Photographer Philip Gould Captures the Essence of Louisiana

Documentary photographer Philip Gould has made a significant impact on the visual landscape of Louisiana, capturing its unique culture and spirit through his lens. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Gould has traveled extensively, but it is the vibrant heart of south Louisiana that resonates most deeply with him. His journey into photography began at the age of 20 when his mother gifted him a camera. This pivotal moment in 1971 sparked a passion that would shape his career.

After studying journalism and earning a degree in photojournalism from San Jose State University, Gould secured his first job at The Daily Iberian in New Iberia in 1974. He describes this opportunity as “the best first job a photographer could hope for,” allowing him the freedom to explore and capture the essence of a community with limited news coverage. Over the next five decades, his work has spanned multiple countries, numerous exhibitions, and the publication of over 20 books.

In 1976, Gould moved to Dallas to join the staff of the Dallas Times Herald. However, the allure of Louisiana’s culture, characterized by its oak trees, Spanish moss, and lively music, drew him back to Acadiana in 1978. He found a profound sense of connection with the Cajun culture, stating, “Louisiana had a wonderful sense of rootedness… people are from here — and not only that, their ancestors are from here.”

Gould’s first book, “Les Cadiens D’Asteur: Today’s Cajuns,” released in 1980, showcased his affinity for the region and became a traveling exhibit. His photographs have since been displayed in prestigious venues such as the Field Museum of Natural History and the New Orleans Museum of Art. He has co-authored 16 books, including “Ghosts of Good Times,” which explores abandoned dance halls in southern Louisiana, and “Bridging the Mississippi,” a comprehensive study of bridges across the Mississippi River.

His latest project, “Louisiana from the Sky,” set to be published by UL Press on December 9, 2023, offers a unique aerial perspective of the state through drone photography. Gould’s childhood experiences in California, surrounded by dynamic mountain landscapes, influenced his perception of Louisiana’s flat terrain. He believes that true beauty and drama can only be appreciated from above, stating, “You really can’t see Louisiana in its full glory and potential from the ground.”

Gould’s captivating work goes beyond mere documentation; it evokes a sense of place and emotion. He often finds inspiration in the architecture of Louisiana, particularly when it intersects with the lives of its inhabitants. His ability to translate the spirit of a moment into a powerful image has garnered him recognition from peers and art institutions alike.

Mark Tullos, executive director at the LSU Museum of Art, describes Gould as a “master” of capturing the essence of Louisiana’s culture. Their first encounter was in 2002 at a festival in Lafayette, where Tullos saw Gould precariously balanced on a ladder, capturing the vibrant atmosphere. “He’s like our memory,” Tullos reflected. “You go back to an exhibition later, and you see an image and think, ‘I remember that, and I remember that day.’”

Michael Martin, a history professor at the University of Louisiana, emphasizes that Gould’s photography transcends geographical boundaries. “You can hear the music. You can feel the dance floor kind of bouncing up and down,” he noted. “You can look at his photographs and say, ‘You know what, I can kind of sense what it would be like to be there.’”

With five decades of experience, Gould’s photographs serve as a reminder of identity for the people of south Louisiana. Through his lens, the everyday becomes extraordinary, and the familiar is transformed into something timeless. As he continues to document the rich culture of this region, his work remains a vital reflection of Louisiana’s enduring spirit.