PhotoCine: Digital Filmmaking With DSLRs
Who would have thought that the article I wrote for Digital Photo Pro in June of 2009 would have led to another book. Especially when I think back to the emails I received decrying me as a philistine for even suggesting that the worlds of motion and photography were on a collision course. A few months later when DSLR filmmaking exploded, I went from asshole to prophet over night.
In this book I talk about writing and directing. The meat of the technical information is covered by the astoundingly brilliant Michael Britt and Snehal Patel. Two people I consider very close friends because they are awesome dudes, and because we managed to finish the book without killing each other.
Walnut Wine and Truffle Groves
The press praises the pictures in Walnut Wine and Truffle Groves and they've given Kimberley and I two awards for our efforts:
- The exquisite experiential writing of author Kimberley Lovato is perfectly complemented with the stunning photographs of Lou Lesko which eventually will draw readers to plan a visit to the charming town of Dordogne, France. - Kaye Cloutman, San Francisco Book Review
- "Gorgeous color photographs..." - June Sawyers, The Chicago Tribune
- "Outstanding photography enriches the depictive prose." - A Traveler's Library
- "...breathtaking photos throughout..." - Lost in France
- The book is lavishly decorated with photographs from the region by Lou Lesko. - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Everything is prettily illustrated with photography by Lou Lesko. If you’ve ever enjoyed a holiday in the Dordogne, this book will transport you back there while you recline in your armchair. - Destination France, “Editor’s Choice”
- Sumptuous full-color photography illustrates the reminiscences of meeting the people who call the land home... - Midwest Book Review
One of my best friends, Kimberley Lovato, is a travel writer. Two years ago she called me with an idea for her first book. The pitch went something like this; "Hey Lou, why don't you come to the south of France for a few months, we'll eat, we'll drink, I'll write and you'll take pictures and gain ten pounds."
"...okay"
The book was shot over several months and several trips to France. Each time I traveled there, I got a little closer to moving permanently. One of the mosts memorable experiences shooting this book was when we were asked to dinner at the country house of Danielle Delpeuch, the chef to former French President François Mitterrand.
Advertising Photgraphy
If you have a keen grasp of the obvious you've gathered that the book is about the advertising photography industry. But not from a pedantic do-these-things-to-become-successful perspective. I write about many of the stupid things that I did that you shouldn't do. There is no correct way to become a successful photographer, but there are all kinds of things you can do to tank yourself.
Also featured is the work of twelve other successful photographers and their stories about how they got into, and succeeded in this fabulous business.