Blog

The official photo blog of J. David Buerk Photography.

Total Solar Eclipse: 2017 Remastered (2024)

Friends, I made it to totality seven years ago, but won’t be this time around.

For this magical Solar Eclipse Day, 2024, I have fully remastered my hero capture of Totality I was fortunate enough to witness in 2017.  This updated version using the latest software and available techniques brings out more detail in the Sun’s undulating corona, and offers even greater sharpness than I was able to achieve in 2017.  I’m sharing this remastered image with you here, and sharing with you highlights of my 2017 experience of totality.

I monitored the cloud forecast for the last week like many of you also surely did, and it seems that my original target along with most of the Northeast, save for Maine and Vermont, will have some degree of cloud cover ranging from 50-90%, with the nearest guaranteed clear sky being Indianapolis; that is just too far away to be feasible on short(ish) notice, especially considering the outbound traffic (18hrs) will be around double the inbound travel time (9hrs).  “April showers bring May flowers,” as the saying goes; 2017’s total solar eclipse was in Summer, offering most of North America an unobstructed view of the spectacle with the marjos exceptions being oceanic influences in coastal areas in Oregon, oceanic thunderstorms in South Carolina, and mountain plain meteorological effects in Wyoming.

For today’s 2024 solar eclipse, I debated traveling to NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility to watch them launch three sounding rockets during the eclipse, however I’ve decided against that as well since it would take me even further away from the eclipse, marking an 8% drop in magnitude.  Instead I think I’ll be enjoying the eclipse around the monuments in DC, and possibly capturing something dramatic through our predicted 50% cloud cover.

If you’re in the totality path and manage to get a clear sky, be in the moment and enjoy the show - the 2017 Solar Eclipse was truly a moving experience.  For the remaining majority of us that are under Springtime cloud cover or outside the narrow totality path, make the most of what Mother Nature shines upon us, and remember that while as rare as a solar eclipse is, an unobstructed view of this eclipse is shaping up to be a coin toss.

Wishing all you aerospace, astronomy and meteorology nerds a beautiful Eclipse Day, and be sure to follow me everywhere @DavidBuerkPhoto, where I’ll update you with whatever interesting sights I do capture of our 2024 Eclipse!

Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms

It’s almost that time of year again!  We’re days away from the famed Cherry Blossoms speckling the DC region to kick off Spring!

Peak bloom for 2024 is estimated to be around March 23rd, and the Tidal Basin will be bursting with color for the following 1-3 weeks to follow depending upon weather.

Cherry Blossoms attract massive crowds and attention, so scheduling portrait sessions well in advance to allow enough time for the high demand and permitting approval is vital - get in contact to get scheduled today!

Latoya & Shawn: Married November 11th, 2023

On Latoya and Shawn’s wedding day, time danced in harmony with their love – a surreal blend of moments that lingered and flew by in a heartbeat. It feels like just a whisper of seasons since Shawn surprised Latoya during a family photo session, yet in reality, a whole year has woven its tale. On a serene Fall day at a country club, nestled not far from the heart of Fairfax, friends and family of Latoya and Shawn converged to witness the couple's union and commemorate the commencement of a new chapter in their lives.

Engaged in shared glances, a symphony of happy smirks adorns both Latoya and Shawn when their minds drift to one another. I sensed their magnetic connection the day Latoya unknowingly spoke of Shawn, just materialized before he materialized for their proposal. That same smirk, perhaps embellished with a dash more sass, graced Shawn's face when Latoya sent over a box of breath mints while Shawn was suiting up for saying “I Do.”

Shawn, a fellow photographer, got to experience being on the other side of the lens; you can catch glimpses of his photography on Instagram @828Visuals.

Amidst the breathtaking canvas of Autumn's final flourish, Latoya and Shawn exchanged vows just before the sun dipped below the horizon. The celebration continued with the dance floor alive with lights and favorite songs. As the night embraced its final moments, the Latoya and Shawn stole away for an intimate last dance, savoring the essence of the day. Loved ones bid them farewell in style, showering them with confetti and streamers, creating a dazzling spectacle as they kissed beneath the moonlight before embarking on their honeymoon.

What a magnificent conclusion to 2023! Wishing you all a Happy New Year – dive into Latoya & Shawn’s wedding pictures to usher in the magic of 2024!

2023 Commercial Marketing Photography Highlights

In 2023, a large portion of my photography remained on delivering businesses top-tier commercial marketing and advertising photography, meticulously tailored to meet their campaign objectives.  In this blog post, I am excited to showcase some of my recent projects, specifically highlighting the vibrant aviation concessions programs at Washington Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Orlando International Airport.

High-quality photography stands as a vital cornerstone in the realm of any marketing program.  Maintaining a comprehensive and stylistically cohesive catalogue of compelling marketing assets is indispensable for swiftly and effortlessly assembling impactful campaigns.  My program-wide marketing libraries are meticulously curated to include a diverse mix of storefront & interior images catering to directory needs, alongside detail shots capturing product & menu highlights for retailer features or seasonal promotions.  Additionally, my marketing portfolios encompass staged talent action photography ideal for print, web, and social advertising campaigns, as well as event coverage with rapid turnaround for press releases, and versatile stock images for general use.

With over a decade of experience creating compelling photography in the commercial aviation marketing / PR industry, my specialized skillset empowers me to consistently provide my clients with high-quality and compelling deliverables that resonate with target audiences.

DCA

#FlyWashington Magazine - Summer, 2023 Edition.

#FlyWashington Magazine - Autumn, 2023 Edition.

#FlyWashington Magazine - Autumn, 2023 Edition.

IAD

MCO

In May, 2023, I travelled to Orlando to capture a marketing package of concessions in MCO's new Terminal C.  The comprehensive photoset, captured on a single shooting day, featured local flavors and encompassed images ranging from baseline storefront & interiors, to menu highlights, and acting talent on-site.

More work from this project can be viewed here.

Ben's Chili Bowl's 65th Anniversary at Reagan National

August 22, 2023 marked a milestone for one of DC’s most loved institutions: Ben’s Chili Bowl.  Three days later, the Ali family joined everyone at Ronald Reagan National Airport to celebrate Ben's Chili Bowl's 65th anniversary.  After words by the airport and Ali family, the party started with the soulful beat of "The Real DC: Go-Go & Ben's" by DJ Mello T, and the rhythmic vibes of Sirius Company.  While passengers and airport employees alike jammed out to the concert with some half-smokes, the Ali family met fans for pictures in front of their airport location.

Ben’s Chili Bowl also used the occasion to announce their partnership with Giant Foods, where patrons can now buy the famous half-smokes and chili to enjoy at home, and their newest upcoming airport location at Washington Dulles International Airport.  The legacy of Ben's Chili Bowl at Ronald Reagan National Airport is not merely about gastronomic delights; it's a living testament to the blend of community, culture, and the indomitable spirit that continues to define the heart of our nation's capital.