activities such as computers, art and music.

The digital photography group produced the photographs on display during a series of photography activity sessions, which aimed to encourage the group to come together and learn from one another’s interests and skills. Many of the photographs were taken during day trips to places such as Hawarth Village and Whitby and feature subjects ranging from flowers to shop window displays.

Matt Ellis, development worker at Pathways, who facilitates the group said, "The group are all beginners to digital photography but they have produced some really beautiful photographs. The photography group here at Pathways is all about seeing life differently. For example, broken glass is often a sign of something negative like vandalism, but through photography it is possible to see something positive and beautiful in it. Sometimes in life it’s hard to see the beauty in things, but photography opens up new possibilities."

Speaking about his photography, group member John Moss said, "I love photography but I never knew if I was any good at it. Taking part in the photography group has made me feel a lot more confidant in my abilities and having my work on display for others to see is such a boost. It’s incredibly therapeutic to get out and about and take photographs, like a form of escape from ordinary daily life and I’m thrilled with what I’ve achieved as a result."