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The official photo blog of J. David Buerk Photography.

Eero Saarinen's Dulles Airport Main Terminal

This January I was commissioned by Washington Dulles International Airport's Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to photograph Eero Saarinen's historic Main Terminal building. When MWAA employees retire, they are presented with a commemorative photograph of the Airport's Main Terminal, normally signed by other employees who worked closely with them, giving support and leaving their good wishes. Even I received one when my 7 years with the Airports Authority came to a close.

This photo is, however, dark, out of date, and no longer known where the negative is for reproduction. The Airport wanted an updated version; a portrait of the historic Airport at its 50 year anniversary. One that is bright and shows how the Airport has flourished. It's a pretty picture; I like it a lot!... but it's reached its time, and I was tasked with creating a suitable replacement. Quite an honor!!!

The photograph was taken from an unusual angle not often seen; most photos of the Terminal are shot from the West, given the ease of access to Daily Garage 2. The retirement photograph is shot from the East, which requires access to the Signature Flight Support hangar's upper rooftop - the decision to shoot from this same angle was easy, as it is so unique. Weather was a constant factor, and it took 3 attempted shooting days to get the final image. Below are some of the shots I took while on the rooftop, waiting for the perfect lighting, chronologically from my first attempts to the final image.

It was very strange seeing an aircraft depart for Germany that I know I've been aboard, and was present for its very first landing at Dulles.

Finally I had the shot I was looking for; dramatic sky, and a brightly lit Terminal. The lighting on the Terminal wasn't quite warmed up yet, so the final image actually is a composite of two exposures to bring the dynamic range back to what was visible at shooting. I had been focusing on wider shots since that was what the previous photo had been, but I quickly noticed that a zoomed view offered greater perspective and overal character to the image. My gut was right, and the Airport unanimously chose my final shot of the Terminal; zoomed in to 140mm, with vibrant streaking across the sky.

The final photo is available for print purchase on my client site here.

The Airport LOVED it. Absolutely LOVED it. I was shocked how much; I actually got hugged when they saw it, and it quickly got around to other offices - the Finance Department will actually be using the image as the cover for Dulles' latest Annual Report, along with several other of my images inside. The photo was an exercise in Photoshop as well, as there were two large utility trucks parked in front of the Terminal that proved challenging to remove; the end result is quite stunning!

Finally, as I turned to leave, my gear already packed in my bag, I saw the new full Moon, orange on the horizon as it had just risen as the sun set; I quickly set my gear back up and got a moon shot before retiring from the Signature Flight Support rooftop, a new portrait of Dulles saved to my camera's CF card.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (February 2013)

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a place I've wanted to visit for several years, but haven't for various reasons. After visiting St. Louis' World Bird Sanctuary in December, I felt even more irked that I've put off going for so long. I knew that eagle nesting season was coming up, beginning in February and ending in late March. Unfortunately I put off my visit until Valentine's Day when the eagles were already nesting and not as active, but that's OK, because I know I'll be going back again! Again, the folks I've met in Maryland parks (or in this case, a National Wildlife Refuge operated by the Fish and Wildlife Service and a non-profit formed in 1987) are some of the friendliest, most helpful people. I didn't happen upon a ranger with an ATV and spare time on his hands like my last experience in Maryland, but I was advised by a very helpful woman from the Friends of Blackwater who was kind enough to reference the most recent eagle sighting logs.

Other than some ducks, geese, and a formation of Warthogs, my day began with nothing in sight. No birds, wildlife, or squirrels, let alone the endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrels Blackwater is known for. I also found that the wildlife blind was useless, as there was no wildlife around. I later used my car as a mobile blind.

It wasn't long before I came across this Great Blue Heron; we almost ran into each other - we were about 20 feet apart before we noticed each other. For this reason it allowed me to stay close and watch as it fished for tadpoles. I was very shocked it was perfectly happy fishing with me just 6 feet away, as though I didn't exist.

Sunset was coming quickly, and I wanted to be in a pretty spot along the shoreline. Along the way I spotted some Red-Winged Blackbirds, and stopped to watch the sun drop below the horizon not far from a pod of Pelicans.

Earlier in the day I'd spotted a single Bald Eagle, in its nest 1/2 mile away. But it was after the sun had set that I finally began seeing both Golden and Bald Eagles take to the skies. As I was leaving, I spotted a pair of Bald Eagles flying off into the dusk, and a lone Great Blue Heron on the water.

Washington Auto Show: 2013

It's become a New Year's automotive tradition of mine to see the Washington Auto Show every year, much like my annual Fall trip to Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park to enjoy the car culture along Virginia's most scenic Autumn route. This year, just like the last, I brought only my beloved 85L II lens to take in the petroheads' art. I enjoy using a tight lens like the 85L because it forces me to be creative in creating new perspectives to an auto show that thousands of people photograph. It takes a lot of effort to get a full car shot using the 85L, and that's just part of the challenge... because that's what everyone else is shooting; do I really want that shot? How can I make it unique? I hope you enjoy my carporn from the 2013 Washington Auto Show! Bonus points if you can identify the cars from just their detail shots; leave your guesses in the comments section!

You can also see the entire set of photos at my Facebook Page here. Don't forget to LIKE my Page!

This Chrysler 300 has had a $10,000+ drop-top conversion done to it. It was for sale, and had a potential buyer place it on hold. The US Army also had a display, featuring a minesweeping Bobcat, and soldier launched UAVs. I wonder if anyone actually returns the drone in a conflict zone like the sticker asks, like a library card.

There were also some local celebrities on hand. DJ Flounder, known to the DC area from his time with DC101 on Elliot in the Morning, and Captain Planet! I also feel that the kid below was paying too much attention to the Maserati, and ignoring the awesome Chevy tow truck begging for attention just a few feet away. It had a Stingray on the back, for sale.

Jake and I also had the rare opportunity to demo Jaguar's latest model, the 2014 F-Type S: a 380HP roadster that aims to compete with Mercedes' SLK55 AMG and SL Series, and BMW's Z4 sDrive35is. It is also available with a 450HP Supercharged V8 engine. We found it very comfortable, and we enjoyed the envious looks of onlookers as we tried the vehicle out in the enclosed Jaguar display area.

I was also happy to see the direction Lincoln is continuing to move in. I truly hope to see them continue to recover and separate themselves as a retro-modern luxury brand. That being said, the Chevrolet Impala is a welcome sight with a refreshed yet understated look, but a rear end that reminds me of a VW Passat.

Etihad at Dulles (January 2013)

Once again, Dulles welcomes a new international carrier to the Washington, DC area. The United Arab Emirates has recently seen a boom of travel demand to DC and beyond. Several months ago I covered the beginning of Emirates Airlines' flight service to Dulles, and just a few months later Etihad Airways, the official state sponsored airline of the UAE, has also established a travel route to Dulles, serving the Washington, DC region. I was present for Etihad Airways to cover the welcoming ceremonies, as well as document examples of the luxurious amenities offered in Etihad's First and Business Classes. I was also fortunate enough to meet and take a quick photograph of the United Arab Emirates' US Ambassador, H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba. The day began with some light snow accumulation overnight and into the morning. Ground crews were actively clearing ramp areas, and de-icing aircraft prior to departure.

The picture below was one of several photographs of mine distributed as Etihad's press release images.

Aboard the Boeing 777, I met and photographed the United Arab Emirates' Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba.

Guests were given demonstrations of the aircraft amenities to expect on a flight. First Class passengers interacted with the aircraft's head chef. Seats in First Class can be customized to either offer an ottoman, a guest seat for meals, or even convert into a bed for long flights.

Business Class travelers also enjoy gourmet meals and many seating options to make flight more relaxing.

All classes enjoy world-class flight staff and modern airline amenities to stay connected, comfortable, and entertained. Even children have special gift bags to make airline travel more enjoyable.

Some of my photos have been made available on Etihad's website alongside Etihad's Press Release. The release and my photos have been distributed to travel and aviation media, where my photos have been published covering this event. Stay tuned here for updates from more media outlets. Click the image caption to go to the full articles.

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Best of 2012

As 2012 draws to a close, enjoy 50 of my most notable photos from the past 12 months. I've been very lucky to have participated in some historic moments, witnessed remarkable events, and met many interesting people along the way. 2012 was almost undoubtably my most successful year in photography. Thank you to my friends at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, the FAA, NASA, and everyone I've met along the way this past year; you've made 2012 a truly unforgettable year! Here's to 2013 being just as amazing!