This week, it felt like Christmas in March. As the UPS delivery driver brought a package to my door, I calmly closed the door, and proceeded to rip the box open. Inside was a Canon 20D digital camera I had converted to infrared. Now, instead of recording color photographs, it sees only infrared (IR) light. Bright green foliage appears white, with blues appearing darker. This is the newest welcome addition to my camera bag. :o) Here are some images I created yesterday around a golf course. Enjoy!

On March 15-16, I traveled with the Virginia Mass Choir to First Baptist Church in Charleston WV, then to Pilgrim Baptist Church in Roanoke VA. The choir’s weekend tour went VERY well… everything from a smooth and uneventful bus ride through the mountains, to a series of uplifting performances. Thanks to Randy and our driver Reggie at Distinguished Executive Transportation for a great job transporting the choir. Thanks to both churches for your hospitality, and the meals that were prepared for the choir.

VA Mass Choir concert in Charleston, West Virginia

Praise dancers at First Baptist Church’s Sunday morning service

VA Mass Choir Director, Minister Earl Bynum

Paul A. Dunn, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Charleston WV

Sunday morning service in Charleston

CeCe Cotton singing at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Roanoke VA

Pastor Dwight Steele playing the organ

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

Why am I wearing scrubs? Well… On March 11th, I made a trip to Charlottesville VA to photograph one of the country’s top doctors, Dr. Laurencin. The session took place at the University of Virginia Medical Center, where he works. One of the images will be published in the May 2008 “Top Doctors” issue of Black Enterprise Magazine. A few images were created in an operating room, and other areas of the hospital. Thanks to Paul for hanging in there, assisting me throughout the session. I can’t post those images here, so here I am instead… :o)

It’s an honor to once again be published in Ebony Magazine! The April 2008 issue features college queens from Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). Among them are Javicia Walker, Miss Hampton University 2007-2008. One of the images from our portrait session a few months ago has been used for this annual issue. Janet Jackson is on the cover, with Javicia’s photo on page 134.

I was recently asked to photograph gospel artist Naomi Thomas for her upcoming CD release. We were able to capture lots of different looks for her CD packaging and promotional materials. Part of her session took place at our studio, and the rest on location at New Community Temple COGIC in Portsmouth VA. Here are a few of my favorites.

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

The last week of February, I participated in the Virginia Professional Photographer’s Association’s (VPPA) annual convention. For the past few years, the event has been held at the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel. Congratulations to all the members who entered the annual print competition. Although I didn’t enter into this year’s competition, I have a few images that will definitely be entered in the future. The tough part is choosing only a few prints to enter… whew! Out of hundreds of prints submitted by photographers all over the state, the photo below is just a sample of the images that scored well. Some of the competition categories included Wedding Candid, Portrait of a Child, Architecture, etc.

In addition to the print competition, there were programs held daily by industry-leading photographers such as Vicki Taufer and Hanson Fong. They shared lots of information about everything from studio lighting techniques to their day-to-day studio operations. On Sunday afternoon, there was a trade show full of photography industry vendors. I felt like a kid in a candy store! :o) Anyway, I had a great time throughout the week, and learned a lot in the process.

VPPA competition print gallery, on display in the hallway for all to see