This blog will be updated regularly with photos and news from Benson Blake Photography. Please check back often, and feel free to leave comments. Enjoy!
George Mason University, School of Art, African and African American Studies will host the photographic print exhibitions, "Black Bodies in Motion" and "Colors of Life," the new juried exhibitions from The Exposure Group African American Photographers Association, Inc. A "Meet the Artists" opening reception will take place Thursday, February 16, 2012, from 3-5:30pm in Mason Hall at George Mason University, School of Art.
"Black Bodies in Motion" and "Colors of Life" will showcase the photographic work of the Association members who include portrait artists, photojournalists, documentary and fine art photographers. These exhibitions celebrate culture and history; embrace communities; and explore artistic ideas and visions. These exhibitions will be on display from February 1-29, 2012. The gallery, located at 440 University Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, phone (703) 993-1005, is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
For more information, contact:
George Tolbert at 202-747-4030 or vp@exposuregroup.org; or Bonita Bing at 202-747-4031
The following photographers will be featured in this exhibition:
Don Baker
Nicole Bates
Donald Bernard
Bonita F. Bing
Benson Blake
Sam Brown
E. Carol Burns
Zandra Chestnut
Danita Delaney
Bruce Fagin
Lisa Fanning
Sharon Farmer
Jeff John Fearing
Maurice G. Fitzgerald
Simone Green
Michael Gross
David Hamilton
Gail Hansberry
Dawn Hester
Daniel Hutch
Richard E. Jenkins III
Donnamaria Jones
Marvin T. Jones
Ahmad Kenya
Gloria Kirk
Shevry Lassiter
Lillie Lewis-Garrett
Barbara Manor
Criss Massie
Lionel Miller
Otis P. Motley
Jeanne Murray Franklin
Edward Savwoir
Michael G. Smith
George Tolbert
One of my prints, A Monumental View, will be on exhibit at the George Mason show in February. I hope to see you at the opening!
The Exposure Group is a membership driven, non-profit professional organization open to photographers worldwide since 1978. The mission of the organization is to enhance the skills, professionalism, and productivity of its members through information, education, demonstration, and compensation in the business of photography. The Exposure Group holds its monthly meetings at DCTV in The Historic Brooks Mansion in Washington, DC.
The 22nd annual MLK competition was again powerfully presented by skilled youth from across Prince William County. This year's Martin Luther King Jr. celebration took place on January 16, 2012 at Hylton Memorial Chapel in Woodbridge, Virginia. The theme for the finalists was "The Power and Purpose of Education".
Special thanks to the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for sponsoring this event. The Woodbridge (VA) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. supported the event along with the young men from it's Guide Right program. Congressman Gerald Connolly and members of the Prince William County School Board were also in attendance. Thanks to all the sponsors and participants' parents who helped prepare the students for this competition.
On October 22nd, Charelia & Daryl were married in Alexandria, Virginia at Groveton Baptist Church. Before the ceremony, I created some portraits and images of the groom and groomsmen getting ready. Terry of Grant Imaging was the primary photographer, providing pre-ceremony coverage of the bride, while I joined him as a second shooter for the day. Our two-photographer coverage allowed us to document the occasion from different perspectives and tell a more complete story.
The reception was held at the Fort Belvoir Community Center in Alexandria, VA. I'd like to give a big shout out to the catering staff… I asked about the recipe for the punch served that night, but was told it was a secret recipe. For those of you who have been there, you know how good it was. :o) Also, thanks to wedding coordinators Kimberly and LaKesha of Trinity Weddings & Events, Inc. for keeping all the logistics in order.
The Center for Green Urbanism will host the travel photography exhibition, “A Sense of Place”, a new juried exhibition from The Exposure Group African American Photographers Association, Inc. The exhibition will be on display at Washington DC's Center for Green Urbanism in the Tubman-Mahan Gallery from November 14 – December 3, 2011. “A Sense of Place” will showcase the photographic work of the association members who include portrait artists, photojournalists, documentary, and fine art photographers.
I will have three custom framed limited edition prints for sale and on display at this travel photography exhibit… "A Monumental View", "Watch Your Step" and "Italian Sky". Come on out to the opening reception at the Center for Green Urbanism. All of the artists will be there to answer questions and share insight into their artwork. If you're not available Friday night, you'll still have until December 3rd to check out the exhibit.
“Meet the Artists” Opening Reception: Friday, November 18, 2011 from 6:30-8:30pm Free and Open to the Public
The following Exposure Group members will be featured:
Bonita F. Bing
Benson Blake
E. Carol Burns
Danita Delaney
Bruce Fagin
Lisa A. Fanning
Sharon Farmer
Michael Gross
Gail A. Hansberry
Donnamaria R. Jones
Gloria Kirk
Lionel Miller
Otis P. Motley
Michael G. Smith
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday-Friday from 10am to 5 pm
Saturday 11am to 4pm
Closed Sunday and Monday (except for special events)
The Gallery is located at:
3938 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Phone: 202-506-3867
The Exposure Group is a membership driven, non-profit professional organization open to photographers worldwide since 1978. The mission of the organization is to enhance the skills, professionalism, and productivity of its members through information, education, demonstration, and compensation in the business of photography. The Exposure Group holds its monthly meetings at DCTV in The Historic Brooks Mansion in Washington, DC.
Lynell and Brian tied the knot on August 20th at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda. The ceremony and reception were held under one roof, which helped everything flow throughout the evening. I had the pleasure of being a second shooter for another studio. Donnamaria was the primary photographer on duty, capturing the wedding party and family portraits. The two of us also captured moments during the ceremony and reception from multiple angles. Thanks to Terry of Grant Imaging for the opportunity to capture this couple's special day.
This summer's annual JoyFest event was amazing! The Kings Dominion theme park near Richmond came alive in July, with music from some of the gospel industry's leading artists. Comedian Bone Hampton served as the emcee for the evening… humoring the crowd between performances. The concert started much earlier this year due to the extensive lineup. So it took a bit longer for the shade to cool down the outdoor venue. No one seemed to care, because the sold out crowd of 6,000+ barely left their seats throughout the evening.
The group 21:03 starting around 5:00. Canton Jones continued the show with the same energy. Marvin Sapp and Fred Hammond did their thing, each singing hits and classics from their repertoire. Kirk Franklin performed the last hour and 20 minutes of the show until 11pm with hits from his 15+ year career. Thankfully, the theme park kept their funnel cake line open after the concert. :o) That was a sweet finish to a spirit-filled evening.