Allan Hall is an information technology specialist, photographer, amateur astronomer/astrophotographer, and published writer born in Spartanburg, South Carolina and raised in Huntsville, Texas. He has worked in information technology since 1981, has worked as a part time photographer since 1985 and started his own commercial photography business in 2010. These endeavors gave him the technical-writing and photographic skills he needed to share his passions with others. Allan has published several books, including "Getting Started: Long Exposure Astrophotography", "Getting Started: Budget Astrophotography", "Getting Started: Visual Astronomy", "Messier Astrophotography Reference" and the bestselling "Getting Started: Using an Equatorial Telescope Mount." His images, books, and articles have been featured on TV, in radio, and in both print and online publications. In his spare time, Allan enjoys a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, such as cycling, collecting fountain pens, fencing, and amateur radio. He has been a long-time member of the North Houston Astronomy Club, the Astronomical League, and the Huntsville Amateur Astronomical Society as well as being a member of the United States Fencing Association. He and his wife since 1989, Sue Ann, enjoy caring for the cats they have rescued over the years and driving their MINI Coopers.