Benson's Blog » Events

Miss HU Pageant 2009

Benson Blake Photography — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:21:35 +0000

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!

Drama Kids Performances

Benson Blake Photography — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:45:45 +0000

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.

Tea Rose Cotillion 2009

Benson Blake Photography — Fri, 15 May 2009 10:42:29 +0000

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.

Inauguration Day 2009

Benson Blake Photography — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 06:43:49 +0000

On January 20th, I had the opportunity to be among the millions of people gathered on the National Mall for the swearing in ceremony of our 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama. My journey began at 4am on the way to the Metro station, and included hours of waiting in lines for the 11:30am inauguration. At the end of the day, it was ALL worth it.

During the ceremony, I was standing in the section directly behind the seats. I must say, after being a part of the crowd and witnessing the emotion that day, I will never look at those DC monuments and Capitol building the same again.

The crowd was about four or five times larger than at the Lincoln Memorial concert two days earlier. Here are some images from Inauguration day in DC.

Waiting in line before sunrise.

Secret Service and the back of the line for my gate.

The view from where I stood

Another view from the same place, zoomed in.

The moment of the day

People taking photos with the presidential seal

I was there!

Colin Powell waving to the crowd, while waiting to do a TV interview

The view of the Mall from the Capitol

The beginning of the parade route, view from the Capitol

People were walking on the frozen reflecting pool, some more nervous than others.

Kodak moments everywhere…

Even police officers couldn’t resist.

Lots of interesting signs being displayed

Steady stream of people exiting the subway station, just after sunset.

Inaugural Welcome Event

Benson Blake Photography — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:57:35 +0000

On Sunday afternoon, the city of Washington DC hosted an opening ceremony on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, to kick-off the 2009 Inaugural festivities. The star-studded event included performances by Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Herbie Hancock, John Legend, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder to name a few. Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington also made special appearances during the program. Barack Obama addressed the crowd with a speech near the end of the program. Here are some images I captured at the event.

Metro… The best way to get to the monuments.

The line

Overflow crowd viewing one of the many jumbotrons

Martin Luther King III speaking at the Lincoln Memorial

Mary J. Blige performing

Joe Biden speaking at the Lincoln Memorial

Obama Rally in Manassas

Benson Blake Photography — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:04:05 +0000

On November 3rd 2008, Senator Barack Obama made the last stop of his presidential campaign in Manassas, Virginia. The energetic rally took place at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, with an estimated 80,000+ people in attendance. Here are some photos I captured during the historic rally.

Governor Tim Kaine introducing Senator Obama, Mark Warner sharing the stage

Barack Obama speaking at the rally

Barack Obama, shortly after his speech

The stage view from where I stood

The crowd behind me

Obama takes one final look at the crowd before leaving

Miss HU Pageant 2008

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:59:32 +0000

The Miss Hampton University Pageant took place on October 11th at Hampton University’s Ogden Hall. Fourteen contestants competed for the chance to be crowned the next University queen. The theme for the event was “An Evening With The Stars”. Thanks to Dr. Maye and Jerrica for organizing and producing such a great pageant!

Former Miss Hampton University 2001-2002, Tiffany Jenkins Leatherberry, was the honored guest for the pageant. Tiffany had the honor of asking the contestants their questions during the on-stage question segment. Congratulations to Shannon Cooper, Miss Hampton University 2008-2009!

Gardner Photo in JET

Benson Blake Photography — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:05:14 +0000

My work has been published in the June 30, 2008 issue of JET Magazine. One section features several of this year’s commencement speeches by prominent African-Americans. Among them are Christopher Gardner, who was the speaker at Hampton University’s 2008 Commencement Exercises. You can check out his photo on page 19, along with a quote from his speech. Commencement quotes from Barack Obama, Maxine Waters, Tom Joyner and others were also featured.

Ministers’ Conference ‘08

Benson Blake Photography — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:05:54 +0000

The 2008 Hampton Ministers’ Conference and Choir Directors’/Orgainists’ Guild Workshop kicked off on Monday June 2nd on the campus of Hampton University. Preachers and church musicians from all over the country have gathered here to worship, network, and learn music and concepts that they can take back to their hometown churches. This year’s conference speaker is Bishop Charles E. Blake, presiding Bishop of Church of God in Christ Worldwide. Here are a few images from the choir soloist performance and Bishop Blake’s sermon. Enjoy!

Choir Director

IAM Magazine Cover

Benson Blake Photography — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:48:21 +0000

For the Spring 2008 issue of gospel’s IAM Magazine, two of my photos from this year’s Stellar Awards are on the cover. There’s also a two-page spread inside (pages 34-35), featuring some of my images from backstage at the awards show in Nashville. Thanks to Val and Jerry for selecting my images to be published! You can check out this issue online here. For more info about IAM Magazine, visit their website at www.iammag.com.

HU JET Gala 2008

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:19:17 +0000

On Friday May 16th, I had the pleasure of photographing the JET program’s Annual Black Tie Gala. The event was held at Hampton University’s student center ballroom, where Wavy 10 (NBC) news anchor Don Roberts served as emcee. City of Newport News mayor Joe Frank was the recipient of the 2008 JET Visionary Award. Congratulations to all of the JET program participants! Also thanks to Gary for helping with the photography, and Myrtle for assisting with on-site portrait orders.

Don Roberts, Wavy 10 (NBC) morning news anchor

Newport News Mayor Joe Frank w/ JET program director Don Rose

HU Commencement 2008

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:30:51 +0000

On Mother’s Day ‘08, Hampton University held their 138th Annual Commencement Exercises on the campus at Armstrong Stadium. This year’s speaker was Christopher Gardner, whose life story was the made into the movie “Pursuit of Happyness” w/ Will Smith.

This was a very emotional speech for him, since his daughter Jacintha was among the graduates that day… the first in his family to graduate from college. President Harvey made it a “two-fer” by presenting Gardner with an honorary doctorate degree. My cousin Greg also graduated Sunday with his MBA… Congratulations!

Slideshow (runtime 1:07)

Commencement speaker Christopher Gardner

Jayde’s Graduation

Benson Blake Photography — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:50:19 +0000

On last Thursday I traveled to Aurora, Colorado to attend my nephew Jayde’s graduation from Aurora Community College. Congratulations Jayde, and best wishes to you as you continue your education in Colorado.

SkillsUSA Competition

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:23:31 +0000

On April 26th I had the pleasure of being a judge for a Virginia high school skills competition. This year’s state level competition was organized by SkillsUSA and held at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. High school students competed in areas ranging from brick laying to automotive repair to… photography. For the photography competition, there were four judges including myself and photographer Greg Adams.

My task was to judge studio portrait lighting. So, students had to position, meter, and adjust two flashes for a studio lighting setup. They took ten photos and choose what they felt was their strongest image… and explained why. After the competition, Greg and I answered a few questions and showed the students some lighting basics. Your’s truly “modeled” a little, to help show different types of lighting.

Photos by Greg Adams

HU Athletics Awards ‘08

Benson Blake Photography — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:52:07 +0000

On April 22nd, Hampton University Athletics honored their student athletes during an awards banquet at the university’s student center. Coaches from each sport recognized their top performing players and presented MVP and other achievement awards. Here are some of the award winners and other photos from the event.

Hampton University 2008 Male Student Athlete of the Year

Hampton University 2008 Female Student Athlete of the Year

Debutantes 4 Christ 2008

Benson Blake Photography — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:22:04 +0000

Last weekend, I traveled to Atlanta GA to assist a fellow photographer with a debutante ball. I was primarily on portrait duty for the evening, photographing all of the debutantes with their friends and family members who attended. Thanks to the families and my assistants for helping to keep the line moving smoothly. This Debutantes 4 Christ event was organized by the Women After God’s Own Heart Ministry. To Donnella and Cathy, thanks for such a wonderful event for these young ladies. After hearing their testimonies during the program, it was clearly a positive life-changing process for them all.

Bishop Blake in Richmond

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:03:44 +0000

On last Thursday, I had the opportunity to photograph a portion of the Annual Spring Workers’ Conference, where Bishop Charles E. Blake (Presiding Bishop, Church of God in Christ Worldwide) was the guest preacher. The theme of this year’s conference was “Seeking God’s Help; Entering a Promising New Future”. The Historic Virginia First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, COGIC served as host for the 6-day event. Thursday night’s service was held with a standing-room-only congregation, at Community COGIC in Richmond VA. Here are some images from Bishop Blake’s appearance in Virginia.

Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr.
(Prelate of Historic Virginia First Jurisdiction, COGIC)

Naomi singing before Bishop Blake’s message

Bishop Charles E. Blake

Senior Night at HU

Benson Blake Photography — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 21:23:54 +0000

Thursday was senior night, and the last home game, for Hampton University’s basketball teams. The men and women’s teams both defeated the Howard University Bison at Hampton’s Convocation Center. The Lady Pirates stayed ahead with a 74-46 win! The men also won their game, 71-59. Here are a few from that night.

Senior, Rashad West being recognized for joining the 1,000 Point Club

Action from the Men’s game

The Lady Pirates

HU Lady Pirates… The Seniors

HR Magazine Bridal Show

Benson Blake Photography — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:27:49 +0000

Hampton Roads Magazine sponsored their annual peninsula area bridal show at the Marriott City Center in Newport News VA. Thanks to all the brides, grooms, parents and other attendees for stopping by our booth. If you haven’t had a chance to view our latest wedding products, feel free to contact us and schedule a consultation appointment.

Fashion show

Benson Blake Photography booth

Cox Employee Gala

Benson Blake Photography — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:48:34 +0000

Thanks to all who attended the annual Cox Employee Gala on last Saturday. I had a blast creating portraits of the employees and their guests throughout the night. Thanks to Kimberly and Tiffanie for allowing me to be a part of this occasion. Also, BIG thanks to my assistants who worked tirelessly to keep the paperwork organized and the line moving. The Virginia Beach Convention Center hosted the event, with hundreds of people in attendance. Here’s an image of the ballroom I managed to capture, just before the doors opened. The room was nicely decorated with a winter theme.