We recently connected with Allan Ali and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Allan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

In 2022, I embarked on a project in Kensington, Philadelphia, to support local organizations tackling the opioid crisis in the heart of America’s largest open-air drug market. Motivated by the struggles of family and friends whose lives had been disrupted by addiction, I sought to create a body of work that told a fuller, more complex story of this community—one that didn’t just focus on its challenges but also illuminated its resilience, hope, and humanity. The project’s nuanced portrayal caught the attention of Fox News, which featured it in a special segment. This exposure helped us raise over $500 for the cause. Beyond its immediate impact, this experience profoundly shaped me, deepening my passion for storytelling and teaching me the critical importance of attention to detail—a lesson that continues to guide my work today.

Allan , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Allan Ali, and I hail from the vibrant city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 2019, I picked up a camera for the first time, unaware it would completely transform my life. Through the lens, I discovered my voice, capturing the raw, authentic moments that reveal the heart of the human experience. My work spans street photography, social documentary, and portraiture—ranging from high-energy fashion editorials to deeply personal street portraits.

The turning point in my journey came during the George Floyd protests of 2020. My images told stories words could never fully express, shining a light on truth and resilience. A defining moment was photographing my friend B from @haircutz4homeless, with those powerful images being featured across multiple platforms, including People magazine. It was then I realized that my passion for storytelling could drive real impact for my city.

In 2022, Fox 29 spotlighted my fundraising efforts in Kensington, showcasing how my photography not only raises awareness but also inspires action. While I’ve had the honor of publishing fashion work far and wide, my heart finds its deepest connection in documenting the unfiltered realities of our society. Currently, I’m immersed in my most personal project to date, “STURDY.” This body of work delves into the harsh realities of Brickyard, the Germantown neighborhood where I grew up, with the ultimate goal of presenting it to the city’s reparations task force and igniting meaningful change.

Recently, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with Fujifilm and Unique Photo, leading photowalks, creating dynamic social media content, and teaching classes. This collaboration fuels my excitement for the future as I continue to use my craft to inspire, provoke thought, and make a difference. For me, photography isn’t just about freezing moments in time—it’s about telling stories that spark change and stir the soul, one frame at a time.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to start a photographic storytelling revolution in the city of Philadelphia. I want to expose people to this art form in new and truly genuine ways. I think many people look at photographing solely as another means to make money but it transcends that in so many ways. Photography when practiced with true intention can change society for the better. My city is in dire need of societal change and it is my goal to ensure more Philadelphians see photography as an important aspect of that process. My personal goal is to practice often with intense devotion and be prolific; in the end there will be a body of work with immense power future generations can draw from.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I applied for a mentorship program in New York with some official Fujifilm photographers. I thought I had a great chance at the opportunity and I was genuinely excited about the process of learning so much from them that I hyper focused on it. They did an announcement on instagram live and my girlfriend logged on to watch them announce the winners. I wasn’t selected and my heart broke instantly on the gram lol. I was embarrassed and I cried actual tears and couldn’t sleep. About 2 AM in the morning I put some clothes on and went out shooting a series I would later call “Philadelphia Horror Story”. That series went semi-viral and at that point I made my mind up that I would work twice as hard and start running some laps around the competition. Fast forward to last year I got an email from Fujifilm offering a collaboration opportunity and the rest is history. Those collaborations went amazing and my hard work finally got me an opportunity to work with my favorite brand.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: allanali_
• Youtube: allan ali photography

Image Credits

Portrait of Allan Ali – by Don Bell @donbellphotography