Skip to content 
When photographer Jerome Brouillet snapped the now-famous image of Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina, he had no idea it would become a viral sensation. “At first, I thought it would make a great photo for news articles because it wasn’t a typical surfing shot,” Brouillet reflects. “Gabriel’s gesture, the alignment of his board connected by the leash, really caught my attention. At that moment, I didn’t even realize looking at my small camera screen that he was literally ‘walking’ on the clouds.”
Brouillet’s initial impression was one of visual intrigue, but it wasn’t until a few days later that he fully understood why the image was gaining traction across social media. “First, it looks almost unreal, which draws the attention of anyone who sees it,” he says. The photograph shows Medina in a celebratory pose, his body perfectly aligned with his surfboard, and the cloud-filled sky creating an ethereal, almost dreamlike backdrop.
“The composition is also key. Gabriel in celebration, seemingly walking on a cloud, perfectly aligned with his surfboard,” Brouillet adds. However, for him, the real success of the photo lies in its broader message. “It’s not just a surfing shot. It speaks to everyone. It’s like the iconic image of Muhammad Ali after he knocked out Sonny Liston. You don’t need to be a boxing fan to ‘get’ that picture.”
Brouillet was both surprised and deeply appreciative of the widespread response the image received. “I received so much love and tons of kind messages and emails from all over the world, and a lot from Brazil,” he shares. What truly moved him was the number of people who took it upon themselves to ensure proper credit was given. “Some people I didn’t even know tagged me in social media posts when I wasn’t credited, insisting that the photographer should be acknowledged.” This moment of collective appreciation for his work highlighted the power of a photo that transcends the niche of its subject, touching a global audience.
- Seeing the Unseen: 2024 Infrared Photography Contest Winners - January 19, 2025
- How Instagram’s New Layout Is Transforming the Creative Landscape - January 19, 2025
- Amazing Photos of the 1969 Holden Hurricane - January 17, 2025
