My Blog about me, real estate and photography

Tucson Snowstorm Tucson is known for many things.  We've got great Mexican food, beautiful mountains, and hot summers.  Golf, cycling and hiking are world class.  But Tucson is definitely not known for snow.  In fact, most people move here to get away from the "white stuff".  It typically only snows here about once every 3-4 years.  So twice in one week is simply unheard of but that's what happened.  Saturday it snowed in many areas around town. Yesterday, it snowed again.  I've been out photographing the "white stuff" three times in just the last few days.  There is just something so ironically beautiful about the desert covered in snow. Fortunately for all those people who moved here to get away from snow it was all gone in a very short amount of time.  When it does snow here it rarely sticks around passed 10am, especially when the sun comes out. By Friday, we're supposed to be back to our typical Tucson winter weather....Sunny and in the 70s.  The cold never stays around for long.         If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.tucsonhoming.com

Windy Point I got up at 3am yesterday in an effort to shoot the stars just as the moon was rising at Windy Point.  As I was heading up the mountain, I noticed the clouds starting to roll in.  I was ticked at first, but they were thin clouds and I thought I'd still give it a try.  I was up anyway.  Although the clouds prevented me from effectively shooting star trails, they did add drama to the night sky.  They also made for a spectacular sunrise.  I'll post those shots later.  After sunrise (when it got light enough to see) I found a bunch of places I can't wait to get back to.  I'll be revisiting this area soon. Windy Point is located along Catalina Highway (official name is General Hitchcock Highway, but no one uses it) going up to Mount Lemmon in the Catalina Mountains.  It is the most popular stop along the way.  It has a spectacular view of Tucson and the surrounding area.  It is also a popular spot for rock climbing and hiking.  But unusual rock formations my reason for being there. If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.tucsonhoming.com

The Steps to Your New Home Starting The Buying Process Understand your goals, objectives and expectations…it’s all about you! Understand the home and neighborhood needs. Discuss current market conditions and market data  so you better understand the buying marketplace. Discuss your affordability and financing  strategies. Identify price range of your home purchase. Explain my plan of action. Start finding you your next HOME!! Getting Pre-qualified for a loan As your real estate professional it is important that we know what you can afford and what type of mortgage best suites your needs. Contact a mortgage professional that you trust.  I can recommend a few if you don't have one. A mortgage professional will review all of your finances and customize a mortgage program that you are comfortable with. The Search Begins Now that we know what you want and how much you want to spend, I will set up searches that will send you daily emails of any properties that meet your criteria. Feel free to drive by and take a look. When you are ready to view the property in person, let me know. I will schedule all of the appointments for you. I will accompany you on all showings. It is important to remember that the “Listing Agent” is representing the seller, while I am representing, “YOU”… Offer and Counter Offer Now that we have found your home and come up with a strategy it is time to put it in writing. We will draft your offer. We will take your good faith deposit. We will submit your offer. We will wait. Waiting will be difficult for you. The moment I get word, I will contact you. It is important that I have all of your contact information. The sellers will either accept, counter or refuse your offer. We've got a Deal, Now What? Inspections - Per the contract, we now have the right to bring in qualified inspectors to check the condition of the property. Based on the inspection results, we may want to ask the Seller to do repairs.  If we find something really major, we may want to cancel the contract. The mortgage company will order an appraisal to verify the home's value Buyer To Do List Now that inspections are done…. Finalize mortgage paperwork… Obtain Home Owners Insurance. Choose a Home Warranty Arrange for Movers… Final Walk-through Prior to signing the final documents on your home we will visit the property to make sure it is being transferred to you the way you expected it. Call to schedule utilities. It is time to start getting excited. Signing We will meet at the Title Company to sign the closing and loan paperwork. The Escrow Officer will guide you through and explain everything in detail. I will be there to offer support and also to make sure everything is correct. Closing Day This is typically a few days after signing. It marks the day that the property is recorded with the county and the home is officially yours. You get the Keys and you will be able to move in to Your New Home. If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.tucsonhoming.com

How to Find a Good Real Estate Agent Usually the best way to find a good real estate agent is to talk to people.  Find someone that had a good experience with their agent.  Then have an interview with them.  The relationship between you and your agent is similar to a boss and his employee.  You are hiring them to help you.  Why wouldn't you interview them before deciding if you want that agent to represent you and work for you?  Ask them about the following. 1.  Experience - In this business, nothing is more important.  Having "been there" means too much.  There are so many problems that can arise in a real estate transaction and the deal could fall apart if the agent does not have the experience to know how to handle those problems.  How many years has your agent been in the business?  How many sales transactions have they been a part of?  Maybe even ask for a resume. 2.  Education - In most states only a high school diploma is required to get a real estate license.  Has your agent furthered their education?  In the real estate industry there are many designations that can be earned through additional education.  CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) are the most common and most recognized.  These are like mini degrees specializing in real estate.  To a higher level, has your agent completed college and received a bachelor's or even a master's degree from a major university? 3.  Specialized Skills - Many agents have specialized skills, either from previous employment or something they have worked on while selling real estate.  Real estate agents with financial, sales or lending backgrounds can offer huge advantages in understanding the market, negotiating, or helping you complete the sale.  Is the agent good at marketing, creating fliers, taking pictures, creating videos?  Look at their web site and other listings they have and ask about his or her previous background.  Tip: If they don't have a nice web site, they're probably not that serious about their business. 4.  Service Oriented - This part is often overlooked, but it definitely shouldn't be.  Real estate is a "helping others" type of business.  A true service oriented agent cares about others and will serve in their community, as a part of their Realtor organization, or maybe in their church.  The agents I've met performing acts of service for others are typically the best agents out there.  They really do care and put forth an effort to help others. 5.  Testimonials - This may just be the most important thing to ask for.  A good agent should have lots of satisfied clients, raving about their great experience in buying or selling their home. A Real Estate Agent that is experienced, educated, skillful, service-oriented, and has a long list of satisfied clients.....now that's the agent I would want to work with and have represent me. If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.tucsonhoming.com

My new favorite spot to photograph is Javelina Rocks in Saguaro National Monument.  I used to avoid the area due to the amount of people there.  They were always getting in the way.  In a recent visit, I climbed around one of the other sides and found some interesting compositions.  I also found myself alone.  I've been there three times in the past couple of weeks and I keep finding new angles that I like.  Javelina Rocks is located inside Saguaro National Park on the east side of Tucson.  For those that may not know, there are two locations for Saguaro National Park.  One is in the Tucson Mountains on the west side of Tucson, the other is at the base of the Rincon Mountains on the east side of Tucson.  The east side location has a paved loop drive that is about 8 miles long.  Javelina Rocks is located right along the drive and is noticeable throughout the park.    If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.tucsonhoming.com

El Tour de Tucson El Tour de Tucson is a cycling event that occurs the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year.  It began in 1983 with less than 200 cyclists as a way to raise money for charity.  It has grown to an average of 9000 cyclists and the biggest city circling tour in the United States.  It now raises millions of dollars for charity each year.  It covers 111 miles, circling the entire city of Tucson and a good portion of Oro Valley and Marana.  This year my 16 year old son, Brandon, did it for the first time.  He rode with my Dad who has done it 8 times now and another first timer and my good friend, Danny. We started by meeting at my parents' house at 6am to drive downtown, where the race begins. This would be my friend Danny.  He's one part insane, two parts beast.  Insane because he wanted to do this 111 mile ride without any training.  The guy barely knows how to ride a bike. Two parts beast because he finished it strong. This would be my Dad.  He's now 62 and has done the 111 mile El Tour de Tucson 8 times now. My son, Brandon.  He's the real reason I was up at 5:30am and chasing these guys all around town for an entire day just to take pictures. The starting line Waiting at the starting line Go! .....and several minutes later, my trio makes it across the starting line.  Takes a while for 9000 riders to get started (My Dad is in red in the middle, Danny is right behind in black, and Brandon is to the left in black with sunglasses) My son, Brandon, moving along. My Dad and my son Danny was feeling good. The trio, "drafting".  For the non-cyclists this would be following closely to conserve energy. Coasting down Ina shortly after some serious climbing. Taking a water break My Dad, still tearing it up at 62! Exhausted! 1 part insane, 2 parts beast, and 1 part Pretty!  Sorry Ladies, this man is married with two kids. Fly By!  They must have been moving at 30mph plus at this point! Danny crosses the finish line Danny's family meets him at the finish line. Brandon finishes his first El Tour de Tucson along with my Dad. Yeaaaaaahhhh! The Family Award and picture time! Tired, hungry and smelly! If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.tucsonhoming.com

What is an Appraisal? In the practice of real estate, questions often come up about what another professional does.  I often get questions about the appraisal.  Hopefully, this short interview will give a better answer than I could ever give myself. If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.tucsonhoming.com

What is Title Insurance? In the practice of real estate, questions often come up about what another professional does.  The question of title insurance and what it covers is one of the most common I experience.  So here's the answer directly from the expert's mouth. If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.tucsonhoming.com

What is Escrow? This is one of the most common questions I get in real estate.  So here's the answer directly from the expert's mouth. If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.tucsonhoming.com

What does a Property Manager do? I've had a lot of people ask me about the different roles that many of my business partners play.  Instead of just telling them my version, I've decided to put together a group of video interviews with those professionals. Warning: These are not professional actors If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.ahomeintucson.com

The Beautiful Desert I actually find it hilarious that so many people think that the desert is nothing but a dry barren wasteland.  My wife actually thought that before moving here from Virginia.  She actually thought that the entire state of Arizona looked like the Sahara with nothing but sand, rocks and cactus.  Although there are places similar to that description in Arizona, the desert has so much more to offer.  Rather than bore you with my words, I'll just prove my point in pictures. If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.ahomeintucson.com

Welcome to Tucson Tucson, Arizona is such a beautiful place.  People who haven't visited don't understand that this desert isn't just a bunch of sand.  Actually, there is very little sand except in the riverbeds.  Tucson is surrounded by mountains full of pine forests.  This creates an oasis of wildlife and vegetation in the middle of the desert.  Tucosn and its surroundings are full of wildlife and unusual vegetation.  It is home to many national and state parks, including the great Saguaro National Park. Tucson is also a thriving metropolis.  Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Raytheon, and IBM are just a few of the major employers that drive our economy.  Tucson and its surrounding areas are now home to over 1 million people.  It is second only to Phoenix in population for the State of Arizona. In this short video, I present much of what I enjoy most about living in this great city.  Welcome to Tucson! If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.ahomeintucson.com

Gnarly Sunrise Months ago I spotted this dead Mesquite Tree that I thought would make an interesting silhouette against the sunrise.  Early this morning I peaked out to see the sky looking ripe with potential.  I thought I might as well give this new spot a try. I didn't have to hike far, but I ended up going through about 30 spider webs making my way down into the wash through all the brush.  After the 5th spider web I extended my tripod and waved it up and down in front of me as I walked.  Must have been an interesting sight if anyone had been watching.  It was a freaking spider infestation  down there.  I spent the rest of the day squirming at the slightest touch or thought of spiders or spider webs. Anyway, I conquered my arachnophobia, and got to the spot I wanted just as some color was developing. If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.ahomeintucson.com

How an Offer becomes a Contract If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.ahomeintucson.com

Fixup mobile home with incredible views on a 3 acre hilltop lot This may just be the most unique property I've ever listed.  It's a 1981 mobile home that needs some work, but it's on this incredible 3 acre lot high above everything.  And it backs up to this beautiful rocky knoll filled with saguaros and owned by the county.  There's nothing else like it.  The house could definitely use some work and updating.  It needs new flooring, roof work, paint, etc.  It has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and about 900 square feet.  The huge deck in front is my favorite part.  This property is priced at $75,000. If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.gregmccown.com

My favorite Tucson photos of 2011! It took me quite a bit longer than I thought to narrow this list down.  It helped when I decided to not have any people photos.  I don't like taking pictures of people that much anyway, but having kids my wife frequently makes me.  I then eliminated any photos that were taken more than one hour from Tucson.  I originally wanted a top 10, but I couldn't decide which two to eliminate.  I decided that an even dozen should be appropriate.  According to my wife I take way too many pictures.  I count only 25,173 photos that I've kept from 2011.  On average, I delete 80-90 percent of the photos I take.  If I take the lower of that range it means I took about 125,000 photographs for the year.  Several years ago I would have agreed with my wife.  Now I think that's about right or maybe even a little low.  Funny how our opinions change. These are not in any kind of order but I would like to know which is your favorite. Orange Rays - Taken August 17th, 2011 on the far northeast side of Tucson.  I've never seen rays shoot across the sky like they did this night.  It was absolutely incredible but only lasted about 20 seconds. Aravaipa Canyon - Taken June 17th, 2011.  I never knew this canyon existed until a friend mentioned it in March of 2011.  After two visits this year to this somewhat isolated area, it's already become one of my favorite spots in all of Arizona.  Red canyon walls covered with saguaros stand high above the lower canyon with lots of beautiful trees and a river that runs year round.  It is twelve and a half miles long and has many side canyons.  Permits are required to visit this area and the number of visitors is limited to 50 per day. Peaking Out - Taken December 2nd, 2011 in Catalina State Park on the northwest side of Tucson.  After a morning of showing homes in Oro Valley I decided to visit Catalina State Park.  Over 30 years of living in Tucson and I'd never been there.  It's not very big, mostly a lot of hiking trails heading up into the Catalina Mountains.  It did have some nice fall colors but the low hanging clouds hanging on the mountains were what really caught my eye.  Many of the peaks were jutting up through the clouds just perfectly. Seven Falls - Taken 12-29-2011.  Seven Falls is located up Bear Canyon in the Catalina Mountains on the north side of Tucson.  It's a 7.8 mile hike round trip from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.  It only runs during the rainy season and when the snow melts.  The rocks in this area are slick so please be careful.  There actually are seven waterfalls in a row as it comes down the canyon.  This one is near the bottom. Fall Colors in Tucson - Taken November 16th, 2011 at the top of Mount Lemmon.  Most of the fall colors had already faded, but this one stand on Aspens was still holding on to that beautiful yellow.  Arizona is now real well known for its fall colors but there are some areas that should be. Sentinels of The Desert - Taken February 26th, 2011 in Saguaro National Park on the west side of Tucson, Arizona.  I remember this vividly.  My wife and kids were out of town visiting my in-laws for a few days.  It started out early with me taking pictures of a spectacular sunrise in Saguaro National Park East.  There are two Saguaro National Parks, one on the east side of Tucson and one on the west.  They're actually quite different other than there are lots of......saguaros, of course.  I was then busy working all day and all over town, showing houses.  At about 5pm I was heading home when I remembered no one was there.  Why go home and be alone with nothing but the television?  So I turned around and headed out to Saguaro National Park West.  I got there just in time as the sun was setting.  This is just one of the photographs from this incredible evening.  I was on such a high that, after sunset, I went to downtown Tucson and took some night shots. I-10 Madness - Taken August 24th, 2011 at Vail Road and Interstate 10.  At about 5:45 this afternoon an insane storm hit Tucson.  Unfortunately, my son's school had a mandatory "if you want to play sports" thing.  On the way there I was staring at a double rainbow with lightning flashing in the middle.  The worst thing about being a father is that you have to show a good example and go to these things (and not complain about it...at least not in front of the kids).  I guess doing the right thing was rewarded later this evening as a nice little storm was brewing down south in Vail.  I couldn't find any decent saguaros, just a bunch of ugly ones.  So I figured the freeway would make a decent foreground with all the light trails from the cars flying by. The Doorway - Taken May 8th, 2011.  Certain parts of downtown Tucson are known for their old world charm.  The best of these neighborhoods were built prior to 1940 and still retain that classic feel.  This doorway caught my eye while showing homes in one of these old neighborhoods. Fall Reflections in Sabino Canyon - Taken October 29th, 2011.  Sabino Canyon is the perfect outdoor getaway in Tucson.  Beautiful canyon walls shoot up and water runs through the creek most of the year.  It is heavily visited but with so much space you can still find an isolated area for yourself. Desert Irony - Taken February 5th, 2011.  Every three to four years it snows in Tucson creating a highly unusual scene.  The cactus and desert vegetation take on the ususual snow-covered appearance and everyone picks up their camera.  One has to get out early though.  The snow is always gone by 10am if not sooner. Blackett's Ridge - Taken August 10th, 2011.  This ridge requires a fairly difficult hike.  Leaving from Sabino Canyon Recreation area it's about 6.5 miles round trip and is quite steep rising high up for incredible views of Sabino Canyon, Bear Canyon and the City of Tucson. The Ultimate Light Show - The most incredible lightning storm hit Tucson on the night of August 2nd, 2011.  It started around 7pm and lasted the entire night.  It was still going at 7am the next morning.  This is a 2 minute exposure taken from the southeast side of Tucson looking out over Vail.  Having lived in Tucson for over 30 years I've never seen a storm quite like it. My passion for photography continues to grow.  Thankfully I live in a beautiful area, abounding with photographic opportunities.  Having grown up in Tucson, I am only now beginning to realize just how beautiful this place is. Thank you for letting me share these photographs with you.  Please let me know which one is your favorite and why. If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Please call me at 520-907-6760. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.gregmccown.com

How to Take The Perfect House Photo This brief tutorial will focus on taking a photo of the most important part of the house...the front.  This single shot should be the first one everyone sees when looking on the Multiple Listing Service and the 900 plus web sites that most Multiple Listing Services syndicate to. The most important part in taking the perfect house photo is the time of day.  This is a brief window of time that exists called Blue Hour.  Blue Hour is actually only about 20 minutes so don't let the name fool you.  Blue Hour is the period of time right before sunrise and after sunset.  During this time shadows become almost non-existent, the light in the sky is balanced with the amount of light on the house, and the sky takes on a blue soothing color with touches of pink on any clouds. In taking photographs at this time it becomes necessary to use a tripod.  Blurry photos are never good in real estate.  Also use a timer so that you are not touching the camera while on the tripod.  Most cameras will be shooting between 2-10 second shutter speeds so any movement will show in the photograph. Position yourself so that the garage or carport is not the primary focus and try to show the front door if possible.  Also try to shoot the house from an angle and not straight on.  This will show the depth of the house.  Straight on shots tend to make the house look like a cardboard cutout. Turn on all the lights in the house, both inside and out. Please don't forget the obvious.  Move cars, toys, trash, and especially people out of the way.  These things do not belong in  real estate photos.  And please make sure the camera and horizon are straight. I highly recommend using photo editing software to correct and enhance your photos.  I use Photoshop CS5 but that is rather expensive at around $400.  Photoshop Elements is a good alternative at about $100.  Gimp II is almost as good and it is available online for free.  All three of these programs are excellent but are not the easiest to use.  Picasa 3 is another free program that is quite easy to use but simple in its functionality. How to Take The Perfect House Photo Summary: Move stuff out of the way Shoot during Blue Hour Use a tripod and timer Set up in the best position/angle Turn on all the lights Use photo editing software to fix/enhance One more tip: If you are shooting on manual, a smaller aperture will create the burst around the stronger lights as seen in the above picture.  I hope you have similar results.  If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me. If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Please call me at 520-907-6760. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.gregmccown.com

Tanque Verde Falls in Tucson, Arizona Tanque Verde Falls is located east of Tucson, Arizona in an area known as Redington Pass.  Located between the Catalina Mountains and the Rincon Mountains, Redington Pass is an outdoor paradise.  It is one of the best areas around Tucson for off-roading and firearm activities.  It is also a well known hiking destination.  Keep in mind that if you expect to find water you will need to go during the rainy season or when the snow melts.  This area dries up during other times of the year. Lower Tanque Verde Falls From Tanque Verde and Houghton on the east side of Tucson, go east 3 miles.  Tanque Verde will then turn into Redington Road.  Continue east for another three miles.  Redington Road will cross a wash and start heading up the hill doing switchbacks.  It will quickly turn into a dirt road at that point.  Follow that road for another half mile to the first dirt parking area on the left.  Park there and cross to the east side of the road where the trail begins.  There are some danger signs saying that the rocks are slippery and people have died here.  These are not to be taken lightly as the rocks are very slippery and there are some areas that most would consider quite dangerous.  Granted most of the deaths have been due to a combination of intoxication and cliff jumping.  If you are going to make this hike, please do be careful. Please be advised that Pima County Sheriff's Department has stated that they will ticket anyone in the area removing clothing beyond the typical swimwear.  Upper Tanque Verde Falls has been known for many years, even though it's not legal, as a clothing optional area.  The hike described here is for Lower Tanque Verde Falls.  I've never seen nudity in this area, but I've only been a few times. The hike to Tanque Verde Falls is not very far, approximately 1.5 miles.  But there is a lot of boulder scrambling which dramatically increases the difficulty and time it takes to do the hike.  There are several smaller waterfalls along the way.  The final waterfall drops about 50 feet into a very large swimming hole. One of the smaller waterfalls on the way to Tanque Verde Falls The Lower Tanque Verde Waterfall drops about 50 feet and has a huge swimming hole If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Tucson, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Please call me at 520-907-6760. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.gregmccown.com

The Sunrise that got me in trouble After dropping my son off to school this morning I noticed the sky beginning to take on a little color.  I quickly headed up the mountain to one of my favorite spots.  The sky was amazing, full of an array of colors and textures.  It seemed to last quite a while as I was able to get a few different compositions in before it faded. I was on such a high I decided to head further up the mountain to some small waterfalls that I was sure would still be running.  After a short while (2 hours or so) I decided I'd better get back. I had been just out of cell phone range so on the drive back I received several texts and a voicemail from my beautiful but rather angry wife.  I was supposed to be watching my little son while she ran errands.  She also needed my car to do so since her's was at the mechanic.  Oops!  I quickly called and apologized. I would have used the excuse of how beautiful the sunrise and waterfalls were but she's heard that a few too many times.  I'm taking just a moment to post this between helping her with whatever she needs.....that seems to work better than apologizing again and again. If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Tucson, I would love the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Please call me at 520-907-6760. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.gregmccown.com

How to Photograph Waterfalls Waterfalls are beautiful.  There's just something magical about water falling over a cliff or group of rocks and spashing down.  When I first began my photography obsession I tried taking pictures of waterfalls but they never turned out well at all.  The pictures always turned out overexposed and didn't have that smooth motion that I had seen in other photographs of waterfalls. There are some simple keys to getting great photographs of waterfalls.  You do need a camera with at least some manual control though.  The basic point and shoot cameras with no ability to control anything will not work.  You will also need a tripod.  Neutral density filters can also help but aren't necessary.  I'll explain what they are in a minute. In photographing waterfalls it is usually best to get low and somewhat close to the waterfall.  This will make the waterfall appear larger. Only shoot waterfalls on a cloudy day or when sunlight is not directly hitting anything in the shot. Make sure it isn't windy. Set up the camera on a tripod and compose the shot the way you think looks best. You'll want at least a 1/4 second or longer shutter speed Adjust the aperture and ISO to compensate for the shutter speed. Set the timer on your camera and take the picture. Having sunlight brightens the area too much and will not allow for a slow enough shutter speed.  All you will end up with is bright white, or blown out, pictures.  Cloudy days are perfect for shooting waterfalls, and the darker the better.  Windy days cause two problems.  The first is camera shake.  Even on a strong tripod wind can cause the camera to move which causes blur.  The second problem is the wind blowing water droplets onto your camera and equipment. Adjusting the shutter speed, aperture and ISO all depend on the type of camera you are using.  I suggest reading the manual or taking a class if you do not understand these elements.  They are essential in understanding how to really use your camera.  I'd also suggest taking a look at some YouTube videos on how to use your particular camera. In most cases shooting on a cloudy day will be enough but if you still can't slow down the shutter speed enough without the picture turning completely white a neutral density filter can help.  These come in two main types and for the most part are only available for the DSLR cameras.  DSLR cameras are the one with the interchangeable lenses.  Neutral density filters are like a sunglass lens.  It darkens the light coming into the lens.  One type screws onto the front of the lens and the other is like a piece of square plastic (actually resin or glass).  There is an attachment that screws onto the front of the lens and then this square piece slides into the attachment. The main thing is to get out there and practice.  These same techniques can work very well with rough flowing rivers and ocean waves.  Practice with anything from 1/6 second to even 30 second shutter speeds.  I find that 1/4 second to 3 second shutter speeds produce the best results but that can vary depending on the waterfall and other factors. If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Tucson, I would love the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Please call me at 520-907-6760. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.gregmccown.com

Bridal Wreath Falls Obviously, Tucson is not well know for waterfalls.  It's a desert and as such does not have a whole lot of water.  But Tucson is surrounded by large mountains and during certain times of the year those mountains receive a lot of rain and snow.  With the rain and snowmelt many of the canyons turn into rivers and the canyon walls turn into waterfalls. Eric and Dave taking pictures of the main fall Bridal Wreath Falls is quite a sight during these times.  The main and first fall drops about 25 feet and is surrounded by granite boulders and saguaros.  To the north of this main waterfall is a steep climb (using the roots of a large tree) up to the next level and many smaller waterfalls.  It also has a spectacular view of the Tucson valley and the Catalina Mountains. How to get there: Bridal Wreath Falls is located just off the Douglas Spring Trail. The trail head begins at the eastern end of Speedway.  The hike starts of level but quickly gets fairly steep as it winds up the foothills of the Rincon Mountains.  This trail is heavily covered in large saguaros and has great views of the canyons and the city of Tucson the whole way. After 2.5 miles on the Douglas Spring Trail there is a trail marker stating 0.2 miles to the southeast for Bridal Wreath Falls. Reminders: Bring plenty of water and sun protection Good shoes Be extremely careful on the rocks especially if you venture up to the second level.  They are quite slick. Cell phone service is very spotty if you get a signal at all Bridal Wreath Falls is a great hike with a beautiful destination. Coming up.....How to Take Pictures of Waterfalls If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Tucson, I would love the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Please call me at 520-907-6760. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.gregmccown.com

The Best and Simplest Way to Improve Your Photos There is one simple rule that photographers use that will improve your photos dramatically.  It is one of the first rules one learns and many of you may have heard of it.  It's called Golden Hour.  This simple rule can improve your photos more than any lens or camera regardless of the price.  Golden Hour is the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset.  This period of time casts a warm glow rather than the midday harsh light.  Our eyes notice this difference a little, but a camera records the difference even more. The following two photographs illustrate this quite well. Taken about 2 hours after sunrise Here the lighting is harsh and almost blown out.  This is especially noticeable on the right side of the large saguaro. Taken about 30 minutes after sunrise (during Golden Hour) See the dramatic difference.  The lighting is softer and almost golden. Both these pictures were taken with the same camera and lens and at the same time of year.  The main difference - one was shot early morning right after sunset while the other was shot a couple hours after sunset. This works well in every situation when shooting outdoors.  By simply changing when you take pictures, the results can be so different.  This is exactly the reason that professional photographers are always up early and taking pictures around sunrise.  They also miss dinner a lot since they're taking pictures around sunset. So make this simple change and your photographs will improve dramatically. Here's just a couple shots I took last night during golden hour. If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Tucson, I would love the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Please call me at 520-907-6760. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.gregmccown.com

Snow on the Mountains...Exactly where it should be. One of the greatest things about southern Arizona is the lack of snow.  Every year I take my kids on the 45 minute drive up the mountain to play in the snow.  We build a snow man, throw snowballs, make snow angels and even go sledding.  Then we leave. My 2 year old enjoying his first snowball fight The best part about it is that I rarely touch snow more than three times per year, including vacations.  And I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I do see snow all the time though.  It covers the mountains in the distance and makes them look real pretty.  Snow is always prettier from a distance. So if you’re tired of seeing, touching, or doing that crazy shoveling thing I suggest a visit to Tucson.  It actually does snow here…about once every four years.  And when it does it sticks until about 10am at the latest.  If you think I’m bragging about this great city I would say, “Definitely”.  It’s a great place to live and just one reason is that the snow stays where it should. Up in the mountains overlooking Tucson If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Tucson, I would love the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Please call me at 520-907-6760. Greg McCown Century 21 1st American (520) 907-6760 www.gregmccown.com