Allen Cooley was born in California, grew up in New York City and is a celebrated fashion, entertainment and portrait photographer.

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Cooley is an adjunct professor at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where is received his Master of Fine Arts degree in 2009.

His work can be seen on the cover of such prominent magazines as Jet, Kontrol and Essence and his art has been acquired into several private collections.