Alan Whetton

After leaving school I studied Fine Art with the aim of becoming an Art Teacher. Gradually my passion to become a teacher waned and was replaced by a consuming interest in photography that grew under the influence of one of the tutors. The influence his passion for photography had on my life was a significant factor which later prompted me to become involved in the Open College of the Arts.

When I left college instead of taking a course to obtain a Teaching Certificate I joined a large photo-processing factory to work as a printer and undergo training as a camera operator. Two years later I left to take up employment as a Commercial Operator and second Wedding Photographer with a local firm. During this period although the developments in the technology, which are commonplace today, were unknown at that time, I was fortunate to work on a wide variety of photographic projects. I was engaged in general commercial and advertising contracts as well as press, stage and wedding photography.

After five years and under financial pressure from an expanding family, without the capital to start my own business I retrained as a Management Accountant. In the late fifties computers were beginning to make their presence felt in industry and within a few years I moved into computer systems design and management. I continued to lead the management development team in a large international group until my retirement.

During the period in industry I continued to work as a serious amateur photographer until twenty five years ago I embarked in broader studies of art and photography. Fourteen years ago I started working in digital as well as film photography and remain a committed user of both systems. During this latter period I have worked as a freelance photographer for several theatre companies, stage schools and English Heritage.

My studies in Photography produced my Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society and a Masters Degree in photography. When I joined the Open College of the Arts I discovered the intellectual stimulation that can be enjoyed by working with students from diverse backgrounds who seek the benefits which can be gained by the sheer enjoyment of the enhancement of their own visual creativity. My aim is to continue to work with my students to gain mutual pleasure from their fulfilment and success.