It does not seem possible that it has been 2 years since you transitioned to the star stuff. We miss you, bud. Magic Hour just ain't the same without you on this plane. ❤️ 
~Jeania

2 years Dave! Miss that infectious smile and that hug you always gave. You were my 3rd brother basically. Only difference is we never fought. I’ll always remember looking through me and Robs bedroom windows and seeing if you were looking over at us from your bedroom window. So many childhood memories, 🙏💙! 

So... It's been a year. And it still doesn't seem possible. Miss ya, buddy. Now and always.  Continued love, healing, and comfort to your family. ❤🌹

I remember when Dave took me to a Monday night football game at Tampa stadium. It was the bucs against the dolphins. He got me in as an assistant and I had the best time I've ever had at a football game. I got to meet old school dolphin players that were broadcasting the game. I got to walk around the stadium and I felt special thanks to Dave. I got to go into the film booth with him and watch him work his magic. He was a wonderful friend and neighbor. It was a joy to hear him chasing Dalex around the pool and hear the sound of happiness from the both of them. And just like many others he was there for me when I needed him the most when my girlfriend fell of the end of the dock. Dave came over the fence and pulled her up because I couldn't get her up by myself. I will miss him dearly but I have wonderful memories of him to last a lifetime. 

Hey, Dave,
You left without saying "Goodbye" or "That's a wrap!" or whatever we used to say way, way back in the old Telemation Studio when we both worked for HSN. 
I'm glad and proud that you moved on from those days and became a photographer for the NFL and got your own company as well.
The last time I saw you was at a funeral for one of our old friends. 
I can't believe you're gone now too. I will always remember your smile and your good nature.
I know you will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know you.
I am proud to have been counted as a friend. 
Goodbye ... That's a wrap!

Anyway, we walked fast to reach the turnstiles followed by a growing noisy crowd of drunk cursing Raider fans, seriously. The gates were closed. Security let us in early. We went for a Dave photo shoot to the end zone, the infamous Black Hole. But not for long. 
Very few Bucs fans were in that stadium. Our sideline seats were front row. Dave was in a Bucs 63 jersey - a Lee Roy Selmon jersey I’d given him as a birthday gift, a nice personal touch by Dave. During player warm ups Lee Roy Selmon at the time the Bucs only HOF player was here! Very rare that Lee Roy was ever on field. So Dave called and he spoke with us, signed Dave’s jersey and he was thrilled. 
Then Bucs defensive ends coach Mike Tomlin saw us, as the players went off down the tunnel Tomlin (now Steelers head coach) came over, shook our hands and said “I wish my Dbacks had the b*lls you guys have”. 
Long before my Chucky guy was retired Dave asked me if I wanted to see behind the scenes on Bucs game day. He gave me an all-access press pass and I was his Assistant Cameraman - the AC who did very little. Except be everywhere on the field all game. In the press box to meet Gene Deckerhoff the radio voice of the Bucs. And post-game in the naked Bucs locker room plus Jon Chucky Gruden’s press conference. Years later I was his AC for several seasons. Every amazing game was an amazing gift from an amazing guy.
I know Dave had the backs of a lot of people in his 50+ years. We who knew Dave Barrett were the lucky ones, to have shared a part of his wonderful journey. My great friend Dave Barrett was Mr. America to me. Love you man. 

Thinking of the Barrett family today as you all celebrate his life. I'm part of the NFL Films family that is mourning his loss from afar. I hope it's a happy celebration, as I'm sure that's the way Dave would want it. I've known Dave since 1998, and as everyone knows, you'd be hard pressed to find a nicer guy. I've traveled to Tampa dozens of times over the years to film football games. Dave was always eager to welcome us in the press box, and was the first to give you the updated tour of the new carving station or dessert bar (best food in the league!). I will miss his infectious good energy, smile, and laugh as well as a random bottle of booze showing up in the mail a few days after talking through camera or battery related matters. 
Steve Richer  

Dave Barrett was not only an incredibly awesome and talented cinematographer but he was like a brother to me.  One of the first games that he filmed this past season after battling back from  his treatments and being in remission he said he was nervous that he may have lost his operating touch and he had hoped he’d have a good game. After the game I asked him - ‘Davie - how’d you do?’ He looked up at me and with that big and warm DB smile he simply said ‘ ‘I’ve Still Got It!!’
You always did have “IT” Dave!!  You had the talent -  the drive - the kindness and most the Heart!   You always will!! You finished like a Pro and you are my hero!
Until we shoot together again someday my friend ... shoot backlit, keep the ball in frame keep making beautiful pictures!!
I love You!
- Bob Scott


Dave's good nature and great attitude was always welcome, and his quick laugh always made me smile. 

 I have known him for 30 years and we enjoyed the same sitcoms and movies, in particular we both liked the movie Dumb and Dumber.  A couple of weeks ago we were texting about football (he's Tampa Bay Bucs best fan) and it was the New Orleans vs Bears game.  Bears were down, but we were hoping they'd come back so it would enable Bucs to have a home game the next week.  I look to Dave for football-related questions, so during this game, I asked him if it was possible for the Bears to score enough in the remaining time to win.  He replied "it's a long shot but 'so you're telling me there's a chance'!" which is a hilarious quote from Dumb and Dumber but also sums up Dave's attitude, always leaning towards the positive side, finding the best in situations, making comments that make you feel better. 

When he named his film company Magic Hour, he was happy to explain the meaning of the magic hour to people.  It's that time of day just before the sunset when there's a golden light that's soft, warm and sort of hazy.  The magic hour is a photographers dream, it makes everything look so much better, but it's a brief window before it's gone.  Once he pointed it out, my husband and I see it constantly, we have taken so many sunset pictures, always mentioning Dave's name and how we're trying to capture that magic hour.  Look for it tonight and remember Dave.  When you see it, you'll know it's truly magical, and it was the perfect name for his company because his unique perspective to see the magic hour even in people, and in circumstances.  He always sees them in their best light.

Dave, you are so missed.    Thank you for showing us the magic hour.


  Dave was my next door neighbor for years in IRB. I couldn’t have asked for a better one. He was always there to help with a project, solve any tech problem, or talk me off my roof when the Bucs , Rays , or Lightning had choked in any of their games. He was so optimistic when any of his sports teams were down ,I would swear he was on their payroll. Every year before football season he would place his Vegas bet on the Bucs making the Super Bowl. 
  In 2002 I traveled in Europe with Dave. He was so thoughtful and accommodating. He didn’t even seem to mind when I filled our diesel car with regular gasoline, leaving us to abandon the broken down car in London rush hour 
 Dave was quite the art lover and in a twist of fate his favorite painting The Floor Scrapers was on display in a Paris museum. Dave yearned to take a photo of his beloved painting but having forgotten his top of the line camera , he was forced to purchase one of those Kodak disposable jobs in a pinch   So Dave, ,being unfamiliar with the French made version proceeded to snap a shot unknowingly with the flash on. Cant perturb security more than using a flash on a priceless work of art. The not so happy Parisian lady was in our face quicker than you could say creme brûlée. We apologized profusely and I thought that was that. Suddenly Dave , being the lighting expert that he was , decided the painting would be better represented with no flash and he wanted to stand next to it while I handled photography. After adjusting the camera and assuring me the flash was off he handed it  to me and took position next to the painting roughly four feet from me. Sure enough it flashes again and security is rushing at us while screaming something that I’m sure meant ugly Americans. I pitch the Kodak towards Dave and he muffs the catch causing the camera to hit the floor and commence repeated flash after flash. I don’t think Franco-American relations have been the same since. I love you Dave. Take plenty of photos ! !

Honoring the passing of a colleague that I had the honor to work with on several film productions, David A. Barrett.  Dave was an award winning extremely talented Cinematographer (Director of Photography) and a fine gentleman.  You left us way too soon, Dave! Thank you for the wonderful memories, rest in peace my friend. Extending my sincere thoughts and prayers to his wife Jill, his son Dalex and his entire family. 🙏

Dave was one of the most amazing directors of photography that I have ever worked with.  From helping my team and I create content for The Weather Channel to some national ads.  He truly was an inspiration to work with and will always hold a special place in our hearts. Attached is a photo from our last shoot in October 2020-Dave, thank you for all your creative talents and friendship over the years. Your endless ability to finding that "magic hour" of light during productions will always hold a special light of hope in our hearts. Our strength and prayers to Jill and the family.  
With Deepest Sympathy-
Anna Marie and Todd
Facci Bella Productions

Dave was such a special guy.  I remember skiing backcountry in California with Dave the year of El Niño (world record breaking snow out West).  Somehow we stupidly dumped out in a canyon on the wrong side of the mountain and had to hike out: through snow literally six feet deep in spots.  I really just wanted to die there; just fall asleep in the endless desert of snow seemed like the only option.  But somehow Dave kept talking me into “just take one step man and before you know it we’ll be out”.  Well we got out.  

Similar situation in WVA we got caught halfway down a very dangerous run when suddenly a  major blizzard  hit (the resort had closed prior but we ignored the warnings).  Visibility was literally zero and I was convinced it was impossible to proceed (without being able to see).  I just wanted to hunker down, hoping ski patrol somehow found us.  Again Dave convinced me to press on slowly, just using our hands held out in front like we were blind to feel for trees.  Dave made the simple but brilliant point that as long as we keep moving downwards slowly, and didn’t hit trees, eventually we’d reach the bottom. Sounds absurd but again we made it out.  

On a less dangerous note I once found an incredible deal on a classic 911 but it was in a Chicago (thousands of miles from FL).  The trek was too daunting, and shipping too costly, but somehow Dave heard about it, contacted me out of the blue, and volunteered to fly to Chicago and split the driving back.  I should mention he also flat refused to let me pay for his flight, hotels, and any food.  And it was a battle to keep him from picking up the checks if I left the table even for a moment. 

I know that Dave is in some form of serious charge filming Superbowls in Heaven.   They collect all the best players, of course!  

A guy like Dave will be missed!!



Dear Barrett Family:

Wendy and I both have many happy memories of Dave.  Dave was by far the nicest and happiest person we have ever met.  I don’t think I ever saw him get angry or raise his voice.  Unless of course he was rooting for the Bucs😊.  The last time I saw Dave was in the Atlanta airport in line to board a flight.  I heard him call my name and instantly knew it was him.  He had that classic Dave smile that went cheek-to-cheek and just made you feel important.  Dave jumped over to my line and we caught up on family, work and life.  It was so fun to see him.  

It will be hard to adjust to a world without Dave.  One comfort I have is Dave loved life and enjoyed every minute of it.  I feel I am a better man today for knowing him.

Dave – I love you buddy…..


I worked with Dave on many NFL Films shoots. His passion for making sure his work equaled the quality required, was amazing. Never saw him make the same mistake twice. 
Great passion to be the best made him special.
It’s hard to believe he won’t be filming great football footage anymore. But maybe he still is... but Instead of Football Stadiums across America, he’s no doubt filming great images in Heaven. 
Thanks Dave, for showing us how to fight for life, and die with dignity. You will be missed!

Dave was such a positive and well meaning person with an infectious enthusiasm. I met him early in my career and he never treated me like some kid, he always showed me respect and seemed genuinely happy to be speaking with me. I loved seeing him at games and on shoots over the years and I’m glad to have gotten to know him. The news of his passing saddens me and I wish nothing but the best for his family and son. 

OBITUARY

Dave A Barrett

February 21, 1963 – February 16, 2021

Serenity Funeral Home

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