Gerald Gordon turning ardour for pictures into pathway | Way of life

Gerald Gordon’s fascination with artwork started with sketches and trend designs, however his true calling got here when he first appeared via the lens of a digital camera.

Raised in Portsmouth, Portmore, he borrowed his brother’s digital camera as a toddler and, in doing so, found his function: pictures.

With restricted sources, he taught himself the craft, turning his dwelling right into a small studio and utilizing creativity to beat challenges. Despite monetary struggles, Gordon’s resilience guided him to earn a level in psychology and neighborhood improvement on the International University of the Caribbean (IUC), the place he learnt to merge function with ardour. He started providing his pictures providers at church occasions and youth capabilities, finally coming to see the craft as a type of ministry that uplifts, teaches, and heals. Today, the 33-year-old is the founding father of Gerald A Gordon Production Limited, a inventive enterprise providing pictures, occasion planning, and visible manufacturing providers. His wonderful artwork pictures has additionally been exhibited in Jamaica, Germany, and Canada.

Having as soon as struggled to seek out steerage early in his journey, Gordon open doorways for others. “There’s a gatekeeping culture that exists,” Gordon mentioned. “A lot of veterans or renowned photographers have this kind of mentality; they don’t want to share knowledge or give new talent a chance. When I started, I had to figure out everything on my own.” It’s a mindset he refuses to undertake. Rather than closing the door behind him, Gordon to maintain it open for others, making certain that the subsequent technology of creatives has entry to the mentorship he by no means had.

Since 2017, via his mentorship programme, The Perfect Shot Community, Gordon takes satisfaction in figuring out that the teachings he shares assist his mentees navigate decisions and life challenges far past inventive pursuits. Building on that mission, he launched a pictures membership at his alma mater, Waterford High School, two years in the past. The initiative transforms an peculiar classroom right into a inventive area each Friday. There, he teaches college students the technical and storytelling elements of pictures, however, most significantly, he teaches them self-belief and broadens their sense of prospects.

“I want them to see that their circumstances don’t define their potential,” he says. “If I can help them believe in themselves, the pictures will take care of themselves.” His efforts have already borne fruit. Damar Williams, a member of the membership, earned a gold medal within the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Visual Arts Competition for pictures in 2024.

The success tales don’t cease there. From his wider mentorship programme, Philip Williams went on to win three medals on the JCDC Visual Arts Competition, one gold and two silver, earlier than migrating to New York, the place he continues to pursue pictures. Meanwhile, Shaquille Thompson, Kimani Robinson, and Tyrese Foster, three of Gordon’s earlier mentees, had been all accepted into IUC, the place they earned entry-level electrical engineering diplomas along with his steerage and encouragement.

Each success, Gordon mentioned, reaffirms his function. “Moments like that remind me why I started this,” he displays. “It’s not about me anymore. It’s about them.”

Now, 16 years into his profession, Gordon continues to embody resilience and function. From a self-taught photographer struggling for entry to a neighborhood builder creating alternatives for others, his journey is one in every of fixed ahead movement, proof that even the smallest steps can encourage others to maintain strolling. In recognition of this inventive affect and memorable journey, Gordon was lately offered with a particular present set by Johnnie Walker.

As he continues to mentor college students and exhibit his work on worldwide platforms, he exhibits what can occur when one man chooses to go away the door open for others to comply with.

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