This is a self portrait taken by Colton Allen. I am taking liberty with Colton’s work.. I am sure he would not mind.
How I “Met” Colton And His Influence On Me
On my drive home tonight, I thought of Colton Allen.
I met Colton in the modern sense through the Film Shooters Collective. Unlike me, Colton was admitted to the Collective by invitation from its founder based on the fruit of immense talent. We never met in person but his imagery gives a deep connection to the fertility of Colton’s mind. I have always loved taking images of shop windows, old cars, abandoned places and things and Americana. Colton’s influence is with me every time I pick up a camera.
I am visiting Oregon, god willing, in June 2025. I and regret not having the opportunity to travel to his hometown of Talent Oregon for a personal meeting. Colton Allen made a lasting mark on the world, and particularly on me. He inspires my photography, and like me turned to photography to assuage great adversity.
Colton’s Photography and Influences
A carpenter by trade (hence the handle “Daiku San”) Colton began photography in 2007, only a year before contracting ALS. The disease took his life in 2022. He was bound to a wheelchair beginning in 2012 but continued producing wonderful photos to the end. His wheelchair was rigged with a custom setup allowing him to click the shutter. His imagery brings to mind, and was surely inspired by, the styles of William Eggleston and Stephen Shore. His compositions transform the mundane to the extraordinary. Colton’s self portraits, often taken in shop windows, bring Vivien Maier to mind.
A Fun Collaboration With Colton
I had a fun experience with Colton. During one of my streaks in Project 365, I started a “competition” called “In the Style of Colton Allen”. I posted links to his work for the many participants. There were a lot of entries, and most missed the mark. Colton was kind to judge the competition and prepare gracious words of encouragement to his chosen “winner” and other participants.
Colton’s Work Lives On
Colton experimented with countless film cameras. Here is a link to his Flickr albums for you to enjoy.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/daiku_san/albums
Here is a link to one of Colton’s zines, a copy of which I own:
https://www.blurb.com/b/8634971-twenty-one-of-35
And another link to Colton’s book In Significance.
Rest in peace Colton, you are missed.
