Allen Clark is a renowned photographer from Nashville, Tennessee, with a diverse portfolio and an outstanding list of clients (check out his bio here ). He and George Nobechi became fast friends in 2015 when they met while taking a workshop taught by fellow Nobechi Creative instructor Sam Abell, who recently appeared on Allen’s new podcast The Photo Untaken, which you can listen to here.
Allen will be joining us in Japan in the near future for a workshop that is all about slowing down and learning the importance of the Japanese concept of Kodawari - a relentless devotion to a craft, art, or otherwise meaningful pursuit in life.
Allen sat down recently on a call with George to talk about his passion for photography.
© 2020 Allen Clark
How would you best describe your photographic vision or sensibility?
My vision is centered around learning to do one thing well—and that one thing should be our thing. To know thyself because we will eventually end up there anyway - so why not start now ? My sensibility in shooting has always been to find a connection with my subject and focus on that first.
How do you handle working with everyone from celebrities who are very particular about how they are photographed, to everyday people who don't have experience standing in front of the camera?
The goal is to get people to talk about themselves and tell their story - tell us about their lives, and as they are doing this to find the best angle from which to convey their story to the viewer. Bringing someone’s guard down is key and helps with everything from posing to posture, and creating a sense of comfort between you. There are photographers who can successfully impose their will on their subjects and there are those who use other means - I try to change very little unless necessary. I want to help people be the best version of themselves, rather than be someone else.
How do you think slowing down helps you in photography?
Slowing down helps to give people what they really need vs. what they want: peace and connection. I believe that there is one universal truth - we are more alike than we are different - and everyone just needs a friend. By being their friend, it slows me down, it slows them down, and together we make a connection that shows in the photographs.
© 2020 Allen Clark
What do you remember about the time you, Sam and George first met in Santa Fe and that week that you spent together?
I learned that “Life is Poetry” and it’s up to us to find that balance. I had never looked for it before the week in my own work (or in life).
What do you look forward to experiencing in Japan?
The Japanese people have a love for kodawari and it aligns with how I see the pursuit of excellence as well. In modern times we have forgotten how to do our one thing well and I think it is hurting us to not know who we are and who we were meant to be. I'm looking forward to experiencing a place where this dedication is a part of the cultural fabric, and making this a part of my photographic practice, as well as my life practice, and I hope to help other photographers to experience this as well.
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© 2020 Allen Clark