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

Hi Donnell, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I view my landscape photography business as a hobby that has unexpectedly taken off. Initially, starting a business wasn’t something I had considered. After becoming empty nesters, my husband and I began taking weekend adventures and traveling, during which I constantly captured photos. I loved exploring new places and sharing the stunning scenery through my photography. This passion quickly turned into an obsession. After receiving encouragement from several people who suggested that I should sell my work, I decided to embark on the journey of establishing a business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It’s challenging to differentiate myself from other landscape photographers, but I strive to create photos that feel “real”—not over-processed or artificial. Each time I embark on a photo adventure, I learn something new, often through mistakes. I like to refer to these outings as adventures because each photo comes with its own story. I get excited when an image turns out the way I imagined it when capturing it, or I’m surprised when an image that I almost deleted becomes a favorite. I would like people to know that I enjoy sharing my images of beautiful scenery just as much as I love the process of capturing them. It brings me joy when customers share how a photo reminds them of a trip they’ve taken or a place they wish to visit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Going on vacation with me can be quite a commitment, as I tend to view experiences through the lens of my camera. Colorado offers countless activities within a short driving distance, which makes it an ideal destination. I enjoy taking friends to the mountains to witness towering trees, blue skies, snow-capped ranges, and wildlife roaming the hills.

A sample itinerary could include waking up before dawn to catch the sunrise from a beautiful vantage point and then exploring the charming streets of a nearby mountain town, where we can enjoy local cuisine. After that, we would head to another spectacular spot to watch the sunset. My favorite area of the state is the southwest region, which is beautiful at any time of year.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family, especially my husband, deserves recognition for any success I have received. I consult with them often, asking for their opinions on photos and whether an image is “worthy” or not. My husband deserves bonus points for driving me around endless county roads, getting up early for sunrises, and driving home late after sunsets.

Website: https://donnellallen.myportfolio.com

Instagram: @donnelllallen

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/donnellallenphotography

Other: Etsy: DonnellAllenPhotos

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.