1.30.2008

Do you Facebook?


Social networking is fun! I never really got into MySpace, however I do have an account here David's MySpace. MySpace always seemed like a web of confusion and crap to me. I often get friend requests only to find out it is some x-rated website, which I do not appreciate. It really concerns me that kids are getting these requests as well. Keep those computers secure!

Facebook, on the other hand, has been a different experience. It is more fun and so far, no requests from spammer x-rated crapola. Sweet.
Facebook has a great user interface and is easy to navigate.

So if you are on Facebook or you want to try it, go ahead and add me as your friend. Maybe I can be your first friend! Here is a link to my profile: David Burke Facebook Profile.

I also started a group called David Burke Photographers that you can join. I want to use this group as a place to collaborate and share all things photography/business related. It should be a lot of fun!

Hope to see you on there!

1.29.2008

Ready for a Gyro and Fries!

Not the healthiest but tasty for sure.

1.28.2008

CONTEST WINNER!!!

Firstly, I wanted to thank you all for your entries into our Free Wedding Photography Contest - 2008. It has been a lot of fun!!!

The votes are in and we do have a winner...

Congratulations Chip and Karyn! Chip and Karyn are getting married on March 29, 2008 in Buckhannon, West Virginia.


Chip's friend, Justin, nominated him and his fiance, Karyn for the Free Wedding Photography.

Here is his letter and photo of Chip and Karyn:

"So I decided to enter my friends in this contest. My best friend (from growing up) is getting married March 29. Here's his story:

I've been friends with Chip Bennett since I was about 12 years old. We played baseball together in Little League, did a drama ministry together in high school, went to college for a year together and now share similar youth ministry stories as he is a youth pastor in North Central West Virginia. Besides my wife, Chip is the closest friend I have.

Chip works full-time for the Army pay office in our hometown of Buckhannon, WV. He also works part-time at our home church of about 300 as their youth pastor. He puts full-time effort in to this position. I don't think I know of any more kind-hearted or giving person than Chip. He works with Junior High and High school students for countless hours, spending time teaching and sharing life with them. He just loves them, and it's making an impact in their lives.

Chip's fiance Karyn, is also a youth worker. She works about a half hour away performing much of the same duties in another church. She reaches out to teenage girls with hope and grace, and gives of herself tirelessly.

The night these two got engaged was amazing. I was invited to go and perform at a local coffee shop in their town. Chip had made arrangements for a small concert and requested I do a song called "Blue Eyes." Immediately following this he proposed. I've never seen an engaged couple so happy and at ease with each other. I cannot wait for their wedding day--as a pastor I've quickly grown to love the moment the bride comes down the aisle more than any other in a wedding. This will be spectacular!

And yet there's a slight twist in the story... You see, Chip was engaged before. I remember riding with him from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Dayton, Ohio in the middle of a cold, snowy night a couple Januaries ago as he wanted to ask his girlfriend of the time's father for her hand. The father, unbelievably, said NO. Chip proposed anyway, and the engagement eventually ended. I don't know that I've ever seen someone so broken-hearted.

I've watched Chip walk through life as a living story of redemption and hope. It's so amazing to see what God is doing and how the good that comes is always worth the wait. My wife Carrie and I have prayed for Chip as our friend often, and I am so excited to see God's plan laid out in his life.

As I look at your photos I think it would be simply an amazing gift to give to such a great friend."

I can't wait to meet Chip and Karyn!

1.20.2008

Nine degrees

I stepped outside the chalet this morning and lost my breath from the
cold. Cold aside, it sure is beautiful.

1.18.2008

Something cool

Captured by Damon...

1.17.2008

Inspirations and Improvements

I just wanted to share a few of my favorite "non-wedding", "non-portrait" (in a traditional sense) photographers that I love to follow for inspiration. Each year I pick something "technical" that I want to really hone in on and improve upon. Last year it was flash on and off camera. I learned a TON and really improved the way I can light things when I have too. My hat goes off to Zack Arias and his One Light Workshop for showing me how to do a LOT with little equipment.

This brings me to my first inspiration.
1. Zack Arias - You can see his music work here www.zackarias.com. His other site, www.usedfilm.com. Besides being a stellar individual and an excellent photographer, Zack is a wonderful teacher as well. I hope to see him again soon.

2. Jeremy Cowart - Jeremy Cowart is a commercial photographer that lives in Nashville, TN. His work is beautiful and gritty at the same time.

3. Jill Greenberg - Jill the Manipulator is an incredibly talented Canadian-born photographer. Her portfolio is huge and awesome.

4. Dave Hill - Dave Hill Photo. His work is off the hook. He does some crazy photoshop magic to give the images a surreal feel. Very cool.

I have many more inspirations, but these are my current favorites. Who are some of your inspirations?

So this year I actually picked 2 "technical" areas to improve upon.
1. Custom Printing - I have a fantastic professional printer that enables me to print large images. I want to master my Black and White custom prints. This is something new that I want to offer my clients.

2. Studio Shooting - I want to continue my exploration of off-camera lighting with the intention to create unique portraiture of individuals. Simple and clean is the name of the game.

I will be sure to post my progress throughout the year.

How Brayden eats an apple.

1.16.2008

Random iPhone pic

I want to try and upload one random pic that I take with my iPhone,
everyday. Why? No reason, just thought it would be fun.

This is my production machine's keyboard.

1.13.2008

Contest Extension and some new Bryleigh pics

Firstlly WE HAVE EXTENDED THE CONTEST ENTRY DEADLINE TO FRIDAY JANUARY 25, 2008. We will still post the winner on January 28, 2008. Get those entries in!!!

We have been asked for some recent images of Bryleigh, so I grabbed a few before her nap today. Looking at these, I just cannot believe how quickly she is growing up. My goodness she is 7.5 weeks old now! She is such a great baby and a joy to have around. We love her sooooo much.

Check her out:




Brayden wanted in on the action. I love how the motion is shown with his movement. Brayden is so mesmerized by Bryleigh. I also LOVE how she is looking up to him! ISO 400, 1/50 @ 2.8

1.04.2008

CONTEST: FREE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY!



Details:
1. Please email stories and recent photo to info@davidburkephoto.com with subject of Free Wedding Photography 2008 (Wedding can take place anywhere in the United States)
2. Couples must have date and location selected for wedding already (subject to our availability as well)
3. Package includes 8 hours wedding day coverage, 20 page 10x10 Leather Album, Online Hosting of Images, travel expenses and a DVD of High Resolution Digital Negatives (once your album is delivered)
4. Our panel of judges will go through the stories and vote. Most votes for the couple wins.
5. ENTRIES IN BY MONDAY 1/14/2008
6. WINNER ANNOUNCED MONDAY 1/28/2008

Good Luck, God Bless and spread the word!!!


Good Luck and God Bless!

1.03.2008

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all! It's 2008 and life is good! We had such a wonderful Christmas and New Year's with our family. The kids were awesome and they enjoyed everything thoroughly. Spending so much time with them over the Holidays was such a treat. I wish that I could do that everyday. Unfortunately I have to work... Fortunately I work, doing something I LOVE!

I am very excited for this year and happy to be back at it. We have so many cool things going on this year with our business and I cannot wait to share with you.

So a New Year's would not be complete without a few goals. Here are a few of my personal goals:
1. Lose 20 lbs by March 15 (accomplished with a much better diet and exercise)
2. Do something Physical everyday, outdoors rain or shine (walk, bike, skate, kayak, hike)
3. Blog about more useful things
4. Start cooking and creating new meals (I love to cook, but have not done it much)
5. Spend more one on one time with each of my kids, individually
6. Date night with Bridget, at least every other week

I created two lists. Personal and Business. I think setting goals and writing them down are very important. It acts as a roadmap for you to follow.

What are some of your goals for the new year?

Here is an image from New Years Day. Lil Bray was sleepy (captured by Bridget):