Originally from Melbourne, but now based in The Netherlands, photographer and visual creative, Tim Allen has an eclectic photography portfolio of architecture, fashion, and social documentary, but it is his passion for shooting landscapes that is the driving force behind his photography. “I was first struck by photography when I noticed my mum was never in any family photos,” says Allen. “I noticed she enjoyed taking pictures more than being in them.” Following suit, Allen began using his parent’s camera from the age of 10.
© Tim Allen
His interest in photography led him to attend Photography Studies College in Melbourne where he furthered his education. The result was combining his passion for image making, travel, and telling a story, to photograph natural and urban landscapes. By documenting these varied environments, Allen hopes to communicate a deeper narrative about the landscapes with a progressive audience. “My work has been described as ethereal, highlighting strong narrative in what the landscape has to offer,” Allen says. “I’ve always approached my work with an image speaks louder than the words approach attracting viewers from across the room, rather than after they have read the description [of the work].”
Allen has since completed three major projects – Construct (2017), Moving (2015), and Terra Firma (2013). All were captured from either a helicopter or two-seater Cessna. “Something about capturing the world from above gives you a clear perspective of the human impact, or lack of, on the earth in different areas,” he says.
© Tim Allen
Allen has been a finalist in the William & Winifred Bowness Award in 2016 and 2017, and received Gold for the Landscape category at the AIPP Victoria Professional Photography Awards in 2014 and 2015.
Currently, clarity is the most important thing to Allen, as a photographer. “For the time being, I want to develop my ideas into a more succinct manner before I begin a new body of work,” he says. “I have learnt more and more about how important this is, and how clear my ideas need to be before I can expect anyone else to understand what I’m trying to say visually, let alone on an overly worded artist statement.”
© Tim Allen
You can view the page in full on the Capture Magazine website.