about tumbleweedphoto

The Photographer

Hi. My name is Don Thursby. I am a writer-poet and former singer-songwriter and....... I am a freelance digital photographer and owner of Tumbleweed Photography based in Altoona, PA.

Starting late in my photographic endeavors, I purchased my first 35mm SLR in 1981 after a trip to Hawaii and after seeing some 35mm pictures while there. Though self-taught, I have worked and studied very hard as well as collaborated with friends that ranged from serious ameteurs to professional photographrs to continually improve my photography.

In 1985, as then a serious amateur, I started photographing events such as festivals, parties, families, personal portraits, special events, etc. gaining the experience and confidence to move up to the next level of my career.

In 1991, I moved to the professional level though only parttime at first. Working more and more as a professional as time moved on, I became a fulltime professional in the year 2000. I have widened the scope of my photography to include more commercial aspects.

In 2001, I joined the Altoona-Blair County Photographic Society and was a member through 2010. I served as vice-president of the from 2003 through 2006. In 2007, I was elected president of this organization. In 2010, I founded of the Keystone Photomakers.

A member of the African American Heritage Project of Blair County, I also serve as the organization's photographer, TV commercial producer as well as the website designer & manger. You can visit the website at African American Heritage Project of Blair County.

In 2005, I became the official photographer for the Mrs. Pennsylvania, Miss Teen Pennsylvania and Miss Pennsylvania International Pageants. I served in the same capacity in 2006,2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011. View some of my work at: Miss Pennsylvania International

I have volunteered my services and materials to Project Winter Warmth (organization to buy clothes for underpriviledged kids at Christmas) since 1993. Also I have provided services for the Colon Cancer Prevention Foundation and the Candlelighters (cancer children's annual Christmas party) along with several other charities.

Very early on, I developed a deep love for waterfalls and lighthouses while living in for a few years along the coast of New England after leaving my native Texas. Having lived in Pennsylvania for a few years now, I still have the opportunity to photograph these wonderful scenes. I have also become very interested in big bridges. Some of which you will see on this sight.

In 2008, I decided to purchase all digital equipment to keep up with the times and compete in the cyber market so Tumbleweed Photography is now totally digital!

I look forward to providing services for your needs.

Tumbleweed Photography

Tumbleweed Photography was named to reflect the fact that it is a predominantly mobile operation in that most of my work is done at remote locations. Though I have a small studio, it has always been my philosophy that clients are much more at ease in settings that are familiar. The name also reflects my Texas roots.

The company is a one-man operation with occasional sub-contracts to aid in completing a job or project. Taking careful steps, I have kept the company from growing beyond what I can manage to maintain high quality services for my clients. Started in 1991 as a parttime venture, it became a fulltime entity in 2000.

The company's goal has been and will continue to be to provide a high quality product at an affordable price for any income.