Meet John Allen: Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, I’ve always loved taking photos. So much in fact I had inquiries about photo bookings when I just used my cell phone for my personal Instagram. After years of working for other people I decided I had enough. So I invested in myself and bought my first ever professional camera and started! It’s been the best decision I ever could have made. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I can honestly say it has not been easy going through this photo journey, however it is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had in my life. Stemming from the people I have met and the places I have seen and captured. In order to overcome these challenges you just need to keep shooting. No matter what you’re going through or experiencing, take a photo of a flower, your morning coffee or tea, yourself. Just keep shooting. My art is typically dark and moody with a vibrant punch, however I’ve been mixing it up and adding in some light and bright portrait work. I love night scenes whether it’s street or the Milky Way. I love to go on “walkabouts” pick a walking circuit and capture photos along the way and document what I find. I just want the world to know, I’ll never give this up for anything. Beauty is everywhere. In life, in nature. It captures me and I capture it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since my best friend and I grew up together were pretty familiar with the whole state together thankfully. If we were lucky enough to hangout in our hometown of Bisbee, AZ. We would definitely get takeout from Poco (one of my favorites.) and walk around town checking out all of the shops like we used to as kids. We would definitely have to get food and sit out on Contessa Cantinas patio it’s a perfect spot to catch up and enjoy food and drinks. We would drive around and check out all of the old spots we used to hangout, check on our childhood homes and reminisce on the good ole days when we didn’t have any real responsibilities other than being home before the street lights were on. We would camp up at the juniper flats and capture photos of the stars, have a campfire and just relax in nature. It’d be a very mellow relaxed week. Just appreciating the time and moments shared past present and future planned.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?I owe so much credit to Saige Estacio. My first ever collaborative model, we were both just starting out and have grown so much in a few years working together. Whenever her or I have a creative idea we just execute it seamlessly. Owen Dewolfe, a father figure. A photographer who has helped guide me in business and in life. Whether it’s a question about lenses or a question about what to do in a current life situation he’s always there. Yusuf Saleh, a friend and fellow photographer who I’ve had the opportunity to mentor over the last 6 months. We’ve become increasingly better friends and we always challenge one another to do and be better. Lastly Kelsey Roland, for being a huge supporter of my work and helping me achieve some of my bucket shot photos, she works so hard and still finds the time for her creative passion and it’s really inspiring to me. I’m so thankful for her being in my life. If you’ve never read the book “The Rhinoceros success” I’d highly recommend you do immediately.

Website: www.johnallenphotos.com
Instagram: jhn.aln
Twitter: jhn_aln