The official photo blog of J. David Buerk Photography.
It's been quite a few years since DC has had a severe Winter; in fact, 2012 / 2013's Winter was quite mild. This year has been a total 180, with bitter cold unlike any I can even remember.
I've actually shot some more, but it's on film and hasn't be developed yet.
Yes, we had more snow, and I shot more photos. Goodness. Still haven't developed that film yet though...
And for something a little different, with a cinematic feel...
Dulles' Going the Extra Mile (or GEM) customer service initiative kicked off with a bang in 2011, and happened to be the first major airport event I've had the privilege of photographing. I still remember shooting that GEM Pep Rally; I had just upgraded to a 5D Mark II and 24-70mm f/2.8L USM, using my poor Rebel XT with Tamron 18-270mm as a secondary - it was the beginning of moving my photography and my gear forward professionally.
Flash forward to the end of 2013: Thinking about how far the GEM Program has come, and how my photography has followed it so closely since its beginnings, the juxtaposition I felt while shooting 2013's GEM of the Year Award Ceremony and Luncheon was so easily defined simply by looking at the gear in my hands; the same 5D Mark II and 24-70 from three years ago (though looking VERY battleworn), and a 1D X now taking the role of main camera body. These two camera bodies have seen and immortalized every single GEM Awardee since the beginning of the Program, and the event I was about to shoot brought every GEM from the past year together to the same place.
It was great seeing all the GEMs together at the same time - they've all had portrait sessions with me, and it was fun hearing them all remember the antics at each session; that time we kept getting photobombed, or the other time my light got bumped over.
Things got started with lunch, and some remarks from Dulles' Customer Service Manager, who administers the GEM Program, Dennis Hazell, and Airport Manager, Chris Browne. First up for recognition was MWAA Sign Shop's very own Vince Young for his integral role in designing graphics and other program material that has made Dulles GEM possible.
Next were the Runner-Up, and 2013's GEM of the Year. First Nery Padilla of 5 Star Parking won 2013 Runner-Up for his good deed of covering up a passenger's forgotten rolled-down car window to protect the interior during their trip. Finally, 2013's GEM of the Year was awarded to Ojulu "OJ" Lero of Washington Flyer Taxi for taking his service above and beyond, driving over 60 miles at no charge to return a purse accidentally left in his cab.
Those stories are exceptional, but the room was filled with GEMs who had also equally impressive tales of their own, and the luncheon was a final recognition to close out 2013 and begin anew in 2014.
As the GEMs departed, I photographed one awardee whom was previously unable to attend her recognition, and Dennis then explained how the graphic overlay will look once printed. Here's that portrait before graphic design:
It's been several months since I've visited Katie's, and this seemed like a great weekend to visit for the first time in 2014. Things got started off slowly, but more gearheads rode in as the weather slowly grew warmer.
I wanted to have some extra fun this time around, and it'd been a while since I've shot with my EOS converted Lubitel medium format lens. All of these photos were shot with that lens; many of them freelensed. I love the natural light leaks and flares. This Porsche's colors in the rising sun just scream old film to me; my favorite mix of cool and warm tonalities.
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.
The Washington DC Auto Show is an event I've been attending every year since 2009. I always bring along my camera, although this year I demoed more than I shot. Overall, not too many new innovations from last year, sorry to say. (Introducing) The Lincoln Motor Company had even already swept away their new (old) 2015 Navigator. Kinda a bust.
It was a pleasant surprise to see Airstream there. Pop quiz; is this the rear taillight to the new WRX, or new Versa? If you answered "yes," you're right!
And then there is the F-Type Coupe. Sex on wheels.
Several years ago, I met Abbey in the last Psychology class I needed to earn my Minor. Just like many college courses (but certainly not all), it was a very simple lecture with little class involvement that allowed me to work on other things... such as photo editing :-D Every class, Abbey would sit next to me and see what photos I had taken that week as I edited. Airport events, fun with a new lens, several trips to New York, portrait sessions, and even some wedding photos - it was such a relaxed class that I actually used my Wacom tablet for some of the editing, which I remember her commenting on it and asking how it works.
Flash forward, and Abbey began referring me wedding and portrait clients. After several years of watching me work, sending me new clients, and seeing weddings I booked thanks to her, I wasn't surprised when I finally received a note from her, acknowledging that it's her turn this time:
"Alrighty Mr. What is your pricing for wedding photos?"
Scott and Abbey share a love for cycling, riding new places together often. Scott surprised Abbey in a heartwarming engagement in Charlottesville, Virginia. The couple was married at the beautiful Washington, DC LDS Temple on a crisp, sunny day.
Every wedding has something unique - Scott and Abbey's wedding incorporated Scott's new involvement in falconry. This was the first wedding I have photographed in which the ring bearer was... a Red-Tailed Hawk!
After the dancing and partying finished, Scott and Abbey departed Old Town Fairfax to begin their new life and careers together.
