Matt Gould can often be seen on the sideline of Waikato sports’ moments, and he made a bit of history when one of his rugby photos was named a finalist in a prestigious international competition.
This portrait of Fiji under 20s Counties Manukau player Rupeni Nakiyoyo has been internationally recognised. Photo: Matt Gould
The Rugby Journal rugby photographer of the year is a sought-after title and while Gould missed out on that by not breaking out of the strong portrait category, the honour of having his photo on display at the World Rugby Museum in London was prize enough.
Cambridge born Gould, 53, spent several years in the United Kingdom after leaving Cambridge High School and it was in Yorkshire where he met now wife Debbie.
The couple have two children and returned to the town in 2009.
“I have always had an interest in photography, but I would say only in the last four years did I have the confidence to back myself and put myself out there.”
Gould does not want to pigeonhole himself as solely a rugby photographer, Hautapu Sports Club will attest to that. Gould has photographed all the sports that come under its umbrella.
“I’ve photographed judo, lacrosse, boxing and recently started cycling and polo. It’s all about pushing yourself and improving.”
He says he looks back at his early photos and says: “OMG they look bad, yet I think most photographers are critical of their own work.”
“I’ve photographed a few weddings and love black and white photography and street photography. I like to capture people/life in the moment, always trying to capture that ‘A picture tells a 1000 words’ photo.”
The photo which got him into the international finals was taken at the Super Rugby under 20s competition in Taupo last year and features Counties Manukau’s Rupeni Nakiyoyo in black and white.
The awards evening was held at Twickenham recently and all shortlisted entries feature in the next issue of Rugby Journal and form part of a year-long exhibition at World Rugby Museum.
Gould has entered year after year so to finally be shortlisted is “wicked”.
“There are some world class photographers who enter so just to be recognised and shortlisted is an achievement.”
British photographer Adrian Dennis was named Rugby Photographer of the Year for his picture of a try line tackle on England and Bath winger Joe Cokanasiga in an Investec Champions Cup clash against Racing 92.
Other finalists’ photos were taken in Vancouver, Uganda, Wales, England, New York, South Africa and New Zealand. Judges said the entry list was the strongest yet.
Finalists did exceptionally well just to make the short list, they said.
Winners were declared in the categories of action, landscape, portrait, spirit and portfolio.
Matt Gould at rugby training with his Canon camera. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
