When Donna Gordon’s son was a senior in high school she bought her first DSLR camera to take pictures of him playing basketball.
After his graduation in 2014, the Camden Point resident knew she wanted to continue taking photos, but wasn’t sure what exactly to take pictures of.
“After I took some beginner photography classes and joined the Northland Photography Club, I realized I had an eye for it and it was a passion that I could make an income from, plus provide people with memories and pictures they could enjoy,” Gordon said.
She loved taking pictures, especially nature photography, but she didn’t realize that she had always wanted to be a photographer until she found some old journals from high school with an entry saying that she would like to be a photographer in the future.
“I thought I had to have a business license to sell at the street fair in Platte City a few years ago, Gordon said. “I am glad I did it but it was a scary step. I started my business in 2015.”
Gordon decided to name her new business God’s Canvas, but since there was already a photography page that had that name, she decided on God’s Canvas dgordonphotography.
“I started out doing nature photography,” Gordon said. “I just liked capturing the beauty that God creates. He is the ultimate creator and nothing needs to be changed. I wanted people to know that the picture they see is how it was when I snapped the picture. It is God’s masterpiece. I also like to call my style ‘organic photography.’ No added filters or colors. God creates it, I capture it.”
She has won awards for her photography and her work has been displayed in many venues. Currently, she has 16 pieces on display at Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph in Pavilion 1. “Being part of their Artist Experience is very rewarding,” Gordon said.
A large variety of events are covered by Gordon. She takes photos for Feature Family of I29 N. Magazine, Feature Family of 169 N. Magazine and the Platte City Area Chamber of Commerce. She shoots bridal and baby showers, birthdays, reunions, senior photos, family photos, receptions, fundraisers, concerts and car shows and banquets.
“I basically do all kinds of events except weddings,” Gordon said. “I hope to maybe do those in the future, but that is a big responsibility.”
Although her photography is something she does on the side, she would love to be able to make a living at it and do it full-time. She has worked at the Mid-Continent Library in Camden Point for 14 years and had her own cleaning business for almost 20 years.
While it’s hard for her to narrow down her favorite events, she loves getting fun, candid photos.
“The best photos are the ones that aren’t posed and people are relaxed,” Gordon said. “I also offer senior photo sessions for free for those students who would not be able to afford them otherwise. Every senior should have senior pictures. The school is very helpful with that.”
Gordon says that the biggest challenge she has when shooting photos is dealing with lighting and fighting with the sun. “People do not realize that an overcast day is the best time for family pictures,” Gordon said. “Late in the evening, about an hour before sunset when the sun is not overhead is the best time for sunny days. Another struggle is with larger groups. Everyone needs to be looking forward and have their eyes open.”
She hopes to learn more about indoor lighting so she can have that option if she needs it down the road.
Simple and affordable is how she describes her photography. She does not add filters or do special editing, she just likes to take natural photos.
“I have a package for everyone,” Gordon said. And it is priced so everyone can have nice pictures. For my scenic photos, I like to think they are breathtaking. I work hard to get perfect shots that show God’s handy work.”
Studies show that photos not only remind us of people and places that we cherish, they help us remember happy times from the past, which can make us happier in the present.
Gordon believes the key to taking photos that leave life-long impressions is that she lets God show her the beauty in all things he has created.
“I try to always capture that and to try to take a photo from an angle that isn’t generally seen,” Gordon said. “I look at things from a different angle than the standard straight-on shot. In portraits, I like to capture candid moments or non-posed shots to capture the true love of the people. Anyone can pose for a photo, but capturing their love is a bonus.”
Some of her personal favorite photos she has taken includes Eagles at Loess Bluffs. “To be able to see over 100 eagles at once in nature is an amazing sight,” Gordon said. “And to capture photos of them is very rewarding. I also love Milky Way shots. The downfall is you have to drive so far out of the city late at night to get the best ones. I haven’t been able to get a lot but I hope to get more. It is a challenge. Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets are favorites, as well as a full moon rising. Capturing a child’s first steps was also very rewarding.”
While Gordon doesn’t consider herself at the level of professional photographer just yet, she will feel that she has made it when photography becomes her only job.
Her advice for photographer hopefuls is to just get started on that path.
“Get out there and learn as much as you can and take pictures every day, Gordon said. “Practice is how you improve. Get involved with a club or group. I have learned so much from other photographers.”
For more information email Gordon at donnahgordon@yahoo.com or check out her Facebook page at God’s Canvas dgordonphotography.