Blake Burton Photography

Camino Inka | Day III & IV | Travel

2012-02-02T19:42:00.000-08:00

Day 3 began with a climb up to another high mountain pass. Along the way, we passed a small Incan outpost which had a commanding view over the valley. At the top of the pass, we were met with unbelievable mountain views in all directions. This truly was a magical place, and we wanted to stay longer. But, we had a long day ahead of us, which included a total of 4 Incan sites, plus the famous "Gringo Killer," or, 2,000 stone steps straight down. Our knees were definitely aching at the end of it. By the time we arrived at the campsite, we were exhausted, yet there was a tremendous buzz in the camp, as all the hikers knew it was only a few more hours until we would get to see Machu Picchu.

The culmination of our hike, the visit to the famous citadel of Machu Picchu, began with a 4am wake-up call. The gates open early and so we had to be in line at first light. It was about an hour until we reached the Sun Gate, where we only saw fog. Everyone sat on its terraces waiting for a glimpse of Machu Picchu in the distance, but it did not come. The final 25 minute walk to the site was exhilarating, as we felt such a sense of accomplishment. Finally, we saw Machu Picchu for the first time, as the fog lifted and we had a sunny & extremely hot day to explore the ruins. It is just as beautiful as the pictures & postcards that you always see. After several hours touring, we descended to Aguas Caliente, where our hiking group & guides met for some well deserved pizza and cervezas. Then it was back to Cusco for a much needed hot shower and clean bed.

I highly recommend this hike if anyone is ever interested in visiting Machu Picchu. I am by no means an avid outdoorsmen, but this trip was well worth the absence of a few comforts. When we were touring Machu Picchu, we all felt a sense of entitlement, as we had worked very hard to get here, instead of just coming up on the train & bus. Peru Treks was an amazing group to go with. They treated us so well, prepared us amazing food, and were very knowledgeable of the trail.

In case you missed: LIMA, CUSCO - DAY 1, CUSCO - DAY 2, CAMINO INKA - DAY I & II,

Anselmo Family II | Portraits

2012-01-31T15:41:00.000-08:00

More legitness from the Anselmo's...Here is their PREVIOUS SESSION

Camino Inka | Day I & II | Travel

2012-01-23T19:16:00.001-08:00

The legendary Inca Trail, the highlight of our trip to Peru. Our 3-night, 4-day trek towards the citadel of Machu Picchu began with a 5:00am pickup from our hotel in Cusco. After an hour long bus ride that included several breakdowns, us and 12 other hikers in our group arrived in Ollantaytambo to have some breakfast before setting off. We passed through a gate, walked across the Urubamba River, and we were off. Day 1 was relatively easy, with some amazing views of the river valley. We passed several working farms and livestock, and eventually settled in at our first campsite. The food that Peru Treks made was incredible, and they really did treat us like royalty. Day 2, we were told, was to be the hardest day, and they weren't lying.

At daybreak, it started raining as we trekked through the jungle. Negotiating the wet stone steps straight up wasn't easy. After a couple hours we stopped for a break and we could see the main goal for the day in the distance, Dead Woman's Pass. It is the highest point on that trail, at over 14,000 ft above sea level, and it was all stairs straight up there. The altitude forced us to stop every 10 steps or so and try to catch our breath while we chewed on coca leaves. Eventually, we made it up and it was an immense feeling of relief and accomplishment. The views we were rewarded with on either side of the pass were remarkable. After only a few minutes, we headed down more stairs on the other side of the pass. When Tessa and I reached camp, we were almost too exhausted to eat, but we eventually recovered and enjoyed another fantastic dinner.

In case you missed: LIMA, CUSCO - DAY 1, CUSCO - DAY 2,

Day 3 & Day 4 at Machu Picchu coming soon!

2011 Favorites

2012-01-15T06:27:00.001-08:00

What a year it was. Thank you to all that have made it possible, and to all the new friends I have made along the way. I would not be where I am without your trust & support. Now...let's go dominate 2012.

Cusco, Peru | Day 2 | Travel

2012-01-11T18:42:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! Busy, busy these days...We just moved into our first home, and I am just now able to get back to Peru. Pretty soon I'll be putting up a post of my favorite images from 2011.

In case you missed: LIMA, and CUSCO - DAY 1

Our second day in Cusco began with a cab ride into the Sacred Valley to the nearby town of Pisac, famous for its Sunday market. The market was quite an experience. Crafts, textiles, and an assortment of gifts were everywhere. At one end was the food market, where we saw the many varieties of potatoes & corn grown in Peru, as well as fresh cuts of meat & fish. I could have spent all day just walking around the stalls and watching the locals conduct business. But, there was still plenty to see, as we continued in our cab up the mountain to the ruins above the town. They were enormous. Terraces everywhere, going from the top of the mountain all the way to the Sacred Valley below. This was our first experience with Incan ruins, and we wondered how much more impressive Machu Picchu could be. We headed back to Cusco to spend the rest of the day and went to bed early, anticipating our dawn pickup for the start of the Inca Trail. Check back soon!

Cusco, Peru | Day 1 | Travel

2011-12-28T19:08:00.000-08:00

The ancient capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco. We noticed right away that this place was completely different than LIMA. It is an old city, with original streets barely wide enough for one car, let alone tourists. The sidewalks were sometimes as little as 12 inches wide. Cusco definitely left an impression on us, as it is a beautiful city full of tradition, stunning historic architecture, friendly locals, and amazing food!

We arrived too soon to check into our hotel, so we explored the surrounding San Blas district for a bit. At this altitude, you don't know how your body will respond with the reduced oxygen level. We noticed right away the shortness of breath, and Tessa was very close to passing out on the street! Back at the hotel, we had our first cups of Coca Tea to alleviate altitude sickness symptoms, and checked into our room overlooking the city which was awesome. After catching our breath we had the best meal of our Peru trip at Pachapapa. Unbelievably good...just check out the photos below! Later, we confirmed our Inca Trail trip at the Peru treks office, and explored more around the Plaza de Armas. Dinner was late, and we ended our first evening with some Coca Tea at the hotel. Check back next week for day 2 in Cusco which included a trip to the famous Pisac marketplace & ruins. Happy New Year!

A Wedding Album

2011-12-27T15:53:00.000-08:00

Tommy & Jessica's finished product. Seeing your photos printed in such a high quality fashion is quite rewarding. I hope they can use this to re-live every moment from their big day. Here is their full wedding post.

Anselmo Family | Portraits

2011-12-19T19:17:00.000-08:00

John, Deanna, & L'il John = Legit

Lima, Peru | Travel

2011-12-15T17:45:00.000-08:00

A year ago Tessa & I started talking about an international vacation. She first mentioned South America, and honestly, I wasn't feeling it. After giving it some time, it sounded more and more appealing. The next question was, where to? Going to Peru to see Machu Picchu rose to the top of the list quickly, and by Christmas 2010, the planning had begun. Getting to Machu Picchu required either taking a train/bus, or hiking the Inca Trail. What?! Hiking on vacation?? We were feeling adventurous so why not? We decided to ask our friends Josh & Elizabeth if they were interested in joining us. They are avid backpackers and said yes to us on the spot.

Fast forward several months of planning & waiting...Josh breaks his leg mountain biking with 6 weeks until the trip..Big time bummer. Unfortunately he wasn't well enough to make the trip so Tessa & I flew solo. Our first stop was Lima, where we would have one full day to explore before heading to Cusco and eventually, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It always fascinates me to travel to different countries and see how people live their daily lives and interact. So, here is the beginning of the most amazing trip of my life! Be sure to come back soon, I'll have separate posts for Cusco, and the Inca Trail. Enjoy!

Tessa's shot above

Tessa's shot above

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles | Published

2011-12-14T17:18:00.000-08:00

My photo of Barcelona Wine Bar in the January 2012 issue of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

Hey There

2011-12-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

Jonathan& Kate | Portraits

2011-12-06T17:12:00.000-08:00

It wasn't too long ago that I was shooting Jonathan & Kate's wedding. Shortly after, me and these lovely newlyweds headed out for some portraits just outside of Atlanta. The fall colors in the trees & reflected in the water were spectacular. If you get a chance to click that link to their wedding post, scroll all the way down to see the amazing comment left by Jonathan & Kate...one of the many reasons why photographing weddings is so amazing! Thank you J&K for letting me be a part of your big day!

Seiling Family | Portraits

2011-12-01T16:02:00.001-08:00

Meet the Seiling Family - Derek, Kerry & Ava. I've worked with Derek before, and was thrilled to be able to shoot with the whole family this time. They also live right down the street! Enjoy!

Jonathan & Kate | Married | Big Canoe, GA

2011-11-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

A beautiful fall day with a couple surrounded by their closest family & friends...what more can you ask for? Shout out to my second shooter, Justin Hadley for his hard work on this day.

Barcelona Wine Bar

2011-11-08T17:55:00.001-08:00

One of the many perks of being an architect is that I get the chance to photograph our latest projects :) Here is our newest restaurant, Barcelona Wine Bar, located in Inman Park, Atlanta. Architecture & interiors by Square Feet Studio.

Jonathan & Kate | Coming Soon

2011-10-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

These Days..

2011-10-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

A few recent frames...

Atlanta Residence

2011-10-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

Interiors by Square Feet Studio

Tommy & Jessica | Married | Fripp Island, SC

2011-10-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

Just 5 years ago Jessica and I were graduating from the same college. If you would have told us back then that one day I would photograph her wedding, we'd have thought you were crazy. But here we are! A couple months ago, I shot their engagement session in Birmingham. I am extremely honored that Tommy & Jessica asked me to photograph their wedding. It is amazing to see people happy on their wedding day, but even more amazing to see your friends happy.

Lake Rabun, Georgia

2011-09-28T18:02:00.001-07:00

Tommy & Jessica | Fripp Island, SC | Coming Soon...

2011-08-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

John & Laura | Married | Augusta, GA

2011-08-17T17:54:00.001-07:00

What can I say about John & Laura?? When I first met them months ago, they were so excited about this day! And when I shot their Engagement Session back in April, it was obvious how much they love each other and were looking forward to getting married. On a beautiful summer day in Augusta, their day finally arrived.

Thanks again to Keith Rogers for second shooting!

Patrick & Leslie | Key West Wedding| - Part II

2011-08-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

It's hard to find a better backdrop to gather your family & friends to celebrate a marriage, than Key West. This wedding had it all! Great people, food, weather, scenery, and dancing! Patrick & Leslie along with their families invited me and my lovely wife/assistant to come down to capture their special day, and hang out with them :) In case you missed it, here is what went down the day before the wedding. It was a phenomenal weekend, and I can't thank them enough for this opportunity. I wish you both nothing but the best!
Venue: Audubon House
Event Planning: Swankey Events
Catering: Westin Key West

Patrick & Leslie |Key West Wedding| - Part I

2011-08-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

The Conch Republic, historic & beautiful Key West, Florida. Patrick & Leslie brought friends and family from all over to celebrate with them. And I tagged along to snap some photos :) Here is what went down the day before the wedding. Part II coming very soon!

John & Laura | Coming Soon

2011-07-11T18:43:00.001-07:00

Kyle & Simona | Married | Tate Mountain, Georgia

2011-07-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

This all started with a last minute meeting early this year over coffee in Atlanta. When they told me they were getting married on a hill overlooking a secluded lake in North Georgia, I almost jumped out of my chair with excitement. We traveled to the lake for their awesome Engagement Session a few months ago, and had an absolute blast.

The level of awesomeness on their big day was remarkable. Kyle & Simona tied the knot on a breathtaking day, with their closest friends & family there to celebrate with them. And the celebration continued well into the night!

Kyle & Simona, thank you for this amazing opportunity and I hope for nothing but the best for both of you.

Big props to my second shooter, Keith Rogers for his insanely hard work!

Patrick & Leslie |Key West| - Teaser

2011-06-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

words cannot describe....that's why I will bring you photos soon.

H & M

2011-05-31T15:24:00.000-07:00

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Kyle & Simona - Coming Soon

2011-05-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

My first wedding...these two rocked my socks. Come back soon for the entire legit post on this spectacular wedding. Here are just a few that I grabbed.

J & H

2011-05-13T11:28:00.001-07:00

Augusta, GA - second shooting for Carla Gates Photography

Staplehouse

2011-05-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Me and my awesome co-workers at Square Feet Studio were invited to come to a dinner hosted by Jen & Ryan Hidinger of Staplehouse. They have big plans for their Grant Park neighborhood eatery and we were treated to a taste of what's to come! Jen & Ryan were phenomenal hosts and we were all blown away by the food. We at Square Feet Studio are extremely excited to continue working with them!

Alex & Amber | Engaged

2011-04-18T17:59:00.001-07:00

Meet Alex & Amber. The three of us go back a few years, all going to the same college. Alex lived across the hall from me freshman year, and Amber was my wife's roommate for a year. It had been a couple years since I had seen them, and when they told me that they were recently engaged and interested in some engagement portraits, I jumped all over it! So we ventured towards Callaway Gardens, and after some minor (well, maybe not so minor) car trouble stalled us for a bit, I decided we should start the picture making early :) Eventually we made it to Callaway for an amazing evening. Thank you Alex & Amber for the opportunity!

John & Laura - Engaged

2011-04-07T19:22:00.001-07:00

These two are as sweet as can be, and I had a ton of fun with them on their engagement shoot in Augusta, GA. Wedding coming in a couple of months!