Bill Allen Photography
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Thirty-five years of adventure and research at National Geographic,
culminating in ten years as Editor in Chief of National Geographic
have given me a real appreciation for the creative process and the
power of photography.

After working on hundreds of books and magazine articles dealing with virtually every country, I am now focused on revealing the creativity of artists and designers. In this role it is no longer necessary to worry about melting boots on hot lava at volcanic eruptions, contracting hepatitis or malaria, being bitten or stung by who knows what, or having to eat something completely unidentifiable -- and sometimes being glad it wasn't.

Over the years I have been fortunate to work with some of the very best people in the world in their respective fields -- whether they may be exploring for ancient shipwrecks, the bones of dinosaurs, or a secret to a civilization long-vanished. My current work allows me to continue that work with fascinating people and to maintain contact with diverse cultures worldwide.


Beads and jewelry reveal stories of peoples, of tribes, of religion, of trade, and of history. When these threads are brought together by creative hands, the result is not only beauty, but also a song of the world.

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Necklace by Alex Roeder

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Necklace by Carolyn Baum

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Necklace by Grazia Zalfa

The common thread of creativity runs through
the worlds of science and art. Explorers can
seek to fill in blank spots on maps or they
can explore the creativity of the human mind.
All journeys of discovery demonstrate the
flexibility of the human mind. The people
involved in these creative outlets remain
some of the most interesting people in the
world. Whether sitting with a South African
woman creating beaded belts for the next
generation or marveling at the creative use
of dichroic glass, the world of creativity
is a wondrous place.

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Necklace by Grazia Zalfa

www.billallenphotography.com