Carter John Allen

On January 13, 2025, Carter John Allen passed away at Tucson Medical Center at the age of 92. He was born on June 5, 1932 in Brookston Indiana to Cleo Ralph Allen and Matilda Bruss Allen. Carter first became interested in photography while attending Culver Military Academy. He attended Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester NY from 1954-1956, studying under the legendary photographer Minor White and earning a BFA in photography. He spent his entire professional life as a commercial and fashion photographer for Fortune 500 companies, ultimately publishing 2 photography collections, The Cowboys of Santa Cruz County and The Weaver’s Way. He was a passionate hobbyist. He was a life-long quarter horse enthusiast and showman, a dedicated bicyclist and racer and an handgun collector and target shooter.

In 1954, Carter met the love of his life, Dolores June Kester, a former Ohio Pickle Princess, while they both were working a summer job at Lake Wawasee in Northern Indiana. They were married 2 years later in Dayton, OH, before being drafted into the Army. They spent 2 years at Fort Huachuca, Arizona where they welcomed their first child Linda in 1958. Shortly after the new family moved to Chicago and then to Indianapolis in 1961. A son, Tim, was born in 1964. Carter was head of the studio at Pictorial INC for over 20 years. In 1992, Carter and Dodie Allen semi-retired to their favorite place, Tucson AZ. They lived in Tucson for 32 years until her death in 2014.

Carter was loved by scores of photographers and artists as a mentor throughout his life. He inspired many with his patience and expertise and his willingness to share his talents. He leaves behind a strong legacy of photographic images and professional and personal generosity. This was a good man, to his core and the world is a better place because he existed.

He is survived by daughter Linda (Michael), granddaughter Emma, son Tim (Will). Emma Deloso is currently a producer for the Schubert Organization in NYC.