Last Broadcast of 2008

As the year comes to a close, I plan on taking most of the week off to enjoy time with family and friends. However, before I do, let me take a second to humbly thank everyone who continues to make our little corner of the web a success. Since its start, the blog has continued to evolve, and I'm looking forward to seeing what 2009 holds. I'm planning some new surprises, and bringing back some of our old features. Sincerely, I thank you for making me feel so welcome in this virtual community, and I look forward to sharing more with you in the future.

Just a reminder:

Our "Best of 2008" photo contest comes to a close Wednesday night at midnight. If you're going to enter, get the details here.

Also, if you feel so inclined...

I'd love to get feedback from my readers on the following areas: 1) What topics would you like to see "Back to Basics" articles written about 2) Who would you like to see guest blog? 3) Where would you like to photowalk (East Coast, USA only for now, please) 4) Any other general questions or comments about the blog.

I reserve the right to hand out B&H gift cards to folks who are extra helpful. You can email me at blog@townerjones.com with your input.

That's it, gang! Thanks for a great 2008. Hopefully the folks at TypePad will have the bug that has been keeping you from commenting fixed soon. I miss talking with everybody. The email above is a great way to get in contact with us. Until next year... All the best, Rob

Merry Christmas

From all of the Jones Family, we hope that you have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year. We're going to take the rest of the week off and enjoy spending time with family and friends, we hope you'll do the same. We'll see you back here next Monday.

Luke 2:8-14

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

A Few More from Monticello

After yesterday's post, Rose wanted to share a few shots from Thomas Jefferson's home and our photowalk this past Saturday. Here's a few of her favorites.

Photowalk - Monticello

Two words... "Cold Mist"

The weather channel gave a 0% chance of precipitation during the hours of our walk, and though it didn't "rain", they were definitely pushing the limits with their forecast.

Many thanks to Barry, Laura, Ron, Tom, and Bob who all braved the elements and joined Rose and I for the walk on Saturday at Monticello. We enjoyed getting to spend the morning with you all. The one advantage to the weather was that we had almost the entire grounds to ourselves, and though it may not be a "target rich" environment during a cloudy, winter day, Monticello still had a lot of photos to offer.

Here you'll notice that, even though the D3 has 51-autofocus points, I can't manage to land one of them on one of my subjects. At least we're in focus enough to be identifiable. Sheeesh.

7-Shot Pano of the back side (famous side) of the house

Bob taking the high ground above the terraced vegetable gardens.

Tom and I both found the cabbages in the vegetable garden an irresistible subject

Rose trying to get one through the fence surrounding the graveyard

Again many thanks to everyone who came out. If you'd like to stay up to date on future photowalks hosted by Towner Jones Photography, please sign up on our photowalks mailing list.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Fridays at Five - Monticello Photowalk

Just a short blog today folks... wanted to remind everyone to join Rose and I at the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, this Saturday at 10AM. Make sure you register by emailing: photowalk@townerjones.com and get important details here. If weather looks like it's going to be an issue, I will email those people who are registered with details, and post information to the blog as early as possible. Currently, it looks like mother nature plans to cooperate... and least in terms of no rain.

Hope that everyone is having a great week. We look forward to seeing some of you tomorrow!!

All the best, Rob