The photographer who dangled from cliffs for the perfect shot

John Cleare, an influential and inspiring British adventure photographer, left a lasting impact on the world of photography through his daring and innovative approach. His new book, "Cleare Perspectives: Capturing the Spirit of Adventure," published posthumously by Scottish Mountaineering Press, showcases more than 300 photographs from his personal archive, offering an intimate memoir and visual history of modern mountaineering.

Cleare's unconventional methods often involved abseiling down cliff faces and positioning himself in precarious situations to capture the perfect shot. Whether hanging from ropes tethered to secure attachments or striking out into inaccessible landscapes, Cleare's commitment to technical ingenuity and physical endurance set him apart from his contemporaries.

Despite the unconventional nature of his work, his photographs brought remote regions of the world to a global audience during the 1960s, a golden age of exploration when expeditions pushed into uncharted territories without the aid of modern technology like satellite communications or digital cameras.

The highly unusual HVS 5a The Sloth at The Roaches in Staffordshire is just one example of Cleare's remarkable work. The 604-page book, weighing over 2 kilograms, may seem daunting to some, but it is a testament to his dedication to his craft. Cleare's autobiography, "Cleare Perspectives: Capturing the Spirit of Adventure," serves as a fitting tribute to his life spent finding extraordinary vantage points and his unwavering pursuit of the perfect photograph.