Ali Allen is a photographer known for her natural and sensitive style, who specialises in organic food, interiors and nature. Her roots are in styling and creative direction, which help her create effortlessly beautiful compositions at her Cotswolds home.

We caught up with Ali to ask her a few questions about her career, her journey and of course her location property, Stroud House.

All About Ali

How would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you before?

This question is way too hard to answer. Cancerian Sun and Moon with Libra rising! For any one that knows astrology that says it all!

You began as a stylist and now are primarily a photographer. Can you tell us a bit about this journey?

I began my journey as an intern at World of Interiors working with the brilliant Jess Haynes and Lynsey Milne, creating sets covered in striped wallpapers and painting them with concrete. I fell in love with this creative process of building sets and creating interiors. I worked for House and Garden starting as a decorating assistant and working my way up to do main decorating features. I was immersed in all that was interiors and worked with many great photographers. Then I went freelance as a stylist and my interest in photography grew, it seemed a natural stem to get behind the camera next, and so it began. I love both capturing a moment spontaneously and creating a beautiful moment to capture.

What do you enjoy shooting most as a photographer?

I love shooting still life in low light, creating a balance within a space and a soft subtle light with emerging shapes. I love capturing emotion in still life – I have done a series of flowers, capturing the energy of the flower and its healing qualities. I had an exhibition for the Chelsea Flower show with Howe on Pimlico Road and hoping to do one with Thyme next year.

I also love shooting kids… their authenticity in front of the camera is wonderful. And food as I am a bit of a foodie!

Your food photography has been published in many books. How does this creative process begin and unfold?

The partnership between food stylist and photographer is key, I have been fortunate to work with some brilliant food stylists who create art and my job is simple just to make it look beautiful on film. My first book was ‘love bake nourish’ with Amber Rose and my sister who is a brilliant editor, is still one of my favourites. Amber was my doula for my youngest son and ended up saving his life as I gave birth on the floor at home and we became friends and dreamt up the book together and Kyle books published it. I love being involved in the process of a book, seeing the visual side of the author’s vision become reality. I have been lucky to work on some beautiful books that inspire a healthy healing lifestyle which I love.

What has been a highlight of your career so far?

Ooh that’s tricky – I think winning a prize for a portrait I did with Riverford was a great moment, I loved working with them and with the bee’s at River Cottage and all the work I do with Rachel Dethamble. But then the first time I got to work with Linda Tubby food stylist on a book was great too – and shooting for M&S… oh and a Decorex feature for House and Garden in South Africa in the most wonderful lodge where giraffes walked by and you could here lions calling from the rooms!

The Beauty of Stroud House

Can you tell us a bit about your home and how it has changed since you moved in?

I have a love affair with my home. For me it is a sanctuary and that is what I created when I moved in, I softened the colours, and made the interiors sympathetic to the energy of the house. It is a gentle space for me and my boys to feel safe and held, a harmonious safe space, that is what is important.

How would you describe the style of Stroud House?

Romantic, natural, rustic, soft.

What are your favourite features of your home and why?

The main sitting room. I love this room, it makes me happy – when I first walked into it I wanted to dance. It still gives me that feeling and I love lying in the bath looking at the trees and the birds and the moon.

What do you think makes Stroud House work so well for photo shoots?

The soft natural light is beautiful, gentle tones and textures.

The Person Behind the Lens

What do you love to do when you’re not shooting or styling?

You’ll find me on a yoga mat, currently I am training as a Daoist flow yoga teacher with the intention of combing art, somatic and yoga as a therapy,

I love to work with clay – making my lights and finding old fabrics and vintage clothes. In fact I am currently working on a new project with Nadia Oliver Interiors, ‘Cloth’ watch this space… soon to be revealed… pop up in December, very exciting.

I also love gardening, sitting with my roses, I can garden for hours!

Where do you find your creative inspiration comes from?

Within… the more love I show myself the more creativity flows. Nature always inspires me, as it understands the art of balance and harmony, unphased by constant change. It adapts, it lets go and recreates, it accepts all states and is beautiful in all states.

What is your favourite meal?

I love Eastern European flavours the most…

Or definitely one cooked by my son!! He works as a chef at Roe in Canary Wharf, sister restaurant to Fallow.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I think Ethiopia, Pakistan or Petra.

Visit Ali’s website and see her work

Follow Ali on Instagram

Interested in reading more Q&A’s from creative professionals and location owners?

American designer and London-based Photographer Kristin Perers

Interior Stylist Twig Hutchinson

Experienced Location Owner Robert Shackleton