Timothy Allen

About

Timothy Allen is a British photographer, filmmaker, creative director, and producer with a career spanning photojournalism, documentary filmmaking, media production, and creative strategy. He is currently Creative Director at the Free Cities Foundation, where he assists with the organization’s worldwide strategy. His earlier work includes seven years as a photojournalist at The Independent and photography for major documentary productions by the BBC and Discovery. Allen has extensive experience working in remote locations and documenting indigenous communities and human stories. He also operates a media and production company, hosts a podcast, runs off-grid expeditions, and works as a public speaker. Quick Facts about Timothy Allen: Field Details Full Name Timothy Allen Date of Birth 26 May 1971 Place of Birth Tonbridge, Kent, England Current Position Creative Director Current Company Free Cities Foundation Current Role Since November 2022 Location United Kingdom Current Focus Worldwide strategy, creative direction, podcasting, media production, and remote expeditions Previous Company The Independent Previous Role Photojournalist Previous Leadership/Creative Experience Producer, Director, Creative Director Education University of Leeds Degree BSc in Zoology Podcast Host of The Timothy Allen Podcast Career Timeline: • 1990s — Photography Diploma / Hereford: Began a part-time photography diploma at the age of 27 while developing his photography career. • Late 1990s — Freelance Photographer / The Sunday Telegraph: Started professional photojournalism work in London after returning from Bosnia. • Late 1990s to 2000s — Photojournalist / The Independent: Spent seven years working as a photojournalist after receiving commissions from major British broadsheets. • 2002–2011 — Member / Axiom Photographic Agency: Worked as a member of the photographic agency while developing international documentary and indigenous-community projects. • 2008 — Photographer / BBC Human Planet: Joined the BBC's Human Planet project as its dedicated photographer, travelling with four teams across more than forty countries. • 2012 — Photographer / Great Guns: Signed with the international film production company Great Guns for worldwide representation. • 2017 — Featured Photographer / Animal Planet: Featured in Epic Animal Journeys, which followed his work during a nomadic migration across Siberia. • 2022–Present — Creative Director / Free Cities Foundation: Assists with the foundation's worldwide strategy while continuing creative, media, production, and podcasting work.

Experience

• 

  Creative Director

  Free Cities Foundation

  Nov 2022 to Present

  Leads creative direction, branding, and visual communications.

Awards

• 2010s, Human PlanetThe BBC's Human Planet received major awards, including two BAFTAs and an Emmy Award, as well as the ITB Cultural Book Prize.
• 2016, Timothy Allen Photography Scholarship AwardCreated a photography scholarship with the Sharjah Government Media Bureau for photographers from around the world.
• 2016, Pangea Award of Excellence, SIPAReceived the Pangea Award of Excellence at SIPA 2016.
• 2015, Travel Photographer of the Year Received further recognition as a category winner and runner-up across the competition.
• 2014, Travel Photographer of the YearWon a category in the competition.
• 2013, Travel Photographer of the YearNamed overall winner of Travel Photographer of the Year.
• 2012, Travel Photographer of the YearWon a category in the international photography competition.
• 2011, Travel Photographer of the YearWon a category in the competition.
• 2010, Travel Photographer of the YearRecognized as a category winner.
• 2007, Travel Photographer of the YearWon a category in the Travel Photographer of the Year competition.
• 2002, Press Photographer of the Year AwardReceived recognition in the Press Photographer of the Year competition.

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