I’ve lost myself in the Tumblr site of young photographer, yoga-teacher and dreamer Natalie Allen. And her photographs do exactly what photography is meant to do: inspire. Immerse in the world, beyond instagram and cell phone. In people, stories, landscapes. In the shadow of the noon. In the thicket of the bushes. And into the eyes of other souls.
“The vital importance of searching for inspiration comes in many, many different forms. Quit looking at your Instagram feeds or Tumblr pages and search beyond the ordinary: pick a wildflower and press it in your journal, listen to your favorite song at 2:00 in the morning, cook your mother a nice meal, spend a morning outside without your phone, nap in the sunshine, read a book at a coffee shop, visit that place you’ve always wanted to go to, make love on the kitchen counter top, and take your time in museums…” Natalie Allen
Your work is so dreamy and full of wanderlust. How would you describe your own work?
Thank you so much, that means a lot! I’d like to think of my work as an eloquent representation of my love for life and people. I aim to capture raw moments, candid laughs, and stories to look back on. Inspired by my style icon, Wes Anderson, I aim for each shoot to embody a central theme or color palette that might evoke a certain feeling or memory.
What was your favorite city/place so far and why?
Gah, that’s so hard. There’s a variety of different places I’ve traveled to that hold their own unique flavor, so it becomes rather difficult to compare them. The first place that comes to mind, however, are the random villages scattered among Bir, India high in the Himalayan regions of Himachal Pradesh. Locals are effortlessly warm, friendly, and charming. One of my favorite memories from my anthropological expedition to India was being invited into a woman’s home for a cup of homemade chai tea. She hardly spoke English, but her warm smile and babies’ laughter made it clear that we were two humans who were undoubtedly fascinated by each other.
“A fact my father told me that still sticks with me today, “Life will always throw us bullshit challenges, so you might as well get used it and soldier on”.”
And who was one of the most interesting person you’ve met so far?
My father still strikes me as the most interesting people I’ve ever met. His creative mind and ambitious heart have always inspired me since I was a little girl. He’s an eccentric fellow who holds an entirely different perspective on life than most – which is what I admire most about him.
What was the funniest/strangest/most insightful thing a local said?
“Dance on, man”, as told by a Belizean man at a nightclub two years ago in the small coastal town of Punta Gorda.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
10 years is a long time from now, as I will be 32. Although I try not to think too heavily about the future (as it only perpetuates my anxiety), it’s still fun to think of what accomplishments I’ll make between now and then. In 10 years, I hope to be traveling to more exotic / wild parts of the world, driving my Subaru Outback, continuing photography or writing full-time, earned either a Master’s or PhD, be married to the love of my life, and maybe have kids on the way. Whatever it may be – I want to be unapologetically happy and confident.
What camera(s) do you use?
I use a Canon 5D Mark IV with a 35mm f/1.4 lens and a 50mm lens f/1.8, as well. I am currently saving up to buy a telelphoto lens for some wildlife shots I’ll be grabbing in Africa this summer! Yay! I have also been recently shooting with a 35mm disposable film camera, as well as an electronic Nikon 35mm film SLR.
“I’d like to think of my work as an eloquent representation of my love for life and people. I aim to capture raw moments, candid laughs, and stories to look back on.”
You are also a yoga teacher. How come?
My favorite answer to everything is – why not? Back as a sophomore in college, I fell into a major existential crisis and was desperately in need of some soul searching. I spontaneously decided to spend the next 8 months receiving a yoga teaching certification to not only one day become a traveling yoga teacher, but to deepen my yogic practice and learn how to r-e-l-a-x. I got out of it A LOT more than anticipated. Not only did I meet some of the most beautiful, charming human beings on the planet but I indeed cured my inner demons and came out stronger and more beautiful than ever. Hands down the best experience I put myself through. I’ve since taught yoga workshops in Mexico, Belize, and Joshua Tree. I’m now teaching kid’s yoga and private lessons to those interested in the Phoenix valley. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of traveling around the world?
Stop making excuses for yourself and go DO IT! I know that traveling seems to not be financially feasible for most, but understand that most things we want out of life aren’t either! Traveling, hiking, camping, and road trips aren’t just something I want – I need them. And although that seems a bit silly and ingenuous to say, it’s the truth. My finances and time management are all revolved around travel because it’s what fuels my mind with impossible dreams waiting to be explored. The art of roaming has become an integral part of my human existence, my life nearly depends on it at this point. I understand a lot of people have to first spend money on rent, insurance, groceries, car repairs, etc. I hear you. I’m right there with you. A fact my father told me that still sticks with me today, “Life will always throw us bullshit challenges, so you might as well get used it and soldier on”. So, no matter how many obstacles get in the way, I do not keep my eyes off the prize. If you’re dreaming to catch waves in Hawaii or swim down the rivers in Vietnam then do your best to plan 6 – 12+ months in advance by creating a budget plan, studying the area of interest, and think of creative ways to keep cheap / safe. Do NOT be afraid to explore far outside your comfort zone. Go out and get some experiences, man!
Three things on your bucket-list right now
This makes me giddy! Hmmm: 1.) set foot on Antarctica, 2.) relax at the Maldives, and 3.) explore Petra, Jordan!
www.instagram.com/natalieallenco
www.natalieallen.co
