Peasedown St John resident, Mark Pile, has celebrated opening a photography exhibition at Bath’s Guildhall, which runs until 19th May and documents members of Blind Veterans UK, entitled, ‘Fun After Blindness’.

Mark says: “I am a Photographer that happens to be Severely Sight Impaired (Blind), a member of Blind Veterans UK and a Guide Dog owner.

“I have always taken photos up to a point, but mainly as a hobby – I started to get a bit more serious when my sight began to deteriorate in 2000 and I had more time on my hands.

“I was registered blind in 2011 and joined Blind Veterans UK shortly after. I was ready to give up on photography and life, but with the support and encouragement from them, I continued.

“I started training with my guide dog, Echo, in January 2017 and Echo now comes everywhere with me, even when I am out taking photos.

“Echo has changed my life in so many ways – she has made it possible for me to get around so much easier; she has given me my confidence back, and since having her, we have been to places that I thought I would never be able to go to on my own again.

“I am very grateful to everyone that donates to Guide Dogs, as I would not have Echo if it was not for the support of people like you.

“I like to photograph people, whether that be in a studio or out and about; I enjoy sports work like football, which is a challenge in itself; most weekends you will find me at the side of a football pitch.

“I often get some published in local papers, which is great for my confidence. I do landscape photography on the odd occasion, and enjoy it when I do, however, my vision does hinder me in this genre, as I can’t see too far into the distance.

“It’s quite upsetting when I am out taking photos when I hear a few snide remarks – I understand that a camera and a blind person doesn’t seem possible, but as you can see, it is – it would be great if people would just ask how I manage, rather than be rude.”

Speaking about the exhibition, Mark said: “The people in these images are all blind ex-service men and women, and supported by Blind Veterans UK. I have been taking images of members participating in fun activities since 2012, and I decided to do this exhibition to highlight the wonderful work Blind Veterans UK does for us as members, and also to educate people that visually impaired people don’t just sit around doing nothing – they too can enjoy life after blindness.”

Readers can view more of Mark’s work at: www.mip-photography.com