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William Albert Allard
William Albert Allard
01:02

William Albert Allard

National Geographic

Washington, DC USA

"It makes me realize that it's possible to set out with a goal, and it's possible to reach that goal...but you cannot be indifferent."

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William Albert's work combines: Art, Journalism, and Being Creative

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Day In The Life

Staff Photographer

I photograph people and tell their stories as a freelance photographer and longtime contributor to National Geographic.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Photojournalism

    University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    After graduating from high school, he didn't have the grades to go to college, so he didn't.

  • 2.

    Instead, he got a job with the telephone company; one day, his sister told him, "There's more to life than climbing poles," so he enrolled in art school.

  • 3.

    One day, an enthusiastic professor led a photojournalism class on the marriage of words and pictures.

  • 4.

    He became obsessed with photojournalism and decided to tack it on as a double major.

  • 5.

    Because he was older than other students-he already had a wife and kids-his portfolio was a bit more serious than others.

  • 6.

    The director of photography at National Geographic gave him an internship and a chance at a story.

  • 7.

    He says that he was very well set up for this assignment, psychologically, and as a result, his photos of the Pennsylvania Amish were published.

  • 8.

    That spread was considered a major turning point in the style of the magazine, and it jump-started his photography career.