3 months OFFICIALLY today

OK, so yesterday I posted a video for the out of town family members to see. Today is Officially 3 months old for Bryleigh. We love her so much. She is eating and sleeping so well. She is growing so quickly, that we already miss the things she did last week. It is amazing how quickly they grow. True miracles.

Bryleigh is developing some really cute wrinkles. I called her "Chubbers" and Bridget was like "Don't call her that!!! She is a little Girl, not a boy!" My Bad, Lack of experience with daughters I guess. Now I just call her "Cutie". Another interesting tidbit is that when Brayden, Christian and Damon were 3 months old, they could all lay on their tummies and hold their heads up. Bryleigh is still a little dainty here :-) We are going to work on that.

Brayden woke up from his nap and joined in for a few pics too. I could photograph my kids around the clock. Sometimes they just want me to play. I do play, but it is hard to resist taking pictures.

Here are a few from our little shoot. We put up our grey seamless backdrop and used window light. I processed these all with Aperture 2.0 (I am really diggin it, can't ya tell!) and added a few Film Filters (mainly Ilford B&W 100 grain) from Alien Skin Exposure 2.

Enjoy!

Bryleigh at 3 months.

Our little girl is growing so quickly! It is amazing to see her grow.

God is good!

Christian and OneLight

It was FREEZING this afternoon, but Christian and Brayden insisted on going outside. (Brayden lasted a whole minute before going back in the house!)

Before Christian went in, I wanted to capture the coldness (notice the little moisture under his nose) and the blue skies. I set up my onelight (Nikon SB-800, Pocketwizard Plus II, Light stand and 28" umbrella) camera left to create this image.

Isn't he a cutie!

Feedburner!

Hi Everyone! You can now subscribe to this Blog via an rss feed reader, such as Google Reader . You can also subscribe by entering your email address and having updates sent right to you. This is a great way to keep up to date and prevent you from spending countless hours surfing your favorite blogs :) You will be notified when new posts are published instead of checking only to find out that there is nothing new.

Time is precious so subscribe to the feed. I placed the tools to do this on the right-hand sidebar ----->

Have Fun!

Engagement Session - Anne & Sean

We had beautiful weather on Saturday, in Pittsburgh! I met with Anne and Sean for the first time and shot some engagement photos. We had a great time and I can't wait to get to know them better!! Thanks guys and see ya in May!!!









*Photographers* - These images are straight out of camera and were processed using the new Aperture 2.0 from Apple. I am really working with this software and have to tell you that it is fantastic. I will never say a bad word about Adobe Lightroom, but this version of Aperture is a HUGE upgrade. Blazing Speed, very intuitive, plug-ins that make sense to me and of course Aperture's stellar file management. I may actually change my flow... We shall see :-) I will write a full review when my 30 day trial is up. You may want to try it yourself

Newborn Twins

Today we photographed baby C & E. Oh my goodness are they cute! Big sister M was also there for the fun. We had such a great time and can't wait for Mom, Dad & Grandma to see these sneak peaks. Enjoy!

My Valentine

My Valentine, originally uploaded by burkedt.

Lil Bryleigh is our newest Valentine. She is getting SO chubby!! High Quality Nutrients ;-)

Newborn and Big Sister

I started the day off with a newborn session and to my delight, Baby R's big sister was there too. I could not resist creating images of her as well! These two are so precious!!!

Baby R was born on January 29, 2008. (Such a special day!)

Enjoy the sneak peak MOM! Thanks for having me over!

Apple Aperture 2

Today, Apple announced Aperture 2, the successor to version 1. I tried Version 1 and 1.5 and it just was missing some key features that I really liked in Adobe Lightroom. I am excited to try this version for a few reasons:

1. It's Apple Baby! They get it right more often than not.

2. It looks to be improved as far as User Interface and Speed, not to mention key image adjustment features

3. Like I said in an earlier post, workflow is ever changing. If Aperture 2.0 has something to offer that can make my life easier, I will take advantage of it.

I will let ya know what I think.

Play mat

Master Your Craft - Mike Colon & Bob Davis

We headed down to Baltimore, MD last week to attend the Master Your Craft workshop with Mike Colon and Bob Davis.

There was a few additional bonuses to this workshop, 1. The hotel had a pool, so Bridget, Christian, Brayden & Bryleigh joined me for a mini-vacation. 2. My good friend, Kenny Kim was accompanying Mike and Bob on this leg of their tour. We headed down Thursday so that we could hang out with Mike, Bob & Kenny to catch up and grab some dinner.

The workshop was fantastic. I love 1 day workshops. They really get the juices flowing for shooting & business. Mike and Bob are so passionate about teaching and sharing. I am happy to call them friends. I picked up a lot of new things and relearned some old things. It is like sharpening your sword... Learing and continuing to learn is awesome. If you are in one of the upcoming cities, be sure to attend!!

I met quite a few photographers that I hope to see again in the future. I am heisting some collages that Kenny Kim created and some images a few of my new friends captured. I didn't take any pictures this trip! I was on vacation....hahaha

Thanks Mike, Bob & Kenny for a great time! I also want to thank Michelle and Maureen from Graphistudio for hosting/coordinating such a great event. It was nice to talk and spend time with both of you! And to all of my new friends especially, Peter, Armin, Asim and everyone else! I hope to see you in Vegas next month.

New Toy - AppleTV

I wasn't sure what to think when AppleTV was first released. I didn't get too excited about it, but always wondered if it would be a good fit in our home.

Recently, I purchased one and I can tell you that I am very glad I did! It is super slick and easy to use. We have so many photos, movies, videos, music tracks, tv shows, etc on our home machine and AppleTV has enabled us to show them off on our TV instead of having everyone gather around the computer.

Apple is going to be releasing an update for the AppleTV soon, so that you can rent movies right from the iTunes store. Library movies are $2.99 and new releases are $3.99. This will be great!

We also buy a lot of children's dvds that tend to get scratched and start to skip. Now we can download many of the titles for the same price or cheaper and just stream them to the TV. No more scratches.

If you are sittin on the fence about the AppleTV, I say get one. It is great!

Quick Overview of Wedding Workflow

The question 'What is your workflow like?' comes up quite a bit. I think workflow is an ever changing process that needs tweaking, every once in a while to improve efficiency. When I first started I discovered a workflow and decided to emulate it. It worked well, but it was not entirely for me. I eventually tweaked and adapted strategies from other workflows as well. Now, I have my own that works well for me. This is not the end all nor the greatest, but it works for me.

I love repetition (steps that are easily repeatable) and automation. Wherever I can batch process or script, I do. Saves TONS of time in the end. I have posted a .pdf of my workflow here if you are interested. If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a line at david@davidburkephoto.com.

I also posted this to my Facebook group of David Burke Photographers. I plan on posting lots of tips, tricks and info here so be sure to join the group!

And a post would not be right without a picture or two. Here is Bryleigh today:

New Website: davidburkekids.com

Hey Peeps!
We have launched a new website!!! to showcase some of our children's work. The site has a few portfolios as well as information about David and details about our sessions.

The site will be updated frequently, with new pics and information. The 'Pricing Details' link is not active but will be shortly :-).

davidburkekids.com is an extension of the David Burke Photographers brand that is dedicated to providing excellent service and imagery of David's favorite subjects... KIDS! Maternity to Seniors is what we are about.
Our Galleries are named:
Fresh - the freshest lives. newborns and babies.

Exploring - the toddler to youth years

Leading - seniors. moving on to be the next leaders.

Together - maternity & families. we want to capture the 'togetherness' of people, not just a portrait.

We are SUPER EXCITED to launch this site and are already booking up sessions quickly! Please drop us a line @ info@davidburkephoto.com to let us know what you think!

Without further adieu please visit http://davidburkekids.com

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!

Ready for a Gyro and Fries!

Not the healthiest but tasty for sure.

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!

Nine degrees

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

The snowboards

Greetings from Seven Springs.

Something cool

Captured by Damon...

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.

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.

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

CONTEST: FREE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY!

Click To Play

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!

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):