For the months of August & September 2008, one of my photographs will be displayed on a billboard.  In July, I photographed Dr. James M. Russell III and Dr. M. Patrick McCormick, the 2007 and 2008 recipients of the Virginia Outstanding Scientist award.  They both work at Hampton University, and the university decided to showcase 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.

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

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

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

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards weekend was once again a success in Nashville, Tennessee. I had the chance to photograph some of Central South Distribution's gospel events at Gibson Showcase. Several artists performed Friday afternoon including Martha Munizzi and Norman Hutchins. Later that night was the nominee reception where all of the Stellar Award nominees were called to the stage and acknowledged. At the awards show taping, fans and artists were treated to a night of good gospel music. Performers at the taping included Kirk Franklin, The Rance Allen Group, The Clark Sisters, Fred Hammond, Beverly Crawford, DeWayne Woods, Marvin Sapp, Ricky Dillard, Smokie Norful, and others.

• Stellar Awards Results (gospelflava.com)

David Mann from Tyler Perry's 'Meet the Browns' hosting Central South's gospel showcase

Martha Munizzi Performing at Central South's gospel showcase

Co-hosts Tye Tribbett & Vicki Winans share a laugh with Dr. Bobby Jones at the nominee reception

Vicki Winans and Benson after the nominee reception

The Clark Sisters, recipients of Artist of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year, CD of the Year, and Traditional Group/Duo of the Year awards

Tramaine Hawkins, winner of two Stellar Awards and the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award

Rance Allen and Kirk Franklin performing at the post-awards reception

Dorinda Clark-Cole performing at the post-awards reception

Stay tuned for photos from the 2008 Stellar Awards! Benson Blake Photography will be closed January 10-14 to attend the weekend’s events at Nashville’s Opryland Hotel and Grand Ole Opry. I will be providing coverage for GospelFruits.org for the 3rd year and serve as a contributing photographer to other Gospel industry media outlets. Kirk Franklin, Byron Cage & CeCe Winans will co-host the taping on Saturday, January 12, 2008.

• Photos
• 23rd Annual Stellar Awards
  (ticket info, TV listings)