“I enjoy trying to capture some of the beauty around us, but the best reward is when my efforts cause a smile.”
About me
I am a 65 year old divorced male, and, in large part, a product of my age and time. From small town Ohio, a facility in math and science led to an engineering degree from a Big Ten university.
A first generation college grad, an international corporation paid me very generous sums to sit and think 8 to 10 hours a day. In short order a lack of regular challenges grew into boredom and I migrated to the new and wondrous world of sales and marketing. An ability to listen resulted in success and the opportunity to meet and learn from a world of bright and interesting people.
I am retired on disability. My coordination is mildly impaired. In my case it presents mainly in my speech and walk. The effects are controllable to a degree. They become most obvious when my concentration and energy level waiver. My speech becomes notably thicker and Ginger would no longer mistake me for Fred.
The lack of an occupation has allowed me to reinvigorate and old, old hobby. I think I was 12 when we moved into a house with a small, ramshackle darkroom in the basement. I discovered a new world of wonder. A recent first step into the world of digital photography with its inherent rapid feedback has help me sharpen some rusty skills.
I can’t paint. I can’t sculpt. I sure can’t sing and I am retired from dancing.
I am unable to create beauty, but from time to time I am able to capture some of the beauty around us. I think it satisfies some frustrated creative instinct. I enjoy the process.
I hope seeing my efforts grants you some small portion of the pleasure I gain in capturing it.
Thank you for your time and courtesy.
Joe Barr
7 responses so far ↓
1 Judy Rossow // May 27, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Great job, Joe. Love it. Thanks for sharing. judy
2 Celeste Steele // May 30, 2007 at 11:25 am
To my fellow photographer and a true friend who has given me great confidence in my own adventures, your site is a beautiful expression of wonder! Every one of your flowers can’t help but bring a smile. Take care always.
3 Joe Barr // Jul 2, 2007 at 11:32 pm
Hey, Joe
I like your name. Nice photographs, too.
Joe
4 Phil Coffey // Aug 10, 2007 at 1:16 pm
You may not remember but we met while waiting for our ship to come in. Both Candy and I enjoyed your spirit and presence so much. We love your work and were wondering if you would consider taking a fiew pictures @ our wedding which we are planning for April and what would your charges be. We are looking forward to seeing the pictures you took on the pier….keep up the good work, you bring lots of smiles to peoples lives!!!!!!!!!!
Best wishes Phil &Candy
5 Anna // Aug 19, 2007 at 1:33 am
Hi Joe
I’m glad you referred me here. These flowers are beautiful and your personal introduction does make me feel as if we have met in person. Capturing beauty IS creative. Thanks ..Anna..
6 Colleen Kappeler // Nov 11, 2007 at 3:51 pm
I was very hesitant to have Joe take my photos - it’s not an easy process to have someone in your face with a camera! Not only did he make me feel at ease, he quickly came up with gorgeous pictures that made me more than glad that I had followed through with the session. I immediately posted one on my website - that’s how confident I am in his work and how it made me look.
7 Lisa Adamowicz Kless // Mar 2, 2008 at 12:21 am
I see that you’re a man of many talents, Joe! The piece you shared with us at the writer’s group meeting was fabulous, but now that I’ve had a few minutes to peruse this website too, I’m really impressed! Thank you for sharing your writing and beautiful photography–your efforts have indeed caused a smile.
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