THE first exhibition at Belmont Studios, in Wrelton, features the work of Ryedale photographer Alan Clark.

Alan grew up on Teesside where he attended Middlesbrough High School before moving on to St John’s College, in York, to study art.

His passion for painting and a love of the countryside led to an absorbing interest in black and white photography.

Alan’s preference for the earlier methods of film and darkroom techniques over modern digital images is reflected in his use of large format film cameras, some of which he has made himself.

He has worked as a teacher and made musical instruments and has lived in Lincolnshire and Staffordshire before returning to his native Yorkshire to retire and concentrate on his art.

Based in Brawby, Alan is showing his exhibition of black and white photographs called Light on the Land: North Yorkshire in Black and White at the Belmont Studios Gallery, which opened last month.

The studios is run by Anthony Miller, who is also a photographer, and his wife Anne as an extension to their B&B business.

The venue has a gallery, studio, craft workshop and darkroom and is based in the renovated farm outbuildings at the rear of the guesthouse.

Belmont Studios Gallery is open Thursday to Sunday, from 2pm to 7pm.

Phone 01751 476931 or go to belmontstudios.co.uk