Family portraits are a staple of the modern household, usually depicting all members lined up in front of the fireplace or lounging in their matching outfits on a beach. You won’t find any ordinary images like this in the portfolio of Hudson Valley photographer Doron Gild, who pushes the boundaries of what a family portrait can and can’t be. Gild’s work is all about turning a mundane moment in time into an unforgettable experience that families cherish not only in their memories, but also in the one-of-a-kind images they take home.
Gild is an Israeli-born artist who began his career as a professional photographer nearly two decades ago after graduating with a masters in professional studies from the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 2012. Going on to work with big talent like ID Magazine, Bacardi, and Warner Brothers, to name a few, Gild has pioneered his own style of portraiture along the way, with a focus on a particularly rich and deep palette and a passion for capturing people in their own environments, “creating a portrait within a portrait.” During his career, Gild has managed to bring his distinct visual style to collaborations and projects as he seamlessly toggles between commercial and artistic endeavors.
Inspired by fascinating people, Gild’s work is never passive. Instead, every millimeter of the frame is meticulously thought out and planned beforehand to contribute to the overall effect of the photo. From location-specific sites to light setups and moods, Gild considers every detail so he can concentrate on content and engaging with his subject for a more expressive result at each shoot. Gild leaves little to chance, with the exception of the right moment and his subjects being in the right state of mind, and the outcome is beautiful imagery that deeply explores individuals and the spaces within which they live and work – and is often candidly curious.
In his portraits and commissioned work, Gild displays a certain fascination with anthropology, placing his human subjects in calculated positions, juxtaposing suburbia with high-end couture, bending shadows to suit his needs, and, most importantly, not letting any detail go overlooked. From the painting on a house to the arrangement of balls on a pool table, every piece of his portraits helps to communicate something about the lives and interests of the individuals photographed.
“The people and families Doron photographs are protagonists, never idle, never surplus, ever present.”
The entire process from start to finish is a fun and exciting adventure in immersion for each family, taking them on a journey together to experience a new history that ultimately creates a show of delight at the end that is beaming with expression. Doron facilitates a family bonding experience with his warm personality and acute style of light and texture, the final product of which becomes a new vernacular of the family unit.
Although Gild has a lot to show for his 20-year career of photographing celebrities, brand campaigns, and everything in between, he is just getting started here in the Hudson Valley and is already making waves with his unique approach that creates a new genre of family portrait.
Doron Gild’s work is currently on display at Hundred Mile Gallery at 6417 Montgomery Street in Rhinebeck.
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