Project Description by Nicole de Rochemont

Zest for Learning is the brainchild of Gordon Campey. It came about because of his fascination and enthusiasm for learning and the sharing of knowledge, a sentiment, which is shared by many who attend MCLL, McGill Community for Lifelong Learning
To embark on the project Zest for Learning and obtain the quality of photographs assembled for book, exhibit, and website requires certain abilities and a definite sensitivity that few possess.
Gordon purchased his first serious camera about 30 years ago. After pursuing actively photography as a hobby, the ever-increasing demands of his professional work for a multinational company forced him to put aside photography until his retirement when he took up digital photography, concentrating mainly on landscapes, nature, and travel.
Over the last fifteen years he has taken many courses and workshops with renowned photographers such as Louise Tanguay, Richard Martin, John Issac, Joyce Tenneson and others. Joyce Tenneson had the most influence in leading Gordon towards portraiture. Today it is the type of photography he prefers the most.
Concurrently, he joined MILR/MCLL and photographed members at different social events and study groups for over 10 years. Secretly, he entertained the thought that he wanted to do studio portraits of the many interesting people he met over the years.
Gordon does not engage in photography for profit. His motivation is a testimony to the kind of person he is. Over the years, he has volunteered to photograph mentally and physically handicapped children for several organizations: Le Phare, Enfants et Familles/The Lighthouse, Children and Families, The Friendship Circle, Centre de Réadaptation Marie Enfant and St-Justine’s Hospital. He has also done portraits of elderly patients at l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal.
Describing this work, Gordon states, “I am very much at ease with this special clientele, which some photographers hesitate to photograph. I try to bring out the best in each subject. The resultant portraits are valued by the parents and family of the people I photograph. That is my satisfaction. My years of training and my significant investment in equipment could hardly be put to better use.”
When asked to describe himself, curious, enthusiastic, and caring are the three words he chose. Fittingly, I think!
How does he manage to capture the essence of all those who have been photographed here? In his words, “A portrait can be viewed as a friendly conversation with a willing subject. It requires knowing who the subject is and being genuinely interested in him or her. Actually it is easy because I am doing this activity in large part for the pure pleasure of capturing the unique expression of each person as he or she would greet a friend.”
I am pleased to think that browsing through the book and/or website will bring pleasure to many. Long live lifelong learning - with zest!

Nicole de Rochemont, (collaborator in this project and author of descriptive texts)