Gerald Gordon turning passion for photography into pathway

Gerald Gordon’s fascination with art began with sketches and fashion designs, but his true calling came when he first looked through the lens of a camera.

Raised in Portsmouth, Portmore, he borrowed his brother’s camera as a child and, in doing so, discovered his purpose: photography.

With limited resources, he taught himself the craft, turning his home into a small studio and using creativity to overcome challenges. Despite financial struggles, Gordon’s resilience guided him to earn a degree in psychology and community development at the International University of the Caribbean (IUC), where he learnt to merge purpose with passion. He began offering his photography services at church events and youth functions, eventually coming to see the craft as a form of ministry that uplifts, teaches, and heals. Today, the 33-year-old is the founder of Gerald A Gordon Production Limited, a creative enterprise offering photography, event planning, and visual production services. His fine art photography has also been exhibited in Jamaica, Germany, and Canada.

Having once struggled to find guidance early in his journey, Gordon open doors for others. “There’s a gatekeeping culture that exists,” Gordon said. “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 adopt. Rather than closing the door behind him, Gordon to keep it open for others, ensuring that the next generation of creatives has access to the mentorship he never had.

Since 2017, through his mentorship programme, The Perfect Shot Community, Gordon takes pride in knowing that the lessons he shares help his mentees navigate choices and life challenges far beyond artistic pursuits. Building on that mission, he launched a photography club at his alma mater, Waterford High School, two years ago. The initiative transforms an ordinary classroom into a creative space every Friday. There, he teaches students the technical and storytelling aspects of photography, but, most importantly, he teaches them self-belief and broadens their sense of possibilities.

“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 club, earned a gold medal in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Visual Arts Competition for photography in 2024.

The success stories don’t stop there. From his wider mentorship programme, Philip Williams went on to win three medals at the JCDC Visual Arts Competition, one gold and two silver, before migrating to New York, where he continues to pursue photography. Meanwhile, Shaquille Thompson, Kimani Robinson, and Tyrese Foster, three of Gordon’s earlier mentees, were all accepted into IUC, where they earned entry-level electrical engineering diplomas with his guidance and encouragement.

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

Now, 16 years into his career, Gordon continues to embody resilience and purpose. From a self-taught photographer struggling for access to a community builder creating opportunities for others, his journey is one of constant forward motion, proof that even the smallest steps can inspire others to keep walking. In recognition of this creative impact and remarkable journey, Gordon was recently presented with a special gift set by Johnnie Walker.

As he continues to mentor students and exhibit his work on international platforms, he shows what can happen when one man chooses to leave the door open for others to follow.

lifestyle@gleanerjm.com