SOMETIMES one of the most interesting things about a photograph is the story outside the frame.

Basically self-taught, Daniel Down understands that when it comes to photography, it’s just as important to click with people, than just the shutter.

Moving to the region in 1994, Daniel quickly fell in love with the landscape of Gawler and its people.

Sharing admin duties with Chantelle and Sheree on the ‘I’m from Gawler’ Facebook page, Daniel realised his extensive archive of pictures – dating back to the 90s – warranted their own page, and began ‘Gawler In Photographs’.

“I used to do a segment on I’m from Gawler called ‘Guess Where’, so I would take a photo of like a doorway and people would guess where it was, which did really well,” he said.

“I thought, ‘I’ve got so many photos, why don’t I make it my own thing and have a separate page?’

“It’s a way of promoting the region and showcasing what other people see through a camera.

“I would love if more people would send in their own pictures. I love seeing different perspectives, and it’s not just for my own.”

Daniel lives in Evanston Gardens with his wife, Kelly, and studied photography at Para Hills High School.

He finds beauty in abandonment and captures images others may not have looked twice at.

“At school they gave us a camera and I would always be down at Gawler or Willaston taking pictures,” Daniel said.

“I work for Siena Foods as a visual merchandiser and that takes me out to Norwood, Boden and all these great spots.

“I like to consider myself an urban explorer. I get up Google Maps and look for all the ruins in the area and explore around them.

“I also love photographing graffiti and have found some great artwork under bridges and through underground tunnels.”

Daniel said his latest project, ‘Humans of Gawler’, was a “long-time coming”.

“I’d always liked the idea of photographing people, just like crowds or people walking down the street, because whenever you do that, people say, ‘oh look that’s me’,” he said.

“There’s a ‘Humans of New York’ that I saw on Instagram, where the photographer would just go up and talk to people who would have amazing stories.

“I jumped on board and as soon as I started talking to people here I realised they’re more than their high vis or their uniform – they’ve got these amazing stories behind them.”

To participate in Humans of Gawler, Daniel said people are not required to live in the town.

“I also meet with people who work in Gawler or have a history with the town – basically people who have a face here,” he said.

“It’s not just about the more well-known people in the community like Tony Piccolo or the Mayor Karen Redman – who were great people to meet and see their human side – but it’s also about your everyday person as well.

“Some of our most engaging posts have been with Joe – the owner of Cibo Gawler – and with my former postman Des Kelly.

“There’s certainly been some interesting characters too, like Carol Pieterse and her bunny Arbuckle.

“She was really interesting and loves her rabbit so much she does little comics, makes toys and sends them overseas.”

Daniel hopes to meet more ‘Humans of Gawler’ through his photography.

To be involved in the Humans of Gawler project send a message to Daniel via his Facebook page.

“You don’t have to be rich, successful, well-known. Maybe you’re new to area? Maybe you want to spruik your business? Maybe you just want your face plastered over Facebook?”, he said.

“Everyone has a story to tell... what’s yours?”