Low altitude aerial photography, also know as elevation photography, has steadily been gaining ground since the turn of the century, and for good reason. An aerial view provides an overall picture that is simply not possible from ground level. These types of shots can really help a realtor’s listing stand apart from the crowd. It can show not only the home, but the backyard and surrounding areas. These shots can produce a much more exciting and informative view for potential home buyers. The twilight aerial shot especially can potentially add even more impact by presenting the home in a way that most people would never see it. The striking colors and contrast visible in a twilight shot can turn a bland looking cookie-cutter house into an alluring and mysterious home. Let’s say that you have a beautiful cluster of colorful trees or an enticing body of water behind the property. Without an elevated shot, prospective buyers may never get the big picture, so to speak, until delving deeper into the rest of the photo catalog. What elevation photography brings to the table is an immediately eye-catching first glimpse of the property, which will invariably lead most to examine the rest of the house, thus vastly increasing the chance of a sale. I predict that as the awareness of this art form grows, so will the demand for its implementation in real estate photography.

This is one arm of Lake Conroe – Devastated! The drought is really evident here. We carry on with our lives, watering our plants and taking long showers and don’t really understand how bad it is until you see this. On a positive note, it was fun walking across the dry lake bed by moonlight!

Check the US Government DROUGHT MONITOR.

Weather Forecast: 50 MPH winds with Pea Size Hail moving South/Southeast at 10 MPH. Hmmm.
“Suppose it could be a little dangerous, but I have my camera to journal all the fun!”

WAIT FOR IT – WAIT FOR IT
My finger is on the button……..FLASH!!!

Got it!!!

The Twilight Aerial is an interesting twist on real estate photography. Viewing a house from 60 feet in the air adds quite a different angle on what may be an ordinary looking facade. This height can also circumvent problems like trees and shrubs which may cover up the beauty of the home. Additionally you may want to showcase the pool in the back yard or golf course. Above all, (no pun intended) you can offer your clients a unique view of their most valuable asset! Appointments are limited as twilight on happens once a day!

Virtual Tours also available!! Virtual Tours are a great tool to give prospective clients a walk-through on your business location or a way for out of town clients looking to purchase a home in your area. I provide free hosting for any virtual tour along with any image retouching need to bring out the best in your location.

Call me at 713-524-2159 or Click HERE to download a full price brochure for real estate photography.

Have you ever seen this equestrian statue? It’s General Sam Houston pointing in the direction towards the site of the battlefield that won Texas its independence from Mexico.

I’ve heard the sculptor erroneously placed the point of the finger in the wrong direction. I’ve also heard that he’s pointing to a route over the San Jacinto river or something like that. Either way, it’s a beautiful statue and valuable Houston landmark (More Info), and that’s why I photographed it at over 40 ft in the air. Take a look at the photo – have you ever seen this particular angle on General Houston? Note the monument visible under his horse..

A popular belief in the United States is that if the horse is rampant (both front legs in the air), the rider died in battle; one front leg up means the rider was wounded in battle or died of battle wounds; and if all four hooves are on the ground, the rider died outside battle. However, there is little evidence to support this belief. (wikipedia)
I know that General Sam was injured in battle – and that he was one tough hombre. Nicknamed “Coloneh” or “the Raven” by the Cherokee nation, he is the only person to serve as governor of two States. Here’s my favorite story about his character:

After Stanbery refused to answer Houston’s letters about the accusation, Houston confronted him on Pennsylvania Avenue and beat him with a hickory cane. Stanbery drew one of his pistols and pulled the trigger—the gun misfired.

On April 17 Congress ordered Houston’s arrest. Pleading self-defense, he hired Francis Scott Key as his lawyer. Houston was found guilty, but thanks to highly placed friends (among them James K. Polk), he was only lightly reprimanded. Stanbery filed charges against Houston in civil court. Judge William Cranch found Houston liable and fined him $500. Houston left the United States for Mexico without paying the fine.

I recently sat down with my friend Taj for lunch at Hugo’s on Westheimer. Armed with an empty belly and a D700 – I had a wonderful lunch while creating some nice images. I will have to come back to photograph the rest of the menu!

Culturing Community

Who we are
We’re a friendly circle preserving and enhancing our foods with living cultures like those already working in your gut. We make pickled foods that taste great, last a long time in the fridge, aids and fortifies our digestive system, and offers more vitamins and minerals than the raw ingredients. Culturing foods crowds out the little bugs that cause putrefaction while pre-digesting the food, a process not to be confused with sterilized preservation (canning). These pickles are condiments, meant to be eaten with every meal but not as meals. From the French cornichon, through German sourkraut and Korean kimchee, and on back to the first accidentally-fermented apple cider, we’re taste-testing human history’s more vital recipes!

I usually sneer at the idea of leaving the loop for local entertainment. Living downtown, I have access to a variety of different activities within a 5 mile radius. If I have to drive 30 miles it better be good.
Johnny Schiro with Icon Real Estate asked me to take some interesting shots of The Woodlands mall for marketing purposes. I found it quite easy as this place is very photographable. I was impressed with the beauty – and the multitude of great activities and restaurants.
Keep an open mind….

Had a fun shoot at the Fairview – This is a great neighborhood bar!
click image for FULL GALLERY

By Caroline Gallay
08.26.10 | 03:18 pm

Steve Scalice wants his neighbors to know that it’s still him behind the The Fairview (and behind the bar) at the old Dean’s Credit Clothing location — it’s just being rebranded, revamped and he hopes, revived.

The (sorta) new spot now has a patio and will be introducing a menu next month to be developed by Fusion Taco, who will also be parked outside Friday nights from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Scalice says the name, “The Fairview,” was actually the plan when he first opened in the location, but he stuck with Dean’s to match the old downtown establishment. Now, he says he hopes to keep churning out the same great neighborhood product — which includes block parties with neighboring Boheme every first and third Sunday of the month with acoustic acts, poetry readings and art.

Other regular features are Texas-themed films from the Houston Film Commission every first Thursday of the month; Sunday movie nights with the locals on the projector screen; bring-your-own vinyl Thursdays and Southwest Alternative Media Project (SWAMP) forums for filmmakers the final Tuesday of every month.

And Scalice intends to keep some remnants of Dean’s. The old ledgers are still in the bathrooms, for one. He’ll also continue Dean’s monthly art openings, and his famous frozen cosmo is there to stay.

More furniture has been added inside — including several TVs — which will broadcast NFL games and major college sports.

“The bar business is an evolution,” Scalice says. “But the product — the drinks, the cool vibe and the good service are the same.”

I have had the pleasure of photographing and listening to this great band, The Wheel Workers. Their music is great! Check em out…
“we’ve got the CDs in hand, and we’ve booked the CD release party: Friday, February 18 at Walters. The Orbans, a truly great band from Dallas, will also be playing. Mark your calendars!”