Houston Photographer Patrick Bertolino - Real Estate, Commercial, and Wedding Photography

The Holman House: A Piece of Texas History

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 23:25:14 +0000

As a photographer who primarily works in the real estate sector, I’ve seen and shot my fair share of interesting properties, but very few inspire me to much of anything beyond wondering what kind of stone a kitchen counter top is made of and how best to accentuate its natural beauty in post-processing. On rare occasion, a shoot will leave me with the desire to learn more about what exactly it is that I’m taking pictures of. I feel fortunate to have recently had the opportunity to photograph such a place. Constructed between the years of 1908 and 1909, the building now known as the Holman-Allen House is a Texas Historic Landmark and, as of 2010, also occupies a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Located on the corner of Avenue K and Third Street in Bay City, the two and half-story Victorian house stands today as a testament to the construction techniques and vision of its creators. Its fourteen rooms, three balconies, and three fireplaces occupy 3,236 sq ft and was one of the largest houses in Bay City at the time it was built.
Designed by architect A.W. Large for City Attorney William Shields Holman, the house fell into a state of disuse after Holman’s son Thomas fell ill in 1973, until 1978, when Mr. and Mrs. James M. Allen, with the help of architect A.J. Wildrodt, removed every- thing that wasn’t a part of the original dwelling and restored the home to it’s original grandeur. Replete with the fixtures and amenities of a stately turn of the century home, the arguably odd looking residence continues to stir the imagination of visitors and locals alike with its quirky asymmetrical design, yellow ocher paint job, and ornaments of times past. Click here to view a custom slide show of the property!

The REAL virtual tour

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:44:44 +0000

Widely becoming more popular in the real estate industry is a service offered by many photographers known as a virtual tour. Comprised of a series of still shots taken using a special technique, a virtual tour allows potential buyers to interact with the inside of a property in a way only surpassed by actually visiting the location. In fact, some surveys have shown that over 80% of buyers prefer such a feature when shopping for a home. One NAR survey conducted in 2009 showed that listings featuring a virtual tour had substantially more views than those more affordable and readily available. Unfortunately, many unscrupulous photographers will try to pass off a slideshow as a virtual tour. This happens quite a bit more than you would think. Be sure to ask your photographer if he or she offers TRUE 360 degree virtual tour packages before plunking down any dollars. Have a look at my most recent virtual tour: http://starlight-pix.com/virtualtourstx/1606morse/index.html

You can also visit my main virtual tour website HERE. The photo to the left is one panorama of a listing I did this year. This realtor got the package deal with a 360 virtual tour AND an aerial shot!

The Fred and Ginger Building

admin — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:21:30 +0000

The Nationale-Nederlanden building in downtown Prague, Czech Republic has been wowing tourists as well as locals since its completion in 1996. Designed by Vlado Milunić in co-operation with Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry and originally called the Fred and Ginger Building (after late dancing greats Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers), the controversial building has since become a world-famous piece of architecture and some might even consider it a cultural center for the area. Located off the Vltava River, the site offers fine dining in the form of the Celeste Restaurant – considered one of the finest in the city. The hotel I stayed in was located across the street from this stunningly unique construction, so I was lucky enough to capture some beautiful pictures of a little-known architectural gem and share one with you.

Kodak: Goodbye old friend

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:37:45 +0000

Kodak Bankruptcy

I still remember the smell of fresh film from the canister, a strangely pleasant chemical odor – twenty-four to thirty-six life-capturing exposures of “I wonder what that will look like after I have it developed”. As you may already know, Eastman Kodak, the company that invented photographic film, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Founded in 1880 by George Eastman, the company had flourished and even dominated the market for most of the 20th century. Before the luminary revolutionized the world, taking a picture was a complicated process involving glass plates, a multitude of chemicals, and awkwardly huge cameras. When he introduced the first Kodak camera in 1888, he coined the slogan, “you press the button, we do the rest,” and the rest is history. I can’t imagine George would have been too happy to see his empire slowly corrode as competitors bashed away at his drawbridge door. First it was FujiFilm, Kodak’s first true competitor, that stripped away sales with cheaper products – then came the real nail in Eastman Kodak Company’s coffin – the rise and subsequent victory of consumer digital imaging over traditional film-based formats. Kodak couldn’t change in time to save themselves. In 2003, they announced that they would no longer be investing in their trademark product. After that, the company shifted focus to digital cameras but never got a foothold in the market. Thursday, February 9th, the company announced that it will stop making digital cameras altogether. CEO Antonio M. Perez, who joined the company from Hewlett-Packard, instead seems focused on turning the company around by betting it all on inkjet printers, but so far, they’ve yet to see success. I have to wonder that if they had hired an ex-Nokia employee as their chief executive, we’d be seeing commercials for Kodak smartphones. As investors, vendors, and everyone else tied to the failing business seem to be jumping ship, it seems like the venerable giant has no where to go but down the spiraling, slippery slope of obscurity. A sad end indeed for the the company who brought photography to the mainstream.

Point & Shoot Digital Cameras NOT Popular?

admin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:48:52 +0000

According to a news article I just read on Yahoo, the digital camera’s popularity is on the delcine – well, at least the non-SLR variety. It seems as though most people would rather use their smartphones than lug around a separate device. The picture quality of new smartphone offerings is beginning to equal or even surpass that of
many respectable point and shoot cameras. Camera manufacturers and retailers all around the world are feeling the hit, with Sony losing 20% of their camera sales – the largest drop they’ve experienced. I suppose this was to be expected; as cellphone technology progresses, more everyday items are becoming obsolete. Watches are more for show now, MP3 players are littering discount bins across the country, and just when was the last time you used a land line? What do you think? Do you still use your point and shoot digital or have your light photo duties been replaced by your phone?

Low Altitude Aerial Photography

admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:01:17 +0000

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.

If you would like to see more examples of my Aerial Photography, click HERE.

The Drought

admin — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 04:03:23 +0000

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.

Electrifying Front Elevation

admin — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:44:47 +0000

Houston Real Estate Photographer

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

admin — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 02:18:06 +0000

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.

Sam Houston REVISITED

admin — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 21:12:03 +0000

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.