About the Founder & Photographer, Barb Gordon
Hi I am Barb Gordon, also a breast cancer survivor, and I was diagnosed in May 2006. During my treatment days, I was desperately trying to find ladies that were long term survivors to fight the fears I was going through.
I was also determined not waste my pain, to do something positive with my experience to help others. I want to be part of the Bible verse, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28
So after much thought, collaborating, and prayer the idea of telling survivors’ stories through images was developed into the Portraits & Stories blog starting in July 2009. www.PortraitsAndStories.com
I want people to find the comfort and camaraderie that I have already felt with the first two ladies I have photographed.
I was concerned at the beginning of this project that I would revisit unpleasant memories and emotions. Although that will probably be true, at times, these ladies and photo sessions have been so awesome that I want to focus more of my attention on this pro bono project than my regular studio work.
The other great part of this project from an artistic stand point is that I have total creative control. I meet each candidate to get to know them, get ideas about how I want to photograph them, and find out what they are comfortable with.
Coffee table books and speaking engagements will be available in the future.
If you would like to be considered for participation in this project please click the tab: Participation Application on the right under Pages.
Barb Gordon, M.Photog., CR, CPP, is a nationally published and award winning photographer, entrepreneur, speaker, and author. She has been published in the prestigious PPA Loan Collection 2006, PPA Showcase 2003, twice named Iowa‘s Top Ten Photographer of the Year, 2010 Iowa’s Master Photographer of the Year, and 2010 Professional Photographers of America’s Photographer of the Year, Silver Level.
She has been locally honored by YWCA Tribute to Women of Achievement 2001 and Advanced Entrepreneur of the Year 2003. Barb owns Gordon Photography & Gallery, Inc. in Marion, Iowa specializing in customized portrait art. Learn more at www.GordonPhotography.Biz
When not at work, Barb enjoys life on a farm with her hubby, horses, dogs, cats, and organically raised chickens.