GORDON GETS TO THE ESSENCE OF PENINSULA PEOPLE
By Melissa Walsh
I
t was a Kodak instamatic camera given to eight year old Daryl Gordon that ignited a passion for photography lasting more than four decades. Now the Mornington Peninsula photographer’s love for portraiture has culminated in an exhibition of his work at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery.
The exhibition entitled Peninsula People is the result of more than a decade’s work photographing people from 2003-2015, and it is the first time this selection of portraits has been displayed on the peninsula. “The series began when I was meeting and photographing people for the local newspaper. I suddenly had access to people like Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and realised what a great thing it would be to document photos of interesting peninsula people for history’s sake,” said Gordon, who works in the documentary, editorial-style
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of photography, capturing a moment in time with a person in their own setting. “Most of the time I like to photograph people in their own familiar environment. Choosing who to photograph comes from an initial gut feeling and inspiration to understand more about the person,” said Gordon. “I did have the intention of it being a project but it was fellow photographer, Yanni, who said I need to get it out there. I approached the gallery and now the project is being exhibited there. The response has been very positive.” Like a portrait painter, Gordon draws out the personality of his sitter, after spending a little time with them and getting to know their personality. The exhibition of 24 pieces includes Gus and Lou, local music legends in Balnarring, musician James Reyne with his guitar, local kindergarten teacher Karen Anderson, Dame continued next page...