Today we’d like to introduce you to John Allen.
Hi John, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my photography journey with a passion for storytelling and capturing portraits of friends. Over the years, I honed my skills, drawing inspiration from film photography and editorial aesthetics. What began as a creative pursuit soon turned into a full-time career, leading me to specialize in weddings.
I built my business, *By John Allen*, on the foundation of authenticity, nostalgia, and timeless imagery. My approach is both documentary and editorial—allowing couples to relive their wedding day through natural, heartfelt moments while also creating artistic portraits that feel elevated and natural.
Through word of mouth, social media, and strong relationships with wedding planners, I’ve grown my brand into something I’m truly proud of. Now, I’m expanding my offerings with film photography, Super 8mm video, and an associate team to better serve my clients. My goal has always been to deliver meaningful, lasting images while making the entire experience effortless and enjoyable for my couples.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road—running a small business comes with its fair share of challenges. There have been unexpected hurdles, from managing the business side of things to navigating unpredictable wedding day situations. But through it all, it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey.
I’ve learned how to stay calm under pressure, which has been essential not just for me but for my clients as well. Weddings can be fast-paced and emotional, and I always strive to be a steady, reassuring presence. At the same time, I’ve continued to refine my style, balancing creativity with timelessness to create images that truly resonate.
I feel like I’m just getting started in crafting the kind of work that fully aligns with my artistic vision while delivering what my couples love. Each wedding is an opportunity to push that vision further, and that’s what keeps me excited and motivated.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a wedding photographer with a strong focus on film photography. While I do shoot digitally, I’ve been leaning more into film because of the unique, timeless quality it brings to my work. At first, I was hesitant about the unpredictability of film—it doesn’t offer the instant feedback of digital, and there’s always an element of uncertainty. But over time, I’ve realized that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Film allows me to capture a wedding day in a way that feels more authentic and emotional. I’m not just documenting what happened—I’m capturing how it felt. The texture, the depth, and the imperfections all add to the storytelling, making each frame feel like a memory rather than just an image.
What sets me apart is my ability to balance this artistic approach with the needs of my couples. I create images that are not only visually beautiful but also deeply personal and nostalgic. I want my couples to look back on their wedding photos and feel like they’re stepping right back into those moments.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I take a balanced approach to risk—especially when it comes to creativity. I’m always pushing myself to experiment with new compositions, lighting, and film techniques that might be unconventional, but I never take risks at the expense of capturing key moments.
For me, the priority is always making sure my couples have a gallery that fully tells the story of their day. While I might take creative risks on certain shots—whether it’s shooting through a reflection, embracing motion blur, or trying an unexpected angle—I always ensure the foundational moments are covered. It’s about finding that sweet spot between artistry and reliability, so my couples get images that feel both timeless and uniquely them.
Pricing:
- My packages start at $5,500
- Associate photographer packages start at $4,000
- Custom packages available for any budget
Contact Info:
- Website: www.byjohnallen.com
- Instagram: @byjohnallen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byjohnallen
