William Albert Allard

By Kelsey Gentile

William Albert Allard is a photographer and writer. He has done a great deal of work for National Geographic and Magnum Photos. Allard has also published five books over his career. He is considered to be one of color photography’s pioneers. Born in 1937 Allard has accomplished a lot including awards in excellence from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Allard has a diverse body of work that includes important issues such as living conditions in Peru and India. He also has a lot of work that shows the life on a ranch oh his family and those in his community. His work tells a story and captures the environment he is in.

A good quote Allard said that is inspiring is, “You’ve got to push yourself harder. You’ve got to start looking for pictures nobody else could take. You’ve got to take the tools you have and probe deeper.” When it comes to taking photos Allard has a wide range of techniques he uses, which makes his collection all the more interesting. Allard said he often looks for the picture outside of the situation going on, that’s where the best photos often come from. Since National Geographic cut the staff photographer Allard does freelance work in photography and writing. His work includes images from his own life, India, Peru, France, women, hunting season, and much more.