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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