On Friday October 9th, Hampton University crowned their newest ambassador.  Nikole Churchill was crowned Miss Hampton University 2009-2010 at the annual scholarship pageant.  The event began with all 10 contestants participating in an opening number, then introducing themselves one-by-one to the judges and audience.  Each of the young ladies competed in the categories of swimsuit, talent, and evening wear.  The final segment of the pageant was a question & answer competition, hosted by Shannon Cooper (Miss Hampton University 2008-2009).

Laisha served as production director, creating this year’s theme “Beauties of the Desert Sand”.  Once again, the historic Ogden Hall was selected as the pageant’s venue on Hampton’s campus.  Thanks to Dr. Maye and all others who helped make the pageant successful.  Congratulations to Nikole Churchill, Miss Hampton University 2009-2010!

In case you missed it, Ebony Magazine has published their "2009 Campus Queens" feature online.  The printed version is usually published in April.  However, they decided to take it online this year.  This gave the magazine the opportunity to showcase the Queens more equally, while also (I imagine) saving on printing costs.  Checkout Miss Hampton University 2008-2009, Shannon Cooper, and other campus queens at EbonyJet.com.  One image from her portrait session was posted along with a brief bio.

The 2009 JoyFest concert kicked off at the Kings Dominion theme park on Saturday July 18th.  The Kingswood Amphitheater was rockin’ with a sold out audience filling the seats and the lawn.  Performers included Crystal Aikin, Martha Munizzi, Tye Tribbett, Marvin Sapp and Kirk Franklin.  All I can say, is if you missed this show, you missed a treat!  Premier Festivals really knows how to put on a star-studded show. The gospel radio announcers of DC and Virginia did a great job promoting the event as well.  Thanks to the lighting crew who kept the stage well lit and the fog machine pumping after the sun went down.  Here’s a sample of images captured of most artists at the Joyfest event.

This summer, had the pleasure of photographing the Ewing family in Dumfries, VA.  The session took place at a nearby neighborhood’s clubhouse, providing a nice park-like atmosphere for portraits.  For this group of combined families, we created a series of portraits to show their unique relationships with one another.  Some of their vibrant personalities were also captured in the process.  Here are some of the family’s images created that Friday morning.

During the 4th of July weekend I took a road trip to Chicago IL, where the Taste of Chicago was in full swing.  Just about any kind of food you can imagine was there… Connie’s Pizza, Manny’s turkey legs, Harold’s Chicken, Garret’s popcorn, and much more.  There were an estimated 1.5 million people at “The Taste” on Friday alone, reminding me a lot of Inauguration Day.  The July 3rd fireworks display lit up the sky at dusk on the lakefront.

On Saturday morning, there was a parade just outside where I stayed in Oak Park.  Yes, I was quite the tourist for a moment… taking in the festivities.  After a full weekend with The Taste, fireworks, parade, and three cookouts, I can say I truly enjoyed my time in the windy city.  Thanks to everyone who made the trip possible and kept my stomach full. :o)  Below are some images captured during my visit.

The Chicago Skyline

Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park

The main concert stage.  Most concerts took place earlier in the week.

Security was very tight.

‘The Bean’ sculpture in downtown Chicago, reflecting the famous skyline.

Oak Park Parade with many organizations showing their patriotism

The June 2009 issue of Black Enterprise Magazine features several top U.S.  companies, and their supplier diversity strategies.  Altria is one of those featured companies, where Connie Smith is the director of Supplier Diversity Development.  I photographed Connie a while back, creating a variety of headshots to be used for publicity purposes.  Well, one of those publicity opportunities landed her photo in the pages of Black Enterprise Magazine.  Connie’s photo is published on page 152 (left), as part of the article “Supplier Diversity—a Winning Strategy in Tough Times”.  Some other companies in the article include Coca-Cola, Macy’s, Denny’s, The Home Depot, Kellogg, and Allstate.  Thanks to Connie and all the other supplier diversity managers for your continued efforts.

During the last couple of weekends, Drama Kids International hosted their spring performances in northern VA.  The plays were held at Stonewall Middle School in Manassas VA and Walker-Grant Middle School in Fredericksburg VA.  The Drama Kids program teaches acting and public speaking skills to students 3-18.  Some students may choose to pursue acting as a career, while others will use these new skills at school or work.

After 9 weeks of after-school rehearsals, it was time to perform for their families and friends. The younger kids (5-8) performed the play “Paradesia”, which answers the question “Can shells talk?”.  The 9-11 year olds performed as pirates in the play “Bold Buccaneers”.  The older students (12-18) performed a play about a dress rehearsal gone wrong.

Thanks to Angela, Silver Sound, all the volunteers, and parents for the work you do with Drama Kids.  It was amazing to see the choreography and hear the lines that these students learned… the teachers did a GREAT job.  It’s good to see these students being introduced to the arts at an early age.  Here are some photos from the May 9th and 16th performances.

The Ivy Foundation’s Tea Rose Cotillion was a success!  The event took place on May 3rd at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda.  Thanks to all of the committee members and parents for all you’ve done to help this year’s event run smoothly.  This year’s theme was “Presenting Our Pearls: The Next Generation of Hope”.

The cotillion began with introductions of the debutantes and younger Rose Petals.  The young ladies Waltzed with their fathers, then did the Tango and Grand Promenade with their escorts.  Several awards were presented, including best scrapbook, highest GPA, and debutante spirit.  At the end, one debutante was crowned… Congratulations to LaShae, Miss Tea Rose 2009!  Thanks to Precious of Precious Perspectives Photography for assisting with candid photography.  Also, thanks to the string quartet for providing music for the guests throughout the evening.