Allen Lee Taylor
Staff Specialist Photographer · Collectors
Anaheim, CA
In My Own Words
As a photographer, retoucher, and leader, I have dedicated years to producing high-quality photography that authentically captures the essence of people, products, and environments. With a background in fine art and a passion for visual storytelling, I have partnered with both local and national brands, creating high-end, advertising-quality images for diverse applications, from lifestyle and point-of-purchase to e-commerce
In my many roles, I have led creative campaigns from concept through completion, providing strategic vision and overseeing a talented team. I have a strong focus on photography and retouching, ensuring meticulous color correction and digital asset management. My leadership includes identifying emerging talent across photography, retouching, modeling, styling, and makeup to align with brand and audience needs. I am highly skilled in industry-standard software such as Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Final Cut, Capture One, and more. I thrive in both independent and team settings, consistently striving for innovative, high-quality solutions while maintaining a professional and efficient workflow.
Work Experience
Staff Specialist Photographer
Collectors2022 – Present
Produced photographs of coins using industry standards and to the satisfaction of exacting clientele. Used specialized photography and studio lighting techniques. Utilized in-house established photographic processes. Led team by over 50% in production.
Photographer, Retoucher, Producer
Allen Taylor Studios2014 – Present
With experience and highly trained creative skills, I mix my fine art educational background with real-world experience and skills to create beautiful images with real emotive depth that capture the real world, people, and products. I have Creative and Art Directed, and photographed for both local and national brands creating high-end advertising quality images. From lifestyle to POP, and e-commerce. I work well independently as well as promote a team environment-I deliver.
* Lead Creative ideas and campaigns through team management and providing creative vision. * Identify emerging model, photographer, and hair/makeup creative talent with an intuitive understanding of the brands and the customer. * High-end retouching of commercial products, lifestyle, and e-commerce images. * Art direct, conceptualize, coordinate, budget, and act as lead photographer for photographic shoots. * Ability to create and see a project from birth to completion. * Operate a variety of standard & special purpose video, digital & film still capture cameras. * Technical interface and photographic and digital contact with other departments, customers, publications, representatives, agencies, vendors, and other personnel to maintain standards, resolve issues and reach common goals. * Strong analytical skills with the ability to improvise, monitor, evaluate, & prioritize before, during, and after projects. * Find creative solutions to problems and execute work in a prompt and professional manner.
Some Clients: Columbia/TriStar Pictures Martian Watches Xperience Restaurant Group (El Torito, Acapuco, Las Brisas) Olson Homes Boardriders (Roxy, Quicksilver, Billabong) UCLA The Riordin Program M&D Properties Pamelas Products Wine Country Gift Baskets Lakeshore Learning Center Real Mex Restaurants Sony Pictures Entertainment Pacific Palisades Theatre Shea Homes Urban Plates US Foods Harold Price Entrepreneurial Studies Center
Editorial & E-Commerce Photographer
JJ Perfection2021 – 2022
Photograph, setup, and help style on model editorial themed shoots. Photograph newly arrived products flat and on figure. Participate in marketing meetings to be able to generate photoshoot ideas for planned campaigns. Set up product shots, including selecting props, styling, and lighting. Manage the flow of products through production studio. Work with stylist and talent to create desired imagery.
Studio Photographer
Boardriders2020 – 2022
* Focused on high-volume eCommerce photography for brands under the Boardriders portfolio- Roxie, Quicksilver,Billabong, Roxy, and DC Shoes. * Worked closely with teams across eCommerce, product, and marketing to ensure brand consistency and quality. * Photographed both lay flat and on model items using strong technical skills and a detail-oriented approach.
Photo Editor & Color Specialist
Draper's & Damon's2019 – 2020
Worked in a fast-paced multi-channel publishing environment focused on women s fashion. Read and implemented image edit markups and followed directions for retouching all images. Performed complex imaging and fully complete retouching of high-resolution digital files- including flesh, reshaping garments, adding masks/paths, and changing backgrounds. Color corrected images to match exact color standard/product samples in a timely matter meeting all deadlines. Print color proofs. Worked within an asset management system. Added new assets as needed and adhered to preset file naming conventions. Maintained communication between multiple teams and partners with Art Directors, Designers, Buyers, and Web Team to ensure all requests where addressed. Assisted Catalog designers with updating content in InDesign documents. Served as a resource, sharing expertise and growing knowledge of best practices and processes of the trade.
Photographer
xperiencerg2015 – 2019
Food and drink photography of specialty and menu items. Multiple event photography over multiple locations throughout Southern California E-commerce photography of the entire menu for multiple product lines. Image processing, retouching, color correction of all imagery, and digital delivery.
Photo Studio Director and Operations Manager
Kwikee, an SGSCO company2016 – 2018
Manage a team of photographers, set up and oversee daily workflow. Prepare and set up manufacturer supplied products and shoot advertising quality images based on standards specified by customer. Develop and recommend photographic quality processes. Shoot, organize and file-name Food Service projects to GS1 specifications. Deal directly with major international clients to coordinate and review production standards and delivery. Coordinate schedules and train all new personal. Determine & purchase all equipment and supply needs.
Photographer, Studio Manager & Digital Imaging Specialist
Shannon Fabrics2014 – 2015
Photography of entire line of wholesale fabrics. Create imaging and asset management standards and processes. Retouch images for accurate color correction, retouching and size derivative delivery. Photography of editorial advertisement and marketing pieces. Event and business personnel photography.
Post Production Manager & Photography Contributor
Jupiter Images2009 – 2014
I was tasked to manage day-to-day operations of the digital lab and supervise the staff to ensure the high end workflow was completed in a timely manner with respect to quality control. I introduced file color management and a streamlined asset management system. Not only did I maintain lab productivity, but I increased it by over 50%. I set new quality control standards as well as higher goal setting, plus developing and documenting the Lab’s workflow system. Lead retouching team in quality assurance, training, and all processes. High end retouching and color correct images using practical and conceptual methods and as directed Increased productivity by over 50%. I set new quality control standards, trained personnel on new and best techniques, as well as higher goal setting, plus developed and documented the Lab’s workflow system. Act as and communicate with contributors and end user to resolve technical issues. Conduct and wrote personnel reviews and made personnel hiring recommendations. Photo Editor for major on-line stock agency. Work with other departments to maintain standards and reach common goals.
Education
Projects
Dolce Aqua
Women's Swimwear line
Leaving Las Vegas
Produced and Photographed Cheri Elizabeth's designer gowns.
BFF
Lifestyle shoot for on line Magazine
Whimsical
Embrace Bridal shoot
Furocious
Styled shoot for Furocious designer line.
Spring Blossoms
Personal Project
Martian Watches
Styled and e-commerce shoot for Martian Watches.
