After a brief conversation and some editing, the book was
completed.
Lou’s process and his commitment to it are not at all
typical. There is much that everyone can learn from this man
who worked steadily for years before he had a book worth
showing. Lou’s process and commitment to it are atypical.
Such perseverance from a man who worked steadily for years
before he had a book worth showing is something from which
everyone can learn.
Lou still works full time and is having a tough time get-
ting the book around to buyers. It’s a slow process but one he
has not given up on. In the meantime he has added mini-
portfolios to the mix and is following up initial visits with his
mini-portfolios. During the last year Lou has developed a
Web site and is just now developing e-mails that will be sent
to editorial contacts monthly.
Each step of the way will pose challenges for Lou. He will
need to get his work out to buyers much more often and will
need to develop a direct mail and e-mail program that can cir-
culate as he works in the daytime at UPS. In addition, he will
need to continue to shoot because shooting is what keeps Lou
juiced.
Lou feels that he is ready to succeed. After a journey that
started twelve years ago with a casual interest in photography,
he now has portfolios and marketing tools to help him sell his
work. He continues to progress while he waits for his break.
It is not an easy road to travel.
“Photographing is what I live for,” Lou notes. “I don’t know
what my chances are of succeeding but I have no intention of
stopping.”
Lou has reminded me, and with an open heart I remind all
of you, that while time and money are needed, the true keys to
success are talent, commitment, and the belief in oneself and
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