It's not often we get a good snow in DC (though when we do, it seems like it's a blizzard that takes a few days before anyone can get anywhere). This past snow was a good balance between the two, and I went along with a local family for a snowball fight.
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The official photo blog of J. David Buerk Photography.
Tab and DD: Married December 8th, 2013
Tab and DD are a wonderful couple from Savannah, Georgia who recently called on me to photograph their wedding. As veterinarians, they both share a love for animals. I've talked about shooting a snow wedding for years (and I must admit I actually want one myself), but until Tab and DD I'd never gotten to. The wedding, unfortunately, was cut very short due to the snow and ice storm which was just beginning that morning. This also meant that, due to the inclement travel conditions, many guests were not able to join, although thanks to technology, many still joined in on Skype.
Although the weather wasn't so cooperative for friends and family to travel in, it was still very pretty for pictures. Tab and DD's wedding was very special and unique to the DC area, since the DMV unpredictably has infrequent snowstorms. I'm so looking forward to my next snowy wedding.
And here's a quick little outtake: While we were shooting outside in the snow, we hadn't been in this spot even one minute, and a plow drove up the sidewalk and ruined the shot and my flat white background...
Between the cold and an impatient plow driver idling a mere couple feet behind me, we only spent a few more minutes taking pictures in the snow, as there was really no other ideal location featuring snow. Photography is all about on-the-fly flexibility!
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!