Louisa’s passion for art and photography began at an early age. Throughout her childhood, she was enrolled in summer art programs on Martha’s Vineyard where she developed her appreciation for art and photography. In addition, her family taught her to sail. By age 15, Louisa was sailing competitively in Martha’s Vineyard Sound regattas. Although accepted at the Rhode Island School of Design for painting and photography, Louisa chose to major in Political Science and Chinese at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. While at University, she also continued to study painting. After completing University she choose a career in banking in New York City where she simultaneously studied oil painting at Parsons School of Design and the Art Student League of New York. Her path returned her to sailing weekends on Long Island Sound and eventually lead to sailing in the America’s Cup 2000 in New Zealand. She left her career in finance to pursue a childhood dream to compete in the World’s most prestigious sailing event. After the elimination of her boat, Louisa picked up her camera and began capturing the event. Her knowledge of sailing combined with her photography skills enabled her to anticipate and capture key moments of the event. Once again joined with the camera, Louisa rekindled her love of photography and decided to make a career as a sport and travel photographer. She has covered the Olympics, America’s Cup, Kentucky Derby and a number of high-level professional sports. A photography book of her images, ‘Wooden Boats of Martha’s Vineyard’ was published by Flat Hammock Press in 2007. Having travelled to over 100 countries many of her travel images have been published for editorial and educational purposes, some images she sells as Limited Edition photographs. She opened Louisa Gould Gallery in 2003 on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. The Louisa Gould Gallery represents 40 artists and shows over 70 artists each year. Louisa founded Martha’s Vineyard Workshops in 2010 which provides private & group photography and painting classes & workshops. 

Recently, Louisa has returned to painting. 

Louisa has concurrently held a dual career as a financial consultant and President for Arts based non-profits. Louisa lives with her husband and son on Martha’s Vineyard and sails ‘Skrap’ an Alden 12 ˝ wooden sailboat which was built on Martha’s Vineyard.