Alan Barnett grew up in Union, New Jersey, and graduated with a BA in Communication from Rutgers College. He now lives in New York City and Asbury Park, New Jersey. The son of a math teacher and an art director, he became an art director himself and worked for publishers designing books and marketing materials. In 1994, he left to start his own graphic design firm in New York City. Alan soon discovered that his love of fine art photography was a perfect complement to his skills as an art director. He enrolled in classes at the International Center of Photography and studied under H. Eugene Foster, Harvey Stein, and Joel Meyerowitz.

Alan is currently working on a long-term documentary photography project with the Asbury Park Fire Department, exploring the lives of firefighters and what it means to be a hero.