ABOUT

MELANIE GORDON

For over 25 years, I have been photographing the everyday magic of children and families to preserve and rekindle the wonder of childhood. My mission is to help kids feel seen and heard. When we feel seen and heard we feel a greater sense of self and belonging, which form the foundation for a good life.

I believe in empowering children—through play, imagination, and creativity—to discover, express, and LOVE who they are. When I photograph them, I see future leaders, wonder stewards, love teachers, and imagination guides. When they also see themselves this way they become unstoppable.

I’m known for helping people feel like themselves in photographs and making photos that look and feel like them. I don’t ask children to smile but I do invite them to play and be silly in a safe space, which results in photos that are naturally joyful.

I believe in the power of quiet revolutions, where embracing our authentic selves can activate joy and possibility and effect positive change in the world.

I’ve been exploring humanness for 30 years—from my anthropology degree to my work as a portrait and documentary photographer, and in my art practice, photographing my own motherhood experience as I healed from breast cancer. Reckoning with my own quiet voice in a loud, male dominated world informs my work, particularly my ongoing project BLUSH, which is about girlhood and voice and how girls relate to agency, power, and freedom.

My fine art photography and short films have been supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Laidlaw Foundation. My photographs have been exhibited in Canada and internationally, and commissioned by leaders who are committed to building peace and improving children’s wellbeing. Four books have been published of my portraits. I live in Toronto with my husband and two daughters.

My art can be seen here: https://melaniegordonart.com

Please connect to book a session or collaborate on a project. Let’s make magic together.