Sunday Introductions

I am writing this to hopefully shed some light onto who I am behind the camera but more importantly to break up the negativity surrounding us these days and times. The pandemic is in full force around us and I thought, I might write something different and distracting to those who take the time to read it. I don’t plan for this to be a look into my past, but more of who I am now, as an artist specifically. Let’s get to the bottom of it.

I should probably start with some basic information for anyone who hasn’t met me or doesn’t know me at all. Hi, Im Jeremy Gouge ( gooj ) and I live and grew up here in East Tennessee. I am a geek, and love technology and being a photographer/ cinematographer / creative lends well to me for that reason if nothing else. I have a Youtube problem but mostly because of my curiosity in all things related to creating. If I were to share my view history and subscription list, you may think “ is he interested in anything except his line of work?”
The short answer is of course I do but nothing is as interesting or consuming for me. I am constantly trying to learn new things. I love to read books actually. Not may people know that about me. Ill get into that a bit more below.

ME

I don’t remember picking up the camera for the first time, and being overwhelmed with purpose, but I wish I had. I don’t even remember picking up a camera for the first time at all. I assume it was something my parents had while I grew up, and definitely only shot film but I cant recall any of those moments. I actually have a very hard time remembering a lot of things from my childhood, and even in general. This is one of the major reasons my photographs mean so much to me. They a are a reminder, a glimpse at a memory just beyond my mental reach. I hope I deliver that to my clients as well, but I am selfish in my work because it’s how I recall moments in time. Please don’t mis understand though, my need to create is even greater than my desire to remember. It is why I don’t see a time, when I am not documenting my world. I didn’t do it enough younger in life and now at 40, well just expect a camera to be on or with me at all times. I have used this time quarantined at home to reflect and to also try and document this time differently as well.

I am a husband to my lovely wife, Natasha and we have been married for 10 years this year ( if we don’t murder each other before August LOL ). We have 3 boys, Austin, Jaryn, and Atlas. We also have 2 pups as of writing this, Cinder and Bean. We are collectively competitive and that’s fun, and we love all things outdoors. From hiking, to camping, off roading, hunting for the boys, fishing, etc. We also love to travel ( dang it Corona ) and look very much toward our upcoming adventures whatever they are. We attend North Ridge Community Church here in Johnson City, and I also volunteer there to capture services, make videos, and help run social media.

Ok lets talk about books. I think reading is a wonderful pastime, and one I never had interest in until I was in my 20s. I have since discovered a passion for books and those fall into 3 categories generally speaking.

1) Faith

2) Photography- you don’t say

3) Phycological Crime Fiction- the crazier the better :)

2 of the 3 books in the series.. your welcome

I am currently devouring a series by J.D. Barker and cant put it down. The characters are relatable, the plots are brilliant and this last book in the 4MK ( 4 Monkey Killer- Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak no evil, Do no evil ) and it may be one of my favorite books ever. I love all things written by John Connolly and Chelsea Cain as well.

Did you know I love poetry? Yep that’s me. Throat Tattoo and all. I love all things Edgar Allen Poe, and my all time favorite poet is Iain S Thomas. I actually envision a body of work of mine, based off of the words in his work. Coming soon… dun dun dun

I mean, did you read that? WOW

Ok, enough rambling from me. If you read my blogs or follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you probably already know a lot about me and my likes. ( Coffee, guns, knives, film, tattoos, vans, Defender 110s- Lord Help me) but what do you want to know more of? I would love to connect with you and answer your questions. About anything. So if you wanna know me better, ask away. Lets use this time to be productive and grow.

J

A shot of our packs from our last family hike.

The family in Cozumel, Mexico- That Chaco life though

Why do I create at all..

I often read other posts, and watch videos discussing the creative mind, and even though I rarely consider myself creative, I do create therefore a creator of sorts I must be. So the question is why do I make the things I make and take the chances I take? I am asking you as much as I am telling you. Maybe if I consider the things I took images of in the beginning it would make sure sense. So lets go back

In the beginning of my then hobby, I was working on a delivery truck and traveling all over and while doing so would notice amazing things along the drive/ride. Then cell phones where nowhere near what we carry in our pockets on a daily basis so I thought it would be interesting if I brought a camera along with me to capture this and that through out my days.  From solo trees on hillsides to water wheels, abandoned silos, and my favorite - an abandoned basketball goal in a field. The only common denominator they share is where they were. Every image I took was outside. Every single ONE.  This is still very prominent in the work I create and the work I long to create.  I love to evoke a feeling of wonder and what could be more wondrous than the world we live in? Every detail a creation in itself, and inspiring me to create the work that I am truly moved by. I have some ways to go to create the brand that allows me to pursue only sessions that I can be excited about. I still have so so many locations local me to capture and I’m ready to go. Who is going with? 

If you follow me at all you may have noticed this theme in my work. Not all of my work of course. Weddings are often indoors and in church’s but I am putting this out in the world. I only want to shoot outdoor weddings, preferably in locations that can inspire me and the adventurous elopement would be my overall #1 thing to capture, but I need to find my way in that market. Help a fella out lol

My inspiration today actually comes from a very good friend of mine. A lady who’s work I admire but not as much as I do her character. We share a lot of the same passions but I think our love for the outdoors is one of our strongest bonds. She posted images yesterday from my favorite place and creativity took over from there. Go give her a follow and tell her I sent you. She’s on all the social media’s but IG is easiest @_katysergent . Even as of writing this or finishing it up if I’m honest, my family and I are in Bryson City, NC. Today for my belated 40th birthday present, we rafted the Nantahala River. Chaco’s strapped, sunglasses glued to my face, and my favorite North Face hat and off we went. I am even setting here after our day of adventure, starring at a beautiful mountain top range just outside the window and I know this is the fuel for my work. This is where it starts and where it shall remain. Among the trees, fields, and streams we are very lucky to call home.

J

”In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks” - John Muir