About Gavin Doran
Gavin Doran was born on March 23, 1992, alongside his identical twin brother, Chase. Growing up on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico in Destin, Florida, he was captivated by the fishermen unloading their daily catch behind Harbor Docks restaurant. These childhood scenes left an indelible mark on Gavin’s imagination and later inspired his first portrait project, 'Sons of the Sea.'
Gavin moved to New York City in 2016, where he met Polish entrepreneur and artist Nicola Leończyk. They married in August 2023 at the historic Książ Castle in Wałbrzych, Poland.
When Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, just three days into the war, he was on the ground at the Polish-Ukrainian border, documenting the human cost of displacement. Soon after, he boarded a supply train into L'viv. His resulting photo project, 'Slava Ukraini,' documents the early days of one of the defining conflicts of our time.
Today, Gavin divides his time between New York City, Florida, and Gdańsk, Poland. His empathy for humanity and passion for visual storytelling drive him to seek out global assignments and impactful campaigns. His attention to detail enables him to craft clean images that stir emotion, spark dialogue, and leave lasting impressions.
For Gavin, photography is more than a profession—it’s a philosophy. He believes documenting helps us understand the world more deeply and discover something essential about ourselves. His work aims to elevate beauty in the every day, encourage gratitude, and inspire others to find their unique creative voice.
Gavin’s artistry has been recognized with numerous prestigious accolades, including:
2024 Independent Photographer Street Photo Award Finalist
2023 British Journal of Photography’s 'Portrait of Humanity' Award
2023 Life Framer 'Color' Award
2022 British Journal of Photography’s 'Decade of Change' Award
2022 Life Framer 'Human Body' Award
2022 Life Framer 'Street Photography' Award
With 14 years of dedication to his craft, Gavin’s work has graced the pages of renowned publications such as Forbes, GQ, and Rolling Stone. His relentless pursuit of excellence continues to fuel his ambition as he explores new creative frontiers. Eager to push the boundaries of his art, Gavin remains committed to collaborating with clients who share his passion for meaningful storytelling and visual impact.