Documentary photographer Philip Gould has traveled extensively around the world, capturing diverse landscapes and countless subjects through his lens, but nothing compares to the profound spiritual connection he feels with south Louisiana. The San Francisco Bay Area native discovered his calling at age 20 when his mother purchased a camera that would change the trajectory of his entire life.
It was 1971 when Gould's photography journey began with what he describes as a decent camera his mother had bought. "It wasn't half bad," Gould recalled. "I commandeered it and started taking pictures like crazy." This newfound passion quickly evolved from a hobby into a serious pursuit, leading him to study journalism at a local community college before earning a photojournalism degree from San Jose State University. Gould knew instinctively that photography needed to become his career. "It spoke to me loudly," he explained.
Fresh out of college in 1974, Gould landed what would prove to be a career-defining position at The Daily Iberian in New Iberia, Louisiana. This first job turned out to be, in Gould's words, "the best first job a photographer could hope for." Working in a small town where major news was scarce, he was given unprecedented creative freedom to photograph virtually anything, as long as readers found the images engaging and enjoyable.
The opportunity in New Iberia proved transformative for Gould's artistic development. This early experience of creative independence laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished five-decade career spanning multiple countries, numerous museum exhibitions, and more than 20 published books. The freedom to explore and experiment with his craft in Louisiana's unique cultural landscape shaped his artistic vision and technical approach.
After spending a year and a half in New Iberia, Gould relocated to Dallas in 1976 to work at the Dallas Times Herald. However, Louisiana's magnetic pull proved irresistible. In 1978, drawn back by the area's distinctive oak trees draped in Spanish moss, intricate waterways, rich musical traditions, and warm-hearted people, he returned to Acadiana to make it his permanent home.
"I found that Louisiana had a wonderful sense of rootedness," Gould explained, describing what captivated him most about the region. "People are from here – and not only that, their ancestors are from here." This deep generational connection to place, combined with the area's French-speaking heritage and the residents' renowned sense of humor, created an environment where Gould felt truly at home.
Gould's latest work, "Louisiana from the Sky," showcases his aerial photography of the state's diverse landscapes and communities. The book features stunning images ranging from barrier reefs in Point Aux Chien to elaborate alligator bonfire structures in Garyville, palm trees lining Canal Street in New Orleans, and the distinctive cypress knees emerging from waters in Stephensville. His work captures both the natural beauty and cultural richness that define Louisiana's unique character.
Throughout his career, Gould has documented everything from explosive bridge demolitions, such as the spectacular controlled destruction of the old Savanna-Sabula Bridge in Illinois where over 380 charges detonated simultaneously, to intimate moments like Raymond Manson praying beneath the Crescent City Connection. His versatility with both traditional photography and modern drone technology demonstrates his commitment to evolving with the medium while maintaining his artistic vision.
The photographer's deep connection to Louisiana extends beyond mere professional success to a genuine spiritual and emotional bond with the land and its people. His decades-long commitment to documenting the state's landscapes, traditions, and communities has resulted in an invaluable visual record of a region that continues to inspire and nurture his creative work. For Gould, Louisiana isn't just a subject to photograph – it's home, muse, and the source of his most meaningful artistic expression.
