Chip Allen classifies himself as a commercial photographer. He mostly photographs (architecture) for the purpose of commercial promotion. Chip has been practicing the disciplined art for half his life now (16 years). He has always photographed nature, landscapes, and cultures this is where the love and self discipline for what he does is based. He finds true happiness when he is able to bring back cultures’ and nature’s glorious show for others to view. He has spent considerable time photographing Southern Europe, Alaska, the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, and the Central California Valley.
Chip holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Chico State with an option in Marketing. He knows the significant importance of image and branding that his clients need in their advertising content. His past clients have included REI, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Equity Office, Pacific Capital Management, Sierra View General Contractors, and Pulte Homes. Chip is a perfectionist and strives for impeccable content; he is not satisfied until his clients are.
In order to live a carefree life I’ve been told by others not to care what others think about me. ‘I should live and act the way I want to, and damn the rest of the world.’ If I was a stereotypical angry and emotional artist that idea might work well for me. However, in my reality, I find myself being very concerned with perceptions of others. And that is how I photograph. When I compose a photo, I look for what would appeal to someone else’s eye, the ‘moth to flame’ theory as I like to call it. I get true satisfaction from the pleasing emotion my photographs can bring to my clients. That is what makes me a good business person as well. I can successfully fulfill a need for my clients, because I want more than anything to exceed their expectations. This is my drive. Many times I’ve said that a good compliment or constructive feedback from a client is worth more than the money paid for the photograph. But let me be realistic, food on the table is the most important thing, even if it is Top Ramen (LOL).