michaels dig: Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder…
- 02/13/11 09:36 PM
Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...Love would never be a promise of a rose garden unless it is showered with light of faith, water of sincerity and air of passion. ~ Author Unknown Love, that strangest of all emotions. It forgives transgressions, it's the balm that soothes a wounded spirit, the unstoppable force which sends hate scurrying from it's blinding light. Sadly, there just doesn't seem to be enough of it in this world today. There is hope, though, when we we see and embrace the one we love. When we see the one we truly love, sometimes we … (32 comments)
michaels dig: Good Night ActiveRain...
- 02/13/11 10:40 AM
Good Night ActiveRain...Today was one of those picture perfect days here in middle Tennessee. Temperatures in the mid 60's, plenty of sunshine and cobalt blue skies above. After what seemed to be eons of gray, cold, snowy days, this was a sight for sore eyes. Folks came out of hibernation and headed for parks and walking trails all over Nashville and Williamson counties. Now that warm weather is heading our way, hopefully, the real estate market will start heating up too...
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michaels dig: (not so) Speechless Sundae...
- 02/12/11 10:38 PM
(not so) Speechless Sundae... It has oft been said that practice makes perfect. And so it goes with everything, especially photography. I've been wanting to get out and play with my new camera, but the weather been anything but cooperative. Yesterday was absolutely Gaw-Gis Dahling. Blue skies, abundant sunshine and above freezing temps prompted a walk around Radnor Lake Wilderness Area in Southern Davidson/Nashville Metro.There are several mistakes in this photo. But the whole purpose of the shoot was to learn, analyze and make adjustments. Hopefully, I will learn what's under the hood before warmer weather sets in...
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michaels dig: Historic Boiling Spring Academy...
- 02/11/11 11:07 PM
Historic Boiling Spring Academy...Located in Primm Historic Park, the Boiling Spring Academy is a restored 1830 one room school house located on Moores Lane; Brentwood, TN. The park is one of Brentwood TN's best kept secrets and is the site of two National Register properties: Boiling Spring Academy and a prehistoric Native American Mound Site, 900-1500 (A.D.). As the urban areas of Brentwood and Franklin grow, the areas historical sites disappear under the blade of the bulldozer. Primm Historical Park represents a microcosm of the area's history not only by representing Tennessee's prehistoric Native American culture but a standing insight into … (27 comments)
michaels dig: HDR ~ A Picture Tutorial...
- 02/09/11 09:58 PM
HDR ~ A Picture Tutorial...I will be the first to admit, I am not the best photographer here in the rain. There are many that are far, far better. However; having spent 46 years wandering behind the lens, this old dog has learned a trick or two. I have been asked by several to write brief a tutorial about HDR (high dynamic range) photography and tone mapping. While everyone who uses this technology may have differing methods and techniques, this works best for me.
Driving to the office yesterday morning, I was captivated by the brilliant sun rise (above). … (48 comments)
michaels dig: Never Answer the Same Question Twice ~ Home Inspections - Purpose and Scope...
- 02/08/11 09:44 PM
Never Answer the Same Question Twice ~ Home Inspections - Purpose and Scope... Let's face it, we are all in business to make money. Some home inspectors, often embellish what they do in order to get the job. With some folks over promising and under delivering, it is understandable why there is mistrust in this phase of the real estate transaction. This short video, "Purpose and Scope", is based on accepted National and the State of Tennessee standards of care. While most states mirror National and neighboring states standards; it is always best to check your State's charter, as there may … (26 comments)
michaels dig: Just of THOSE Daze...
- 02/07/11 10:44 PM
Just of THOSE Daze... Did you ever have one of those days? You spring out of bed and suddenly a zillion and one things pop into your head. Then the quandary starts. Which project do you start first? A-u-u-u-u-rg!!! <sigh> Even following Covey's advice of separating the urgent from the important is to no avail. They are all important and they are all pressing to take top slot. I dislike days like this. I reckon I'll resort to the "hat trick". Put all my tasks in my hat and start pulling them out one at a time unless someone has a … (37 comments)
michaels dig: Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...
- 02/06/11 10:10 PM
Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder... Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. ~ Mark Twain Dreaming is like gazing into a mirror that looks into the future. Each time we step into the reflection, the image changes into a more real possibility. Anything is possible. Follow and act on your dreams.
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michaels dig: The gods Have Spoken & The Fat Lady Has Sung...
- 02/06/11 02:18 PM
The gods Have Spoken & The Fat Lady Has Sung... In what was another very interesting Superbowl, the gods have spoken. Maybe it was some divine intervention maybe it was just good football. Whatever the case, the Packers have been crowned the Champions.What a great football game. It could have gone either way and like a good game, it went down to the last play of the game. Who knows, maybe they had friends in high places...
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michaels dig: Let the Games Begin...
- 02/06/11 07:36 AM
Let the Games Begin... In a few hours the clash of the Titans begins. Much like in the days of the Gladiators, title of being the best, for the 2010 season will go to the team who grinds it out on the field of battle. Will the gods favor and give the nod to the Pittsburgh Squealers or smile favorably on the Cheeseheads?Who knows for sure. But if I had my druthers...
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michaels dig: Warm Up Your Listing Photos ~ Use Ambient Lighting...
- 02/03/11 10:18 PM
Warm Up Your Listing Photos ~ Use Ambient Lighting... To use a grossly overworked adage, "You don't have a second chance to make a good first impression." applies to everything in life. Even the pictures you upload to your local MLS. Maybe, it's me or maybe it's because I have the "eye" and knowledge, but IMHO, "Some agents otta stick to what they do best and leave the photog work to someone else." When possible, I strive to use the warm, inviting glow of ambient lighting and avoid flash. Flash washes out the soft inviting colors we see with our naked … (100 comments)
michaels dig: Never Answer the Same Question Twice - What All Do You Inspect? - Pilot Video
- 02/02/11 09:57 PM
Never Answer the Same Question Twice - What All Do You Inspect? - Pilot Video Being in real estate, we often get asked the same questions over and over again. I am putting together a series of videos designed to answer the most commonly asked question, "What all do you inspect?" The video series is based on the ASHI, NAHI, InterNACHI and the State of Tennessee inspection guidelines. I hope that you will find this series of video helpful and forward to first time home buyers. It's purpose is to educate on what is and what is not covered during the … (33 comments)
michaels dig: Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...
- 01/30/11 09:16 PM
Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse. ~ Jim Rohn In the game of life, it's easy to point the finger of blame. We blame our circumstances, we blame malfunctioning office equipment, we blame the economy. We point the finger of blame at everything but ourselves. We are in control of what we do and when and how we do it. If you really want to accomplish something, you WILL find a way. What's your excuse for not making it happen?
Folks, … (31 comments)
michaels dig: (not so) Speechless Sundae...
- 01/29/11 10:11 PM
(not so) Speechless Sundae...Night photography is challenging for everyone, especially a novice. To me, there is something about the glow of the neon, man made lighting, and eerie shadows that beckons me to give it yet another whirl. I have taken many shots of downtown Nashville, TN. The vast majority have wound up in the virtual river that runs through my desk top. Early yesterday morning, I decided to give it another go before the fam wiped the sleep from their eyes. If y'all are interested, I will write a post about how to take better night shots. Let me know... … (41 comments)
michaels dig: Don't Be Afraid to Try Something Different...
- 01/28/11 09:18 PM
Don't Be Afraid to Try Something Different...Everyone who reads and subscribes to my blog knows that I have a passion for life and photography. I will be the first to admit, I am no Ansel Adams, but I have managed to learn a thing or two over the past 46 years behind the lens. So what have I learned? Don't be afraid to try something different...
Hundreds of photographers have shot downtown Nashville, TN from the Woodland Street Bridge much like you see it in the above photo. Downtown Nashville is a unique blend of the old, turn-of-the-century waterfront buildings, … (70 comments)
michaels dig: Friday's Fotos ~ Part Duex...
- 01/28/11 12:06 PM
Friday's Fotos ~ Part Duex...Earlier today, I went downtown Nashville, TN to take some pictures for the website. Sometimes, I take photos for fun, business, and other times just for the effect. The Woodland Street pedestrian bridge over the Cumberland river was renovated a few years ago, and makes a perfect spot to set up and take pictures of the downtown area.Here's looking at the bridge in a way that most Nashvillians have never seen it. Pretty interesting what one can do when they get in their right mind...
michaels dig: Friday's Fotos...
- 01/27/11 10:11 PM
Friday's Fotos...While most of the eastern seaboard got hammered by yet another ton of snow, middle Tennesseans were given a treat - not given the treatment. Yes, mild temps for a change and SUN!!! Almost made me want to pull my shirt off and cop a few rays!!! Today's forecast calls for more of the same. The dusting we got is now a mere memory; however, there are some scenes that will be forever preserved in digital format. These purple finches were awaiting their turn at the feeder...
michaels dig: The "Lookout"...
- 01/26/11 09:53 PM
The "Lookout"...Yesterday was a "Snow Day" here in the middle Tennessee area. Yes, the kids had another reprieve from the hallowed halls, many real estate offices were closed, and I worked from my home office. Sitting in the sun room, I was able to take advantage of the view of the feeders that were being ravenously attacked by all my feathered friends. Kinda neat to be able to mix business and pleasure. I wish I could do this every day...
michaels dig: (not so) Wordless Wednesday...
- 01/25/11 10:13 PM
(not so) Wordless Wednesday...Nashvillians are lucky. Where does one go to beat the blahs of winter? Opryland of course. Yesterday, I played "hookey" and took a few hours off to walk through the 3 atriums - Cascades, Garden Conservatory and Delta. In all, there are about 9 wonderfully landscaped acres under glass. The lush greenery, beautiful flowers and the sounds of rushing water are enough to bring solace to anyone's soul.
michaels dig: Is the Real Estate Market Ready for HDR?
- 01/24/11 10:28 PM
Is the Real Estate Market Ready for HDR? HDR or High Dynamic Range imaging has been around for several years. Like any technology, there are pro and cons. I've played with it for years and have used it in nature and outdoor shots but never applied it to real estate until recently. Here's my 2¢'s worth: Pro - Most photos in the local MLS are woefully lacking in color, texture and form. HDR "tonemapping" will address many of these issues because you rely on natural or ambient lighting not fill in flash which can wash out photos. Pro - The "brains" is an … (63 comments)
Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...Love would never be a promise of a rose garden unless it is showered with light of faith, water of sincerity and air of passion. ~ Author Unknown Love, that strangest of all emotions. It forgives transgressions, it's the balm that soothes a wounded spirit, the unstoppable force which sends hate scurrying from it's blinding light. Sadly, there just doesn't seem to be enough of it in this world today. There is hope, though, when we we see and embrace the one we love. When we see the one we truly love, sometimes we … (32 comments)
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