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With today's smartphones, anybody can take photos and videos then use filters or various editing software. Some do it very well and create interesting, even stunning images.
Then there are people like Wednesday's Mineral Wells Rotary program speaker Jonny Partesius, aka Jonny Goodday (which he said he goes by because it sounds better and is easier to say and spell). Jonny is a true artist – almost magician – with an eye, a talent and equipment for producing some of the most amazing photographs and videos one will ever see.
Take, for instance, his recent photograph of the Milky Way he captured from the Palo Pinto area …
He transplanted himself from the Metroplex to Mineral Wells and for the last several years has been capturing and documenting images and video especially of the area's historic buildings and amazing scenery. His work is well known by most in Mineral Wells through his Facebook pages and website (jonnygoodday.com).
Currently he is part of the video team hired by the Baker Hotel & Spa development group, documenting not only the historic restoration of the 90-year-old hotel but also what is taking place in the community during the project's construction phase. Plans are to produce an hour-long film with hopes of airing it on a platform such as Discovery Channel.
Having produced incredible drone footage around town in the past, Jonny is now focused on his still photography and filmography enterprises. At his website one can join The Goodday Club and receive monthly two high-quality prints – one landscape and one architectural – on heavy card stock with information about those photos on the back of the prints.
One can also browse and purchase larger prints from his website.
Jonny demonstrated one of his high-tech toys, a three-axis gimbal, or stabilizer, mount he uses for his digital camera to shoot video. The gimbal allows the camera to move independently of the user's movements and is controlled either through a joystick on a handle grip or through a smartphone app.
He said he hopes to be able to continue building his portfolio and business here in Mineral Wells, a town he said is rich in architecture that lends itself to amazing photographs, videos and documenting that history, especially while it still exists.
Jonny was gracious in bringing a large, framed color print of a local hay field backed by the the oranges and purples of a Palo Pinto County sunset that was given away in a drawing. It was won by Sheree Patterson, much to her delight.
Learn more about Jonny Goodday and how to acquire his prints through his Facebook page and his website.
Rotary Club of Mineral Wells meets Wednesdays at noon at Palo Pinto General Hospital for lunch, socializing, updates on club news and events and a program of interest. Meetings are for members, invited guests and prospective members. To learn more about Rotary and becoming a member, contact a Rotarian or visit our website at mineralwellsrotary.org.