Documentary photographer Philip Gould has dedicated over five decades to capturing the essence of Louisiana, a place he feels an extraordinary bond with. Although he has traveled extensively, Louisiana remains unmatched in its personal significance to him. His journey began at the age of 20 when his mother gifted him a camera that ignited his passion for photography.
Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, Gould’s early fascination with photography led him to pursue journalism studies at a community college, eventually earning a degree in photojournalism from San Jose State. His first significant opportunity came in 1974 when he started working for The Daily Iberian in New Iberia, Louisiana. This role allowed him the creative freedom to explore and photograph a wide range of subjects, which he describes as “the best first job a photographer could hope for.”
Gould’s time in New Iberia marked a pivotal moment in his career. He quickly fell in love with the local culture, leading him to return to Louisiana in 1978 after a brief stint in Dallas. The unique blend of oak trees, Spanish moss, music, and community spirit deeply resonated with him. “I found that Louisiana had a wonderful sense of rootedness,” Gould remarked, appreciating the strong ties residents have to their ancestral heritage.
His connection to the region inspired his first book, “Les Cadiens D’Asteur: Today’s Cajuns,” released in 1980, which later evolved into a traveling exhibition. Since then, Gould’s work has been showcased in prominent institutions, including the Louisiana Art & Science Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art. With over 16 published books, his projects range from exploring abandoned dance halls in south Louisiana to an extensive examination of bridges crossing the Mississippi River.
Gould’s latest endeavor, “Louisiana from the Sky,” is set to be published by UL Press on December 9, 2023. This innovative project utilizes drone photography to present a fresh perspective of the Bayou State. Inspired by the dramatic landscapes of his California upbringing, Gould aims to showcase Louisiana’s beauty from an aerial viewpoint. “You really can’t see Louisiana in its full glory from the ground,” he explained. “The flat landscape spreads out before you, revealing its true drama.”
Gould is known for his ability to capture the spirit of the people and architecture of Louisiana. He often draws inspiration from unconventional ideas that evolve into significant projects, such as his acclaimed series on train stations in France titled “Les Plus Belles Gares de France.”
Mark Tullos, executive director at the LSU Museum of Art, first met Gould in 2002 at a festival in Lafayette. He recalls seeing Gould perched atop a 14-foot ladder, capturing the lively atmosphere of the event. Tullos admired Gould’s commitment to his craft, describing him as a visionary akin to other great artists. “He’s like our memory,” Tullos noted, emphasizing Gould’s role in preserving Louisiana’s cultural heritage through photography.
Michael Martin, a history professor at the University of Louisiana, praises Gould’s work for its emotional depth and universal appeal. “He goes beyond documenting; his photographs evoke and convey experiences that resonate with everyone,” Martin stated. “You can look at his photographs and sense what it would be like to be there.”
Through his lens, Philip Gould transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary, reminding the people of south Louisiana of their identity and shared experiences. As he continues his photographic journey, his work remains a testament to the vibrant culture and spirit of Louisiana.
