Blog

The official photo blog of J. David Buerk Photography.

Gravelly Point Fall Family Portraits

The expansive greenery and waterfront at Gravelly Point in Arlington, Virginia, provides a picturesque backdrop for portrait photography with its stunning views of the iconic Washington, D.C., skyline.  The proximity to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport adds a unique and dynamic element to the shots, capturing the energy and movement of planes taking off and landing against the cityscape.

Take a moment to enjoy some recent family portraits I captured this past fall for this family’s Christmas cards, and a small set of senior portraits for their graduating avgeek soon heading off to college.

Executive Headshot Portraiture - 2023

In today's digitally driven professional landscape, the significance of maintaining a curated collection of high-quality, publication-ready headshot photographs cannot be overstated for the modern Corporate Executive.

Professional Headshot Portraiture serves as the visual representation of an individual's personal brand, and plays a pivotal role in making a positive first impression across various platforms, including professional publications, websites, and social media platforms like LinkedIn. A selection of well-crafted headshots not only conveys competence and approachability, but also enhances one's professional credibility.

Investing in the skill and experience of a professional photographer is essential to ensure that these portraits effectively capture the individual's unique personality and convey a polished, authentic image. Professionals who leverage the quality of a professional photographer’s work are more likely to present themselves with confidence and professionalism, ultimately contributing to their success in networking, career advancement, and overall professional image.

When planning a headshot portrait session, it’s important to remember one single photo can’t cover all your bases, even as an individual first joining the workplace. While scheduling your portrait session, I consult with you to learn your branding needs, prospective uses, existing portraits and how new ones will compliment or replace them, and discuss with you ways to get the most out of your portrait session.  Based on your needs, I capture and deliver portraits that fit your current requirements, as well as additional crops and variations to fit additional uses, graphic design flexibility, and future-proofing for unforeseen display scenarios.

A comprehensive photoshoot with me will create, or add to your existing, catalogue of variations to select from for different use-case scenarios. A well-rounded portrait library includes multiple options of formal & informal poses, wardrobes, and expressions, and studio-backdropped & environmental locations; consulting with me can cover all of these bases in a single booking.

In 2023 I saw a great uptick in people getting their headshots updated, their portraiture libraries expanded, as well as first-timers capturing their first professional headshots - everyone can tell when you have an iPhone photo, even in “Portrait Mode;” you need the real thing to be taken seriously.

I’m looking forward to capturing and seeing more of you in 2024; click here to start planning and scheduling today.

2023 Commercial Marketing Photography Highlights

In 2023, a large portion of my photography remained on delivering businesses top-tier commercial marketing and advertising photography, meticulously tailored to meet their campaign objectives.  In this blog post, I am excited to showcase some of my recent projects, specifically highlighting the vibrant aviation concessions programs at Washington Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Orlando International Airport.

High-quality photography stands as a vital cornerstone in the realm of any marketing program.  Maintaining a comprehensive and stylistically cohesive catalogue of compelling marketing assets is indispensable for swiftly and effortlessly assembling impactful campaigns.  My program-wide marketing libraries are meticulously curated to include a diverse mix of storefront & interior images catering to directory needs, alongside detail shots capturing product & menu highlights for retailer features or seasonal promotions.  Additionally, my marketing portfolios encompass staged talent action photography ideal for print, web, and social advertising campaigns, as well as event coverage with rapid turnaround for press releases, and versatile stock images for general use.

With over a decade of experience creating compelling photography in the commercial aviation marketing / PR industry, my specialized skillset empowers me to consistently provide my clients with high-quality and compelling deliverables that resonate with target audiences.

DCA

#FlyWashington Magazine - Summer, 2023 Edition.

#FlyWashington Magazine - Autumn, 2023 Edition.

#FlyWashington Magazine - Autumn, 2023 Edition.

IAD

MCO

In May, 2023, I travelled to Orlando to capture a marketing package of concessions in MCO's new Terminal C.  The comprehensive photoset, captured on a single shooting day, featured local flavors and encompassed images ranging from baseline storefront & interiors, to menu highlights, and acting talent on-site.

More work from this project can be viewed here.

MCO: Concession Marketing Photography for Master ConcessionAir

This past May I partnered with Master ConcessionAir to capture a marketing package of their newest retail and restaurant locations at Orlando International Airport’s new Terminal C.

MCO’s new Terminal C is a vibrant hub serving airlines including JetBlue, Emirates, Aer Lingus, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Icelandair, among others.  The terminal’s dining options encapsulate the essence of Central Florida through its diverse culinary and retail offerings.  Terminal C caters to a wide range of tastes, highlighting local gems like Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Co., Wine Bar George, and Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith.  The terminal provides a taste of the region's distinctive flavors with brands like Cask & Larder, Olde Hearth Bread Co., and Orlando Brewing Bar & Bites.

For these locations, I captured a cohesive set of exterior and interior images, as well as menu photography, and stock advertising images with talent on-site.  The entire marketing package was captured in a single shooting day.

While on site, I also captured some headshots of personnel for profile and promotional use.

Ben's Chili Bowl's 65th Anniversary at Reagan National

August 22, 2023 marked a milestone for one of DC’s most loved institutions: Ben’s Chili Bowl.  Three days later, the Ali family joined everyone at Ronald Reagan National Airport to celebrate Ben's Chili Bowl's 65th anniversary.  After words by the airport and Ali family, the party started with the soulful beat of "The Real DC: Go-Go & Ben's" by DJ Mello T, and the rhythmic vibes of Sirius Company.  While passengers and airport employees alike jammed out to the concert with some half-smokes, the Ali family met fans for pictures in front of their airport location.

Ben’s Chili Bowl also used the occasion to announce their partnership with Giant Foods, where patrons can now buy the famous half-smokes and chili to enjoy at home, and their newest upcoming airport location at Washington Dulles International Airport.  The legacy of Ben's Chili Bowl at Ronald Reagan National Airport is not merely about gastronomic delights; it's a living testament to the blend of community, culture, and the indomitable spirit that continues to define the heart of our nation's capital.