Chasing Grand Perspectives

From taking photos in her childhood backyard, to capturing images of some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, local photographer Allie Richards is on a path of exploration.

“Living by the ocean presents some unique photographic opportunities,” shares the self-taught photographer, whose time exploring the region’s landscape has allowed her to experiment with different techniques and delve into her creative mind. “All of my works have a similar look them—a signature style if you will. It exudes these wide grand perspectives combined with eye-popping color.” To accomplish this, she processes each image in what she calls a “digital darkroom.” Richards explains, “That’s where I’m selectively editing parts of the image to make it look more like how I experienced it,” since she shoots RAW format (a digital negative that allows her to capture the greatest possible detail). “Sometimes, I will add warmth, vibrance or adjust tone levels to better represent how I saw it in my mind or how I felt when I saw it.” To achieve her “eye-popping color” she displays much of her work on aluminum. The process, called dye sublimation, is something Richards taught herself and does at her Eastham studio, “I also offer my work in various mediums such as matted prints, acrylic, and even photo jewelry in resin—but I’m most known for the metal prints.”