While this image is not that amazing, the backstory is kind of funny. The day before I snapped this photo I had stopped at a Mennonite farm about two miles up the road to ask if I could try a shot of their garden which was on it’s last hoorah. They kindly agreed so I set up my tripod and waited for the sun to get near the horizon for my shot. I usually shoot a series of exposures every couple minutes because there is a point where everything is just right. While I waited a young boy came out to see what I was doing, so I showed him my tablet with my composed image displayed. He took a look and says “hey, thats not bad” which I found sort of humorous. His father came out near dark and I asked if I could go in the barn to light the inside,to which he gladly agreed.
So the very next day I am going down the road and I notice these 4 kids had just left the one room school and headed up this farm lane which connected to another road. I knew they were eventually going to come up this hill so I sat in my car and waited with a long lens. I took a few as they approached and when they were about 30 yards away I heard the one in the front yell “hey Don”? I thought did I really just hear my name called out? Well it turns out this was the boy from the night before who gave me his analysis of my shot and he had the biggest smile on his face as he got closer. So to get even crazier, the oldest boy in the yellow shirt asks “are you Donald Reese” which was mind blowing. We have a little running joke at work because in the last month I have had at least 5 different Mennonite people meet me and When I say hi my name is Don, they say are you Donald Reese? The most recent one happened when I saw a nice barn and fall trees and pulled off the road to take a shot. As I snapped away I noticed the farmer walking out towards me so I prepared for trouble. I said hi can I help you? and he said “well there are some questions”. I told him I was local and was getting some fall photos and guess what he asked me, “Are you Donald Reese”? I said as a matter of fact I am, and this 40 or so year old man puts his hand by his knee and said I have been admiring your photos since I was this tall! I guess people have been taking note of my images over the years and I am honored by that!
Donald Reese Photography 
You deserve the recognition for all you do to delight others. A lot of people help but few delight.
I am a real delight alright!
Your work is always amazing. I look forward to seeing what each email holds. Great shot. What also caught my attention is the gable end of the barn. Thank you for sharing your talents.
Thank you, that particular farm has great potential but I have not found the right conditions for a winner. I think I went at least 10 times to capture lightning over the farm and never got one bolt. Maybe winter will offer something nice?
Of course people have been admiring your photos! I’d say the SN helps and of course the calendar. I went to the Blue Ball office and they were out, but getting more this week, so I went to Hinkletown and they had some. It is so very beautiful, some wonderful shots you chose, especially the coppersmith and antiques!! So glad I asked about it, otherwise probably missed it because I go to the drive thru. I enjoyed this back story!
Thanks, I was told they get loads of requests for me to do their calendar and they do an awesome job reproducing my original images. They asked me if I had any other subjects, so I suggested my light painting work.
Oh how special! I’m guessing that might feel like one of the highest honors you could receive… to hear from the Amish themselves that they are enjoying your work!
I know I sure enjoy it!
These are Mennonites, but same idea.
What an honor! You are totally worth the praise.
I guess you didn’t know you had such a following in the Amish and Mennonite Communities.
I’m happy to know that they appreciate your photos as much as I do.
seems they have good taste too!
Your photos in The Shopping News over the years are wonderful! It doesn’t surprise me that these people know of you and hold you in high esteem.
Thanks, probably not high esteem, just aware I exist!
Great back story and evidence that you are making a positive impact on people’s lives…THANK YOU!
thank you kid sir!