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The official photo blog of J. David Buerk Photography.

SARS-CoV-2 - May

In keeping with my last post, I’m compiling all the unusual (or usual by now) sights I’ve spotted in my quarantine outings. Honestly, beyond the requisite safety precautions, “quarantine” seems like an American misnomer compared to the much earlier and more comprehensive prevention protocols in other countries; so much is still allowed and considered essential.

Retail

While March and April saw widespread shortages of staple commodities such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer, May is seeing these items make a gradual reappearance in stores. In fact one store I visited at the end of May, while following a tip on disinfecting wipes, had a cornucopia of TP taller than me, and larger than a pack of cars.

All images shot and edited on iPhone.

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Although I had a limited supply of disinfectant wipes, I’ve been trying to secure a few more containers so I don’t have to outright ration their use on my gear, etc. In the last two weeks alone I’ve found disinfectant wipes in stock at at various websites, but they’ve sold out by time I’ve made it to the shopping card 5x now. Then, I managed to get an order to process for one before it sold out, but when I received the shipment from Amazon proper, I was delivered an unopened shipping bag empty except for a piece of scrap cardboard; the stocker had obviously not placed my item in the bag - what happened after that; my guess is probably the same as yours. However, since then, between the help of some close friends and a little luck, I’ve secured what I need for now.

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Restaurants

For takeout, I’ve mostly done curbside or drive-through, but those that I’ve gone inside… it’s still weird seeing once bustling places empty and quiet.

All images shot and edited on iPhone.

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Burke Lake Park

Virginia’s county, state, and national parks have been closed for some time now (and as of this writing, they are still closed for anything but recreation - the facilities are still shuttered and offices are not open for business). With gyms closed, I’ve been endurance training harder than even the season following my knee surgery rehab, and Burke Lake Park offers a lot to me as a runner - at 4.5mi, one lap can be stretched to 5mi, two laps easily stretches to a 10 miler, and 3 laps is just over a half-marathon. So though I’m not hiking every other weekend with friends like a normal Summer, here’s a little nature for you.

All images shot on EOS R and edited on a color calibrated computer.

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Playgrounds

Following that, although county, state, and national parks have been largely closed, not all people or organizations have understood the orders, or have flagrantly ignored them - locally, this has emerged as people disagreeing about the usage of playgrounds. For some HOAs, it took legal threats from the Department of Health to finally close recreational facilities restricted by Executive Orders. Here is what that looks like in some places.

All images shot on EOS R and edited on a color calibrated computer.

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SARS-CoV-2 - March & April

As you are more than well aware, quite a lot has changed since the last time I posted.

Right around the time some family health issues that had taken most of my time were finally settling down a bit, the newly infamous novel coronavirus hit the US. You can learn more about my professional response to COVID-19 and subsequent service changes here.

This is a collection of photographs I have captured since SARS-CoV-2 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization to today’s mid-May posting. As I am a caregiver to someone at very high risk, my outings since before quarantine even began have been limited to grocery / food / fundamental shopping, healthcare and pharmacy visits, and my regular trail-running (hey, I stopped going to the gym due to the high risk before they even closed - I’ve never been up to half-marathon distance so early in the running season - I’ve already run two 13.1s and one 10 miler this year, on top of my standard training regimen).

Grocery

By now it’s not just common; it’s an expected sight - barren paper aisles, empty soap sections, cold medicine picked over and packages haphazardly ripped into, the contents stolen. It was only after weeks of this that stores even began limiting purchase quantities on high-demand items.

I’ve been lucky and have thus far been able to source everything needed to stay safe with the help of friends. Some hard-to-find items I’ve even had enough to safely share with friends or give to their high-risk or frontline-working families.

As an aside, the health and legal implications of COVID-19 have disrupted the paper industry even for printing - print production for most things like prints and albums have halted from almost all printing partners - it’s an odd industry impact I’ve been continually watching.

All images shot and edited on iPhone.

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Restaurants

Quarantine food has mostly been a case of creating meals with what’s available at the grocery store a given week, which is fun because it has forced some creativity, while sometimes also leading to frustration when you have every ingredient but one - at one point I was searching for garlic for over 3 weeks!

There have been occasions where grabbing food to-go while out has either made more sense, been more convenient, or has simply been par for the course (birthdays, holidays, etc). I’ve been doing contactless curbside pickup for all of this, except for the two instances below, which show what the interiors of some restaurants look like in response to not allowing dine-in customers. For reference, Panera Bread and Jason’s Deli are among the many restaurants offering grocery orders and delivery.

All images shot and edited on iPhone.

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Airports

Washington Dulles International Airport

Finally, while my business is currently limited in what it can do (click here to read how my business is impacted and responding to COVID-19), basic operations still must go on. One of the most fundamental of business operations is maintaining currency of security training and credentials. I visited both Dulles and Reagan in order to renew my security training and badges, and documented all changes I saw while on-site. I only stayed pre-security since I did not have need to enter the SIDA for my renewals, and am not taking unnecessary excursionary risks.

Noticable changes are Dulles are the nearly empty parking lots, completely empty Terminal loops (which are usually bustling), consolidation of security checkpoints, closed ticket counters of airlines that have suspended operations, and to me most notably is how clean the floors look - I don’t think I’ve ever seen the terrazzo so brightly polished and shiny. The departures level has been cleared of most stanchions, and background music has been turned off, leaving only the ambient rumble of HVAC noise - walking the Terminal, with nobody around but a few other employees, reminded me of my days in Dulles’ engineering department, doing facility walkthroughs in the back-of-house corridors surrounded by nothing but the buildings’ natural sound and your own echo.

All images shot on EOS R and edited on a color calibrated computer.

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Ronald Reagan National Airport

Reagan was the same story - I did my renewals as required by FAA / DHS, and explored the impacts pre-security. Because there was no traffic, it was easy for me to capture photos of the Ronald Reagan statue I’ve never gotten before.

Impacts that were most apparent were immediately being greeted by a nearly empty parking garage, the people in National Hall were almost entirely employees - incredibly the handful of passengers arriving off a flight were all maskless.

The saddest part of this, for me, was seeing all the shuttered concessionaires. At both airports only a handful of concessions are operating at time of writing - this is sad for me because I’ve photographed each and every single one of these. What is most striking about the closed retailers is how abruptly they closed - many are still decorated for the Cherry Blossom Festival, the height of which is when most quarantine orders took effect, or have Now Open signage on their closed storefront hastily left in the rapid closures. It saddens me to see so many beloved stores and restaurants closed for the time being.

DCA, like Dulles, has prominent signage encouraging proper mask usage and hand washing. One difference, however, is, although both airports have the same hand sanitizer dispensers, DCA’s are COVID-19 branded.

All images shot on EOS R and edited on a color calibrated computer.

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Spottings

Although I’ve had opportunity to see friends and even use private gyms if desired, I haven’t taken any of these opportunities because I know how lackadaisical (read: virtually non-existent) the social distancing was. That being said, I’ve had a few chance run-ins while out and about, which, although brief, has been a nice break in the monotony.

You may recognize David and Tiffany from their engagement session and wedding I shot last year. By the way, that picture of the Dulles Main Terminal over my shoulder is a photo I shot in 2012.

All images shot and edited on iPhone.

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2020 Washington Auto Show

2020 has started off quite stressful for me, due to some health issues being faced by members of my family, so I am behind in posting, but here we are! With everything going on, I was fortunate to be able to make it out to the Washington Auto Show this year, which I look forward to and make it a point to attend every year. Since I wanted to relax by going to the show, this year I brought along my 85mm f/1.2; my favorite lens - great for details (and portraits), but a specialized lens not for wide scene captures.

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First things first; the new “Mustang.” I can’t say I agree with Ford’s decision to place the Mustang marque on an all-electric crossover-type vehicle, and I found the car itself uglier than the press photos released when the new direction Mustang is going was released. I, however, am in the minority, as the general public seems to love it based on overhearing others viewing it at the auto show - apparently Ford’s market research was accurate. Apparently the C8 Corvette was also on display at this show, and I walked right past it without noticing - that’s interesting.

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As an Infiniti driver, I am of course an Infiniti fan. The Q60 has grown on me since the CV37 released in 2017, and despite some exciting engine options up to 400hp, it is still being done the disservice of being sold without any manual transmission option whatsoever.

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Anyone who knows me knows I love Porsche. They unfortunately did not have a display at this year’s show, but that didn’t stop me from photographing every Porsche I spotted at the show.

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Best of 2019

2019 was quite an odd year. Its unusual helter-skelter pace sometimes made me doubt my photographic skills, but the year continually provided new opportunities to refresh my creative energies, whether that meant braving sub-zero wind chills in unfamiliar cities, or trying new lighting and editing techniques while on commercial assignments. This annual year-in-review wrap-up helps to fuel my creative energies for 2020, and a new decade of capturing the world around me. I’m all set for the new year - let’s capture 2020 together.

As the Earth transits its Moon, a crescent shape is left illuminated prior to the total lunar eclipse during a “supermoon,” January 20th, 2019.

The newly released mirrorless full-frame Canon EOS R in the snow, with a Lubitel 2 75mm f/4.5 lens modified to EF mount.

2019’s first snowfall; a light dusting in the DC region.

Milwaukee River one week after a “polar vortex” brought record low temperatures of -21ºF with a windchill of -40º. The temperature at time of this picture was 13ºF with a wind chill of -7º. The extreme cold snap claimed 22 lives.

In downtown Milwaukee, a cheese mart offers rotating samples of hundreds of local cheeses.

The bottling and packaging equipment line at Lakefront Brewery, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Mew, the mythical 151st Pokémon, straps in for a flight in Economy Plus.

Above Chicago, icebergs on Lake Michigan are visible for miles one week after a “polar vortex” brought record low temperatures of -23ºF with a windchill of -52º to the city. A maximum temperature of -10ºF set a record for lowest daily high temperature. The extreme cold snap claimed 22 lives.

A nuclear power station vents steam and creates a shadow onto the eastern waters of Lake Michigan.

In stark contrast to the mid-west’s severe Winter, the DC region experiences unusually warm February weather. A woman walks by a Fredericksburg brewery’s mural in the premature Spring temperatures.

Details of a two-year-old orchid at the end of peak bloom.

Aerial view of Soldier Field at sunset.

Aerial view of Soldier Field at sunset.

“The Sky's The Limit“ by Michael Hayden, 1987; neon lights and colored panels choreographed to music by composer William Kraft adorn the pedestrian talkback tunnel connecting United Terminals B and C at Chicago’s O'Hare International Airport.

Between Terminals at O'Hare International Airport, globes illuminate the way for passengers at night.

International arrivals queue through the line in O'Hare International Airport’s Terminal 5 before clearing customs. Disembarking passengers pass by ad space displaying a campaign for a Japanese courier logistics service. J. David Buerk - Photography documents marketing campaign activations in major markets across the United States.

In downtown Chicago, an Uber driver cuts through the city to avoid traffic on I-90.

Visitors to Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry view “The Great Train Story,” a 3,500 sq.ft. model train installation displaying 20 trains on 1,400 feet of track representing 2,200 miles of railway between Chicago and Seattle.

Aboard the German Submarine U-505, red alarm lights shine dimly while being depth charged. The submarine was captured by the US Navy in 1944 in efforts to capture an Enigma code machine used by Nazi forces during WWII. The U-505 is the only U-boat in North America.

A recently hatched baby chick photobombs its siblings in the Museum of Science and Industry’s Fast Forward & Genetics exhibit.

In Chicago’s Hyde Park, English Ivy is allowed to overgrow on a row house, blooming green in warm months, and exposing delightfully spooky vines on the brick facade in Winter.

Bandmembers of Tommy McCracken playing electric guitar at Buddy Guy’s Legends blues nightclub.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame blues legend Buddy Guy takes the stage at his Chicago nightclub to sing relationship advice to audience members.

Nellie Travis sings a soulful rendition of “Sweet Home Chicago” with audience participation at Buddy Guy’s Legends blues nightclub.

Promotional photo of Wolfgang’s Meatloaf at The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck.

Promotional photo of Lamb Lollipops with Hummus and Flatbread at Bracket Room.

Margaret and Bayard kiss with champagne on the lawn of Belle Haven Country Club after their wedding ceremony.

Margaret and Bayard’s wedding rings on a bouquet of flowers.

Planespotters click away from Washington Dulles International Airport’s (IAD) T/L K as Alitalia touches down to begin non-stop service between Washington, DC and Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO).

After remarks at the gate, Fabio Lazzerini, Alitalia CBO, and Armando Varricchio, Italy’s ambassador to the United States cut cake to celebrate Alitalia’s non-stop service between Washington, DC and Rome.

Models showcase every uniform worn by Alitalia cabin crew since the airline’s inception in 1946 during a cocktail recaption at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC.

During Alitalia’s cocktail recaption at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC, the Cognac Jazz Band’s singer solos on the trumpet during a cover of the main title theme from “Game of Thrones.”

New 7000 Series trains cross the Washington Metro’s bridge between Arlington and Washington, DC, in front of the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument.

Bridesmaids button up the lacy back of Tiffany’s wedding dress in her Arlington hotel room.

David and Tiffany hold hands in front of a fountain in Arlington as the wind blows during a first-look.

David and Tiffany’s wedding rings in a pink rose at their wedding reception.

Lexus LC 500s await drivers to hot-lap them Lexus Experience Amazing Drive Event.

Crowds fill the streets and tour the shops in Old Town during the Taste Leesburg wine and food festival.

Storm clouds move in over St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia.

A moth lands on a hiker’s arm to feed on salt in the hiker’s sweat.

Atop the Maryland Heights Trail in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, Patrick poses for a contemplative portrait.

An image from August 24th, 2019, showing the section of the rail bridge that gave way following the derailment of empty CSX grain cars into the Potomac River at 4AM, December 21st, 2019. The Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge alongside the bridge's train line provided pedestrian access from Harper's Ferry to the locally-famous Maryland Heights Trail, and is part of the Appalachian Trail. Information about the incident, including indefinite closure of footbridge access, can be found on the NPS website.

Hina places “HOME” decorative blocks on the mantle immediately after closing on Imran and Hina’s first home.

Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, DC is closed and filled with attendees of the Snallygaster beer festival.

Lisa Marie’s 2017 “LOVE” mural in Blagden Alley’s DC Alley Museum.

Farewell text on the exit way doors inside Tiger Fork, a Michelin Guide ranked Chinese restaurant in Northwest, Washington, DC.

Exterior facade of Tiger Fork, a Michelin Guide ranked Chinese restaurant in Northwest, Washington, DC.

A mother and child view “Migrants’ Perilous Journey,” by Reuters Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Adrees Latif on the Newseum’s final weekend open to the public.

Crowds fill every floor of the Newseum on its final weekend open to the public before permanently closing December 31st, 2019. Outside, people wrapped around two corners of the building in the rain waiting to gain entry.

The end of an era. Opened on April 18th, 1997, the Newseum permanently closed on December 31st, 2019. The media and journalism museum was originally located in Rosslyn, Arlington, Virginia, and moved to its ultimate location on Pennsylvania Avenue NW on April 11th, 2008. In January, 2019, The Freedom Forum announced sale of the purpose-built Newseum building to The Johns Hopkins University for $372.5M, where it will house graduate programs. As of this writing, the Newseum is currently searching for a new location to house its exhibits.

Harpers Ferry: Maryland Heights Trail

Summer is unfortunately drawing to a close, and after several consecutive weekends of thunderstorms and blazing humidity, this past weekend offered temperatures in the low 70s, so local hiking staple, the Maryland Heights Trail in Harper’s Ferry was an obvious choice for a hiking fast fix. Unsurprisingly, it was an easy choice for everyone else in the region itching for some outdoors time after some Summer cabin-fever, making the summit, which I’ve visited when deserted on multiple occasions, the busiest I’ve ever seen it. It’s a beautiful, albeit locally stereotypical, overlook a bit over 300 feet above the Potomac River and Civil War era town beneath. Its steep climb means you reach the summit in ~40min at a moderate pace, making the 3.3mi round trip (skipping the 2.2mi Stone Fort Trail Loop) taxing for the distance covered, but quickly worth the extra uphill effort. This trip was the first time I’ve seen a train use the Southern CSX rail line, however I was on the summit, not the rail bridge like I’d have preferred (just to finally experience how sketchy standing on a rail bridge with a train rumbling alongside feels). Before heading over to the trailhead, I head up High Street to look for evidence of the 2015 fire, which engulfed shops I’ve visited, and impacted a restaurant I ate at just months before the mysterious fire broke out. Evidence of rebuilding is there if you look closely enough, but to the ordinary unaware passerby, you wouldn’t be able to tell a difference - they did good work restoring the historic area!

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Bonus: Photos of me at the summit, and see 4K footage of trains and the over-friendly moth. The video footage was shot handheld at 720mm, so yeah, difficult to hold perfectly still at that focal length.

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