Alan Clements bought his first digital camera in 2001 and since then his passion for photography has really taken off.  Now he is working hard to prepare for Themes and Variations – an exhibition of
his photographs at Greenfield Community and Arts College, opening 24th November. The exhibition covers ten different themes, each one represented by a varied selection from Alan’s vast collection of photographs.   Alan explains, “We decided the exhibition should include several themes as my work covers a wide range of subjects – travel, architecture, aerial photography, events. I take at least two cameras everywhere. I am really delighted that Greenfield Arts College is giving me this opportunity to exhibit my photographs.” Alan has lived on Teesside for four decades and it surprises people when he reveals that, in all that time, he’s had only, “one house, one job and one wife”.  His one job was teaching Computer Science at the University of Teesside until he retired in 2008, gaining more time and energy to dedicate to photography.  Alan and his wife, Sue, celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in June this year. They still live in the house in Middlesbrough they bought in 1977. However, it would be completely wrong to assume that Alan has had a one track life! As students, Alan and Sue hitchhiked round Germany and travelled to Hungary and Czechoslovakia. As teachers, they made the most of every holiday, visiting much of Europe, North Africa and the USA. Alan achieved his private pilot’s licence in 1981 and finally persuaded Sue to learn to fly in 1994. That led to many summer vacations flying around the Western States of America – and many aerial photographs taken by Alan while Sue took over the controls.   With Whitby on the doorstep, the ‘Goth Weekend’ became a fixture on Alan’s photographic calendar. From there, it was a short leap to Venice to photograph the annual Carnival and a slightly longer leap to New York to photograph the Gay Pride Parade. Alan’s exhibition showcases his photographs of all three events, while other featured locations include Cuba and Death Valley, California. Vibrant and colourful, Alan’s photographs definitely have immediate impact. His high quality images of contrasting faces and places make a strong and lasting impression. Alan explores the world from unusual angles; giving a bird’s eye view from the cockpit of a light aircraft and intriguing close-ups of our natural and built environment. There really is something to appeal to everyone at the Exhibition: Thurs 24th Nov – Wed 21st December 2016. Hours: Mon to Thurs  10am – 9pm, Fri 10am– 4pm.