Alison Ward’s Journey Through the Lens

Alison Ward, an Operating Theatre Nurse with over 30 years of experience, is no stranger to high-pressure environments. Like many, Alison went through a period in her life that she calls her “dark days.” During this time, Alison felt disconnected from the world, emotionally numb and mentally drained. A walk with her mother became the turning point. As her mother pointed out the birds, leaves, and clouds, Alison realised she saw none of it. Her gaze had been fixed solely on the path beneath her feet. Life was happening around her, yet she wasn’t really living it. 

That moment marked the beginning of a personal transformation. Determined to reconnect with herself and the world, Alison gradually became more attuned to her surroundings. Colours seemed richer, shadows more textured, and details she once missed came into sharp focus. She experienced what she calls “hyper vision”, a renewed awareness of the surrounding environment. 

This shift in perception ignited a deep passion for photography. Alison began to embrace her environment with a sense of wonder and clarity. Like opening the aperture on a camera, more light started to enter Alison's world. She purchased a basic camera and started shooting in auto mode. Quickly, Alison realised she wanted more control over the outcome of her images. 

In just two and a half years, Alison has evolved from novice to award-winning photographer. She now explores a wide range of genres, from landscapes to abstracts, each one a new opportunity to see the world from a different angle.  

Her brand, ALUSION Photography, is a blend of “Alison” and “illusion,” symbolising both her personal journey and artistic belief that everyone sees the world differently. The goal for ALUSION Photography is to use images from the natural world to evoke a person’s thoughts, feelings, emotions and self-reflection. 

 Click here to view more of Alison's work!

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