Tom’s guest today, Lou Jones, is a long-time Boston freelance photographer. Lou received his degree in physics and you could say he was well on his way to becoming a rocket scientist, until he found his way to the art of photography. Since then, he has spent his career blending the commercial and editorial sectors. Through personal and long-term projects, Lou is working to effect change in how the world views different social issues.

In this episode, Tom and Lou talk about…

• Considering photography as a career choice from a start in physics
• Starting to build his own sense and skills as a photographer
• Perseverance through racism and other early obstacles
• Blending the commercial and editorial sectors
• Learning to navigate cold calls to make your way into the room
• Reaching a broader audience through the use of social media
• Using personal projects as a means to attract clients
• How social components of photography have changed over time
• Working to effect thinking about the realities of Africa
• Biggest challenges facing the team with the effort to cover all of Africa
• What brings Lou joy being a photographer
• Sustaining creativity after amassing such a large amount of experience
• Engaging the public in the value of work that photographers do
• Serious advice for anyone looking to become a great professional photographer

Links to resources:

Lou Jones’ website: https://www.fotojones.com/

Lou Jones’ Pan Africa Project:  https://panafricaproject.org/about-the-panafricaproject/

Lou Jones’ Instagram: @loujonesstudio

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