Today we’d like to introduce you to Allen Freeman.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve been fascinated with art/photography/video since my dad handed me his Bell & Howell 8mm movie camera when I was 8 and told me to film him and my mother and show the water nearby. I was also interested in art since before I was old enough to go to school. I have a BFA from Western Ky University with a minor in Mass Communications. I was way into pencil drawing which led to working with an airbrush. My first job out of college was with a large advertising firm in Ohio.
I was a photo retoucher and illustrator…before computers! I then started my own graphic art studio in KY (13 years) where I did everything under the sun from directing TV commercials to doing art/design for large companies. In 1996 after creating levels for Doom, Heretic and Duke NuKem for fun, I got hired at Sierra On-Line (Seattle, WA area) to do levels but ended up learning 3D software and becoming their Senior Artist. I also worked with Boss Game Studios and Microsoft. In 2011 I started concentrating on Photography and started my own photography/model’s meetup group which I ran for 5 years. (With over 2000 members!).
In the last 7 years I have had my work in over 50 pinup and fashion magazines, and on the covers of many of them! I also directed and shot/edited music videos, documentaries and YouTube interview shows. In 2017 I directed and co-produced my first feature movie: “The Elephant in the Room”, based on my wife’s novel which was written from true stories of her working as a Nurse Practitioner. The movie is currently in post-production to be released in 2019.
Please tell us about your art.
When I started shooting people/models in 2010, I made up my mind I would only show the shots I’d retouched and enhanced. I also told myself that if I think of anything at all that would improve one of my photos I had to do it! No matter how much time it would take me! I think looking though my work one should see that I held to these rules. I strive to get the most out of a model and love working with the same ones over the years as they know what I’m striving for and they share the desire to get that perfect shot, making art!
I also keep trying to learn and constantly updating my equipment. Whatever I can do to improve. I will never be as good as I strive to be, but I’m hoping that people will see my body of work someday and be impressed, moved, inspired to create on their own!
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
Over the years I see artists having to get more and more specialized. With greater competition every day a creative person has to really push to be their best at all times, to stand out from the crowd.
I would love to have my work help the community in some way and I’ll be looking into ways to make that happen in the future. I admire creative people that can also help their local area in any way possible.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My main site is
www.afreemanphotography.com
I’m always posting my latest work (unless it’s held for publication) at
www.facebook.com/allenfreeman007
and
www.facebook.com/afreemanphotography
Instagram: maknbacon1
Twitter: afreemanphotog
Pinterest: www.pintrest.com/maknbacon
My Poster Store: www.afreemanartography.com
My Magazines and Calendars: https://tinyurl.com/allenMags
Blub Books: www.blurb.com –click Bookstore, Search: Allen Freeman
Contact Info:
- Address: Oceanside, CA
- Website: www.afreemanphotography.com
- Phone: 858-888-3440
- Email: afreemanphotography@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/maknbacon1
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/afreemanphotography.com
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/afreemanphotog
- Other: www.afreemanartography.com
Image Credit:
Dean LeCrone (underwater suit), Niko Vitacco (Elf), Felina Vie (mag cover), Jessie Cook (gas mask), Megan J. Martine (grinch), Raquel Ravish (6 arms + gold shoes), Kitty Von Rose (underwater), Teresa Hernandez (Pink Hair)
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
