PHOTOGRAPHERS from west Dorset will be exhibiting their work in Lyme Regis from today (21).

Until June 27, eight local photographers, members of Dorset Independent Photographers (DIP), will be taking over the Town Mill’s Malthouse with an exhibition called There Is Only Light.

The show, sponsored by Lyme Bay Holidays, marks a special 30th anniversary for the group as DIP came into existence as a result of an inspiring weekend workshop in Dorchester in 1988 led by Fay Godwin, a seminal figure in 20th century British landscape photography.

Membership may have changed over the intervening years but the group still meets regularly in each other’s homes, exhibit widely in the region and two of the founder members - Tim Edwards and Ian Chapman - are still actively involved.

Other members showing work are Malcolm Macnaughtan, Paul Clarke, Lisa Bukalders, John Tilsley, Andy White and Chris Hilton.

Photographic styles have evolved since the 1980s, but DIP has remained a constant presence in the region’s visual arts scene.

The secret of its staying power has been its informality, its members’ willingness to share work in progress and to exchange honest but constructive criticism.

The theme of this special show revolves around photographs as representations of reality and considers words penned by novelist and former Lyme resident John Fowles that 'reality is infinitely baffling.'

In styles ranging from landscape and documentary to abstract and wildlife, images by these photographers for their anniversary show go to the heart of Fowles’ assertions 'that nothing and nobody is what they seem' and 'there is only light.'

The exhibition includes information about photographic processes, and individual members will be on hand every day.

If you visit on Saturday June 23 you’ll have the opportunity to meet several of the photographers and to discuss their differing approaches.

There Is Only Light, Malthouse Gallery, Town Mill, Lyme Regis. Open daily from 10.30am until 4.30pm, admission is free and further details can be found at townmillarts.co.uk