Conversations with Allison Scavo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Scavo

Hi Allison, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The fact that I’m here to tell my story is nothing shy of a miracle. I grew up in a revolving door of chaos. Between the drugs, fights, and isolation my role models were less than present for me. I had a beacon of light though.
My sister, Amy, is 14 years older than me. She was a teacher at the elementary school I attended so the age gap only drew us closer together. It was through her and her husband I learned that you define who you are, not your zip code. My father traveled for work but made sure I understood the importance of hard work and not giving up. Due to the aforementioned chaos, I was on my own at 16. My dad always ensured I had what I needed.
Later I became a teacher myself, got married, and had a son. Fast forward a decade, I’m divorced began dating a man who instantly gave me a familiar feeling, which turned out to be chaos. I fell in love with someone who turned out to be a drug addict and before I knew it, I was isolated from all I knew. We lived together and were having a baby. The stress from the domestic violence caused a miscarriage and our relationship was never the same. He became violent but would come back with extravagant gifts, including a camera and everything that comes with it.
I eventually had the resources to leave him, which left me in and out of domestic violence shelters as I was stalked, harassed, and fleeing for my life. My family was ridiculed, my darkest experiences were doxxed alongside names of my family members, I was falsely accused of crimes, and so much more. It was, bar none, the most shocking and vile experience I’ve ever undergone. And we’re still in trial for it all.
I was trying to pick up the pieces of my life with the support of my friends who stuck by me through everything. I went to a local concert, then another, and another. Before long I was having mimosas with a drummer who casually mentioned his band needed new photos. I quickly volunteered, referencing the gifted “I’m sorry for beating you” camera. I took photos of a local band, then another, and another. Within four months I was working with Slash, Bob Weir, and Snoop Dogg. My life had completely changed but this time for the better.
Since then I’ve gotten out of the shelters, into permanent housing, upgraded my camera setup, been published in 6 magazines including Rolling Stone, and was awarded Missouri’s Best 2024. I also pressed forward to become a school administrator and earn my doctorate next year!
Familiarity isn’t always safe, breaking toxic cycles physically hurts, but fading away simply isn’t an option. Utilizing lessons from the trespasses of life only help you succeed moving forward. “Life may be sweeter for this, I don’t know. See how it feels in the end.” – Grateful Dead

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth like crunchy peanut butter. Homelessness, violence, trauma were rampant throughout my life. It hasn’t always been bad, I’ve always managed to find the resources I need, but I never should have been in a position where I had to be resourceful.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in concert photography but I also do album art, interviews, music journalism, album reviews, and more. I’m most proud of my style, which has grown so much. I never took rejection as a personal slight but a learning opportunity to get the approval next time.

How do you define success?
Success is accomplishing the goal no matter what it takes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.scavosphotos.com/
• Instagram: @scavosphotos
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/scavosphotos