Gerald Gordon: Young Photographer On the Rise
Published:Wednesday | April 11, 2018 | 12:00 AM
Photographs are such a joy as they remind us of the people, places, and activities we love. Over the years, Gerald Gordon has mastered the craft of keeping memories and recording moments that are so precious but also so easily forgotten.
Gordon, winner of The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited's Capturing in the Kingston Photo Competition People of Kingston category, has been passionate about photography since his early years.
His winning piece, dubbed 'Early Bird Catches The First Worm', featured a young Alex Walker, nicknamed 'Hot Tool', peddling his products on a handcart in downtown Kingston.
"Upon my many visits to downtown Kingston, I have observed how the vendors behave. This time, I started with an elderly lady sitting on a cart, but then, I saw Alex trying to sell his goods from the cart and I was immediately drawn to the ways in which he tried to get the attention of persons who were passing by him," Gordon said.
He explained that when he took the first photograph of Walker, the vendor became even more excited by the attention and started to throw clothes up in the air. Gordon indicated that these gestures gave him the opportunity to take additional photographs of Walker, and he was able to take the perfect shot that was chosen as the winning piece.
"There were a few other vendors that were in the same vicinity, and they all echoed similar sentiments that I would be the winner. Alex, they said, had the magic touch and he was able to sell all his goods in a very short time. They said he would make me lucky and that I would win," Gordon laughed heartily as he recalled the conversations with the vendors.
Gordon, who expressed appreciation for the experience he garnered from the competition, is motivated to continue on his journey to master the art of photography. The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts graduate has worked assiduously over the last six years to create a significant niche in the photography industry and is driven by his natural creativity. His aim is to capture your precious memories at the best quality.
RIGHT COMBINATION
"When I was younger, I used to do sketches, and then my brother bought his first digital camera. From I set my hands on it, I was motivated to learn and develop my skills around it. I am a person of strong faith, and I approach everything I do with confidence, and I know I will continue to do well," Gordon said.
With a Bachelor of Arts degree in general studies, a major in psychology and a minor in community development from the International University of the Caribbean, Gordon has also shifted into a visual storyteller through photography.
His style is a mixture of traditional contemporary and documentary, providing just the right combination to make your story unique, creative and beautiful.
'Working towards
great things'
Gerald Gordon captures life-changing experiences, random personal moments, and raw emotions while adding his own personal touch to make your moment extra special.
The Waterford High School past student has in the past two years, has also started a photography company, 3DotHD Media and Entertainment, that gives other photographers the opportunity to learn about photography and receive exposure while honing their skills.
The 26-year-old has also approached his alma mater to establish a photography club at the institution with the objective of teaching students the skills of the art and paving the way for them to develop their own artistic and creative talents.
"I am working towards great things, and I would like my own studio. At the moment, I work out of my home based in Portmore. I am aiming to work on major projects one day and spread my wings even further. It is a very competitive market-place, but I know I can make it," Gordon said.
Other awards under his belt include the Scotiabank My Jamaica Calendar Photo competition, in which his entry was chosen for the bank's 2018 calendar. The photo was used for the month of March. He also won second prize in the United States Embassy Martin Luther King Photo competition.
For additional information, visit www.geraldagordon.com.