Michael's View

Keying on the Right Color...

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:25:17 -0600

Keying on the right color...

Chroma-Key or green screen technology is a studio technology that has been around for awhile and is constantly improving. When I got my MAC, I was fascinated that iMovie had the ability to do chroma-key or green screen. As quickly as I was enamored, I was just as quickly dissatisfied with this program due to its lack of control and functions.

Good quality video requires good quality software. Period! Making decisions based on the computer platform (MAC), software capabilities, and business plan, I settled on Final Cut Pro. Now started the up-hill battle, the learning curve.

Chroma-key lighting has to be precise. If your artist is too close to the screen, backwash, will create a corona, that will be difficult if not impossible to key out.

Your project will need to be layered. By that, I mean, that your background picture or video needs to be the bottom layer. Your "keyed" artist needs to be the next. By using the chroma-key tool, adjust the bandwidth, saturation, illumination to remove the bulk of the interference from your background. Use the thin edge and smoothing tools to "round out" the effects and enhance your artist.

Although this is a quick overview, by a lot of practice and tons of mistakes you will be able to put together videos similar to the one that I produced for ActiveRain's own Anthea Click from Fresh Perspectives Home Staging...

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Friday's Fotos - Rain drops on a rose...

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:36:06 -0600

Friday's Fotos - Rain drops on a rose...

There is something about a nice gentle rain that soothes the soul. The air has been cleaned, and the lighting conditions are just perfect to capture photo ops such as the water droplets on this rose. Kinda puts you in your right mind doesn't it?

Join, Friday's Fotos... The end of the week foto group...

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Photo Blogging Is More Than Taking Pictures...

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:17:25 -0600

Photo blogging is more than taking pictures...

Most folks who know me, know that I love photography. That being said, is it any wonder that I would join William Johnson's ActiveRain Photo Blogger Group?...

Photo blogging takes on another dimension when one couples all the segments of video, photography and of course, paid for, royalty free music. In this video for the Cool Springs Chamber of Commerce, I sped the video segments up 500% to create high speed action to augment the music.

The one second pictures, were added to show a blend of people and places.

Motion text created in Motion3 adds another dimension of intensity to the movie. Many of these same techniques can be created with Sony Vegas for those PC users...

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

(not so) Wordless Wednesday ~ Having a distorted point of view...

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:18:23 -0600

(not so) Wordless Wednesday ~ Having a distorted point of view...

Ever met one of those folks that are really weird? You know the ones I'm talking about. The ones that have that mentality where they seem to live in a world of grays. Most folks say that they have a distorted point of view...

To the photographer, having a distorted point of view of the world is considered art. While walking through the "Arcades" section of downtown Nashville, TN the other day, I got fascinated by the distortions of the buildings reflected in the windows.

Does this mean that I am sick and demented? I hope not! Sometimes having a distorted point of view is not all that bad...

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Chipmunks...

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:46:36 -0600

I can remember falling in love with the Disney characters Chip & Dale when I was a kid. However; as cute they may be in on the silver screen, in the back yard they can be very destructive.

Having created a backyard natural area with the water features and plants, the setting was a perfect invitation for critters of all types. And yes, the chips, thinking that this was prime real estate in which to raise a fam, moved in - lock, stock and barrel.

While cute to see at first, cuteness soon wore away when I discovered that they were gnawing holes in the underground pump lines. And, who wudda thunk that they would chew holes in the pond liner? Gr-r-r-r! Several hundred dollars and much aggravation later, the decision was made. Cute or not, the chipper relocation program had to commence.

Humane, small animal traps can be purchased rather inexpensively from many on-line retailers. Once an animal is trapped, they will be frightened. During the trip to their new home, cover the cage with a towel or blanket. This gives them security and comfort during the ride to their new home.

As always, wear leather gloves when handling cages that contain wild animals. Many have rabies, and wild animals big or small bite when frightened.

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:50:00 -0600

Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...

" If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. "

~ Bruce Lee ~

Today, I will leave my comfort zone. I will make the choice to push past my self imposed limits. Today, I will begin the climb to reach that next plateau. The vistas that await me there surely have to be breathtaking...

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Which is the Right Camera Lens for You?

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:17:19 -0600

Which is the Right Camera Lens for You?

Yesterday, Judi Barrett posted an interesting question - what was the right camera lens for her needs? The answer, it depends.

Glass for SLR's or DSLR's can get expensive. The cost of the lens will be directly related to the size, MM focal length, and the f-stop rating. The lower the f-stop, the better the optics, hence, higher price.

What do you want to do? Should be the determining factor. Will you be mainly shooting close ups? Out-door scenes? Wildlife? Buildings? Sports? Night scenes? Once you have determined your primary use, then select a lens that will fit your price range and need.

There are many "shot-gun" lenses on the market. By shotgun, I am referring to a wide range of focal lengths. Avoid getting too wide a range. The wider the range, the more distortion you will experience. I generally try to stay within 100-150 mm range if possible. Additionally, if the lens has a shoe mount, it will be heavy.

Low light or night shots will need a tripod period! You just cannot hold the camera still that long. Even the best photographer can only hold the camera still for 1/8th of a second with out getting a blurred shot. A good tripod is a must.

Action shots depend upon speed. Good lighting is essential. While the size (MM) of the glass will get those close-ups, the fast action of the shutter will prevent blur. I have gotten excellent shots sports shots using a 300MM f-4.5 lens.

Auto/Manual focus. Today's world has left many novices in the auto focus world. Save for wildlife or fast action shots, I use manual focus. Manual focus lenses will work on most DSLR's. Auto focus lenses will be more expensive.

Pawn shops and used camera shops next to colleges or universities are excellent places to purchase good used lenses at a fraction of the price. Use CASH! Money TALKS! Determine what you want to pay and lay the money down. You will be surprised how many times you can walk out with a good deal.

This is only a short guide that I hope will help you make some decisions. Nothing is worse than spending a lot of money for a lens that just sets in your camera bag gathering dust.
© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

(not so) Speechless Sunday ~ Downtown Franklin, TN

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:25:18 -0600

(not so) Speechless Sunday ~ Downtown Franklin, TN

Yesterday was one of those "Picture Perfect" afternoons to visit downtown Franklin, TN. Nice warm autumn afternoon temps and plenty of sunlight brought out folks out by the droves. Looks like I was not the only person out to cop a few rays and enjoy the afternoon.

Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

You Never Know Who You May Influence...

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:15:31 -0600

Photo journalism takes on many shapes. Sometimes it is working behind the shutter of a DSLR, other times it is working behind the shutter of a video camera.

I am currently working working on a project commemorating the life of a local businessman and Rotarian. Although I never met the man, I feel that I have come to know him through the hearts and memories of his family and friends.

Friday's Fotos...

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:17:59 -0600

Yesterday, ActiveRain member Richard Weisser wrote a post about the beauty of everyday nature. His eloquent words prompted me to go through some of my old photos. Photos that capture what often goes by unnoticed. Scenes that we far to often do not see or take for granted...

Join Friday's Fotos

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Thank You for your Service...

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:21:16 -0600

Veterans Day 2009...

This posting will only be one of a gazillion posts honoring Vets on Veteran's today. Being a vet, today, I welcome the words, "Thank you for your Service." For me and others in my era, it was not always that way.

Having fought in an unpopular war that had our Country divided, we were looked down upon, spat upon, ridiculed, and verbally abused. "War monger!" "Baby killer!" were the welcome cries for many veterans of my era. Rarely was heard, "Thank you for your Service."

Sticks and stones can break your bones but words can really hurt you. Even though these cut through to the very fabric of my soul, I held my head high. In my heart of hearts, I knew that I served my Country well. Like soothing save on a terrible wound, I would have welcomed the words, "Thank you for your Service".

I was Honored to be able to give these folks and generations to come the freedoms that they have and take for granted.

Pride that so many others along with me did what so many chose not to do. We put it all on the line for our Country. Many, paid the ultimate sacrifice.

America and Americans are not perfect. Current personnel and Veterans alike take an oath to serve and defend this Nation with their most precious possession - their lives. Maybe that is why they call it "The Service." Think about it! Would YOU be willing to do this? Take a moment and thank a vet. Tell them from your heart of hearts, "Thank you for your Service."

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Photo Tips - Framing Your Subject...

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:13:08 -0600

Photo tips - Framing your subject...

One of the easiest and most often overlooked techniques in photography is framing your subject. While comparing photos from several photographers on a video that is being done for the Cool Springs Chamber, many took a photo similar to this one of Aspen Brook Center.

Three feet to the left was a small tree. I used the tree to frame my subject and provide a total different result.

Framing your subject is a technique that can be used on people, places, and buildings. Take a moment to stop, look and think before you shoot. You will be surprised what you too can create when you use this simple technique.

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:00:17 -0600

Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...

I believed and I still believe that every moment is there to be savored and to be improved upon and invested with humor and with beauty and solemnity. We don't ever get to skip a single part and sort of fast forward to the life still to come.
~~ Garrison Keillor

Have a wonderful start to the work week, y'all...

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

(not so) Speechless Sunday...

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:40:08 -0600

(not so) Speechless Sunday...

What is it about a waterfall? Whether it be a raging torrent or a mere trickle meandering through its predestined path, there is something about the sight and sound of a waterfall that enamors us.

To me, it is a quiet respite of solitude. A place to reflect and admire in complete wonderment the beautiful, awe inspiring tapestry that only the Creator can so masterfully paint...

Have a peaceful Sunday, y'all...
© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Business Mastery's LIVE...

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:02:49 -0600

Yesterday, Mark Boersma, International speaker and President of Synergy Solutions, spoke at the Hampton Inn Suites in the Green Hills area of Nashville, TN.

Several entrepreneurs who were serious about taking their businesses to the next level attended this special Business Mastery's seminar. Mark expanded on how to grow your business based on how to address your potential clients needs based on their personality. How to create raving fans for life through the warm belly rub principle. Three questions you need to be asking if you want to close the sale, was a hot topic of discussion.

During the working lunch segment, 3 time business owner and entrepreneur, Joyce Jackson, discussed how to use the social media to convert clicks into clients. This powerful one hour presentation showed what many entrepreneurs miss or fail to do on their social media sites or blogs.

Joyce Jackson, will be the keynote speaker for the Woman's Empowerment League, to be held this Monday at 9:00 AM at the Cool Springs Marriott.

Mark and Joyce, will be back in Nashville in January of 2010 to continue these sessions on Business Mastery's. Dates to be announced. Both these series will be available soon on audio and DVD. Trailers will be posted in the near future complements of Complete Video Promotions.

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...