Burke Pro Photo Offers Safe, Affordable Photography

Burke Pro Photo was founded last year to provide locals with professional photographic services, privately and commercially, at affordable rates in a safe environment.

“At Burke Pro Photo you'll walk away with great pictures and a wonderful experience, not a regrettable lesson in economics,” said owner, husband, and father of five, Peter Q. Gary.

Several years ago, Gary started doing with his wife Monica, a former model and his muse. During an art photography series called Addiction, they received over 50 responses to their Craigslist ad for models. During the sessions that followed, many of the models told the Garys stories of being taken advantage of in the past both financially and physically while working with other photographers. Gary decided to found Burke Pro Photo in order to provide a safe and affordable environment to get photos taken.

 “I don’t have to make money at this, I do this to help people,” said Gary.

Currently, Gary has two separate companies, one for his own photo art (through PQG Artistry) and one for his photographic services to the public. Although Burke Pro Photo was started in a living room, Gary now runs it out of a studio at Workhouse Arts in Lorton. Gary heard about the studio space while working as an associate artist there and jumped at the opportunity.

Gary currently works with the Department of Defense, but his goal is to eventually do photography fulltime. Before his current day job, he worked as a police officer and in the army.  At one point, he worked as the Deputy HR Director for an army command, but eventually he felt “locked in a bubble." He took a few steps back in status and supervision and now works with a diverse group of psychologists.

“Part of what helped me exceed without limitations and structures, was to adapt to be outside of the box,” said Gary.

Gary taught himself photography. He first learned about light on his Sony point and click in 2004, which now sports duck tape after years of use. These days he uses a much more substantial camera set up. He later realized printing shops weren’t providing the quality photos he wanted so he invested in a quality printer using quality paper to get crisp photos.

As an artist, Gary works to still finds creativity in the photos he produces for Burke Pro Photo.

“My work is always different," Gary said. "I have to size the person up and see where their head is, then study and shoot them. They need direction so I have to be open to giving,”

“Peter Gary was an exceptional photographer," model Victoria Reedy wrote in a review on the Burke Pro Photo site. "He has an eye for color schemes, lighting, and perception. Peter also made me feel at ease and comfortable in front of the camera. He was very professional and I enjoyed working with him. I would highly recommend Peter for any size photography shoot."

Gary offers a portrait special every second Saturday of the month at Art Walk, a Workhouse open house event, that includes  a one shot portrait that can be downloaded royalty free for only $25. 30 percent of the proceeds will go to the Lorton Arts Foundation and 40 percent will go to for scholarships for local high school students.

Burke Pro Photo sessions are made by appointment only. No full nudity under any circumstances. Services include art photography, boudoir (a popular choice among brides), children’s photography, commercial, headshot/portrait, model, maternity, and wedding. Hair and makeup service is offered for an additional fee. Burke Pro Photo reserves the rights to use photos for advertising except for boudoir photos.

For further information about Burke Pro Photo, Peter Gary, Art Walk or scheduling an appointment, visit www.Burkeprophoto.com, email info@burkeprophoto.com or call 703-955-6728.