Volkswagen XL1 at Katie's Cars and Coffee: December 7th, 2013

I debated not going to Katie's this morning since the turnout has dwindled due to the cold weather, however I knew Volkswagen HQ had both a Veyron and an XL1 on hand this week.  I decided to come on the chance an XL1 did appear, despite my being told that it almost certainly would not come.  Much to my delight, VW DID bring the 240 MPG, 1.0L plug-in hybrid concept vehicle.  A friend of mine who was able to drive this vehicle just a few days ago likened it to "an old Packard" with the tiny diesel engine rumbling just behind your head.

And for those who are wondering, my 35mm is perfectly fine - a broken UV filter is nothing to fret over.  This is why you spend $70 on a filter and lens hood (which is rare I didn't have it on today), so when accidents happen you're not spending $700 on a new front lens element.  My 35mm 1.4 is ready to go for my wedding shoot tomorrow.

UPDATE:  I always post my car photography to Oppositelock, and this blog was republished onto Jalopnik.

This blog post has been republished by J. David Buerk onto Oppositelock and Jalopnik.  For the full set of photos, view the album at his Facebook Page. All photography is by J. David Buerk, and is copyrighted All Rights Reserved.

Chase and Briana: Married

Over the years I've shot many weddings, but Chase and Briana's is definitely one of the most memorable.  Luckily for the newlywed couple, the weather held out for them, and allowed Chase and Briana to surprise their friends and family with the most unique send-off I've ever heard of - a Hot Air Balloon, departing into the sunset!

But before the Chase and Briana could take flight, they of course had to get married.  The day started out with the couple holding hands around the corner from one another before the ceremony, to keep from seeing the other before the wedding began.

I've flown in planes and helicopters for previous assignments, but this was the first time I've flown in a hot air balloon - what an AMAZING experience, to close out an incredible wedding!  Congratulations, Chase and Briana!

A preliminary set of photos has been uploaded to Chase and Briana's Gallery; stay tuned to my Facebook Page for updates when ALL of Chase and Briana's photos are ready in the weeks to come!

Cessna Discover Flying Challenge

Video isn't something I do very often, though I've worked extensively on a number of video projects over the years.  Fellow aviation photographer James Dingell contacted me the other day and told me about the Cessna Discover Flying Challenge, and explained that part of his application is a video submission.  "We have 48 hours before it's due."

We used yesterday as a planning day.  This morning, James flew in to Dulles from Daytona, Florida, and we began filming as soon as he landed.  We wrapped up post-production early this evening, and sent to Cessna.  All in time for a sushi dinner, and a relaxing Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Katie's Cars and Coffee: November 23rd, 2013

It's been a few weeks since I've been to Katie's; last weekend I shot an awesome wedding.  This weekend brought in a cold front, which, predictably, kept some folks from coming out.  While eating breakfast inside Katie's you could overhear conversations; "Ive put the Ferrari away for the Winter, so I just brought the Porsche."  The weather today was cold and blustery; it made for a short show, as most people gathered inside for coffee, and promptly left, avoiding the 35°F cold + wind chill... all while yesterday it was 65°F.

Jake (Bengal55) and I also ran into Patrick (Jagvar), and we toured the show together.

There was also this guy drove up to me in his Daimler and asked me if my camera records sound. I said, "it can" and proceeded to record him as he drove off.  Not sure what that was all about... but hey, if you find this video, here it is!

This blog post has been republished by J. David Buerk onto Oppositelock.  For the full set of photos, view the album at his Facebook Page. All photography is by J. David Buerk, and is copyrighted All Rights Reserved.

Minotaur I / ORS-3

I'm not entirely sure how, but my photos of the Minotaur I / ORS-3 launching from Wallops Island, Virginia tonight got picked up by meteorologists in North Carolina, and are enjoying a small bit of virality on the Interwebz  this evening. Minotaur I was a quick mover; much faster and smaller than the LADEE launch I previously captured from the same position, ~200 miles from the launch site.

Since some are curious, photos were taken with a Canon 1D X at 400mm, f/5.6, 1/30th, ISO 102,400 at a range of ~200 miles from the launch site.

This photo shows an aircraft on approach to Dulles in the foreground, with Minotaur I in the background.