BensPhotoBlog.com

Watch where you step!

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:57:10 -0500

Word to the wise: If one of your tripod legs sinks into what initially seems to be a gopher hole, be sure to triple check BEFORE you pull the leg out...otherwise you might get a bunch of these angry guys coming out for your blood!

(Not my photo, not my finger...)

As I was on my last photo shoot, I can't tell you how powerfull a punch these guys pack. As soon as I pulled out the tripod leg about 20 of these suckers swarmed me, but luckily I only got stung once on my massive bicep. (haha)

I swear I am still itchy after 4 days of being stung. The worst part is, if I scratch where he bit me, it HURTS! So I have to endure the itchyness. Good thing I was on the last 360 degree panorama, I don't think I would have been able to effectively take photographs being in the extreme pain I was in.

Ok it wasn't THAT bad, but still.

A shoot in the litter box

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:20:12 -0500

Have you ever gone to show a property, and as soon as you unlock the front door you get a gust of wind that is comprised mostly of cat/dog urine? Well, this last shoot I did was exactly that. I regret to say that my photography was not at it's best, as I was trying to rush in and out as soon as possible. On top of that when I went to the basement to take photos, I vaguely remembered a scene from "Blair Witch Project" where there were a bunch of hand prints on the walls. Creepy! As a photographer, I can't tell you how turned off I was to this property, for the smell alone!

Now obviously I wouldn't want to link this property, nor show it's virtual tour, but I did fulfill my duty as a "marketing specialist" by telling the Realtor that something HAS to be done, otherwise you'll be looking at offers $10k or more below the asking price. The Realtor graciously accepted the opinion, and said he will convince the owners to do something. Needless to say, I think I got a 3,500 sq ft. house photographed in record time!

Lastly, I wanted to share with everybody who's subscribed to this/bookmarked this blog, that I will now be doing more of our personal family news on our family blog: www.bkfamilyblog.newtourera.com. (There's also a link in my "Links" section to the right. There I will update you on my "48 Days" mission, and my latest job offers along with other family news. We also have 3 people who will be updating it. My wife, oldest daughter, and me.

I will keep more of the real estate updates in this blog.

-Ben

Basilika

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:13:13 -0500

So I'm on a 2-part section that takes up days 2 & 3, so I'll blog about "48 Days" either tomorrow or Thursday. I have to admit, however that this whole process has really given me a different attitude AT work (not my photography work). In the meantime, because I KNOW you're chompin at the bit to hear about days 2 and 3 (haha), I wanted to share a photo that I took of the Basilika in the Dominican Republic. A cool story, one of the team members had it printed out really big and is now in their dining room. I took this on the roof of "Hotel Don Carlos," and to keep the camera steady I had to use my ziploc bag of cuban dominican cigars. It was awesome that night, as you can clearly see:

Oh, and I know I could have photoshopped that little alien antennae, but I thought it was cool so hush!

Stay tuned for days 2&3!!!

Curious Photographer here...

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:11:20 -0500

I didn't realize how long it's been since I've last blogged. Things have been busy so I have completely neglected blogging, which is a good thing right? Maybe not... I must admit, before I started reading, and putting in entries on Active Rain, I would hardly see my Real Estate Photography company in the top 10 spots, heck, not even on the first page of Yahoo or Goole search engines. Since that point in time, I've come to find that we'll be in the top 5 almost at all times. I feel a great deal of gratitude goes out to the whole AR community, so thank you Active Rain-ers!!!

Now, here's a question for some of you photographers: Do you do RE photography in addition to other gigs? Such as weddings, special events, corporate events, etc...? I know there are many "entrepreneurs" out there who picked up a camera for the first time because you saw the craigslist ad for a "Photographer needed ~ no experience required!!!" So if that is you, and you added event photography, how are you balancing? To the photographers who added I'm just curious as to how many photographers out there added RE photography to their existing repertoire.

~Curious

Quick Entry ~ No Malaria!!!

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:21:25 -0500

I just wanted to post a quick entry about my recovery / back to reality. I got back on saturday the 7th, went to church at North Point, and after a quick bite at one of our favorite burger joints

and on the ride home I started feeling ill. Long story short, I went to work, got sent home, went to the doctor, took blood, went to the ER, spent 9 hours and my wife took a very unflattering photo of me:

The results? Not Malaria, Not Dengue or Yellow fever, just a NASTY VIRUS. What the heck is that?!?! I get sick for a week, and mind you when I get sick, it's every OTHER year for maybe a full day or so, and all I get to say is "Oh, yeah it was a 'nasty virus'."

I know I know, I could have had one of the afformentioned illnesses, and be completely up the creek, especially with Malaria and the risk of it coming back if not taken care of properly. I am completely grateful it wasn't, but the macho side of me wishes I had a better answer other than "Oh yeah, it was a nasty virus."

So, after a week of death, I made it back to work (both jobs) and have been cranking away tours and flyers almost every day. Thank GOD for business. I guess next year in the DR I will make sure to actually go to the health clinic and get whatever shots I need to get, instead of just bringing a prescription for Cipro.

Till the next time,

~Ben

The Adventures of Biz - Part 9 (Day 8 - Last Entry)

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 19:23:38 -0500

Well, it's the last day of our trip. No more "hanging" out with the COOLEST group of people in a foreign country.

We did our last minute shopping:

We breezed through the check-in, however I ALMOST had to pay an extra $92 because I was 5lbs over the weight limit...all those dang bags of coffee :-(

It was a beautiful site, getting up in the air and looking down on the city of Santo Domingo:

I will never forget this trip, never. There are so many memories that we created as a team, and as individuals. If you have never done a trip like this, I highly recommend it. Not for the fact that we are ALL called to do missionary work, at whatever level, but also for the fact that you will make lifelong friends. I can't thank everybody enough who read this blog, and helped with the creation of some of the photos. It would have been MUCH more difficult and a whole lot less fun doing it by myself. So...to everybody reading, and to everybody on the team, this is Biz signing off for the last time (until the next trip). It feels great to be home.

God Bless.

~biz

see more photos of the trip here: http://www.globalxdr.com/2008/galleries

The Adventures of Biz - Part 8 (Day 7)

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:39:10 -0500

Ok I told you I would reflect back on the last two days, so here is day 7. Today was an awesome day, good weather, we got a lot done and we celebrated another birthday. On the way to the construction site, I kept making faces at the vanload behind us, it was fun:

OH, I also got to go on a motorcycle ride, this guy spoke a little bit of english so we went to a TON of places, it was fun:

Then after a hard days of work, and after the birthday celebration we went back to "Room 216" to do our nightly devotions and testimonies. Well, I don't know if you remember but on Wednesday it rained...VERY hard. Needless to say the aroma that trespassed ones noseholes was, interesting to say the least. Let me share a couple of photos:

Notice the guys reactions, one seems to have lost his eyesight it was so bad, and the other, well it may have been a little more familiar, as he seemed to enjoy the stench:

So, being the trooper that I am, I decided to investigate this evil piece of work, and I think I found the culprit, or at least 1 of them:

Let this be a lesson, when it rains and you're not wearing socks while working...do NOT leave your shoes inside a room with no ventilation. There is never a good result.

ever.

~biz

The Adventures of Biz - Part 7 (Day 6)

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:08:05 -0500

So since it rained yesterday SOOO much, I stayed in the room most of the day and just tried to check my emails and such...however, the internet was down all day. Que Malo :-(

At night we had a "farewell" service, where the members of the church all gave us shot...I mean communion glasses with our names engraved on them. It was so awesome. Here I am with all of the guys:

Tomorrow's our final "full" day, the soreness, tiredness, and all the "ness's" you can think about that have to do with your body wearing down, is beginning to set in. I will share again with you all tomorrow.

~biz

The Adventures of Biz - Part 6 (Day 5)

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:40:45 -0500

Well, today was a VERY busy day. I didn't get around to taking too many pictures as it was POURING outside, so I didn't want to bring out the camera. The kids were there in mass, so we read them some stories, played yoyo's with them, and even tried to throw the ball around a little bit when the rain cleared. Good thing is, I found a friend who SPOKE my language! His name was Bizolo! (go figure). He was a very nice guy who sold us bananas cheap!

Then after the work day, we got to go to the church family's house for dinner. I brought along a gift for the little girl who lived there:

They also had a very nice puppy named "Tonko." He was fun and even let me ride on his back.

The dinners with the families were so awesome. We got to swap photos, talk about their lives and how they are involved with the church. I hope I can come again next year and maybe even bring a friend or two to share in the experience.

~biz

The Adventures of Biz - Part 5 (Day 4)

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 06:26:57 -0500

It's 8:30am, time to get ready for another fun day in the sun!

Today was awesome, a few of the team members got together and cleared out all of the trash and nasty brush from the field next door to the church, and then started playing with some of local kids. Then, Andrew (who is a former pro baseball player) got out his glove and ball... and soon the amount of children TRIPLED. It was so awesome, after the field was cleared, it became an instant baseball diamond, check out the photos here:

http://www.globalxdr.com/2008/galleries/June3.htm

Then around lunch time, we started to rehearse a song in Spanish because we will be performing it in front of the congregation, I'm a little nervous for Ben because He will be the one leading it in Spanish. I better tune my guitarra bien.

Once we were done, we did more playing with the kids and also getting the ground ready for the walls. I guess they make the walls THEN pour the foundation down here. Interesting. It was tough leaving the kids today, but tomorrow we'll play again:

Mmmmm...dinner. Pollo con habichuelas y arroz. We even had some Arroz con gondules, which I thought was more a Puerto Rican dish, but hey I'm not mad, it was GOOD!

For our winding down time, we just played a little game of cards, I think I did pretty well considering most of my hands looked like this:

God is doing such an amazing work down here. How easily it is to get the kids involved is amazing, I just pray that what we and the 2 other groups who are coming in the next couple of months, our work will make a big impact. I love how God shows us a little bit of the results almost instantaneously, almost as to say "Your work is not in vain, I promise."

God bless.

~biz

The Adventures of Biz - Part 4 (Day 3)

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:19:29 -0500

WOW what a day! Things started out AWESOME, after having a very nice and quiet sleep. No awkward noises, no cars with the largest sound systems ever in the history of cars, just some nice zzZZzz's. The restaurant below us fed us breakfast, some ham and eggs, toast, café con leche, and pineapple juice. Very delicioso:

It was very interesting, after breakfast one of the youths that hang around our hotel selling necklaces, was asked to come help us at the construction site by his grandmother. Of course we said yes, and apparently Joaquin (waa-keen) was super excited and had already expected to come work with us. In fact he jumped on in the car before she even asked, and of course put his seatbelt on. I made sure he wasn't going anywhere:

It turns out he plays monkeyball too!!! You can see more of him playing and also the construction photos at the www.globalxdr.com site. Being since our species is a little more intelegente than the fairer, I directed the "wheel barrow" workflow:

Some of the team members didn't respond as well as others:

Lunch-time came around, and of course I had my favorite...MANGOOOOOO!!!!

We worked a little while longer, and we actually cleared the whole pile of big rocks. I guess they're bringing a large bobcat tractor tomorrow to clear the rest of the foundation and footings, and THEN we'll possibly lay a new foundation by mixing a HUGE batch of that sand that was dumped by the biggest truck in the world, into cement. This will be interesting, to say the least.

After our work, we got cleaned up and went to "Pala Pizza." It was goooooood, PLUS we had a day-early birthday. Happy 42^nd birthday Brian!!!

Well, we're in for yet another fun day in the sun, I better get some rest.

Hasta Manana y Dios Te Vendiga!

~ biz

The Adventures of Biz - Part 3 (Day 2)

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:50:51 -0500

What a night! Last night was a rough sleep, with the bed-sheet folded up and stuck in a pillow case, posing as a pillow...AND then a car started playing crazy loud music for about 30 minutes, until la policia arrived. They shut it off, thank Heyzoose. Then there were a couple of loud door closes, but after that I got a good 3-4 hours of sleep.

Enjoyed a morning café con leche:

Then headed to LA PLAYA!!!

I met a new friend...

Little did I know, he would knock me out and leave me to his crabby friend (hehe)

Overall, it was an AWESOME relaxing day, if you want to see some more photos of us during the evening service you can check it out at www.globalxdr.com.

God Bless, time to "hang out."

The Adventures of Biz - Part 2 (Day 1)

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Sat, 31 May 2008 20:49:15 -0500

Hello again! Biz here, let me first start by telling you how awesome it is to be able to find a wifi hotspot right across the street from the hotel we're staying at!!! Funny thing is, my battery was running low, so I had to plug the laptop in under an ice cream cart. I'd take a picture but there are too many people in line trying to purchase items and trying to explain to them that I'm not taking a photo of them...would be difficult due to my lack of Espanol.

Anyways, to start off you see me going through security at the airport:

It didn't take too long, but since I am pretty fast on my feet (used to play monkeyball), I was able to get to the front of the line:

Even though we got through rather quick, they didn't have a seat # for about 8 of the team members...until the last minute AFTER everybody boarded. Good thing we waited, because 5 of the 8 were bumped to FIRST CLASS!!!

Oh how I'm going to miss Atlanta for the next week:

I thought it would help with my getting sick up in the air...but that wasn't the case:

Since the flight attendants felt so bad, when we landed they let me see what the pilot was flying (see me near the cool screens in the middle?):

Ahhh, it feels good to be back on land:

About an hour of trying to find a rental car, and driving TO the hotel, we finally arrived:

After settling in our rooms, we went to the church and saw we had to work with:

Overall I would say it was an OK travel day, the whole team is super excited to start working on Monday. Tomorrow we get to go to the beach, then to the church service in the evening. Till then, God bless!

More photos here:

www.globalxdr.com/2008/galleries/May31.htm

The Adventures of Biz - Part 1

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:00:45 -0500

Hello Everybody! my name is Biz.

I actually belong to 2 beautiful young girls, and they were so kind enough to let me travel with their dad. For the next 8-9 days I will be trying to update you on my adventures to the Dominican Republic. I will be traveling with my friend Ben (the girls dad), and together we will try to share everything that will be going on down in the DR. From the construction site, to the beach, to the van rides, to the eats...EVERYTHING we possibly can capture. This, of course will be with the hopes that we can actually find an internet connection.
First thing's first though, I must pack.

annnnnd I'm ready :-)

Check back on Sunday for an update (pray that we can find an internet cafe), and if you don't hear from me then, check back on the 9th when we get back to the States for a full day by day recap.

Thank you and God Bless!!!

www.globalxdr.com

10 Days left!!!

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:10:51 -0500

From my last post about going to the Dominican Republic, our team has raised it's goal, and gone over by 3%!!! However, with higher fuel prices, the plane tickets were about twice as much this year, than last year. So most of our money that we raised is going towards the plane ticket, instead of the actual construction. Thanks to everybody for your generous donations, but if I could make one last request for those who feel lead to donate some more, it is definitely going towards a great cause. You can go to the link to donate:

or here:

www.globalxdr.com/

Click on "Donate Here" and be sure to enter “Dominican Republic” for the country, and “May 31- Jun 7th” for the trip, and the name of the person being supported (Ben Nunes).

For those who missed the post, but still want to see our daily excursions, you will be able to view the photos I will be taking here: www.globalxdr.com.

Now, a funny story...this past Sunday we had our last team meeting, which we had to bring our copies of our passports for the plane tickets. Well, after the meeting I went to go pick up my wife and kids, and got caught up in "Hide and Seek," so I had placed my Mission Journal with my passport inside down on a chair. Come Monday night, my wife asked me where my passport was. Needless to say, I didn't get any sleep. Luckily today (tuesday) I went back to the church and was able to find it EXACTLY where I left it. Thank God for my photographic memory... lol

So that got me to think, maybe I was being taught a lesson, so that I keep a closer track of my passport. I can't even imagine what would have happened if I lost it down in the DR :-/

~Ben

Um, it's "Road" not "Street," honey...

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:00:01 -0500

Ok I just wanted to write a quick note about technology. I have a GPS that I pair with my Smartphone as such:

Now, the problem is, if you don't input the address in correctly, it doesn't matter WHAT technology you have.

Here's the conversation that took place the other day while I was doing the last of my tours:

Me: "Um... I need help, can you check my notes for the address for the 3rd property I am supposed to be at today? I think I may be in the wrong place..."

*as a nice looking lady starts walking up to my window*

Wife: "Ok honey, the address I have for this property is ***** N. **** Road (disguised to protect the innocent), do I hear somebody yelling at you in the background?"

Me: "Yeah this lady seems to think she could be my best 'friend,' whatever that means... Oh, yeah hold on a second I am WAY off, I had ***** N. **** Street"

Wife: "Um, it's 'Road' not 'Street,' honey, wait you're on ***** N. **** Street?!?!? Please tell me you're leaving there quickly, you know what part of town that is?

Me: "I think I can guess, ok off to ***** N. **** Road, which is 15 miles west of here... ugh."

Ok, I'm not THAT naive, I knew EXACTLY what she was um, offering. BUT point is, because of my lack of writing the correct address down, I was 15 miles on the wrong side of the tracks, literally, rendering my GPS/Phone useless. I'm glad my wife was available to take my call! I love you honey!

Now Offering Aerial Photography!

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:01:53 -0500

Well it's long overdue, but it's about time New Tour Era is now offering Aerial Photography through our new business partner in
Whether you are a commercial builder needing; a progression of shots, oblique artistic photos of your building, overhead "birds eye" views, or even land photos for conceptual development, we use the right equipment with the right amount of post-processing to give you exceptional photographs delivered the way your client wishes.

Other applications we use Aerial Photography include:

Residential Real Estate
Construction and Survey
Legal Documentation
Scenic / Artistic Purposes
City and Country Views
Insurance

We will provide personalized and professional services. Our prices are based on the type of service requested and the location of the property or subject to be photographed. Given these variables, the cost of each project is unique. Our prices include the aircraft, pilot, photographer, processing, basic editing, CD creation and shipping costs. Graphic incorporation, printing and framing extra. Turn around time is 2-3 days weather permitting. Same day and rush service is available for an additional charge.

For more information or to book a shoot, call us directly at:

GA - 770.564.2766

-or-

Toll Free: 1.877.884.TOUR

absolutely precious

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:34:42 -0500

As I was flipping through some old digital photos, I came across one that I remember it taking my breath away as I was looking through my lens. I took this at the Phoenix Zoo when I lived there about 3 years ago. My oldest daughter was on a field trip, and this Orangutan baby had just been born not too long before the photo was taken. The crowd surrounding this couple was dense outside of the barriers, but luckily with my EF70-200 f2.8L IS lens, I was able to capture this beauty.

A common bond

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:32:30 -0500

Untitled Document

IN continuing with the updates on our Short Term Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic, we had our first "team bonding" retreat over at

and it was just incredible!!! It's so amazing how quickly a team can be put together by God to go down to a foreign land with one common goal, and even more amazing that the dynamics of the group are so complimentary, to the point where I can already see almost exactly what role each person of the team will play. I will keep it to myself for now, and will be observing while we're down there, but I'll just say I am SO excited to be a part of such an awesome team, yet again.

Anyways, to see some photos of some of the crazy elements the guides put us through (see: Flying Squirrel, Zipline, "The Magical Wall") check out the slideshow here.

~Ben

Killer Cat at a photoshoot

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:18:49 -0500

So I was archiving some of my old photos, and I came across a series of photos that brought back memories. Memories of my life being threatened...by a 15lb feline. Allow me to share the horror...

(please, excuse the poor quality, my life was at risk!)

See, things seem normal...I'm on the porch, he/she, in the doorway.

Ok, so he wants to come check me out. No big deal I totally understand, I am a stranger to his house.

15lb Feline, hi, I'm Ben. Nice to meet you! (I think he wants to shake hands...)

Then...things started taking a turn for the worse.

O. M. G.

So, I'm taking this as "Maybe he wanted a hug?" However the hissing and screaming on the other side of that life-saving sliding glass door would say otherwise.

Needless to say, I called the owner, to tell them I like my legs unscathed and to come please put the cat away.

Global X ~ Dominican Republic

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:19:35 -0500

Last year, my wife and I decided to go on a short-term mission trip to the Dominican Republic through our church

North Point Community Church

With North Point’s continual partnership with a church in Higuey, Dominican Republic, I have decided to go back again, yet this time my wife will be staying home watching our 2 girls. I will help build classrooms for their already existing church to accommodate a rapidly growing congregation. Our team will be serving from May 31 - June 7. Last year, we built an apartment on top of this church in Bavaro:

Rooftop:

For more pictures, you can check out what we did last year:

Global X Dominican Republic 2007

With all that has been given to us, it may come to no question why I have decided to go yet again. I feel that we have been given much, and I feel that God desires me to use the gifts and abilities that He has given me to impact people’s lives. Through these activities, I hope to have fun, to build relationships, and to bring them the hope that we have found through a personal relationship with Christ.

Since 1989, NPCC has been working with Good News Church. The church is trying to reach their communities by investing in the people. NPCC sees this church as strategically making an impact in Higuey, and I am very excited to participate once again, this year.

The reason I am posting this blog is because I want to put together a support team who will be willing to pray for our team, give towards this project, or both. My wife and I need prayer for wisdom as I seek to meet people’s needs in another culture, and also for my family’s well being as I am away. I also need prayer for safety as I travel.

Financially, I need to raise a total of $1,800 to cover the cost of expenses as well as the cost of building in the DR. So far I am about half way there. I will need to raise this by May 10^th. This year they have added something new; you can also go to www.globalxm.org and click on “Donate Now,” and be sure to enter “Dominican Republic” for the country, and “May 31- Jun 7^th”for the trip, and the name of the person being supported (Ben Nunes).

Thank you for considering supporting this project. Please let me know if I can answer any of your questions. God bless you.

I will be blogging remotely from there, as well as posting up the prior day's photos into a slideshow, so keep checking in every now and again!

In His love,

-Ben Nunes

Where good cars go to rest

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:10:02 -0500

Ok, cars don't really go to Cleveland, GEORGIA to die(wth?), I just found it interesting on my last shoot, I came across a really neat car graveyard:

This property was about 2 hours away from Atlanta in Blairsville, by way of Cleveland, Georgia and through the "Blood Mountains?" Or something like that. The drive was phenomenal, and with a car that had pretty sporty suspension it made for a VERY fun drive. Of course there were the nutjobs that sped through on their Katana's and Ninja's, to which I would just pull over and let them through, OH and the big rigs who would sloooooowly pace themselves as to not wear out their breaks. Thank GOD for passing lanes.

Anyways...after arriving at the property, and knowing that the owner was back in Atlanta...I THOUGHT I covered everything - "Tour Tips" is what I like to call it...until I saw the beautiful boat in the front yard, and tried my hardest to work my way around it to get a good "Front of House" shot. To me, this was one of those "I tried my hardest" kind of deals, but I felt like I just could not get the shot I wanted to get without moving that boat, which was impossible. So, I did what I could.

1476 Lakeshore Drive Blairsville, GA

On the way back, I passed by a mexican restaurant that, just a week prior, I had visited with some friends. If anybody is in Dahlonega ( Duh-lawn-eh-guh), check out:

Now I lived in Arizona for about 7 years before moving to Georgia, so I know GOOD MEXICAN FOOD, and this place is up there. So, next time you're up in Dahlonega, you can pan for gold, then go eat mexican!

Oh, and look at the car graveyard to let the food settle...or something.

~ fin ~

-Ben
New Tour Era, Inc

Open cell vs Closed Cell

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:25:46 -0500

Ok, I am having the HARDEST time trying to figure out what to put in our attic. We just recently found out that my oldest daughter (7 years old) is developing allergies, so along with the attic we're also putting in new floors and ripping out the carpet.

Anyways, we can either go with Open Cell, or closed cell foam. I've heard arguments for both sides, however I am leaning more towards closed cell. Now, the whole "wouldn't you like to know if you had a leak" argument has been brought up over, and over, and over again... and all I have to say about that is, IF you had a leak to begin with, what caused it, and why couldn't I have caught it ahead of time? Let's look at a few different things that cause "leaks."

Wind damage, blowing shingles off
Tree falling down
just a very old, crusty roof...

Of course there are MANY more reasons why you would have a leak, but in these instances, I would rather have better structural support, if there was a leak, so that way if the roof gets to a point where it could give in, we will have a better chance of repairing it before it does so.

I would also make it a point to venture up there after the batting is taken out, to inspect the roof myself that way I could see if there were any potential hazards that would need to be fixed PRIOR to the foam being put in.

Ugh... I know I could save a "little" bit of money by going open-cell, I just can't decide... help!

Meanwhile, here's a property in Conyers, GA I shot:

1153 Jimson Circle Conyers, GA 30013

NEW! Gmail "Custom Time" - Never be late again!

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:45:44 -0500

Wow this is amazing, I've already used this several times when I was past due in emailing the photos and Tour link (as my policy is "within 24 hours") to my client. They call me, and wonder where their Virtual Tour is, and I just say "I emailed it to you 6 hours ago!!!" To which I immediately go to my Gmail account, set the email to "6 hours ago" and send. WALA they get an email that was timed for 6 hours ago.

Check it out here!

This is probably the next best thing to The Underachiever's Manifesto

April fools.

E-Flux Capacitor.... HAHA

-Ben

New Tour Era, Inc

6 Properties under $190,000

Ben Nunes ~ Photography & Virtual Tours (New Tour Era, Inc) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:39:05 -0500

Who made it a rule that you only do virtual tours for higher end properties? Check out all of these properties under $190,000!!!

Click on images to view virtual tours!

146 Oak Grove Place Acworth, GA $146,000

203 Oak Grove Lane Acworth, GA $123,000

918 Dandelion Court Lawrenceville, GA $189,900

1811 River Rock Trail Woodstock, GA $168,900

3223 Meadowlark Lane Kennesaw, GA $156,900

3783 Kenneth Lane Lawrenceville, GA $176,900