On October 4th, I created portraits of the Toney family at their beautiful home in Haymarket, VA.  The family dog, Nikki, stepped in occasionally for her cameo appearance throughout the morning.  Thanks to my assistant Precious for helping out with the session!

The two boys, 10 months and 3 years, were all smiles (and silly) for the camera.  Three years ago, I photographed their youngest son when he was just 8 months old.  So, this was a great way to capture both children as infants.  Here are a few of the images…

Earlier this year, I photographed gospel artist Naomi K. Thomas for her debut CD project.  Her live CD is now available, and features some images from the session.  Portraits by Benson Blake Photography are also used throughout her new website www.naomikthomas.com. Naomi’s CD “Best Offering” is available online at CD Baby and iTunes.

www.naomikthomas.com

Congratulations to newlyweds Seidah & John, who recently married in northern VA on 8-8-08.  They enjoyed a private ceremony, then held a party on a later date for family and friends to join the celebration.  I had the pleasure of creating casual portraits for their custom-printed invitations.

For the months of August & September 2008, one of my photographs will be displayed on a billboard.  In July, I photographed the 2007 and 2008 recipients of the Virginia Outstanding Scientist award.  They both work at Hampton University, so the university has showcased their accomplishments in the form of a larger-than-life billboard.  Look for it in Hampton VA along interstate 64 West near Hampton University. Thanks to Greg for pulling over and capturing the image below.

The August 2008 issue of Black Enterprise Magazine features the article ‘Finding Solid Ground’, about investing in today’s real estate market.  In the article, written by Kemba J. Dunham, an example is given by the Hopkins family who has found investment opportunities in Virginia.  In June, I had the pleasure of photographing the family of four at their home in Triangle VA.  The photograph has been published as part of the article’s opening spread on page 80.  Radio personalities Steve Harvey and Tom Joyner are pictured on the cover.  Black Enterprise Magazine is available at most Barnes & Noble and Walmart stores.

On last week, I held a portrait session on location with gospel artist and pastor Dr. Peggy Britt. For this session, I setup at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Methodist Church in Portsmouth VA to create some promotional images for her.  We started with a few in the sanctuary to give a church-like feel, then ended with some headshots to show more personality.

On last weekend, I had the joy of photographing the Garcia family in Dumfries, Virginia. The newest addition to the family is their 5 month old son, who was ready for his close-up! Big brother and sister also had their portraits done… then the whole family piled up for a casual portrait. These are just a few of my favorites from this family’s session. Enjoy!

Congratulations to Dr. James M. Russell III, recipient of the 2008 Virginia Outstanding Scientist award. On last week, I photographed Russell and the 2007 award winner, Dr. M. Patrick McCormick, on the campus of Hampton University. Images were created of them in front of Ogden Hall, the Administration Building (pictured below), and other areas of the campus. Thanks to Yuri and her staff for coordinating this session.

One or two images from the session will be part of a billboard display along interstate 64 in Hampton VA. Look for the super-sized image during August and September 2008.

Dr. James M. Russell III (left) and Dr. M. Patrick McCormick (right),
winners of the 2008 and 2007 Virginia Outstanding Scientist Award