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\f0\fs24 \cf0 Odin Clay, M.Photog.Cr.\
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A lifetime of excellent photography has earned Odin Clay both the Master of Photography and Craftsman Photographer Degrees awarded by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).\
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He got his start as an industrial and Commercial Photographer when just a junior at St. Thomas High School in Houston. He began apprenticing with a Houstonian who was internationally known as an Industrial Photographer, and began growing in knowledge and capabilities until his sophomore year at the University of St. Thomas when, as a U.S. Marine Reservist, he was called to active duty during the Korean conflict. He was assigned to the Still Section of the Motion Picture Production Unit at Camp Pendleton, California. His skills soon saw him promoted to Sergeant and placed in charge of the Still Lab.\
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On discharge, he established his own studio and has been in professional photography ever since. In 1954, he joined the PPA and has had great success in State, Regional and National photo-competition. He has earned many awards and honors, with his work accepted into traveling exhibits sponsored by the PPA.\
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Odin went from his own studio to Quality-Control Manager, and later Lab Manager, during his 20 years with the prestigious Gittings Studios in Houston. During his years at Gittings and another 20 years with National Photographic Laboratories as Assistant to the President, he taught photography in the Pro-Am School. Odin still teaches under the sponsorship of the Pro Photo Supply Company. More than two thousand students have completed the 5-week course which is primarily aimed at learning to "See and Capture" better images.\
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When Odin switched from Industrial photography to the Laboratory industry, he switched his personal photography to Nature and Landscape work. "Making Better Photographs" is the name of the class and he works constantly to better his art and craft, and that of his students. For most of his career, he has been continuously in demand as a speaker, judge and critic for both amateur and professional groups.\
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Retiring from full-time lab work in 1999, has not slowed his energy and creativity. Beside his photo-class, Odin is also a magazine columnist, something he began in 1992. Writing under the standing head "Outdoor Photography", his column appears monthly in "Texas Outdoors Journal", published in Houston. Not only does Odin talk about equipment for photographers, he also gives valuable tips on "where to go" and "when to go there". His column has also won several national and state awards. Odin has also joined two Art Leagues and now successfully exhibits in a number of places in South East Texas.\
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In a lifetime of professional photography, Odin has never lost his love and enthusiasm for capturing and sharing in his masterful vision of the natural world around him.}