Bryant's Blog

Aerial Photography-Chamberlin Hotel at Fort Monroe, Virginia.

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 08:03:18 -0500

Along with my Hampton Roads, Virginia real estate photography virtual tours I have begun offering aerial photography of properties and neighborhoods for REALTORS© and brokers and am having some success in this niche aspect of real estate marketing.

The image belom is of the Chamberlin Hotel shot from 500 feet in an R44 Raven II Helicopter while shooting properties for a broker on the Peninsula.

Canon EOS 5d with an EF28-80mm F/3.5 lens at ISO200 at 80mm-F/5.6-1/800sec.

This image is of the Salt Ponds Neighborhood in Hampton, Va. Canon EOS 5d with an EF28-80mm F/3.5 lens at ISO200 at 80mm-F/5.6-1/800sec.

This image is of the Salt Ponds Neighborhood in Hampton, Va. Canon EOS 5d with an EF28-80mm F/3.5 lens at ISO200 at 28mm-F/3.5-1/800sec.

Copyright Notice

All images appearing herein are the exclusive property of B. Payden Photography, LLC and are protected under the United States (USC Title 17) and International Copyright laws.

The images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Bryant L. Payden Jr.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com

http://www.paydenvirtualtours.com

http://www.bpaydenphotography.blogspot.com

bryant@bpaydenphotography.com

Norfolk Botanical Garden-Norfolk, Va. (Localism)

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:53:29 -0600

Norfolk Botanical Garden

Todays Norfolk Botanical Garden began in the mid 1930's with an idea by Frederic Heutte, a young horticulturist and Thomas P. Thompson, Norfolk City Manager from 1935-1938. Heutte had a fondness for Azaleas and believed Hampton Roads to have an ideal climate for growing this southern signature plant. Heutte and Thompson envisioned an azalea garden to rival those of Charleston, South Carolina. Their vision began to be realized when the city of Norfolk set aside 75 acres of wooded land and 75 acres of reservoir for a city garden.

Beginning in 1938, through a Works Progress Administration (WPA) grant more than 200 African-American women and 20 men began working to clear the site and their contribution to the garden is today wonderfully honored. In 1958 the Old Dominion Horticultural Society took over maintenance of the gardens and changed the name to the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Today the gardens include an arboretum and are 155 acres with over 20 themed gardens that can be viewed by boat, tram, or on foot. The gardens are on the National Register of Historic Places and are a Virginia Historic Landmark.

Community of Phoebus, Hampton, VA. (Localism)

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:29:24 -0600

Phoebus

The community of Phoebus is a historic waterfront neighborhood in Hampton that is currently undergoing a revitalization effort in its historic district. Tax credits are being offered to promote business investment and restore historic buildings to their former glory. Due largely to these efforts Phoebus is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmark Register. It sits across Mill Creek from Fort Monroe and its easy accessibility to the Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads Harbor make it a prime location for fishing and boating. Phoebus still retains that small town atmosphere that is largely being lost in our ever growing region and is well worth a visit.

The Chesapeake Bay Brown Pelican, once almost extinct in this area, have rebounded and there are now thousands of nesting pairs in coastal Virginia and North Carolina. The resurgence of this species has led to the Federal Government wanting to remove them from the Endangered Species list. The population of Brown Pelicans grew so quickly in the Mid-Atlantic region, after the Government banned DDT in 1972, that the US Fish and wildlife service dropped its endangered status for Virginia and North Carolina populations in 1985.

Phoebus is home to a commercial wharf used primarily by large fishing vessels that deposit their catch for processing here locally and shipping·all over·the world.

Hampton Cup Regatta

Every summer Phoebus hosts the nation's oldest hydroplane regatta on Mill Creek. Nine classes of hydroplanes race at speeds of 110-170 miles an hour. The festive atmosphere features vendors, food, local radio station giveaways, a classic car show, and plenty of horsepower.

Hampton Coliseum-Holiday Lighting

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:03:58 -0600

Every year for the holidays the Hampton Coliseum changes it's normal nighttime illumination from white lighting to colored lighting with a very dramatic effect. Opened in 1970 the Hampton Coliseum is a multi-use venue which is owned by the City of Hampton. The Coliseum has featured many sporting events as well as countless musical shows including Elvis, The Grateful Dead, Phish and the Rolling Stones.

Copyright Notice

All images appearing herein are the exclusive property of B. Payden Photography, LLC and are protected under the United States (USC Title 17) and International Copyright laws.

The images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Bryant L. Payden Jr.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com http://www.paydenvirtualtours.com

bpaydenphotography@cox.net

Cape Henry Lighthouse - Virginia Beach (Localism)

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 13:36:28 -0600

There are actually two Cape Henry Lighthouses. The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1792 and was the first lighthouse authorized by the U.S. Government and the first federal construction project. In 1870 damage to the stone lighthouse was discovered and a new lighthouse was authorized to be built. The new Cape Henry Lighthouse is 357 feet away from the original lighthouse and is still an active aid to navigation operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Old Cape Henry lighthouse is maintained by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities and is open seasonally. The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is a National Historical Landmark and is also the official symbol for the City of Virginia Beach. Both Lighthouse are located on the Grounds of the Fort Story Army Base, so be prepared for security screenings when visiting the Lighthouses.

The Old Cape Henry Lighhouse:

The New Cape Henry Lighhouse:

New Cape Henry Lighthouse and The Coast Guard Station:

Copyright Notice

All images appearing herein are the exclusive property of B. Payden Photography, LLC and are protected under the United States (USC Title 17) and International Copyright laws.

The images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Bryant L. Payden Jr.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com http://www.paydenvirtualtours.com

bpaydenphotography@cox.net

Great Saturday in College Football

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 17:47:35 -0600

#25 Virginia Tech defeats #17 Boston College for the ACC Championship Title!!!

12/06/08- Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL.

Virginia Tech, for the second year in a row, wins the ACC Championship title 30-12 over Boston College. Sophomore Quarterback and Hampton, Va. native Tyrod Taylor was named ACC Championship Game MVP for his stellar performance this game including two rushing touchdowns in the first half. Freshman Running Back Darren Evans also had a strong game with 31 rushes for 114 yards and one touchdown. This win for Va. Tech secures a spot in the Fed-Ex Orange Bowl on January 1st.

Navy defeats Army for the Commander in Chief's trophy

12/06/08-Lincoln Financial Field-Philladelphia, PA.

With President Bush in attendance and a flyover by Air Force One patriotism was think in the Air for the 109th meeting between Army and Navy known as the Commander in Chief Game. Navy dominated Army from the beginning and has shut out Army two years in a row with the final score 34-0. Navy holds on to the Commander in Chief's trophy for the sixth year in a row. Army unveiled their new camouflage football uniforms but it wasn't enough to overcome the dominant Navy Midshipmen.

Historic St. Luke's Church - Smithfield, VA.

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:35:01 -0600

Founded in 1632, Historic St Luke's Church is the oldest church of English origin in America and is the oldest example of Gothic architecture in America. Located in Smithfield, Va. - Isle of Wight County. The church was originally referred to as the "Old Brick Church" until named St. Luke's Episcopal Church in 1820. The church has played a prominent role in the early colonial era as well as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. In 1953 St' Luke's was declared a National Shrine and in 1960 becomes a National Historical Landmark.

Below is one of my favorite headstones erected for a 10 year old girl that died in the 1920's

Below is a detail of the Pocahontas Stained Glass Window within the Church

Copyright Notice

All images appearing herein are the exclusive property of B. Payden Photography, LLC and are protected under the United States (USC Title 17) and International Copyright laws.

The images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Bryant L. Payden Jr.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com http://www.paydenvirtualtours.com

bpaydenphotography@cox.net

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:40:08 -0600

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg is one of my favorite times of year, decorative wreaths made with pine boughs, fruit, pine cones and mistletoe adorn the doors. The smell of wood fires and burning leaves are in the air, couples stroll hand in hand drinking hot beverages and talking, young lovers pause beneath hanging mistletoe to steal a kiss. The summer crowds are gone and the streets are once again quiet and peaceful, yes it's that time of year again, it's Christmas in Williamsburg.

The Governor's palace in all it's Holiday finery

December Twilight

A decorative wreath made with pine boughs and real fruit

Twilight on the Courthouse

Copyright Notice

All images appearing herein are the exclusive property of B. Payden Photography, LLC and are protected under the United States (USC Title 17) and International Copyright laws.

The images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Bryant L. Payden Jr.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com http://www.paydenvirtualtours.com

bpaydenphotography@cox.net

Fishing Vessel's at Chincoteague, Va.

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:58:18 -0600

Below are two image's I recorded of fishing boats at Chincoteague, Va. on Assateague Island in Accomack County on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Chincoteague is best known for the Chincoteague Ponies made famous by Marguerite Henry's children's book Misty of Chincoteague.

Most of Assateague Island is preserved as The Assateague Island National Shore and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and is well worth a visit for the beautiful beaches, Assateague lighthouse, wildlife, and driving on the beach in your properly equipped 4x4, with a permit issued by the park.

Copyright Notice

All images appearing herein are the exclusive property of B. Payden Photography, LLC and are protected under the United States (USC Title 17) and International Copyright laws.

The images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Bryant L. Payden Jr.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com http://www.paydenvirtualtours.com

bpaydenphotography@cox.net

My Latest Virtual Tours

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:09:41 -0600

Below are two tours I have completed this week.

183 Ridgewood Parkway - Newport News, Va. 23608

$229,000

http://paydenvirtualtours.com/show/48405

416 Catalpa Avenue - Hampton, Va. 23661

$145,000

http://paydenvirtualtours.com/show/48389

Both of these tours were created for Sandra Payden of Gregg Garrett Realty - Newport News, Va.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com http://www.paydenvirtualtours.com

Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:28:00 -0600

As an avid hiker and explorer of Shenandoah National Park-Skyline Drive, I recently availed myself of a hike in Whiteoak Canyon to the lower Whiteoak Falls. During a family get-together at Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria Virginia, I was pleasantly surprised to find several nearby trails leading into the park. This year my Family and I hiked the 4 ½ mile Lower Falls part of the Whiteoak Canyon, from the Park Boundary in Madison County off Weakley Hollow Rd. to the lower falls and back. It was a somewhat strenuous and steep hike, but well worth it for the fall colors in their splendor. The spectacular view of the falls was made even more beautiful as the sun dipped behind the ridgeline of the Canyon. Skyline Drive is particularly congested in the fall as many people enjoy viewing the beautiful fall colors along this stretch of the Blue Ridge. Myself I prefer to find more off the beaten path parts of the park. Below are several images from this hike, I hope you all enjoy and take the time to explore this most beautiful National Park for yourself.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com http://www.paydenvirtualtours.com

Assateague Lighthouse

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:59:59 -0500

The Assateague lighthouse in a 142 ft. tall lighthouse located on the southern end of Assateague island on Virginia's Eastern Shore, it was finished in 1802 and was painted in alternating bands of red and white. The lighthouse is located within the boundary's of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, a 14,000 acre wildlife preserve operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Accomack County, Va.

The image below was recorded in B&W on February of 2007 with Ilford FP4 Plus film on a Canon EOS A2 Camera.

Colonial Williamsburg

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:14:24 -0500

Many people start their tour of Colonial Williamsburg at the wonderful and interactive Visitor Center, or if you are more adventurous, like myself and already have a background in history, try driving directly into Historic Williamsburg and do some exploring on your own. Be prepared for large groups most times of the year including LARGE groups of children. Below are a few images taken on a recent excursion to Williamsburg.

Below is The Public Hospital for Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds. This building was the first devoted solely to the treatment of mental illness in the new world. The first patient was admitted October 12, 1773. The architecture of the building matches closely the Wren Building at the nearby College of William and Mary.

Among the many period reproductions of 18th century colonial transportation is the example below of a traveling coach used by wealthy residents of Williamsburg.

Upon it's completion in 1722, The Governor's Palace was considered one of the finest homes in Colonial America. It has been home to seven Royal Governor's, Patrick Henry and also Thomas Jefferson until the Capitol was moved to Richmond. The Palace has also served as a hospital twice during The Revolutionary War. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1781. The Restoration below was completed in 1934.

Fall is a wonderful time to visit Colonial Williamsburg, wood smoke is in the air, the leaves are changing and you can almost picture what our nation must have been like some 300 years ago.

Skyline Drive-Shenandoah National Park

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:07:18 -0500

Skyline drive is a 105 mile scenic drive that runs the length of Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. The road runs generally along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains within the park. The drive is particularly popular in the fall leading to congestion most weekends. Annually over two million people visit the park.

Personally I have seen countless deer along the drive as well as wild turkeys, several large black bears and cubs and even a bobcat. I visit Big Meadows every summer as the Fawns generally foal the last week of May through the first week of June, making for some memorable early morning photography.

Raspberry Plain - Leesburg, VA

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:22:51 -0500

Rich in history, the Georgian colonial estate known as Raspberry Plain, since 1731, is set on fifty rolling green acres overlooking the Catoctin Mountains. Brick pathways surrounded by herbs and wildflower gardens nestled between ancient trees, wind through the sun-filtered grounds leading to the mansion and formal gardens. The mansion's portico offers a spectacular backdrop for any event on the South Lawn. The North Lawn boasts a breathtaking, majestic view of the mountains, pastures and pond. The hall's sparkling chandeliers, detailed archway and dramatic staircase, announce the elegance of the mansion's rooms. All the mansion rooms have glass paneled, double pocket doors, fireplaces and original detailed ceiling molding.

One of the highlights at Raspberry Plain is the spectacular Grand Conservatory. This two-story high room features walls of glass arching in the gables and French doors leading to the formal gardens and walkways. The stone walls, large columns and massive cherry-trimmed windows compliment the surrounding panoramic views of the formal gardens, pond field and distant mountains. The Grand Conservatory has the capacity of 200 seated guest with room for musicians and dancing.
Whether it's summer, winter, spring or fall, Raspberry Plain offers a worry-free plan for your next special event.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com http://www.paydenvirtualtours.com

2008 VA Beach SK8R Bash - Mt Trashmore

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:32:59 -0500

On Saturday October 11, 2008 the city of VA Beach, Virginia sponsored a skateboarding competition at Mt Trashmore Park. Big airs, board grabs and other raw tricks were on order for this amateur skateboard contest. The skate complex at Mt Trashmore features a competition-sized vert ramp that is a massive 13.5 feet tall and 40 feet wide, and a freestyle street course that also features an above ground 7 foot deep bowl. The complex is open to skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX bikers alike. If you have never been do yourself a favor a visit someday for an awesome display of gravity defying tricks.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com http://www.paydenvirtualtours.com

Hokies Win!!! Hokies Win!!! Hokies Win!!!

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:05:07 -0500

An exciting Saturday night college football game to watch that came down to the final minutes of the fourth quarter saw Virginia Techwin over Nebraska 35-30. Tyrod was electric and as always a pleasure to watch. The Corn Huskers were clearly outmatched, the better playing team definitely won this game, and of course I am completely unbiased =0). Two stupid personal fouls against Nebraska and one against NNebraska's coach sealed their fate late in the fourth quarter.

There were also several Week 4 upsets this week,

Navy defeated 16th ranked Wake Forest 24-17.

Houston defeated 23rd ranked ECU 41-24

Ole Miss defeated 4th ranked Florida 31-30

Rich Rodriguez coached Michigan defeated 9th ranked Wisconsin 27-25

Maryland defeated 20th ranked Clemson 20-17

And the Biggest upset from Thursday night was-

Oregon State defeated 1st ranked USC 27-21

And finally my second favorite game of the day was watching the West Virginia Mountaineers defeat Marshals Thundering Herd in Morgantown 27-3 to sweep the third consecutive "Friends of Coal Bowl".

Pacific Blush

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:21:31 -0500

This image was recorded July, 2008 in La Jolla California. Image was captured with a tripod mounted Canon EOS 5d and EF 17-40mm F/4 USM lens. Image metadata is as follows: ISO 200, 40mm, f/4.0, 1/13 sec.

My wife and I went to La Jolla for a Photography Vacation and to Visit my Father and Step-Mother who stay in La Jolla for the summers. I have been to LA and Orange Counties numerous times but have never made it to San Diego County before. We both fell in love with the beauty of La Jolla and plan to continue to make Photography excursions to this beautiful part of our country.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com

http://www.paydenvirtualtours.com

Julian, CA. Bloom

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:45:52 -0500

This image was shot in the mountain gold mining town of Julian, California in San Diego County-July, 2008. Julian is an Official California Historical Landmark, #412. A short-lived gold rush was sparked by the discovery of gold in 1869 by a former slave named A.E. "Fred" Coleman. In recent years Julian has become a quaint mountain resort. My Father, Wife, and myself were on a trip to the High Desert at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and stopped in this mountain town for some of the world famous apple pies. The Julian Pie Company on Main Street has an awesome hot caramel apple pie! You can eat there, buy a pie to take with you, or they will ship it to your home.

This image was recorded on main street in front of a boutique dress shop. I recorded the image with a tripod mounted Canon EOS 5d with a Canon EF 17-40mm F/4L USM lens. The image was recorded at ISO 200, F/7.1, 1/100 sec, at 40mm.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com

California Dreaming #2

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:40:18 -0500

This image was recorder with a tripod mounted Canon EOS 5d with a Canon EF 17-40mm F/4 L USM Lens set to 23mm, F/7.1, 1/100 sec. I shot this in La Jolla, California this July while on a photography trip to Southern California. I think the sillouhte of the surfer against the sunset makes this image.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com

Capitol Tulip

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:15:45 -0500

Every spring in Washington DC the capitol comes alive with vibrant colors. Tulips and other flowering plants are seen in abundance surrounding the Capitol, and other nearby federal buildings. Also on the grounds of the capitol is the US Botanic Garden that is not to be missed! If you find yourself in Washington in April, do yourself a favor and stroll the Capitol grounds!

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com

Let's go Hokies!!!

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 11:02:54 -0500

An hour and a half till kick-off, Sitting here in my office, in Hampton, watching Hannah blow the trees around a bit and counting the minutes till kick-off. Can't wait to see Tyrod playing today and a win over Furman would go a long way to relieving the sting of last weeks loss to ECU. Let's just hope Hannah doesn't blow a power line down and I miss the game. LET'S GO HOKIES!!!

Marketing my Virtual Tours and Photography Business

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:26:43 -0500

Here is my dilemma, For the past several months I have visited every Broker in Hampton and Newport News, Va. and handed out slick flyer's advertising my Real Estate and Virtual Tour business. Attached is one of my eye catching business cards and mostoffices I visit I get a very positive response and promises to put the flyer's in the agents boxes. Last week I mailed several hundred direct mail post cards as a trial to see if I got any responses from those. This week I invested a fair amount of money in Google for adword advertising which has driven up the click through rate to my website. I have been networking on this website and several others, My google search results are fair.

The Dilemma is the phones aren't ringing. I have a good website, I believe in my product, Virtual Tours and my artwork, what am I missing? Is there some marketing idea I am over looking, are Virtual Tours not that important to Realtors, have I misjudged the market, is my work not that good?

I am really at a loss for why the phones aren't ringing, at least so I have a chance to sell a client on my services. Any comments or suggestions would be MOST appreciated and welcome. Thanks in advance for your time!

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com

http://www.paydenvirtualtours.com

Ocracoke Lighthouse

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:59:54 -0500

The Ocracoke light is the second oldest operating lighthouse in the nation. My wife and I visited this lighthouse on a recent visit to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The Bridge on Route 12, Ocracoke Island was in the process of being repaired by the NC Dept of Transportation. Not to be deterred I put our jeep in 4 wheel drive low and drove the two mile detour on the beach around the construction to the village of Ocracoke. We spent a lovely day exploring and shooting the village and would recommend it to anyone. Also of interest is the British cemetery where is interred drowned British sailors from WWII.

http://www.bpaydenphotography.com

Gull on rock-B&W

Bryant Payden (B. Payden Photography, LLC) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 09:51:11 -0500

Below is another black and white image I shot on a photography trip to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. I shot almost exclussively black and white film on this trip. This image was recorded on Ilford Delta 100 black and white film with a Canon EOS A2. Image was recorded in Whatcom County, Washington.