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by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 9th of June 2025
Elizabeth Allen is highly successful in her narrative architectural photography, which often blends with street photography. She loves the geometric and abstract features of cities and enjoys finding different angles and perspectives that accentuate a wide variety of patterns, textures and colours. Elizabeth is a charming, warm-hearted lady with a positive outlook on life. In autumn/winter 2022/23, she exhibited a series of photographs at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, England. Through sales of these photographs, she raised funds for people with ovarian cancer, a disease from which she was fortunate to recover thanks to excellent treatment at that hospital in 2020.
Enjoy this interview, which reveals the warm personality behind Elizabeth's excellent photographic work.
'Shapes and Shine II'
Dear Elizabeth, first, I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer this questionnaire. To begin with, could you please introduce yourself briefly and tell us more about yourself, your hobbies and any other projects you are involved in?
I was born in Portsmouth on England’s south coast, but eventually returned to live there after spending many years abroad. I am passionate about photography, which leaves me with little time for other hobbies. However, I have my younger son and granddaughter living in Bristol, and my elder son and his partner in Godalming, so I visit them regularly. My elder son is a much better photographer than I am, and he collects photography books, which I love browsing. (Godalming is a small town within easy reach of London.)
'Train Times'
How and when did you start your journey in photography?
I started after leaving school to attend the local art college. My father gave me his old camera, and I was also able to borrow a Minolta twin-lens reflex camera from the college. The following year, I left for Manchester School of Art, and by that time my brother had also left home, so my father converted a bedroom into a darkroom. Whenever I went home for the holidays, I loved spending time developing and printing my photos, watching what seemed like a magical process.
'The Fallen and the Survivor'
For many of us, photography is either a hobby or a way of life. How would you describe your relationship with photography?
For me, photography has recently become a way of life, as I am now able to devote plenty of time to it. This includes looking at the work of other photographers, as well as practising my own photography. It motivates me to visit new places and can also be very therapeutic on days when I am on my own. Although I spent four years at art school, my working life has centred around language teaching and writing, so it’s important to me that I can now engage with visual art again.
'Puddle Muddle'
What has been the most important experience so far that has influenced your journey in photography?
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly, but my eldest son gave me my first digital camera in 2008, around the time that I started travelling more and finding inspiration. Initially, I didn’t focus on a particular genre, but when I visited Iceland in February 2017, I was surprised to find that I had taken more architectural photos than landscape images.
'Arab Baths, Palma'
What is it about architecture and abstract photography that you find so appealing?
I think I am actually attracted to extremes. I love photographing woodlands, whether it's trees or single leaves, as well as discovering the geometry of architecture and its abstract properties in cities. I love a wide variety of patterns, textures and colours, and I enjoy finding different angles and perspectives that accentuate these.
'Watching you'
Which is more important to you: the mood or story behind your images, or technical perfection?
While a certain level of technical skill is obviously required, I would argue that striving for technical perfection can result in soulless images. Therefore, I believe that mood and story are more important. When looking through photos on 1x, it's always the ones with atmosphere that make me stop and feel something. It's not easy to achieve, but it's a worthwhile goal.
'Under the Stairs'
What is your relationship with your subject matter beyond being an observer?
My subject matter is quite diverse, so my relationship with it varies. For example, there is a remarkable tree(not included in this article, but which can be found in my gallery). It was planted in 1609 in Oldbury Court Country Park in Bristol. I often go for walks there with my granddaughter, so precious memories are associated with the tree. I have photographed it in all weathers. At the other end of the scale, I enjoy taking street photos without being observed, so I don't interact with the people involved. Photos I capture at art exhibitions are somewhere in the middle: the artwork means a lot to me, but not the other visitors who are present.
'Outside In'
Do you carefully plan the locations where you intend to take photographs?
I don't think 'carefully' applies to me, as I like to keep an open mind about what I might find unexpectedly during a photography trip. For example, a few months ago, I went to Stratford in East London with the specific intention of photographing the Olympic Aquatic Centre, which was designed by Zaha Hadid. This proved to be a very challenging task, but while I was there, I discovered a row of buildings nearby that were under construction or had recently been completed. These included the V&A East and the London College of Fashion, which has a striking Brutalist staircase. I came away with far more photos than I had expected and have since been back for more.
'Under the Crystal'
Describe your overall photographic vision.
I hope that the photos I have chosen for this article convey an idea of my vision. While I love visiting iconic sites such as the Axel Towers in Copenhagen and the Tulip Stairs at the Queen's House in London, I haven't included photos of these places here because many other photographers have similar images. In most of my photos, I aim to offer a personal perspective, showcasing details with abstract qualities or places and scenes that others might overlook.
'Cycle City'
Could you tell us more about your workflow, from coming up with an idea to creating the final product?
When I take photos on my phone, they go straight into Google Photos. When I get home, I go through them and delete any that are clearly useless. Next, I might single out any that would work well in black and white, while I will look at others for cropping and straightening. Before joining 1x, I was a member of National Geographic Your Shot, where post-processing was discouraged. Therefore, in 2019, I was relatively new to photo editing. I have never used Photoshop because I believe in the magic of reality. However, I have gradually become more experimental with creative editing, and I use the DxO Film Pack from time to time.
'Rush Hour II'
Where do you look for inspiration, and what inspires you the most?
I look around me wherever I happen to be. Inspiration is all around us. This question reminds me of the pandemic in 2020, when I had cancer and local walks were the only option. I used to look for interesting textures and graffiti, even on litter bins. I actually have a series of photos on 1x that I took in a subway where someone had poured paint onto coloured tiles — an act of vandalism that I saw as abstract art. It has since been cleaned up, so I’m glad I recorded it. Of course, grand architecture and the wonders of nature inspire me, too.
'Concentric Centre'
Many people believe that gear is not very important when you are passionate about photography. However, could you please tell us what equipment you use, such as your camera, lenses, lighting and tripod?
I strongly agree with that opinion. I still take my Fujifilm mirrorless camera on trips abroad, but nowadays I generally rely on my Pixel 7a because cancer surgery under my arm in 2020 left me unable to carry more than minimal equipment. Like Cartier-Bresson, I believe that photography is about using our brain, eyes and heart.
'Museo ABC'
Which photo is your favourite? Please tell us the story behind your choice.
'The Writing on the Bridge'
This is a photo taken below the Millennium Bridge in London, close to Tate Modern which is one of my favourite places to visit. It’s very difficult to choose a single favourite, but I picked this one as I wanted to capture the text overlaid on the people because I used text and language in a visual way during my time at art school so this image links back to those days. I will also mention that this is the only photo I have had published on 1x in less than the usual 36-hour curation period, so it must have struck a chord with one of the head curators!
Which photographers or mentors have influenced you and your photography?
During my time at 1x, many photographers have inspired and supported me, helping me to grow as a photographer. If I regularly comment on your work, then you are one of them. However, I can’t answer this question without mentioning Jorge Pimenta. His support has been unfailing, and his comments on my work are often speechless. His superb work has undoubtedly influenced me, and he goes far beyond what is necessary by accompanying his photos with his wonderful poetry. I would also like to mention Carmine Chiriacò for his creative work, which I find so inspiring, and for his dedication. Outside of 1x, my elder son recently introduced me to Rinko Kawauchi's work. I was fortunate enough to see her exhibition in Bristol, and my son has also recently given me a copy of Alec Soth's Gathered Leaves, which I pore over in my spare time.
'At the edge of the everyday world'
Now that we're almost at the end of this interview, could you please tell us about any photographic projects you'd like to be involved in?
London never ceases to inspire me, and there is always something new to see. For instance, the V&A Storehouse in East London opened at the end of May, and the Serpentine Pavilion for 2025 has just opened in Kensington Gardens. I am planning a trip abroad later in the summer, possibly to Paris, as I would love to see Gehry’s Louis Vuitton Foundation.
'A New V&A VII'
Is there anything else you would like to add, and what are your thoughts on using 1X as a home base for your work?
I decided not to renew my 1X membership in December 2021 because I was struggling to accept how many of my photos were not selected for publication. However, after only a couple of weeks, I missed the site and came back, which shows what it means to me. I have learnt a great deal during my time here. It's a wonderful place to view some of the finest photography, engage with other photographers, and receive feedback. If we believe in ourselves, we must be critical of our work and persevere. I will keep going until I can't anymore! Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Yvette for inviting me to do this interview, which is a great honour.
Thanks you from the bottom of my heart, Elizabeth. It is a honour for the entire 1x community, for the readers and certainly for me, to publish this candid interview.
'Through the Grilles'
'Hadid Interior IV'
'Self Portrait at Tate Modern'
'Peace and Quiet'
'A restored Wing'
![]() | Write |
![]() | Francisco Villalpando PRO Dear Elizabeth, congratulations for your wonderful interview and the selection of your beautiful photos. Your narrative inspire me to follow and persevere improving my photos every day. I admire you! |
![]() | Heike Willers PRO Wonderful work, dear Elizabeth. And very interesting article. Thank you for sharing. |
![]() | Sydney Harter So wonderful to see and learn more about your journey, Elizabeth! I have always admired your work! Congratulations! |
![]() | Ryuta Suzuki PRO
Beautiful photos, Dear Elizabeth. |
![]() | Manuel Gayoso PRO Very interesting interview, dear Elizabeth, it´s so good to know about your thoughts and your trip through photography.... and an excellent selection of your work! Thank you Ivette for this interview! |
![]() | Vicki Lai PRO Wonderful work, dear Elizabeth! Your warm personality and personal style shine through your photos. Congratulations! Thanks to Yvette for the insightful interview. |
![]() | Sophie B PRO Beautiful photos, Elizabeth, and you’re just down the road from me in Winchester! |
![]() | Satoshi Hatsumori PRO Dear Elizabeth, thank you for sharing excellent works here. Very impressed. |
![]() | Nancy Lee PRO Love your work Elizabeth! your work inspires me! |
![]() | Ben.C.L PRO Really great! Dear Elizabeth |
![]() | Eiji Yamamoto PRO Dear Elizabeth, thank you so much for such a wonderful and interesting interview with great photos! It's very inspiring! Dear Yvette, thank you so much for this article! |
![]() | Samurajgrzes PRO Really Like It. Congratulations!! |
![]() | Mike Kreiten CREW Interesting read, dear Liz. Now I know a bit more about a team member! Thanks for being one. |
![]() | Steven T CREW Excellent article and photographs! It's good to learn more about your style and photo-philosophy. |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Thank you so much for your kind words, Steven. |
![]() | Pier Luigi Calosso PRO Complimemts beautiful photos. Congratulations |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Thank you so very much, Pier. |
![]() | Pedro Uranga PRO Dear Elizabeth, Congratulations. It´s been a pleasure seeing your excellent work.Thanks also to Ivette for her interview. |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Dear Pedro, thank you very much for your kind words. |
![]() | Yanyan Gong PRO Dear Elizabeth, Very glad to see you are on the magazine and get to know a bit about your personal life! I love your photography, your photos not only show the beauty of architecture, but also tell stories. You have been an inspiration to me personally too, your kind and encouraging comments have always been appreciated! Congratulations on your achievements! |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Dear Yanyan, my heartfelt thanks for your wonderful words and support. Your work is inspiring too, and I look forward to seeing more of your photos! |
![]() | Margaret Halaby PRO Elizabeth, what a wonderful article and how interesting to get a glimpse of the vision behind your beautiful pictures. Congratulations! |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Thank you so much for your very kind words, Margaret. |
![]() | Charlotte Zhang PRO Dear Elizabeth: I love your work! Your interview are warm, truthful, and inspiriting to me as a new comer in 1X.com. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for liking and encouraging my new journey on photography. |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Dear Charlotte, thank you very much for such kind words. I wish you all the best on 1x, and I look forward to seeing more of your work. |
![]() | Offer Ellbogen PRO Dear Elizabeth, I really enjoyed reading this interesting interview with you and the way you were exposed to the world of photography, and architecture in particular. You are a very talented, wise and experienced photographer, and your excellent photographs have given me great inspiration and a new direction in observing our fascinating world. Thank you very much for your presence and contribution to the site. Wish you and your family all the best in the world. Sincerely Offer ! |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Dear Offer, my sincere thanks for your wonderful words and very kind wishes that mean a lot to me. |
![]() | Andy Bauer PRO Thank you so much for this insightful interview. It was a real pleasure to read your reflections – full of honesty, warmth, and a deep love for photography. Just like your images, your words are thoughtful and inspiring.
I want to thank you for the generous support you give to others in the photographic community. You’ve so often been one of the first to like my pictures – and not only mine, but those of many others as well. That spirit of encouragement has meant a lot to me and continues to be a real source of motivation.
With warmest regards
Andy |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW My heartfelt thanks for such wonderful words that mean a lot to me, Andy. Warmest regards. |
![]() | Anita Singh PRO Absolutely absorbing interview , interlaced with beautiful and excellent images. Congratulations dear Elizabeth, wish you more power and success. |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Thank you so very much for your wonderful words and kind wishes, dear Anita. |
![]() | X-FlyingKN PRO Dear Elizabeth,
Congratulations on your impressive interview on 1x.com—it was a wonderful read and a true reflection of your passion and talent!
I'm new to the 1x.com community, and I just wanted to say how much I admire your work and your thoughtful comments. Your art is inspiring, and your words bring warmth and insight—thank you for making this space so welcoming !
Also thanks Yvette too !
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![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Dear X-FlyingKN, thank you very much for your wonderful words. You have made a great start on 1x, and I look forward to seeing more of your work! |
![]() | Hans Repelnig PRO It is always a pleasure to see new photos of Elizabeth on 1X. Often it is not easy to describe why but there is something deeper you will feel the longer you explore her photos. You explore pictures of great architecture framing a person and the photo is starting to tell a mysterious story. Thanks for sharing this interesting interview. |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW My heartfelt thanks for your very kind words, Hans. |
![]() | Francesco Martinelli PRO Wow!!!
I just read your interview on the website with great pleasure, and I wanted to sincerely congratulate you. I find your way of observing the world through photography truly inspiring.
I'm especially struck by how you capture the poetry of the woods, whether it's towering trees or a single leaf, while also discovering lines, shapes, and geometry in urban architecture. It's as if you manage to give a voice to what often goes unnoticed.
Once again, congratulations on your work and the sensitivity that shines through your images.
A heartfelt thank you to Yvette for sharing the interview through such a beautiful article. |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Thank you so very much for your kind and meaningful words, dear Francesco. Please don't disappear again as your work is such a delight! |
![]() | garyholman PRO Dear Elizabeth, Such a Wonderful! and interesting interview. I love your selection of amazing images for us to view. A very Big! Congratulations!! from me, and a thank you! to Yvette also. |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Dear Gary, thank you so much for your wonderful words. |
![]() | Patrick Compagnucci PRO Dear Elizabeth, what can I say, but that you, and your work are an inspiration to me. You've helped me so very much in the last few years with your support and helpful participation in the critique forum. I sincerely wish I had your energy level. Many congratulations, and warmest regards, Patrick |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Dear Patrick, my heartfelt thanks for your very kind words. Warmest regards, and keep up your wonderful work! |
![]() | Cicek Kiral CREW Dear Elizabeth, thank you for sharing your work with us. I think each image tells its story poetically in its own way. Merging architectural elements with street photography is not easy and requires perception out of the ordinary. Congratulations dear friend... |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Dear Cicek, thank you so much for your kind words that mean a great deal to me. |
![]() | Vladimir Funtak PRO Each of those images of yours, dear Elisabeth, clarifies my view to the world suggesting me another POV, angle, moment. Yes, I should have done it that way, cross my mind. Tnx for sharing and supporting me on my journey pet... |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW My sincere thanks to you, Vladimir, for such kind words. |
![]() | Jorge Ribeiro Lume PRO I've read very carefully what you've revealed in your interview and I think it coincides with my impression gained over time at 1X. Your testimony is, above all, a testimony of life. Your art comes from a genuine talent that you try to overcome through demanding rationalization. Affective, you are your friend's friend and you have helped many of those who are trying to do something better in photography, always positively reinforcing what is done through thinking and feeling, privileging culture, the interactive story behind the image. For all this, I ask you to see in my words the gratitude I feel. Congratulations!
Translated with DeepL.com (free version) |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW It's hard for me to thank you enough for such wonderful words, Jorge. They mean a great deal to me. |
![]() | Hans-Wolfgang Hawerkamp PRO thanks a lot for this much interesting view into your life and your thoughts about our hobby. Thanks a lot also for all your interest in the work of others and all your time you spent with writing comments. Thanks a lot for the great and much interesting collection of images you have shown here. Many thanks to Yvette for the article |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW My thanks to you, dear Hans-Wolfgang. You are a giant in photography and your work always inspires me. |
![]() | Giorgio Pizzocaro PRO Great Elisabeth! An unmistakable style with a refined research of the composition! I have been a fan of yours for a long time! A special thanks to Yvette Depaepe for the choice! Good work, Giorgio Pizzocaro |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Thank you so very much for your wonderful words, Giorgio! |
![]() | FranzStaab PRO Congratulations, Elizabeth you are always one of the first to comment on my pictures objectively. Thank you very much for this. It was very interesting to learn more about you and to admire your photographic work. Kudos to Yvette as well. |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW My thanks to you, Franz, for your very kind words. |
![]() | Jane Lyons PRO Elizabeth, you are such a wonderful and supportive part of this community. I loved reading your interview and reviewing your photographs. They are special, as are you! |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Jane, my heartfelt thanks for your very kind words that mean a lot to me. |
![]() | Jorge Pimenta PRO Dear Elizabeth! I've just read your inspiring interview at 1x. I was willing for it to happen as your work deserves it. Besides, I wanted to know your references and the steps you took until you became the excellent and influential photographer in our community bery much.
It was a pleasure to revusit and enjoy some of your iconic photographs that I had the pleasure of seeing and following over the years. Your work and the way you relate to others is a reference for me, as I know it is so for many photographers on 1X. Thank you for the reference to my work, which makes me proud; thank you very much! It has been a pleasure to share images and the world with you! Congratulations on the interview, on your work and on the luminous person that you have been for everyone.
I also congratulate Yvette for the initiative and for conducting this excellent and inspiring interview. |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Dear Jorge, now I have tear in my eyes again... I meant to say that your comments sometimes leave me speechless, not that they are speechless! I am the one thanking you, because I have learned so much from you, and your words here add so much to the honour of the interview. I look forward to seeing many more of your inspiring images and reading more of your poetry. |
![]() | konglingming PRO Congratulations, dear friend |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Thank you very much, dear konglingming. |
![]() | Jian Xu PRO Congratulations! I am so glad that your amazing work is featured here, well deserved! Thank Yvette for the interview and sharing this inspiring story! |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Thank you very much for your wonderful words! |
![]() | Herbert A. Franke PRO A great interview and a fantastic series of pictures to go with it.
You are very good at telling stories with pictures and thus also bringing the viewers of the pictures closer to your point of view.
Thank you very much, Elizabeth, for sharing your thoughts with us.
Thank you, Yvette, for bringing Elizabeth closer to us with this interview.
Best regards, Herbert |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW My thanks to you, Herbert, for such kind words. I am a great admirer of your work, always wonderfully documented! |
![]() | Ray Clark PRO Congratulations Elizabeth on an inspiring and extremely interesting interview. Keep on documenting the world! |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words, Ray! |
![]() | Kaisyakuji Yushi PRO Dear Elizabeth.My sincere congratulations and pleasure on your wonderful feature.Congratulations.I always learn a lot from your comments and photos.You are a wonderful senior to me. |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Dear Kaisyakuji, thank you so very much for such kind words. |
![]() | Gabriela Pantu PRO Dear Elizabeth, wonderful interview, all my admiration for your spirit, for being such a special person.I love your story telling, the way you capture the world in your pictures, your kindness.Congratulations and thank you for sharing your thoughts.Thank you, dear Yvette, as always.<3<3 |
![]() | Yvette Depaepe CREW It's a pleasure to me, Gabriela! Elizabeth is such a great lady in every respect. |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Dear Gabriela, my heartfelt thanks for your very kind words; your work is such an inspiration to me! <3 |
![]() | Taufik Ammouneh Martínez PRO Congratulations, Elizabeth! You are usually the first one to like my published photos, which encourages me a lot to keep shooting, as I sincerely admire your work, :) I'm happy that you have been featured here on 1x with this interview, as you truly deserve it! |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Thank you very much for your wonderful words, Taufik! Keep up your excellent work! |
![]() | SachikoHatsumori PRO Congratulations, dear Elizabeth. It’s such a pleasure to see your love for photography and hear about how you’ve been. I look forward to seeing more of your beautiful work. |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Thank you so very much for your kind and thoughtful words, dear Sachiko. |
![]() | Asako Naruto PRO Congratulations, Elizabeth! Really enjoyed reading the interview — looking forward to seeing more of your work! |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Thank you so very much for your kind words, Asako! I am a great admirer of your work. |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Dear Yvette, I am the one thanking you for inviting me and for introducing the article with such wonderful words. I have tears in my eyes because it is truly an honour for me to be published in the magazine! |
![]() | Yvette Depaepe CREW More than deserved, dear Elizabeth ... hugs, Yvette |
![]() | Streiff Marcel PRO Congratulations dear Elizabeth for that wonderful and interesting Interview as well as for the Selection out of your wonderful portfolio ! Many thanks also to Yvette to realize it ! |
![]() | Elizabeth Allen CREW Thank you very much for your kind words, dear Marcel, and for your constant support of my work. |