He received his M.F.A. in Studio Art in 2015 from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, B.F.A. in Applied Visual Arts in 2005 from Oregon State University and an Associates Degree from Eastern Oregon University in 2002. He makes photographs that focus on the relationship between humans and their environments with a particular interest on the influence of place on identity. His work has been exhibited in galleries in the United States and internationally. He is an active member of the Postcard Collective and the Society for Photographic Education. Allen is currently Associate Lecturer of Photography and the Interim Head of the Photography program at the Peck School of Arts at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.