FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER

Another Etsy photographer that is a must see is


This shop combines great photography with helping children - and a portion of each sale goes to benefit children's charities.

Come and meet Allie


Briefly describe what you make?

I take photographs, and sell not only the prints, but also create with them. In my shop, I have ACEO's, note card sets, magnets, t-shirts and onesies, all featuring my photographs. In the past, I have had bookmarks as well, but currently do not have any listed. I have also fairly recently begun making glass photo pendants, which are a lot of fun.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Clearly, I love photography, but I also enjoy working with paper goods, fibers and beads.

How long have you been creating craft?

I guess I have been crafty all my life. My mother always made sure I had plenty of materials to create with, and she really encouraged my creativity. I have been really interested in photography since I was about 12 years old, and have been seriously pursuing this for about three years. In the past, I have also enjoyed cross stitch, knitting and crochet (I think this runs in my family!), but this doesn't fit into my life at the moment, which is ok too.

How did you get started?

About three years ago, I moved from being a full-time pediatrician to being a stay-at-home mom, and have been on a steep learning curve ever since! Although, I loved practicing medicine very much (I especially loved the inner city patient population I worked with.), it didn't make sense to me in my heart to be at the hospital caring for other children while someone else was putting my own children to bed. Over the years, I have received encouragement from friends and family regarding my photographs - everyone said I should really "do something" with them. Being at home has given me the opportunity to research venues to market my photography. My cousin's wife and a jewelry artist I met both suggested Etsy, and here I am! I would also have to say that living away from home for two years - we lived in California - also helped me move in my thinking from, "Wouldn't it be nice to be able to really do something with my photography." to "I can really do this." Something about being in a different place for a while helped me think outside my experience up until then, and see other possibilities for my life.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

For quite a few years, I have had the idea to somehow combine my love of photography with a desire to continue to be an advocate for children (one of my very favorite parts of being a pediatrician). I feel very strongly that in general, children are not valued in this country (just comparing the salaries of teachers and child care workers versus almost anyone - professional baseball players, movie actors, college football coaches - really shows where the priorities are, IMHO). And really, children are in need of so much all around the world. I wanted a way to hightlight organizations which help children, and to help support them in some way - even if just a little bit at a time. My husband and I have a friend who founded a non-profit organization, Reach Out Childrens' Fund, which helps fund programs benefitting Peruvian children. I started with this organization to give her more exposure, and also to capitalize on the relationship we already have. So, I wanted my Etsy shop name to reflect in some way the advocacy part of my goal. My husband and I tossed around lots of ideas, and he actually came up with "allieart4children," which I thought really fit.

What would you most want people to know about your work?

Well, I guess I answered this somewhat in #5 above! Also, I am continuing to establish relationships with other charitable organizations, with my goal being to have a choice for my customers, so that they may designate which organization should receive the profit from their purchase.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Believe in yourself! Another sound piece of advice I have been given (from a very insightful attending in residency) is to think carefully and honestly through any criticism you receive from others. If you feel the comment is valid, then use it to improve what you do. If you do not feel that it is valid, discard the criticism and move on.

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Great interview! I love it when an artist really let's us get to know her. You must visit Allie's Shop. Make a purchase and you will not only be getting a great photo - you will be helping a good cause too.