Alan Poelman: Happiness behind the lens
- PhotoED Magazine
- Aug 1
- 5 min read
An interview with photoED Magazine
By day, Alan Poelman is a hospital manager based in northwestern Ontario. After hours, he is an award-winning, self-taught wildlife and nature photographer. In 2022, he earned national acclaim when Canadian Geographic named him Photographer of the Year. His large Instagram follower count has encouraged media sources such as Mountain Life Magazine and the CBC to take notice and profile him and his photography.
photoED Magazine spoke to Alan Poelman about his work.
photoED: How did you get started in photography? And what keeps you motivated and inspired to keep at it?
Alan:
After graduating university, I initially started taking photos with a point-and-shoot camera my parents bought for me. Most of these images were of my golden retriever, Bond.
About 10 years ago I picked up a Nikon D750 DSLR camera and started to take things more seriously, actively researching various forms of photography technology and practicing the craft.
Perhaps it’s the process of getting outside and keeping active, or visualizing ideas and trying to make them come to life that keeps me motivated. But it’s definitely something I strive to keep pursuing, as it almost seems ingrained in my identity now.
photoED: What do you love most about creating stories through photography?
Alan:
I like the creative process. When I first started taking images I was mostly going out and capturing what I saw, or hoping for the best case scenario where something wonderful would appear in front of me. Now, although I still hope for that, planning for images is a much more methodical process, especially with landscape photography. I really have to analyze a scene to understand what would make a compelling composition, but this can come with an inherent downside of not immersing oneself in the moment, when everything is about the shot. That’s why now, when I travel, I intentionally make time to just enjoy my surroundings and relax, taking in all that a place has to offer.
photoED: Whose work has influenced yours?
Alan:
There are so many wonderful photographers I have been following that have influenced me — far too many to name. I can’t select one in particular; rather, just making the time to see more photography and creativity as a culmination has inspired me.
When I first started taking images I would browse Instagram analyzing and asking myself what made a particular image stand out for me. Through this process, I would try to replicate a lot of the techniques I saw. This process eventually led me to develop my own style and visuals that have been consistent for many years now.
photoED: What makes a good photograph?
Alan:
Although photography is subjective, and something that looks amazing to one person may not look great to another, for me, I like symmetry and strict composition rules. I use them in my images as guidelines — sometimes to a fault. Although, I’ve always envied people who have the ability to capture spontaneous images or moments that elicit pure emotion. Sometimes there does not have to be a grandiose structure that has to be met in order to create a compelling image.
photoED: How has working in photography influenced you personally?
Alan:
It has expanded who I am as an individual. It has pushed me to go outside and create when I’m not in a great state of mind mentally. It has broadened my self-esteem and knowledge through travel and culture. It has made my affinity for the natural world one of empathy and respect for the land we live in and the creatures that inhabit it.
photoED: What does your dream project entail? Where do you hope photography will take you in the future?
Alan:
Honestly, it’s really the most simplistic things that have resonated with me the most; whether that’s enjoying a sunset at a nearby lake, or finding a symmetrical stack of local wildflowers. Hopefully there are many adventures ahead, both in familiar places and some places not yet explored. The main projects that I have in mind for the future would include more wildlife adventures. I’d love to see some monkeys in Japan or India, or take a wildlife safari in Africa to see lions and elephants, or head to Wyoming to capture moose in the fall.
Ultimately, I’m happy just to see any critter: a good butterfly encounter in my backyard would keep me on cloud nine for days, if not weeks.
photoED: Do you have any tips for emerging photographers?
Alan:
Make connections. Being a photographer of note is about getting yourself out there through social media and local groups. That is, if you want to use it as an income tool. If not, just enjoy it. I recommend finding a niche that you enjoy and focusing on it. Once you feel confident enough, start expanding to something else — as long as it speaks to you. Don’t compare yourself to others, as this may strip the joy away from what you do. Focus on yourself and what brings you happiness behind the lens.
GEAR UP
What camera and equipment do you use most now? What’s your favourite lens? Tell us about your experience using Tamron lenses.
Alan:
I’m now using a Sony body (A9ii and A7iv) with a lot of different lenses. Depending on the shot I’m going for, I will use a Tamron 28-75mm or the Tamron 70-180mm.
But, I’d have to say the Tamron 35-150mm is my favourite.
This lens’ ability to shoot wide landscapes and then zoom in for close portrait shots is a game changer.
Plus, it has the option of setting the aperture to f/2-2.8, creating extremely sharp images, making it uniquely versatile for many shooting styles. A lens with this low aperture ability is very uncommon in tandem with a large zoom range. It’s like having multiple lenses all-in-one, making it a great travel companion.
See more of Alan Poelman's work - HERE.
Check out Alan Poelman's fave Tamron lens - HERE!
