Allan's parents and family gave him his first camera in 1966 and by watching his aunt and uncle, John and Wendy Rykenburg Allan acquired an eye and passion for photography.
Allan was lucky enough to spend time with two masters Jim Krantz and Monte Kruse in the 1990's. "It was a insight into bleeding edge thinking, in marketing and the creative photography industry, in the corporate and medical fields." Alone with family and friends Allan has a number of photographers that have inspired him, most notable are Pete Turner for his color, Ansel Adams for his landscapes, Brian Brake for composition.