Cross Another off the 'ol Calendar... - 08/30/11 06:23 AM
Cross Another off the 'ol Calendar...     In a few days, we'll cross yet another month off the 2011 calendar. Looking back, it wasn't all that long ago many of us were putting together list of resolutions and goals we somehow didn't manage to keep.      While it is true, that time marches onward and waits for no one, we still have some left to salvage the year if we but put forth the effort.      Although this year is entering the autumn of its life, it still has possibilities and potential. History is full of "late bloomers" - those who never … (18 comments)

(not so) Speachless Sundae... - 08/28/11 06:43 AM
(not so) Speachless Sundae...     While watching another preseason snoozer last night, I started thumbing through some of the photos I had taken earlier in the year shortly after I had gotten my new camera body. Originally, I did not like this photo as I wanted the take to have the stupid bird turned around and not be eyeballing me from over its wing. Maybe, it was just camera shy or me just being too critical. But if there is one thing I have learned from the NFL, that would be challenge your thoughts. And, "Upon Further Review..."    Here is hoping y'all … (24 comments)

Making the Ordinary, Extraordinary... - 08/27/11 07:00 AM
Making the Ordinary, Extraordinary...     The same things that separates the ordinary, run-of-the-mill real estate agents from the extraordinary, "super" agent is the same mix that separates photographers from picture takers. To me, it is all about doing what no one else does or is willing to do. Go that extra mile, two if needs be.     Photography, like real estate, is all about perspective - Yours and yours alone! Some folks won't touch a house for one reason or other. Others see the potential and possibility stop the car and turn around.     This is exactly what I did. There was something … (26 comments)

Friday's Fotos ~ You Never Know When Disaster Will Strike... - 08/26/11 04:41 AM
Friday's Fotos ~ You Never Know When Disaster Will Strike...       Imagine that you are asleep in bed, you are abruptly awakened by the piercing sound of chiming the smoke alarms. The smell of smoke fills your nostrils as your tired body bolts upright in bed. Instinctively you reach for the bedside phone and dial 911. You tell the operator there is a fire at...       This scene takes place hundreds of times a day, all across the nation. Subconsciously, we think we are prepared. We have insurance, but does that cover the cost of loss of property and moreso, irreplaceable memorabilia? … (21 comments)

ActiveRain ~ You Either Swear at it or By it... - 08/25/11 05:37 AM
ActiveRain ~ You Either Swear at it or By it...        And so goes the continuing saga of the ups and downs of ActiveRain. There are a lot of good features about this real estate platform. Google juice, interaction, virtual friends, lead generator and the list goes on. And, when connections work like they should, we swear by ActiveRain.       But then there are those days when, there are terrible hitches in the giddyup, proxy errors, slow connections, lost comments and the list, like the beat goes on.      What I do not understand is the lack of consistency. One day … (31 comments)

(not so) Wordless Wednesday... - 08/24/11 06:16 AM
(not so) Wordless Wednesday...        It has been said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Then too, there is something about absence or the lack of something that adds intrigue. Yesterday, when I got in from work, the moon flowers were just starting to open and I could not resist their soft fragrance and brilliant white blooms.      Using the power of Photoshop, I cropped, rotated, and tweaked until I banged this out a minute or so later. Moral of story, don't be afraid to take something out of your photos. It may add to the overall composition...


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Remembering... - 08/22/11 05:11 PM
Remembering...          Long before ribbons of asphalt crisscrossed the country sides and subdivisions replaced the once fertile fields, I remember when things were much different. Driving the rural, back-roads, of this sprawling area, I recall when "Cotton was King" and you could get fresh vegetables from the bounty farmers would set up on road side stands. Life was simple and easy. Brentwood was still an unincorporated village and Williamson County was just miles along the interstate.      Although I can't turn back the hands of time, I still remember those cool, misty, southern mornings. The peaceful sounds of birds heralding the … (18 comments)

(not so) Speachless Sundae... - 08/21/11 06:51 AM
(not so) Speachless Sundae...     There are those days when my spirit needs solitude and connection with the Creator. I often go to a quite place, sometimes in my mind or to a place off the beaten path. There is something about clearing the mind and of all its troubles, fears and clutter and reflect upon the beauty that the Creator has given us.     If we are attuned and willing to listen, we can but only realize how blessed we truly are…

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Shutterbug Saturday... - 08/20/11 01:42 PM
Shutterbug Saturday...     It is interesting what one can do with a teaspoon of imagination and two cups of Photoshop magic. While at the local botanical gardens the other day I snapped a photo of this white Lotus!      Using some cropping techniques I got the image I wanted, and pasted it into another window. I masked out what I didn't want, enhanced other areas and finally came up with this image. And I am just beginning to scratch the surface and know enough to be dangerous. I really wish I knew a lot more about the program.


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Creating Your Listing Trailer... - 08/19/11 04:00 PM
Creating Your Listing Trailer...     The main downside I see with amateur videos is that they are often way too long. While you may think that all the information you are putting in the video is important, your audience may think - BOR-RING!!! Don't bore your clients and prospective buyers with the details - you can do that later. The purpose of your video is to tease them enough to entice them to make the call. Here's how:      Introduce the subdivision or area. In this example I used a voice over while driving down the road. It could be as … (15 comments)

Friday's Fotos... - 08/19/11 04:29 AM
Friday's Fotos...     It is difficult to keep up with Rob Thomas when it comes to capturing images of old barns and fleeting scenes of the past. "Have Camera Will Travel" does an excellent job of capturing these scenes around the Appalachians.       There is something about the rolling hills and mountains of Tennessee that often set the perfect back drop for these types of photos. Find an interesting looking subject, add in a splash of light frost and early morning sun -- and there you have it.       Moral of story? You never know then the right photo op will present … (20 comments)

Branding... - 08/18/11 05:26 AM
Branding...     After the pilot which I posted on ActiveRain as "Pushing the Limits", I set about shooting a short video explaining the processes. As in the first video, I decided to follow suit and use the green screen and equipment as the backdrop. After all, this is a video business and I felt that it showed what I did.       Next in the series will be, writing the script...
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(not so) Wordless Wednesday... - 08/17/11 05:41 AM
(not so) Wordless Wednesday...     Somewhere, in the crevasses of my mind, I remember a simpler time. Life wasn't complicated - it just was. Folks knew everyone, they were honest, trustworthy and hard working. Daily activities focused on the family, the farm and friends. Well, so much for the "Good 'ol Days."     I stumbled across this scene while traveling down some back roads in rural AL a few years back. The dirt road, the fence, even the house was so reminiscent of my childhood home in southern GA. I could almost see mom calling us in for breakfast, smell the fresh cut … (25 comments)

Pushing the Limits... - 08/16/11 05:24 AM
Pushing the Limits...     I like video. But then, that's why I'm in the business. And being the person I am, I am constantly pushing the limits to see what I can do with this media / art form.      In a series of short videos I am shooting for my website geared around the 5 Step process involved in making videos, I decided to shoot a green screen using the green screen, lighting, and some gear as the back drop.     Needless to say, I really had fun keying this one. I hope you enjoy...

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When Things Go Pear Shaped... - 08/15/11 03:40 PM
When Things Go Pear Shaped...     Mama said that there would be days like this. No matter how hard you try or what you do, things are just going to go pear shaped.         No, it's not necessarily your fault that the day went the way it did, it just seems as if the gods had other plans and nothing you did would change the hand of destiny. Like pawns in a chess game, the god, sitting in their lofty positions somewhere in the heavens, push, manipulate or mess with our puny mortal minds.        We get mad because things … (21 comments)

Rediscovering Macro Photography... - 08/14/11 06:45 PM
Rediscovering Macro Photography...     One of my favorite types of photography is macro photography. In this arena, the photographer has the opportunity to get up-close and personal with their subject.      Years ago, when I was shooting film, my 101mm macro used to be one of my favorite lenses due to its clarity and the ability to capture vivid images of a seldom seen world. However; when I made the transition to digital media, many of my older manual lenses were extremely challenging to use.      Thankfully, improvements have been made in technology and once again, I can pull old faithful off … (7 comments)

(not so) Speachless Sundae... - 08/14/11 07:08 AM
(not so) Speachless Sundae...     One never knows when the right moment will present itself and become a photo op. While armed with nothing but my Kodak Easy Share that I use for home inspections, I saw this opportunity out of the corner of my eye. Quickly framing and pulling the trigger I managed to squeeze off a few shots before my subject moved on.      Back home, I used Photoshop to crop, do some minor color adjustments and add text. Which really goes to show you, one does not need to have $3,000 worth of camera equipment to take a photo. … (25 comments)

Friday's Photos... - 08/12/11 05:31 AM
Friday's Photos...     There is something about the dawning of a new day that rejuvenates the soul and rekindles the flame in one's spirit. Maybe it's because yesterday and all its troubles are gone and the dawning of the new day brings glimmers of new hope and inspiration...

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Post Production - Cropping Photos... - 08/11/11 05:36 AM
Post Production - Cropping Photos...     IMHO the difference between a good photo and a great photo is what one does in post production. In the days of film, photographers would spend hours, manipulating and massaging the negatives to get the right image. Today, in our digital world, this can be done much easier through a few clicks of the mouse.      Which brings me to my point. We can take a picture of a flower and include all the clutter or we can take a few minutes, use some imagination and just present the flower in all its glory.      Flower, … (21 comments)

(not so) Wordless Wednesday... - 08/10/11 06:00 AM
(not so) Wordless Wednesday...     While walking through the flower garden yesterday, my eyes were flooded by the sea of colors in the zinnia patch. I was beginning to wonder if I was going to have any this year as I just let the "volunteers" spring up where they may and transplant if necessary. Needless to say, the butterflies are happy and so am I...
 
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So Why Do YOU Need a Video Head Shot? - 08/09/11 05:34 AM
So Why Do YOU Need a Video Head Shot?     Today's real estate market, is divided into primarily 2 categories; those who use video and those who don't. Real estate agents will spend upwards of a few hundred dollars to get a good head shot to place on their business card; however, when it comes to their web page, most do not have a "video head shot" are missing the opportunity to gain market share.      So why do you need video head shot?           1) Your video head shot is your 24/7/365 sales person.           2) It gives potential customers an … (29 comments)

(not so) Speachless Sundae... - 08/07/11 05:47 AM
(not so) Speachless Sundae...     Good Morning, Y'all. Because it is "Speachless Sundae", it is time to put a zip on the lip and let the picture do the talking. So without further "ado"...

     Here's hoping you have a nice, relaxing and pleasant Sunday - Get some rest, tomorrow's Monday...
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Fried Green Tomatoes... - 08/06/11 09:03 PM
Fried Green Tomatoes...     In the south, we have "traditional meals" that have been handed down generation to generation. To me, there ain't nothing finer than cookin' a mess of fried green tomatoes. Now mind you, there really ain't no right way or wrong way. It's your way that matters.      Now, some folks like biggins' - some small ones. Me? Size doesn't really matter. As long as they are firm and round - who cares! Right?       Some like to slice them thin - others thick. They'll powder 'em with flower, dip 'em in beaten egg whites or eggs with … (25 comments)

Saturday's Ramblings... - 08/06/11 12:57 PM
Saturday's Ramblings...     While in FL earlier this year, one of my favorite places to visit was Sea World. While I do have colorful Koi in the ornamental ponds in the back yard, their colors really pale in comparison to some of their salt water cousins.       The challenge for many photographers is the ability to capture these vivid colors. I do have my camera set to take both RAW and JPG formats. This gives me the ability to "work some magic" in post production very similar to post production magic in the days of film.      After a few minutes working … (10 comments)

Shutterbug Saturday... - 08/06/11 06:34 AM
Shutterbug Saturday...     It's Saturday. A day to bang out a few more bucks before I chill for the rest of the weekend. Last night, while rummaging through some old images on my 2TB archive drive, I stumbled on this member of the thrush family I had taken earlier this year.       Because wildlife and especially birds are so "flighty", a trick I learned from the pros was to set your camera on Aperture priority "A" for all you Nikon users, set your f stop on the lens to the lowest number and your ISO to about 400. Let the camera make … (22 comments)

The Sideshow... - 08/05/11 06:41 AM
The Sideshow...     I met Dannyo a few weeks ago at a local restaurant. Danny's trademark is to perform his "magic" at his first and last table of his shift. I was impressed with Danny, his style and most importantly, his message. Earlier this week, Danny came into the studio and I recorded his message for all to enjoy. If you enjoyed it, pass it on ~ Thanks, Michael.           This movie is a little different than what I normally do. This movie was recorded with two cameras, one focused on the artist and the other on the table. Lighting was … (18 comments)

A Simple Guide to Better Listing Videos... - 08/04/11 04:33 AM
A Simple Guide to Better Listing Videos...     About a week ago, I wrote a post about the difference between video frames, pixel sizes and how they relate to videos. If you did not see the intro to this series, You can read about it here, "Pixels & Pixies".         Because the frame sizes are so different, most online real estate services use the Ken Burns effect in order to make the transition and show the picture in it's entirety. While this effect is okay, a steady diet of moving right, moving left and zooming in or out makes one feel … (44 comments)

Good Night ActiveRain... - 08/01/11 08:24 PM
Good Night ActiveRain...     As the sun begins to settle over the horizon, we leave our mark on yet another day.      For some, it will be just one more day in the daily grind stuck in a lackluster job; who, much like the convict, is marking time, hoping for a reprieve in their sentence for good behavior.      For others, it has been more rewarding. Contracts signed, deals closed, new clients to work with.     There is something about Monday, the first day of the week, that some dread and others rejoice in.      Me? P-f-f-f-t!!! Don't worry about me. I'm just … (25 comments)

 
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Michael Thornton - Nashville Area photography & videography

Nashville, TN

More about me…

RadnorLake Video

Address: 7102 Crossroads Blvd, Ste, 102, Brentwood, TN, 37027

Office Phone: (615) 339-7709

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Video and Real Estate Photography.


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