Joe Don's Day

Etsy.

2010-04-04T19:30:00.002-04:00

I started a shop at Etsy. Here is the link.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TurningPointImages

If you see anything on the site that you think would make a good posting tell me.

This is one of the photos I just posted. I took it last fall just after I moved to Hudson, MA.

catching up on 30 in 30

2010-03-08T17:07:00.002-05:00

This was a bitter cold day though you can not see it. It was about 10 or so when I took it.

I took it somewhere just north of Boston on a small island surrounded by suburbia.

30 in 30 done.

2010-03-07T16:26:00.004-05:00

So 30 in 30 is finished. A little earlier than I anticipated but nonetheless it is done.

This photo was taken at a park that I frequent in Marlbourgh, MA near where I live.

I like the way that the tree seems to be surrounded and Incompased by the surrounding trees.

2010-02-26T16:12:00.000-05:00

Another 30 in 30 taken at Camp Jewell a while ago.

Will try to post more.

More 30 in 30

2010-02-14T18:13:00.003-05:00

Here is another picture taken along the river in Orange, MA. I left the shutter open and moved in a spiral circle while the ice moved down the river. I hope you like it.

30 in 30 today

2010-02-02T18:13:00.002-05:00

I took this one last Tuesday on an early morning hike around Speers Eljabar. I really like the colors.

Got a filling yesterday at Tufts Dental School. They did a great job. I am real happy with the results.

Afterwards driving through Boston my car began to overheat but got it taken care off. Boston is no fun to drive in.

Still looking for work. Wedding season is coming up so if you know anyone who needs a photographer let me know.

Have a great day.

30 in 30

2010-02-01T08:24:00.004-05:00

On monday me and Paul went to some falls. It was so funny because I did not want to go at first but I ended up going and got some alright photos and had a blast. It was so good getting to spend time with him.

More 30 in 30

2010-01-28T16:52:00.002-05:00

Took this one on Monday at Speers Eljabar while trampling through the rain with my good friend Paul.

Continuing.

2010-01-26T18:34:00.002-05:00

Here is another photo from my 30 in 30.

It was taken at Speers Eljabar and is very bleak looking. I really like it and hope you do as well.

It was great hanging with my friend Paul while there. He was a great host.

Next 30 in 30

2010-01-26T08:08:00.004-05:00

This is my second in the series 30 in 30.

This was taken at Frost Valley on a hike up to High Creek Falls with my good friend Matt Dickie. I really like the way that the sun refracts and creates a halo affect.

I already did my 30 in 30 today at Speers Eljabar YMCA and will be posting them soon.

I am driving back up to Hudson after my whirlwind week away at Jewell, Frost Valley, and Speers Eljabar. It will be good to be back home.

30 in 30

2010-01-25T19:41:00.004-05:00

I am setting a new goal. I am finding 30 trails for at least 30 minutes and shooting for 30 days straight.

I have done 4 days so far.

The first photo is from Buttermilk falls near Claryville, NY. I took it on the way to visit my good friends the Dickies at Frost Valley YMCA. I had a great time and took some great photos of there adorable daughter Lilly.

Playing with Photoshop.

2010-01-16T21:13:00.002-05:00

Did some work with Photoshop today.

This is a photos that I took last fall when the fall leaves were changing in the Litchfield Hills of Ct. It is taken from the top of Mt. Tom one of my favorite places.

Been a long time.

2010-01-14T15:45:00.002-05:00

I apologize for taking so long to get back to everyone. I am very thankful to Pastor Ryan for pushing me into bloging more, who know maybe I will start tweeting as well.

Things are very slow this time of the year I am thankful to be living with my friend Tim up near Boston.

So this photo is one of the many cloud photos that I have been taking. I hope you enjoy it.

Catching up.

2009-10-19T05:04:00.003-04:00

Ok so more catching up and maybe I will just post everything.

Straight to the third photo. Fireworks on the fourth. Really like this one. One of my better fireworks photos.

I have been doing a whole lot of clouds photos lately. I just spend a lot of time looking to the sky.

Trying to figure out the whole what to do next. Looking to maybe move with in with my friend Tim and his friends. They live near Boston. A little further that I would like to be from nw ct. But it is cheap and Ray and Dave both think it is a good idea.

Twilight.

2009-10-17T15:17:00.001-04:00

I also took this photo while home in Texas over the summer.

I have photographed lots of sunsets but this one takes my breath away.

Here's the deal.

2009-10-17T15:03:00.002-04:00

I keep photographing for my 365 but am so far behind. At this point I am not goring to worry about posting everything since that would take a very long time and just go with what I like.

Just so everyone knows I need a place to live and a year round job. That would be great! If you could keep me in your prayers I would be so thankful and now to photos.

This photo is off my nephew Blake playing football in the hot Texas heat over the summer.

Sentimental

2009-09-27T20:46:00.002-04:00

I was sitting here watching the end of Big and thinking about how life catches up with us. I am almost 40. 40!!!! Well I am so blessed with friends and family. Life is fast for those who are young out there. Remember that. It will catch up with you. Oh well I have lots of pics to post. I am still shooting. Here are a few.

just posting.

2009-09-12T17:33:00.001-04:00

Just posting at this point to catch up.

I have been very busy with work and at Jewell though. I will have a big announcement about being published in a few weeks. Another national publication.

still catching up.

2009-08-27T20:05:00.002-04:00

The first photo was taken in Mt. Pleasant when I was home in June, yes I am that far behind. I am still shooting my 365, though I missed one day when I was home in June.

The second is a scene you might recognize that I shoot alot. It is the covered bridge at Camp Jewell.

The third and forth are both sky shots. The sky is great and expansive ever changing overwhelming at times. A lot like Christ.

more catching up

2009-08-25T08:11:00.003-04:00

Couple of photos.

The first was at relay for life in Greenfield.

The second was in NYC.

Lots of catch up.

2009-08-23T13:38:00.002-04:00

This is the first photo in a while. I have been busy at work.

This was taken in NYC when I was there last June. Hope you like it.

I have tons more I need to post so be patient.

Have a great day!

Busy.

2009-07-16T09:45:00.002-04:00

I have been very busy lately. I am back at Camp Jewell for a couple of sessions.

The first two pictures to the left are taken around NYC. The first is the Brooklyn Bridge and the second are some sailors out for a twilight sail.

The third continues my clouds.

The fourth is my friend Eli.

2009-07-06T11:51:00.002-04:00

Going to Arkansas today to shoot some at pinnacle state park. Meeting up with my friend Adrian.

First picture is an old tree in my friend Kit's front yard.

The second picture is just a simple sky and the last is a photo of a fungus on a white birch.

Have a great day!

2009-07-02T22:08:00.003-04:00

Sorry it has been so long. I don't mean to be neglectful in my bloging.

The first photo was taken at Barton's Cove in Mass near Turners Falls where I have been living.

The next is my friend Mike at Mt. Manadnock. I had a great time climbing with my church a while back.

end of fathers day.

2009-06-21T23:00:00.002-04:00

It was a great fathers day.

I went to church with my dad and Irene and then joined Mark, Jerry

Ann, and Blake at El Chico for lunch.

We had home made ice cream after that at dad's.

Happy Fathers Day!

2009-06-21T09:24:00.002-04:00

Today is fathers day. I am so fortunate to be able to spend it with my father and brother. I hope all fathers have a great day.

The pictures to the right were taken at Bears Den up near Athol. I have been there a numer of times and it is a great place for a quick relaxing walk.

In Texas.

2009-06-20T09:35:00.004-04:00

I am in Texas till the 11th of July. It is good to spend time with family and old friends.

I am setting up portrait sessions while I am here and also setting up sessions for the fall when I am back in New England. If anyone needs any photos drop me a line at joedon @turningpointimages.com.

Have a great day.

Catching up.

2009-06-15T20:45:00.003-04:00

I continue to try to catchup on my 365 postings. I continue to shoot each day though I don't post each day.

I am flying home tomorrow. It will be great to see everyone in Texas.

I hope you enjoy the preceding photos and have a great day.

Catching up.

2009-06-11T07:29:00.004-04:00

I really like this first image. It was taken at Camp Beckett in Mass. With sunsets your exposure has to be right with the highlights not being overexposed while the dark tones fade to the background.

The second photo was done at Jewell with some of the new summer staff. I threw in a little fill to emphasize their faces. Like this one a lot as well.

The next couple continue my flag series.

The last one is a beautiful waterfall in Montague, Mass.

Have a great day and don't forget to email if you need pics of your family Joedon@Turningpointimages.com

Flower.

2009-06-05T15:59:00.002-04:00

Not much time is left in western Mass. I am flying home to Texas on the 15th and returning on the 11th of June. I will then be working at Camp Jewell from the 12th of July to the end of the first week in August. Then I will be going back to McGrath.

I am taking appointments while I am in Texas as well as weekends in the fall. Let me know if you need anything joedon@turningpointimages.com.

Time for new 365 Photos.

2009-06-01T18:50:00.005-04:00

I continue my quest for the 365 photo. I am taking at least one photo everyday and then posting it to my blog.

The first is the son going down in Hampshire County.

The second photo is of Sawyer. I really like the childlikeness of it. I am so fortunate to have friends like Claudia and Marcus.

If you have anyone at your house that would like to have pics like I did of Sawyer drop me a line at joedon@turningpointimages.com

Have a great day!

2009-05-27T18:03:00.002-04:00

So this is Dave at his graduation. I took a number of pics at the Springfield graduation. If you need any pictures taken for your event. Drop me a line at joedon@turningpointimages.com.

Thanks and Have a great day!

Memorial Day.

2009-05-25T17:06:00.003-04:00

Today was memorial day.

It was great to spend time at jewell with all of the great families during Family Camp. It was one of the best ever.

We had games in the new wiffle ball stadium and had an incredible reggate at the waterfront. I also got to take some pics over the weekend. I will post some of those later but for now I am playing catch up.

All of the photos were taken at Jewell.

The first is the beautiful spring colors at the bridge going over to Chapel Island.

The second is the Yellow flag at the top of the tubbing hill which represents respect.

The last is Emily at the covered bridge before the UGRR simulation.

I pray that you all have a great day!

Beavers.

2009-05-21T16:45:00.002-04:00

I have been out and about in the mornings while at Jewell photographing my favorite furry critters.

Hope you like the photos.

Have a great day.

Jewell.

2009-05-18T06:53:00.002-04:00

The following are a couple of pics I have taken at Jewell recently.

The top is Chapel Island and the bottom is ski hill.

Job stability is in flux over the summer so if you think about it send up a prayer for me.

Have a great day!

Emergency.

2009-05-17T07:30:00.002-04:00

I like this photo. I think it is good but not great. I wish there was more light on the emergency box.

I was thinking of writing something cliched to go along with the photo but I don't know. I feel that I am a walking cliche at times and that I should simply be quite. I should be quite and wait. Not be in a rush. to just wait.

Aim high.

2009-05-12T16:02:00.002-04:00

So today was another good day. Time at Jewell is always good.

I am about to watch amazing grace. A great movie about a great man, William Wilberforce. I am hanging out with Dave and Catt while the movie starts.

I continue to shoot stock like the following archery photo. I hope you like it.

I am going out tonight to shoot some Kayacking and archery shoots with some of the Jewell staff.

If you need any photos taken over the summer let me know. I am now scheduling appointments and may even get down to Texas.

Look to the skys.

2009-05-11T21:40:00.002-04:00

It is easy to get discouraged now adays with lack of work and money. But I just keep looking to the skys and I think of Psalms 121. It gives me hope and courage for the days ahead. To think that I am not alone. That God is with me.

I went for a hike tonight with Mike. We talked and prayed as we admired the beautiful countryside.

I am at Jewell for a few more days. I am so fortunate to have friends and a place to work.

Have a great day.

2009-05-06T13:20:00.001-04:00

These two pictures were taken last week when I was up near Plymouth.

Shooting and shooting.

2009-05-04T19:49:00.002-04:00

I was fortunate enough to be able to do some shooting last week with my friends Woody and Mike Cahill. These shots were taken at the top of Mt. Holyoke. The

top one with Woody was early in the morning. The bottom one with Mike was around noon.

Hope you are doing well and have a great day!

More 365

2009-05-03T21:00:00.003-04:00

I am tired but thought that you might like some a another pic before I retired for the evening.

I really like this one. It seems very stately. I like the simple lines and shapes. Taken in Plymouth on Thursday.

Have a great day.

Still shooting.

2009-04-29T21:45:00.002-04:00

I continue to shoot. I am so grateful for all my friends who let me use them as models in all the shots I am doing. Here are some photos to enjoy.

Loads of Catching UP.

2009-04-24T12:53:00.005-04:00

First photo is simple sunset photo with Adirondack chairs.

Second continues the flag series.

Third is a guy sitting and playing the harmonica in front of one of the many Greenfield churches.

Next is a simple moody photo of King George Bridge from the bottom with the Connecticut bridge.

Next is a really cool spot next to the Connecticut river. Going to hopefully do more with that place latter.

Last is one of the sheep at Camp Jewell.

I am so excited about going to photograph at Mt. Monadnock in NH on Monday. If you are interested in going let me know. It should be a good time!

Have a great day!

Fun with Colin and Emily.

2009-04-16T21:57:00.002-04:00

I went out with Collin and Emily this morning to work on some stock photos. They were very kind and gave me a generous amount of time and laughs as I shot. At the end of the night Colin sang and played his guitar. A real treat.

I am so thankful to be able to be at Jewell for a few days while spending time with good friends.

I am tired and pray that all is well with you.

More 365

2009-04-14T21:42:00.004-04:00

I have been doing a lot of hiking lately. Yesterday as I drove up to Maine I stoped at Maudsley state park. I meet up with maggie and we did some hiking. It is no. 3 on my twenty hikes in 3 months. I took the photo of the rhododendron while out and about.

Later that night when I was in Lewiston, ME I went to Range Pond State Park and it was cool. I was there around sunset and got some good pics to post soon.

Today we had lunch at Pat's pizza. It was pretty good a 4 out of 5. I had the barbaque chicken. One of my favorites.

The second photo was taken on Sunday while palling around NOHO with Eli.

The third photo was of Woody on the CT river taking some rafters down the river.

The fourth photo is Taylor taking Benny for a walk.

Well it is late and I gotta go.

Have a great day!

Easter Sunday.

2009-04-12T17:07:00.002-04:00

I hope you are all enjoying your Easter Sunday.

I went to church this morning. Pastor Greg did a great sermon on God's promises. I took away a sense of peace about who I am and where I am.

The top photo was taken in Erving on Thursday. I am glad to say I found my cf card that was missing. So happy about that.

The second photo was taken on Monday in Boston. It has been a wet week around here. I here that in Texas there is quite a bit of rain.

The 3rd and 4th photo were taken at World's End in Hingham. I really enjoyed my walk. There is something cool and strange about the smell of the salty coast. It is really kind of hard to explain just weird.

I hope that you are enjoying your day and I look forward to hearing what you have to say about my pics.

slow.

2009-04-10T10:30:00.002-04:00

Things are still a little slow.

I did get out and walk around montague last night. It was a nice walk. I saw a bald eagle with a squirrel but I had my camera on macro setting and it did not come out. Oh well.

I went out and walked at worlds end and really enjoyed it on Tuesday. Its in Hingham, Ma right on the south shore.

Tonight I am having dinner with Becca in NOHO. It is a great town for dinner. Latter this afternoon I am meeting up with Taylor and hangning out a little bit.

Keep on Posting.

2009-04-05T21:19:00.003-04:00

So I keep on posting. I am so tired that I don't have much to say about the photos.

I went to Praise my church in Ct this morning. It is so nice to feel welcome by so many people.

The goats are Rays. I took Sully his Newfini for a walk today.

Working three days this week which is great.

Ok so a little about the photos.

Top Photo is continuation of flag series.

Second and third are street scenes in NOHO.

Last photo is Energy Park in Greenfield.

Lots more catch up.

2009-04-03T13:22:00.003-04:00

It has been a slow week work wise. I photographed two days this week on the south shore of Boston. It was good though it wasn't much.

The first photo was taken at the train station in Stoughton just up the road from where I was staying in Brockton.

The second photo was taken in Northampton as I had lunch.

The next photo is little Ruby. I am hoping to do some more in depth shots this weekend.

The last photo was taken at Heather's stalls in Northfield.

Have a great day!

Catching Up.

2009-03-29T20:48:00.002-04:00

It has been a few days.

The top photo was taken just up the road from the corner from where the Jacksons live. I was blessed once agian to be able to spend time with them. We had a wonderful dinner, great company, and I had a good nights sleep.

The following photo was taken at Odiornes Point. I started my 20 hikes again.

I hope you enjoy the photos.

Time in Maine.

2009-03-24T20:53:00.005-04:00

I have been out and about.

Yesterday I drove up from Turners to Maine. Me and maggie stoped in Portsmouth at a nice little Burrito Shop. It was very very good. That is where I took the middle picture. The Navy Yards are what you see across the bay.

Today I shot in Jeffferson, a very rural town about 30 minutes from Augusta. I had lunch at the Liberal Cup the chicken sandwich was ok but the mashed potatoes where possibly the best I have had, at least for this year and maybe last. Wow great mashed potatoes.

Later on I explored around the capital area which is where I took the top photo shown.

The last picture is another in the flag series I have been exploring.

Have a great day!

365 continues

2009-03-22T17:48:00.005-04:00

It has been a very busy week though I did not work that much I spent lots of time working on different projects.

The first photo was taken in greenfield. Another window shot.

The second photo I am working on submitting for stock. It is filtering water.

The third photo continues my flag project I have been working on. I like the way the stars almost move into place.

The last photo is another street scene from Northampton.

Let me know if you like the photos and have a great day.

2009-03-17T20:42:00.002-04:00

The top photos was taken yesterday at Camp Jewell. I like the series of apples I took. Yesterday was a good day. I had lunch with Pastor Ryan at Portebellos. We had a chicken pesto pizza. It was great. I had dinner with Karen, and Mo at the Bartons and afterwards we played wii.

This afternoon I went out and took some photos of Carlos, Dave, and Katy. I liked one of the ones I took of Carlos the best.

2009-03-15T21:17:00.004-04:00

I love this photo. It is of Stanley the pig at Jewell. He looks so proud. I really like it alot. I hope you do as well.

Yesterday was a fabulous day. I went to Iron sharpens Iron in Bloomfield. It was great to get to gether wih fellow Brothers in Christ. We had some amazing speakers.

Last night I went to Becky's surprise birthday party. Mo did such a good job of gettting things together. She was so surprised. We had at least 50 people show up with at least 15 kids ranging from knee high to tweens. Lots of energy in the house. Karen even flew in from Texas. Dave and Katy were nice enough to let me take there picture.

The last picture was taken in Turners while driving around.

I am praying that all is well with you and your family. In Christ.

2009-03-13T10:34:00.003-04:00

Hello! I am hoping that everyone is good. I was just IMing with Craig Cheeney on facebook and it was great to catch up.

Work is slow. I worked 2 days this week and only one next week. It is hard.

I hope you enjoy looking at my photos. I have one up top that I took in Turners yesterday while taking a walk with Taylor. I have this fascination about old buildings and the composition that the lines make.

The bottom photo was taken at the Collins the other night. They are such great people. It is great to have them as friends.

Well drop me a line and have a great day!

365

2009-03-11T06:17:00.006-04:00

On the search.

I am currently seeking out venues for selling my photos.

I am looking at the photographers market 2009 annual to see what I can find.

I photographed yesterday in Quincy. It went well. I worked with Peter, Maggie, and Greg.

I stopped on the way back in Millers Falls and shot this train shot.

The shot afterwards was taken on the way to Quincy. We got a nice unexpected snow shower on Monday morning that made everything look nice.

The bottom shot was taken at Jewell on Sunday. I like the sky there is something about blue skys.

365

2009-03-09T07:20:00.006-04:00

Here are a couple more pics taken.

The first one is a sign of the economic times. The second shows how any object with good lighting can look nice.

more 365

2009-03-06T10:45:00.004-05:00

The picture to my left was taken in Amherst yesterday. It a typical New England street scene with a pizza place and a street performer.

Last night I had dinner with Daniel at Judi's in Amherst. Jaime waited on us and it was nice to see her.

The picture below was taken in Keene, NH. In case you are wondering that is Buzz Ligthyear in the window. I had never been to Keene before and found it to be a nice place to hang out for a day.

I also got to visit Swanzey lake which was the original home of Camp Jewell.

For dinner I went over to Claudia and Marcus's. It was nice to see the little ones.

I pray all is well with you and that you have a great day!

More 365 Catch up.

2009-03-03T08:13:00.011-05:00

I am finally caught up!

The top photo was taken this morning. We had lots of snow yesterday. About 10 inches. This picture was taken near Leverett.

The next one was taken at The Montague Book Mill. A great place to hang out read a book and grab some grub.

The next for some reason was corrupted but it is the only one I had for that day. Unfortunatly it came out blank.

On Sunday Maggie helped me with a group shot at the Farmington Valley YMCA we were getting ready.

The last shot was taken around Bash Bish Falls just south of Great Barrington. I went there with Daniel and had a lot of fun.

Have a great day!

365 continues

2009-03-02T16:57:00.005-05:00

Not having a internet connection is frustrating. I continue 365 regardless.

The top photo was taken in Mystic.

The next is a complex and simple moon shoot.

The final shoot is a sign of the times.

Good Morning.

2009-02-24T05:39:00.007-05:00

Not much to say today. I am back at work for McGrath which is a very ggod thing. We had spring training yesterday.

It has been warming up around here, meaning inthe 30s during the days for my southern friends. We had a small wet heavy snowfall on Sunday which is when I took this first picture.

I am in Weymouth, MA photographing today.

Have a great day!

Amazing Day.

2009-02-20T11:45:00.002-05:00

So yesterday was an amazing day. I went cross country skiing with Becca and Emily. We had such a good time.

Today I am going out to lunch with Rich Barnes, one of my great great teachers from the Hallmark Institute of photography. I am so glad to be able to spend time with him and other teachers when I stop by.

I really like this photo. Leave me a comment if you do as well. I found this out in a field while we were skiing yesterday. I really like the effects added in lightroom.

Have yourself a great day!

Long good day.

2009-02-18T19:00:00.006-05:00

So I spent most of the day cleaning at Camp Jewell. It was good to make some money even if it wasn't taking photos.

The First photo was taken tonight as I was walking back. I was so tired I did not walk to get a tripod so I placed my camera on Katies car and took this photo.

I think the white balance came back nice once I changed it. At least for the front of the photo.

The second photo is of the famous tubing hill at Jewell. It was a gorgeous day yesterday.

Have a great day!

Back at Jewell

2009-02-16T18:48:00.004-05:00

I am back at Jewell. WE are having a great time playing with the wii fitness. Dave and Katy are playing. It is so funny when Dave was playing the ski slalom game.

I came back yesterday from Texas it was not too bad. Security made me take out my wii balance board and console. I was so frustrated but oh well.

It is late. Gotta get to bed.

Let me know if you like any of my pics and have a great day.

Busy Busy Busy

2009-02-15T07:47:00.006-05:00

I apologize for not posting lately. I will do better in the future.

It has been a great trip home. As the son comes up I am thankful for my family and the good times I have had while I am home.

A few highlights from the trip. The excitement in my moms voice when she walked through the door and I was home. It was nice to surprise her.

Playing cards with dad and Irene. We all won at least one game.

Watching Mark and Blake battle it out on the wii fit. They are so much like each other. So competitive.

Going to dinner with the family and hearing Elizabeth recite the paper she wrote about the time she came to visit me in Connecticut.

Having lunch with the Shepards. It was a great time.

It has been such a great trip.

I am flying back today. Nina is giving me a ride to the airport.

I continue the 365 quest. It has now become a part of my every day process. To go out and look and search for an even better photo than I had before. To search and try to find that photo. The perfect one for that day. To stretch myself. Every day I want to become more like Christ. To walk in the light.

Have a great day!

Good to be home.

2009-02-12T09:49:00.004-05:00

I flew home on Tuesday to surprise my mom for her birthday. It was a good surprise.

We are having dinner at Luigi's tonight. Italian food in Texas isn't quite the same as in New England.

I start back to work with McGrath on the twenty third. I can't wait. Getting a reliable paycheck again is going to be amazing.

I hope you all have a great day!

Jewell

2009-02-09T18:22:00.003-05:00

I took this photo Saturday not much to it.

Have a great day.

365 More Camp Jewell

2009-02-09T13:44:00.001-05:00

I am leaving out soon to take some more photos. It was really warm yesterday, it got up to a whole 45 degrees.

The picture to the right was taken on the top of Sunrise at Jewell. It was so hard climbing sunrise for the second day in a role. It was so good to get to the top and to get this incredible photo. I did play with the curves in photoshop. I am so happy with it. I hope you like it.

Tonight I am going to play broomball at Jewell. It is so good to have friends who let me hang with them. This morning I fixed everyone pancakes. I must have fixed around 20 or so. It was a good time.

If everything goes right I am hoping to take photos of the llamas in the enchanted forrest tonight. It will be good. Collin is helping me with the llamas.

Have a great day!

365 continues

2009-02-06T16:18:00.003-05:00

Life is funny. Tragic, not always ha ha funny.

I am listening to Mosaics latest sermon series \Pause. I really enjoy Erwin McManus. I can relate to who he is as a person as well as to where he wants others to be in relation to the Trinity.

The first in this series is clouds layered with the forest looking on.

The second is simple shot into the woods close to where I live.

The third was taken on Wednesday while driving over to the Jacksons I was looking for a park just up the road from them. Unfortunately I got lost. I was also tired. Not a good combination with me. I was frustrated and cursing. Oh well then I found the place where I took the last shot. It was so funny. I often become so frustrated that I can't even see the beauty before me. I stoped and enjoyed a good look around at the MIT Endicot Center. It was beautiful, peaceful, just what I needed when I needed it. I am so thankful for the moments that I have.

Even now as the sun goes down it reminds me to pause and thank God for what I have, for what I see. The simply beauty of a sunset.

Have a great day!

2009-02-04T11:03:00.002-05:00

Feeling a little under the weather. Not much, just a little.

I am going to the Jackson's tonight. It will be so good to see them again. I am so blessed to have such good friends.

I just have to give a shout out again to Dave and Katy for the fun time we had on Monday. It was wonderful.

I forgot to mention the whole superbowl party. At Camp Jewell every year we have a super bowl party. We get to go tubing during half time. Think about it who else goes tubing during half time? Not many people.

The school I was scheduled to shoot today. Backed out due to the delayed opening. Later today I will try to take advantage of the time and shoot some nice outdoors shots.

The following photo was taken yesterday during the snow storm. My hands were so cold! Regardless I got the shot and I hope you like it.

Have a great day!

365 continues

2009-02-03T19:45:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was such a great day. I went with Katy and Dave to Cornwall It was so great. We had such an amazing time. Cornwall is a quant little town in the northwest corner of Connecticut. It has the only covered bridge in the state.

After leaving Cornwall we went to Kent Falls. That is where the first picture was taken at. I had never been there before and it was great. As the day progressed I believe the photos were better. Dave and Katy were wonderful models.

After Kent we stoped in Great Barrington, my favorite town in the USA. We had hot beverages at SOCO Creamery and Katy had a slice of temptation chocolate Cake. Me and Dave tried a piece but it was too rich for us.

After leaving great Barrington we meet up with Becca and some of Dave's friends for Korean food in Hadley. It was so nice. It has been a few years since I have had Korean and this place was very good. I really enjoyed the Kimchi.

I decided to post two pictures from Monday. I could have posted so many more. Dave and Katy were great.

The last picture was taken on Sunday morning at Jewell.

I hope you enjoy all of the photos and have a great day!

2009-01-31T20:34:00.003-05:00

Today was another good day at Jewell. I got to do some tubing this morning and while i was at the ice rinks I took a few pics of the ice. The picture to the right is one of those.

The picture below is off Dave. He is such a good guy he is always letting me take pics. On Monday he and I, and Katy are planning on going to Cornwall and take some photographs. I hope we can do a lot of outdoor photographs and maybe make it too one of the frozen falls around.

Have a great day.

More 365

2009-01-29T16:08:00.005-05:00

I continue my quest for 365 days of consecutive shooting. I am so rejuvinated to be able to do this.

The first picture is a little street photography taken looking outside from Fitzwilly's in NoHo(North Hampton). I haven't done much street photography but I really like this. I think it kind of catches the essence of the day. I had a good meal. I had the chicken pot pie.

The next picture was taken in Greenfield during the latest snow storm. We got about 7 inches plus ice to tap everything off.

The last picture is my continuation of the personal flag project I have been working on for many years. Maggie helped me with the crop. We had dinner at Jake's the other night. Really good pub food. She also helped me with my promo piece. David Turner walked in as we were having dinner. She did not realize that he teaches there now. It was really good to catch up with her.

Have a great day!

Lena

2009-01-28T10:25:00.002-05:00

I was so excited when Lena said she would let me take pictures of her on Monday. She was a real trooper. She is from the Ukraine and is very funny. Maybe someday I will visit her there.

I thought about going on a big trip while I have the time before work starts back up. But lack of money prevents that. I looked into going back to Prague, but no can do. Even though it is super cheap this time of year.

I sat down with Andy from Hallmark this morning. It was really nice. It is good to keep up my connections at Hallmark. I am going to meet up with Peter in just a few minutes.

It is good and snowy here. We will probably end up with near 8 inches once everything is said and done.

I pray all is well with you. Have a great day!

2009-01-26T16:16:00.003-05:00

So we are living soon for the Saybrook Fish House. It will be great. I took some great pictures of Lena this afternoon. I will post them later.

I pray all is well with you and your family. These were taken at Camp Jewell over the weekend. It was great this weekend working with the New Caanan Y Guides.

Gotta go but catch up with you latter.

Evening in Endor.

2009-01-25T18:11:00.005-05:00

So me and Dave P are sitting here and talking about how not everybody knows they need social interaction. It is so good to be at Jewell surrounded by friends and have great conversations. I love it.

We are sitting around the living room and Lena gave us this great fresh melon. It is so good. Lena is from the Ukraine and she makes me laugh. She is very very funny.

I have so many friends from all over the world. I am currently in the presence of friends from Cronwall, England and Stockholm, Sweden, and Bogata, Columbia and Kaniv, Ukraine. I am thinking of visiting my friend Monica in Colombia. I have been told that tickets are very inexpensive.

Tomorrow I hope to take some lifestyle photos with my friends. Latter this week I hope to have lunch with Michael Zide. We are talking about going to the Saybrook Fish House for dinner tomorrow night. Good place for dinner.

365 slow down

2009-01-24T22:06:00.003-05:00

I continue to photograph though I don't always post. The following was taken on Wensday afternoon. Gotta get to bed will post more latter.

365 continues

2009-01-20T17:22:00.006-05:00

Today I went up to school and heard a couple of great photographers from Connecticut, Mary and Justin Marantz. They were amazingly inspirational and enjoyed there talk alot. I took away a lot of good ideas and there approach to clients was great. Lots of stuff to take home.

I had dinner with Dan Bress the other night that was great. We went to Judy's in Amherst. I was hoping that Jaime was working but she wasn't. We had a great talk.

The picture above was taken yesterday around Talcott Mountain. I went to look at a place in CT. I still would love to move back.

The picture to the left was taken this afternoon as the soon was seeting in Sunderland, MA beside the Connecticut river. I love the convenience of the GPS and being able to tag places to come back to photograph latter which is what I did with this location.

The last photography was taken yesterday around Northampton as I walked around with Eli. We had lunch together and then he let me hang at his place which was just great! He even let me dry my socks since they were really wet.

Well let me know what you think of the blog and all the photos.

Have a great day!

365 day 8 and 9

2009-01-17T19:08:00.004-05:00

These last two days have been wonderful. I have been spending time with the Collins. We played scramble, wii, and uecker. It is nice seeing Sawyer growing up. She is so funny. Me and Marcus went to the Athol open Mike night for a few minutes.

The picture below was taken at a rest stop as the sun was setting yesterday. I am determined that I will continue on my quest to consecutively shot and post for 365. I believe to be great at anything you have to practice, practice, practice. This applies to my photography as well as all parts of my life. Actions bring about change in our lives. Inaction leads to no change.

The picture to the right was taken at of the end of Marcus and Claudias driveway.

365 day 7

2009-01-15T20:58:00.004-05:00

Today was a very average day. Good things holding the line. Staying faithful in some parts of my life. Such as read my bible, listened to some sermons, worked, and talked to frineds. Other parts not so faithful.

One thing was I took this photo. I like the fact that it is an easy location to get to and planes come over all the time. I saw at least 3 in less than 15 minutes. I can go back and really scope it out and get some good photos.

Well gotta go I hope all is ell with you.

365 day 6

2009-01-14T22:24:00.003-05:00

Ok so I got up early and took this photo at Jewell.

Tonight I had dinner with Tim. That was really nice.

Tomorrow I photograph preschoolers. That should be nice.

Sorry so short but it is late and I am tired.

365 Day 5

2009-01-13T20:19:00.005-05:00

So today I was able to snowshoe twice. It was amazing. I am getting more exercise and enjoying being at Camp Jewell.

The following picture was taken at a stream that runs through Colebrook. Life is good.

365 Day 4

2009-01-12T16:20:00.003-05:00

Life is good. I just finished up taking photos of cross country skiing with Woody, Dave, and Carlos. I am so blessed to have the friends I do.

I am reading success is not an accident. I pray that I am able to run and keep up and slow down. I feel confused by who I am and who I need to be. I need to learn to trust God more and sin less.

So todays picture is a simple little photo of Woody with showing off his guns. Hope you like it.

365 Day 3

2009-01-11T21:40:00.002-05:00

So far so good. Day three and counting. I need to be more on the ball and get things rolling earlier but I am still chugging along.

This is a picture of Katie. She works at Camp Jewell for the winter. We were just having fun and shooting a few picks. I was glad that alot of my friends at Jewell were able to help me out on this.

Good night.

365 day 2

2009-01-10T21:19:00.003-05:00

So far so good. After a very long day I forced myself to go out and take some photos. I am happy with the result.

This photo is at Camp Jewell, a place near and dear to my heart. My good friend James had this idea of putting up lights along the trail coming up from the tubbing hill. That is what this picture is. I hope you like it.

365

2009-01-09T21:36:00.002-05:00

So I am trying to get motivated and out of some of the ruts I have created.

One step is I am trying a 365 photo assignment. For 365 days I will photograph and then post to my blog.

This is one step toward being a successful and responsible adult.

This picture is a simple one taken inside looking out.

Simple

2009-01-05T13:27:00.003-05:00

The new Year has begun. I hope to be more faithful, loving, kind, understanding, and at ease this year. My time at home over Christmas was great. I have such wondrul family. I also have great family up here. It was great being able to spend time at Camp Jewell with all my friends. It was espically great spending time again with the Zetye Clan.

Sunny Saturday.

2008-12-06T10:55:00.002-05:00

It is a nice day out. I am having dinner tonight with Dan Bress. He graduated from Hallmark last year with me. He is a great guy who just returned on a month long cruise to the meditteranian. I bet he has some great photos.

I am lookin forward to going home for Christmas. I will likely never see a white Christmas in Texas but time spent with Family is Priceless.

I am so blessed to have so much. How can I ask for anything for Christmas knowing that others in the world are going hungry tonight? What difference do I make.

It is hard being in America while others are hungry. I have so much freedom, family, friends, a full belly.

Thanks for your time.

Battle of wills.

2008-11-26T20:10:00.002-05:00

Rocky.

It's funny how my generation seem to associate so much with movies. I was just flipping through the channels and came across rocky IV. I remember it so well the soundtrack, the Russian, the friend dying. I also think about my brother, he loved it as much as I did.

Everything is a battle of wills. We all make decisions. We have choices to fight or run. To face our fears head on. To be willing to sacrifice for the good of others.

Work is still good. I am still getting paid well and loving my job. I am fortunate to have a boss who is understanding even when I do make mistakes.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving with the Zetyes. It is great to have friends who are also family. Speak of Friends I went over to the Bartons for dinner. Mo fixed some killer pork chops.

Rocky started up. What is it about movie soundtracks that are so great. The mood that a simple instrumental soundtrack conveys is amazing. This is just great.

Have a great Thanksgiving.

Old Friends.

2008-11-24T18:25:00.002-05:00

I continue to look for old friends on facebook.

I came across some old pictures. Time passes so fast. It is like a vapor. 20 years seems just like yesterday.

Each day is a gift and I need to remember to hold on to each day and to make the best of each day. To serve God, to love others, to stay the course. Each day should be enjoyed like fresh fruit. To be cherished with every bite. To not worry about tomorrow and to not to look back to far. To stay the course and enjoy the journey. To eat of the fruit of life. To let me rest in His love.

I am so looking forward to Thanksgiving. I am spending it with the Zetye Family. I hope that I am able to be a friend to them through what may be a difficult holiday. I will also be able to spend time with the Bartons. It is always great to spend time with them.

One of my old friends I found on facebook is Dani Hochleutner. I was able to have an IM conversation with her last night. It is so exciting that she is going to be in Albany from the 9th through the 12th of December and we are going to try to get together.

Thursday.

2008-11-20T20:17:00.002-05:00

Cold, boy is it cold!

I have been on the road alot this week. I finally caught up with my dad today after playing phone tag for a couple of days.

Heroes. My dad is one of my heroes. I always appreciated the way that he was there for me and my brother growing up.

My brother is great, his name is Mark. No it's not two names in one. He ones and runs a couple of tire stores down in Texas. He married into a rodeo family. He is so generous and always has company at his house. Some day maybe I will be fortunate to have a house as big as he does. I guess I already have the heart. Boy, am I blessed.

I am planing on going down to Jewell for Thanksgiving. Ray invited me to spend it with him and his family. I am so fortunate.

I would like to make in into NYC to visit some of my friends there, but I do not know if that will happen.

I hope you have a great day.

Funny thing.

2008-11-15T09:52:00.002-05:00

So I was just poking around facebook and looking at two of the mentors in my life. John Strappazon and Kit McDermott.

John I knew from my time in college, the early 90's. Seems like just yesterday. Isn't it funny how time sneaks up on you. Soon enough I will be 40. I am thankful to have had John in my life and to have known him when I did. He was always caring and honest with me about who I was and who I was to become.

Kit I have known for about 6 years. He came into my life as a suggestion from my pastor. He is so understanding and faithful to God's calling in his life. He is a church planter in Northampton Mass. I can see how his heart breaks from just reading his blog.

Once again I am reminded how blessed I am to have friends in my life.

How Blessed am I.

2008-11-14T20:16:00.003-05:00

Dinner.

I just had dinner at my good friends the Jacksons who were generous enough to let me stay with them tonight.

We had fresh ham with homemade apple sauce, beans, and carrots.

The Jacksons are old friends who work for the Salvation Army as officers. They have served in New York, New Jersey and now Massachusetts. Tomorrow we are going to Microcenter, a computer place.

I still am pushing to finish my hikes by the end of next Saturday. I have eight left. I went to world's end yesterday. It was really cool. I had a view of the Boston cityscape over water. It is a great place to go bird watching.

I love Christmas. I started hearing my first Christmas music of the year yesterday. I am so fortunate to have friends and family who dearly love me and want the best. I am thankful to be raised in a country where I am free to worship.

I am Joe Don Richardson.

Servant of the One True God.

Hero to the hopeless.

I have been and always will be dedicated, dangerous, and loyal.

To all who read these may you be as richly blessed today as I am.

Thankful.

2008-11-09T06:47:00.002-05:00

Just a few things I am thankful for.

I am thankful for friends like Paul who let me crash at there place whenever I need to.

Friends like Ray who continue on despite great loss.

Friends like Becca, Mike, and Jaime because we are able to meet for dinner and enjoy shared experiences.

A job in today's difficult economy and especially one that I enjoy. To be able to travel and take photographs is great!

To have a talent like photography.

To have a loving God who understands the pains and trails I undergo. To be able to rejoice with Him and grow with Him. Even when I don't understand, which is most of the time. To still be able to trust. This is growth.

Sunday.

2008-10-26T09:42:00.002-04:00

It is Sunday morning in Texas.

I am so glad to be staying with my mom for the weekend. The house she just finished is without a doubt the most beautiful house she ever completed. It is also nice to have my young cousins around to keep me company. Kids are great.

Tomorrow I fly back to NY. I had my first experience renting a car over the weekend. It has been nice and convenient.

This week I am flying back tomorrow and in the lab on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday I am in Schenectady and then New Phaltz on Friday. I hope to see Ray and my friends at Jewell on Saturday.

Bittersweet Beginings.

2008-10-25T21:54:00.002-04:00

Weddings.

Today I attended a great old fashioned Texas style Wedding. My nephew Payden Franks got married today. He married Trinna Wright from Wright City, OK. It was great being there helping out and being there to support them.

Funerals.

Steve Zetye, Dad, was laid to rest today. It was very hard talking to Ray the other day. I would have been there but I am in Texas for the weekend.

Death and life. It is hard to grasp something as wonderful as a weeding when my best friend just lost his dad. There are so few words to say. I can only pray.

Long time coming.

2008-10-21T18:53:00.002-04:00

I am tired. I photographed today in Peabody MA and then drove to New Pfaltz NY.

My magazine came out and I am officially a published photographer. I am on page 29 of Backpacker magazine with spooky places to visit.

I am going home this weekend for my nephew Payden's Wedding. Quick trip. Out on Friday at 6 am and back at 5 on Monday.

2008-10-04T11:03:00.002-04:00

It is Saturday! YEA!

Today I am going over to the Collins and we are going hiking. I am working on building up my stock images so that I will have a bank to draw from when needed.

It is a beautiful day. The leaves are almost to peak where I live in Mass.

Last week was a long week but this week looks much easier. I have Monday off. That is a blessing in itself. Then I am off to Altamount, NY. I am stopping by Jewell on Sunday and staying over till Monday. It will be nice to finally catch up with Ray. We have been playing tag for a while. Wednesday I am off to New Pfaltz, NY. I am trying to make plans to catch up with Matt and Sharon Dickie while there. They are at Frost Valley YMCA. Thursday and Friday I am closer to home in Western Mass.

Yesterday on the way back I stoped for my first trip to Red Robin. I will have to say I was disappointed. The items look great on the menu but the chili burger seemed to be from a premade pattie. The cheese wasn't melted on top. Also the shake was too thick. Admittedly I consider myself a conniseur of shakes but it was too thick. I should have stoped by fuddruckers where I know it is always good.

Tomorrow morning I will go to Praise Christian for services. I am praying that something works out so that I might be able to move back to NW Connecticut but I am so blessed to be in the house I am now.

2008-10-02T20:56:00.002-04:00

Thursday is a great day today. It is one day closer to Friday. It has been a long week traveling all over the place. Today I am grateful for being in the same place two days in a row.

The nice thing is I get to see beautiful places as I travel. I am so thankful for the colors. I believe God has blessed me with an eye for the beautiful and wow there is beauty in New England now. If you have never had the opportunity to visit New England in the fall you are missing out. The leaves are amazing.

On to other issues. I am planing on going to Texas for my nephew Payden's wedding. I have not bought my ticket but plan on it before I go to bed. I talked to Jerry Ann, my sister in law, tonight and things are crazy around there.

I have been reading up on the sony a900. Boy would I love one of those. I also am looking at the new cannon 5d markII. Looks like another great cannon product.

Tonight I had dinner at Shalimar Indian Restaurant. It was good but I ordered the wrong things. I ordered Chicken Tikka instead of Chicken Tikka Massala.

So tired am going to call mom and maybe buy a ticket.

Good Night.

Rainy Sunday.

2008-09-28T20:07:00.004-04:00

Today was a great day.

I went to church and then ate at pasta y basta for lunch. IIt was great. I had a normal, which is unusual for New England, size sausage calzone. They are normally bigger than Texas. It was tasty though the service was just OK.

I then drove to Granville, NY by way of Gill Mountain in Central Vermont. It was a nice little diversion. It was interesting there was lots of clouds due to the leftover remnants of the hurricane.

I am currently trying to find a flight home for my nephews wedding taking place in October. It looks like I will be flying out on a Friday coming back on a Monday. It is the 24-27th.

I spoke to a lot of friends today including Karen Kristo, Jaime O'karma, Jim Roselli, and Troy Lee. It was great.

I am so excited that I have a later than normal start time tomorrow of 7:30 AM. Yeaaaa!

I hope that you like the picture I posted. I really do.