"Photographs of the Street"
"Photographs of the Street" by Dr. W. Gordon
Artist Bio
Dr. W. Gordon was born in Youngstown, Ohio to immigrant parents. He holds fond childhood memories of riding in a peddler’s wagon with his grandfather, observing local life on the streets. This experience sparked his interest in humanity and his desire to share the complexities of individual lives.
Dr. Gordon was introduced to photography while attending Ohio University. After graduating from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Dr. Gordon served as a dentist in the United States Navy, where he continued to perfect his technical photographic skills.
Dr. Gordon practiced dentistry for 61 years, receiving the Dental Society’s Recognition of Outstanding Service. Other passions include gardening, woodworking, and volunteer work. He and his wife, Carol, are actively involved with Inspiring Minds, which provides students opportunities to better themselves through education.
Artist Statement
Street Photography is about the world of man and his influences. It is not always perfect in a technical sense. Fancy frames and vivid colors are nonessential. Predominately, natural light and minimal equipment capture the subject. Super optics and the best lens do not always guarantee good photographs. It is important to have a strong image, one that captures the subject and tells a story. Great photographers use their minds and their hearts, as well as the proper equipment.
Street photographers wander and respond instinctively to what they find rather than consciously searching for specific subjects. They observe and let their subjects speak for themselves, capturing the complexity and relationships of everyday life.
At times, my approach has been candid. More often, it has been confrontational. For many years, I have photographed on the street, a pursuit that has allowed me to express my feelings and derive much pleasure. Personal contacts with the subjects have helped create lasting memories of the persons, places, and creatures that have come my way.
