Hi, I'm Mike Jones, and I've been working as a photographer for the past 17 years. I never planned on making my living as a professional photographer. It just kind of happened. It started out as just a hobby, as a teenager. Shortly after graduating high school, I found a part-time job as staff photographer for a small weekly newspaper in New Jersey, where I lived. I eventually decided that I absolutely loved it, and switched my college major to photography. After graduation, I moved on to a much larger newspaper, covering a beautiful part of the Jersey Shore. There's no better way to master photography than shooting for a newspaper. On any given day I'm shooting portraits, sports, architecture, breaking news, and trying to get interesting shots of things that are completely boring. It forces you to be creative. Landscape photography has always been my true love. In 2001, I left the paper, and took a three month camping trip around the country visiting 18 national parks, to get traveling out of my system. But, it had the opposite effect. It truly changed my life. After seeing just how much was out there, I couldn't be in New Jersey anymore

After several years of being depressed, feeling like I was stuck in New Jersey, in 2005, I finally came to a crazy decision. I realized that my house was worth nearly four times what I paid, and I could make money shooting photos while I travelled. So... I sold the house and bought a huge motorhome, and headed off into the sunset. I had finally fulfilled my lifelong goal of being a homeless drifter with no job. I travel with my two Labrador Retrievers. They are great company, and complain a lot less than a girlfriend. I love it! I can follow the nice weather. The first two winters, I was in Florida, and my first summer was in Maine and Canada. No more cold winters, and hot, humid summers. It's always in the 70's where I am.

After my first two years on the road, struggling to sell enough photos to survive, and keep traveling, suddenly I stumbled upon the perfect job... In the fall of 2007, I unexpectedly found myself employed . I got a call from a friend of mine, in Maine who I had done some work for, he owns a calendar/postcard company. He told me that a friend of his in Arizona owned one of the biggest calendar/postcard/sovenier companies in the country. He was looking for a mobile photographer to shoot photos for them... I was a homeless photographer looking for income... It was the perfect match!!! So, that's what I am doing now. I drift around in a motorhome, and shoot photos for Smith-Southwestern's calendars and postcards. They give me a list of interesting places to shoot, and I shoot em.
Inside The Beast

A few words about Flickr............
I had absolutely no idea when I first joined flickr, what a great community this was. I didn't join to make friends. I joined simply because my own website was such a huge pain to update, that I NEVER added any new photos to it. I have been traveling around for well over two years now. Looking back now, I don't know how I survived that first year without flickr. I don't travel alone anymore. Thanks to all of you, now I feel like I am traveling with hundreds of friends, everywhere I go. I enjoy sharing my travels with all of you, and showing everyone the amazing scenery this country has to offer.
I wish I had more time to get back to each and every person who comments on all of my photos. One of the most annoying drawbacks to living on the road is having to deal with a slow, wireless internet connection. I love surfing the internet, and flickr. My internet speed varies depending on how far from civilization I am, often times it's even slower than an old dialup connection (remember dialup?). Simply leaving a comment can take 10 minutes. Please don't take it personally if I can't get back to you, the number of people who visit my photostream has gotten quite overwhelming lately. I am also bombarded with emails with photography questions and such. I try to respond to everyone. Sometimes I go out on photo excursions, and I'm away from my computer for a few days. By the time I get back, I have a mountain of emails, and there's just not enough time to respond to everyone. I don't want people to think that I'm ignoring them. I really do try. Please, don't bother inviting me to post in any groups that require you to go and comment on a bunch of photos. With this internet connection, it's just not possible to post in groups like that, so don't be offended if I don't use an invite. The other thing that annoys me about these groups that require you to comment... Most of the comments you get DON'T SAY ANYTHING!!! Just "I saw this in 'whatever'..." And then some big sparkly icon. What does that say about the photo? NOTHING! Just... I'm fulfilling my obligation to comment.

Ever since I got the motorhome and started drifting aimlessly around the country, every couple of months I send out a huge email to a big mailing list of friends and anyone whose email address has somehow found it's way into my address book. Anyone interested in reading my funny stories of my crazy adventures can read that email on my "this Month" set
So... That's my story... I'm a homeless drifter, shooting photos for a calendar/postcard company. I drift around in a big motorhome. I'm always looking for friends with large driveways.
Please don't use any of my photos without my permission. All my photos are available for sale. Thanks.
I really appreciate all the attention my photography is getting here on flickr. Please keep in mind that I am a professional photographer. This is what I do for a living. Equipment is very expensive. People are always asking me for photos. If you can use the low-res photo as it appears on flickr, with my logo on it, and a link to my website or flickr, that is fine, with my permission. I am overwhelmed with emails asking for hi-res versions of my photos for various things, with the promise of a photo credit. After having thousands of photos published with a photo credit, the novelty of that has worn off. If you want me to send you a hi-res photo for publication, I need to be paid something. I'm not trying to be pretentious, but c'mon... I need to make a living.
Photos of MikeJonesPhoto (11)
MikeJonesPhoto's favorite photos from other Flickr members (189)
Contacts (136)
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noahjokc
Jim
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little m:)
maryanne
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SARhounds
Jim Frazee
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s_h_a_w_n_g_13
Shawn
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*MIAH*
No real name given
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Jill Clardy
Jill Clardy
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Gary Randall
No real name given
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ifringe (david)
David Schneider
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kgrin
kate grinberg
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RogerBlakeyPhoto
Roger Blakey
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BamaWester
Wes Thomas
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Jill's Junk
Jill Buschlen
Groups (50)
- ***Volunteers in Earthcare ACTIONS! ~ FIRST-THE EARTH: Ent3:Awd1 17246 photos, 1785 members
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- Daarklands by invitation only [ +18 group ] *comment 1 * 14802 photos, 2859 members
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- Art Touch - Invite Only (VOTING) 6120 photos, 824 members
- William Eggleston 14774 photos, 1189 members
- Cherry on top! Photography - Invited images - Post 1 Award 2 62848 photos, 12838 members
- Mike Jones Photo Fan Club 296 photos, 21 members
- Flickr's Best Landscape Photographers 2156 photos, 206 members
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- Winner of 'One of the best on Flickr' (15+Faves & Invited) 3458 photos, 388 members
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- Restaurants Revealed 239 photos, 50 members
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- OFFICIAL commented or blocked by ®© ROBERTO CARBONI's robot 213 photos, 184 members
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- Absolutely Stunning 'Scapes **INVITED PHOTOS ONLY** VOTE NOW 23835 photos, 8383 members
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- Colourful! 22023 photos, 2870 members
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- NATURE'S POT-of-GOLD {Competitive Group} 162518 photos, 13735 members
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- The DaVinci Touch (adm inv) *Award 2* WINNER ANNOUNCED! 8044 photos, 962 members
- I Saw The Light! (post 1, comment or award 1) 58769 photos, 4713 members
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- "A-Z of Digital Editing" (Invited Images Only) Comment on 2 2210 photos, 1548 members
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Testimonials (17)
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Extra Medium says:
"I didn't know that Mike Jones was David Hasselhof's stunt double until he got out of the famous black car and came over to the craft services tent I was working that day. His hair is a spitting image and with a tight fitting black leather jacket and Jordache jeans, they were identical. It wasn't until I saw a gaggle of groupie women rush past him to the real Hof that I realized that Mike Jones was just a humble stunt double who knew how to double-clutch the '84 Firebird and make it do power slides and other trick moves novices could only dream of. After asking for prime rib & an orange juice, Mike talked to me about his other emerging hobby photography, which he said was more relaxing than driving around a crappy American "sportscar" pretending to be the Hof. This was 1983 and I now understand that he does photography full time, driving around vagabond-style in an RV that has a talking console and an inoperable button that says "turbo boost""
28th December, 2008
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mothernature says:
"Beware of this guy, you never know some day you will look out your window and he is parked in your driveway! I highly recommend it. :-)
He may not approve this message but Mike is really a nice guy!"11th December, 2008
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Dave the Haligonian says:
"Mike Jones (if that is his real name) is a big square headed dumb ass that I would like to kick in the nuts. But after he picked himself up I would like to sit down and have a beer with him and laugh about it!
The only way Mike gets away with his crap is because nobody can deny how great his work is. Mike is living the photographic wet dream, just look at the sugar shack he drives around in! Thank god gas is only $4 a gallon!!
Take care Mike and keep up the incredible work you consistently produce you big pr!ck."13th October, 2008
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paintedpony27 says:
"Well, Flickr says not to post anything rude or nasty because Mike has to review it before it goes up. All I know is rude and nasty!!! OK, here goes: Someday I hope he's a millionaire. I hope his photography is as well known as Ansel Adams. His passion for his work speaks for itself -- the knowledge, fearlessness (except for that height thing), and raw talent -- the way he looks at the obvious, yet focuses on the subtleties. Knowledge is taught, but an eye is born. Mike is one of the most wonderful people I've ever met, and I wish him all of the best."
8th September, 2008
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JD Fielding says:
"A ball buster. So you better be prepared if you get a comment from Mike Jones. And, aside from being self proclaimed "Dumbass" - he is a phenomenal photographer.
His years of hard work, and dedication to the trade have served him well, and every new photo not only delivers aestheticism, but his commentary is clever and witty...even when it's retarded.
In all honesty, I respect Mike Jones as a great photographer. His work is something all photo enthusiasts who want to grow should aspire to.
Congrats."16th July, 2008
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Weir_r / (Robert) says:
"I dont feel qualified to comment on Mike's pictures they are just superb, exceptional, if you are here you will already know this, if not stop wasting time and look now. You will love them.
Mike is quite a guy with a great sense of humour. When he leaves a comment you have no idea what he is going to say....it could be anything and I mean anything. Many an afternoon has been brightened up reading his comments on various streams. Then comes my comment and you sort of squint at it first before reading it.....just in case lol.
One of the most predictable things about Mike is his unpredictability it makes him such a character. I am glad to be a contact and hopefully someday will get to meet, would be a pleasure to watch him work. Thanks Mike."13th July, 2008
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Rick Goldwasser-artist formerly known as not ansel says:
"I've been putting this testimonial off for a while but I guess it's time now. I hate giving this "dumbass" a compliment, but I have to admit, he deserves it. Mike is Mr. Flickr, he's one of the few photographers that I look forward to posts from. He visits cool places, takes great photos and, best of all, has a sense of humor about the whole thing. While he gives me a lot of s**t, he also takes it well. He's got the ultimate job - he basically gets paid to bum around the most beautiful places in the world in his traveling castle with his dogs and take pictures.
The thing that most flickr-ites don't know about Mike is that beyond the talented photographer and the sarcastic sense of humor he's also a really good person...God, did I just say that? I'm afraid it's true - hate to ruin your impression of the guy. Alright Mike I said it, I'll send you my address - please send me my check."12th July, 2008
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Darby & Me says:
"Born to poor sharecroppers in Almatta, Georgia in the late Spring of 1935, Mike Jones was a frail child with an unusually large head. Drawn to photography at an early age, a seven year old Mike fashioned his first crude camera out of bailing wire and cow chips. Although it was not a working camera, Mike and his brother, Ike, would play with it for many happy hours. When twenty years old, inspired by exotic postcards and photographs in men's magazines, Mike quit sixth grade and took off for the big city, determined to make his way as a professional photographer. So began the many storied career of Mike "Dizzy" Jones.
Auspicious beginnings, indeed, but a sad and tragic end. Now quite elderly and confused, Mike wanders the country aimlessly, taking pointless photographs and alarming small children. Exercise caution when addressing him, and, please, do not encourage him."28th June, 2008
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Michael--B says:
"Mike is hands down one of my favorite photographers on Flickr! I always looks forward to his new posts along with his witty and entertaining stories. His photos are an inspiration to those of us who want to get better at photography. I am glad to have him as a friend!"
22nd June, 2008
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JMW Natures Images says:
"I met Mike about a year or so ago on line here at Flickr. He was heading to Florida and wanted to mooch a spot to park that big motor home of his. Unfortunately my house/land would not accommodate that big rig, but I invited him to come on down and spend some time with me out on my boat on the Peace River and the bird rookeries.
I could tell right away that he was not a wildlife photographer, as he didn't know the names of the birds he was shooting, but the images he made that day clearly shows his talent as a truly gifted photographer. Just a few minutes into his photo stream will testify to this talent, not only in recognising a good image but the ability to make the image and processes it in photo shop,which he knows very well. Mike's ability to extract every bit of detail in his images is amazing, especially in his own version of high dynamic range photography.
Mike also has a great sense of humor, although a bit dry at times. That quality makes up his persona... good or bad.....that's Mike.
Mike, keep up the good work and the jokes.............we all love em. Maybe someday we'll met up again out west somewhere and do some shooting and story telling.
Michael"20th May, 2008
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chaybert says:
"I"m only going to be nice to Mike one time...and this is it. Despite his soft gentle comments, Mike is actually a really nice guy...and a lot of fun to photograph with, and hang out with. His knowledge of photography is seriously amazing...as is his knowledge of photoshop...and he knows a thing or two about BBQ's....pretty impressive, even if his dogs (well one of them anyway) has a gender identity crisis...and a bit of OCD.
There, I said it...Mike Jones is awesome. (now send me my check)"3rd May, 2008
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Jim Hutchison says:
"I'll never forget the first time I met Mike. We were both assisting this complete idiot on a photo shoot in North Jersey. We got to talking about photography during the shoot and when we were done, he went out to his car to retieve his portfolio. When I opened his book, I was completely blown away. I consider him a great friend to this day. He is truly passionate about what he does and it shows in his work, even if it is digital! Thanks Anthony, you complete moron for introducing us!"
26th December, 2007
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Wandering Eyes says:
"Mike is a Goober.
He ate Spot, marinated in beer....icky
Bridget Navigates.
He's a special photographer and i do mean "special."
His RV is niftier than my house.
He likes rainbows and birds.
Did I mention that Mike is a Goober?"25th November, 2007
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BamaWester says:
"To say that Mike's photos suck would be an insult to vacuum cleaners everywhere. I mean, there are "sucky snapshots" and there is Jones work. Seriously, why anyone would spend anytime looking at his photostream is beyond me. Either they are blind or like hurting themselves. ;-)"
20th November, 2007
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Lisa-S says:
"It was Mike's rainbow series of pictures that initially grabbed my attention. However, it is his sense of humour (note the correct spelling Mike) along with that of the flickr entourage he has managed to gather around him and his beautiful landscape photography that has made me a daily visitor to his stream."
11th November, 2007
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M.J. Valdez says:
"Spent some time this weekend with a great photographer and fellow flickrite, Mike Jones.
Mike sure has a lot of knowledge and has given me some great instruction on how to improve my photography. A few good tips from other photographers has always helped me because I have never been very good at understanding from a book. Hands on knowledge is always my way of learning and Mike has surely helped me in the field. Thank you Mike!!"23rd October, 2007
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Jill's Junk says:
"Okay-You twisted my arm Mike-I'll go first. Don't forget where to send the cheque!
Mike is one of the craziest, strangest and funniest people I've met on Flickr and I've met quite a few. Some may not get his humour but you will all get his skill as a photographer. You can spend alot of time discovering his stream and you will be truly impressed. It has been my pleasure and also great fun getting to know Mike and his work. He has been very generous with his time, advice and encouragement which I do appreciate very much Mike even if you scared off a few of my contacts with your craziness LOL. Keep on shooting and sharing. We all benefit greatly. Just don't let this go to your head!"26th September, 2007



















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