Woody Gooch
Background
A young photographer from the Sunshine Coast of Noosa, Queensland. Gooch has been skating and surfing since he was six. It was these sports, plus his love of travel, that ignited his passion for photography. Woody Gooch has become known for his bold, minimal and textural works that cast a fresh and elegant eye over the ocean and its riders. A surfer himself, Gooch captures fleeting moments in the water while honouring the sensual beauty of the waves. In black and white and muted tones, the captivating works of Woody Gooch are the antithesis of high-action, high-zoom imagery often associated with surf photography.
”Viewing his landscapes and oceans is a transcendental experience. One gets the feeling that Gooch is inside the photographs, not merely an observer. His subjects, mostly friends, might be surfing, or carving tracks on dirt bikes in a moonscape, but they move in harmony with the world, with reverence to the earth, to the magic and power of Mother Nature. One stands in awe, breathless at the view.”
Favored Outcomes
Awards
2018 – Finalist, Nikon Surf Photographer Of the Year
2016 – Finalist, Nikon Surf Photographer Of the Year
2015 – Lifestyle Winner – Monster Children
2015 – Finalist, Follow the Light Foundation
2014 – Finalist, Follow the Light Foundation
Inspiration
Woody Gooch’s photography has inspired me to produce images that similarly capture the essence of the ocean and surfing culture. Gooch’s ability to convey raw emotions and the beauty of the sea has motivated me to experiment with differing angles, lighting, and compositions in my own work. By drawing inspiration from Gooch’s style, I aim to develop a unique approach that reflects my similar passion for the ocean and storytelling through photography.
Minimalist Approach
Woody Gooch incorporates aspects of minimalist photography in his work by focusing on essential elements, simplifying compositions, and using negative space effectively. His images often have a clean and uncluttered look, allowing the main subject to stand out prominently. Gooch’s minimalist approach helps draw attention to the beauty of the ocean and the emotions of the surfers without distractions, creating a sense of calm and purity in his photography. I intend to produce outcomes of similar compositions.
Decisive Moment
Woody Gooch captures the decisive moment in his surf photography by expertly timing his shots to freeze the perfect instant when the surfer’s movements, the wave, and the surrounding elements align harmoniously. This approach allows him to convey the dynamic energy and emotion of the surfing experience in a single, powerful image. Gooch’s ability to anticipate and capture these decisive moments adds a sense of drama and intensity to his work, immersing viewers in the exhilarating world of surfing.
Image Analysis
”Weight” – Woody Gooch
Visually – The visual elements seem to capture an essence of heaviness, hence the title, the play of light and shadow adds depth to the image, highlighting the contrast between light and dark.
Technically – Gooch’s composition and framing create a visual balance that enhances the overall impact of the image. The black and white photography choice gives a timeless and moody feel to the piece.
Contextually – “Weight” may reflect themes of struggle, resilience, and the human experience of carrying burdens. The title itself suggests a sense of heaviness and responsibility.
