Billy Burke
FEBRUARY 2010
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Birgit Langmann

John Larson

Karen Leonard

Al Sauber

Alex Lane    

Subhash Sapru
Alan Theise

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Oregon Trail Statue

IMAGE CAPTION - This is a new statue put up on the Oregon Trail in honor of Pioneer families that settle Oregon. The location is at Hot Springs Medical Lake. This was a old hotel and spa for people to come and soak in the mineral waters. The place slowly run down to the point where is was closed. It has been rebuilt and is doing a fair business now. It is near LaGrande Oregon on the road to the Town of Union, Hwy 237. Union itself has some good photo opportunities. This road was the main highway before Interstate 84 was built.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION ?????

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Birgit Langmann

 A nice historical shot, but you cut off the feet. 8.5 (A side note: if you go to LaGrande, go visit the memorial for the La Grande Hot Shots who lost their lives fighting a fire in 1994. They were our sister fire crew).

John Larson

 The statue certainly was part of a great story. I would like to see the full statue and a different angle or lens to make the background less prominent. Score 7.

Karen Leonard

 I'm not sure what the motel sign in the background means, but it adds to the photo. 8

Al Sauber

 The statue that honors the pioneer families who settled in Oregon tells a story. The image of the pioneer family is dark. Maybe a flash would help bring out more details of the statue. Also the background looks tilted. Score - 7
Alex Lane Interesting shot but, if possible, I would like to have seen this image taken a bit more to the right so more of the left face could be visible. 7
Subhash Sapru Very inspiring statue, but background is distracting.-5
Alan Theise I appreciate the crisp detail in the statue. The story connection provided by the photographer is vital to the understanding of this submission. Score 7.

 

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Billy Burke - Biography
 

I am 77 years young, born in Idaho and lived there a good part of my life.  I first joined PSA in the middle 50’s.  I took my first news picture when I was a 9th grader in Ritzville Washington of a soap box derby.  It was with a 4x5 speed graphic.  I was shown how to pull the paddles, set the lens at f16, shutter at 1/50 and focus and shoot.  I took many pictures day and night with these instructions.  While working on the paper I did a side line doing school action and students, portraits, insurance, weddings and even at the local funeral home for those who wanted them.  I was sure glad when the poniard came along. I did all my own darkroom work and it was all black and white. L was using a Rollie for most of this.  I used the Rollei for most all of my work for a long time, including slides for my own use.  I sold a complete outfit this past year for $650 on eBay to a customer in Japan.

I finally rejoined PSA some 36 years ago. Have served as area representative, district reprehensive, Sec of P-J group one for a number of years, Director of slide study groups. Editor of Cascade Chapter newsletter got my APSA some time ago.  I am not involved in any job in PSA, Was vice-chairman and then chairman of the Columbia Council of Camera Clubs.  . Directed 5 conventions. Ran the slide competition and put out the newsletter.  I am not doing any job now and it’s nice to see the younger people coming forward in both organizations.

I have a house full of cameras but a now using a little Canon G9.  It’s so nice to just have a little camera around your neck and not carrying a heavy bag or two with you.  I still got several Nikons with half shot up film in them.  Got to get out and do some shooting with them some day.  The one salon overseas I send to is still just accepting slides.

I enjoy shooting just about anything.  I feel P-J has to tell a photographic story. For a long time P-J salons were motorcycles flying through the air…handicap people racing wheel chairs.   This is OK and some were great but it over did in course to me.  I will always give a good action shoot my blessing regardless of what it is..