After 34 years in a career that never felt quite right, Alan Green, 62, from Sunniside, Gateshead, took the bold step to transform his lifelong passion for photography into a thriving business.
Alan, who spent over three decades as a commercial insurance broker, admits he never truly wanted to be in that world. “I fell into insurance,” he says. “What I really wanted was to be a car salesman – to match people up with something perfect for them. But instead, I found myself stuck in a job that caused me a mountain of stress and sleepless nights.”
The turning point came after a series of profound personal losses. Between 2014 and 2016, Alan and his wife lost their parents. Then came job redundancy, more work-related stress, and finally, heart surgery in 2019.
“That was the moment of clarity,” says Alan. “I’d always loved photography since I was a kid – the magic of capturing a moment in time – and I knew I had to do something that made me feel alive again.”
In late 2017, he officially registered Alan Green Photography, a name chosen for its personal touch. With the help of a business mentor and a renewed sense of purpose, Alan began building a brand photography business designed to help others show the human side of their own companies.
Today, Alan has worked with a wide range of clients across the North East – from sole traders and SMEs to larger organisations like Northumbrian Water and international construction firms. His niche? Helping businesses tell their story through honest, authentic imagery.
“It’s not just about taking a photo,” Alan explains. “It’s about putting someone at ease, helping them feel confident, and showing the heart of who they are. I love helping people shine, especially those who might not feel naturally comfortable in front of a camera.”
“A lot of my clients are just like me — people who’ve taken a leap to do something they really care about. I get such a buzz out of helping them present themselves professionally while staying true to who they are.”
Even with challenges like the pandemic delaying his full launch until 2022, Alan now describes his life as “night and day” compared to his former career.
“There’s still stress – but it’s my stress,” he says. “It’s creative, and it’s driven by passion, not pressure. With insurance, I felt like I was surviving. Now, I feel like I’m making a difference. And when a client tells me their photos gave them the confidence to push their business forward — that’s everything.”
While brand photography is his business, Alan still finds time to indulge his original love for landscapes and cityscapes. He’s now working on selling prints online – another step towards building a life and business that align with who he truly is.
“Photography has always helped me appreciate the beauty and inspiration in the world around me. Now, it’s how I help others get seen. That’s the best feeling!”