Benson Blake Photography » formal event

Debutantes 4 Christ 2011

Benson Blake Photography — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:17:58 +0000

Donnella Cranford, founder of Women After God's Own Heart Inc., is the visionary of the Atlanta's Debutantes for Christ (D4C) program. The 2011 Debutantes 4 Christ event took place at Eagles Landing Country Club about 30 miles south of Atlanta, Georgia. I assisted Atlanta-based photographer Djamal Balbed with portraits for the evening while he captured the event's candid images. From the moment I entered the clubhouse, I instantly knew where portraits would be made that evening. The double staircase served well as a photography backdrop and made it easier to pose larger family groups. Congratulations to all the young ladies who participated in this year's program. Thanks to Donnella and Cathy for making Debutantes 4 Christ such a great experience for these young women after God's own heart.

Tea Rose Cotillion 2011

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:47:01 +0000

The Ivy Foundation of Washington hosted its biannual Tea Rose Cotillion this Spring. The event took place at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda in the presence of the ten debutantes' closest family and friends. The theme was "Cultivated PEARLS: Presenting Extraordinary and Refined Ladies to Society". The evening began with an formal group portrait of the young ladies and their escorts. After their formal introductions and a curtsey to greet their parents, the program continued with several dance routines with their dads and the escorts. The Rose Petals (in pink) performed a special routine called "Scented Memories". It symbolized them growing up and becoming the debutantes.

As with all events, it takes a lot of behind the scenes work to help everything run smoothly. I'd like to thank the cotillion co-chairs and committee for their efforts preparing for this event. Also, thanks to Donnamaria for backing me up with additional photography coverage. Congratulations to Candace, Miss Tea Rose 2011!

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 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 for assisting with candid photography. Also, thanks to the string quartet for providing music for the guests throughout the evening.

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

Epsilon Delta Boulé

Benson Blake Photography — Fri, 02 May 2008 23:13:14 +0000

On Saturday evening, I had the pleasure of taking group portraits of the Epsilon Delta chapter of the Sigma Pi Phi fraternity. Congratulations to the new members who were recently inducted. Their spouses also posed for a formal portrait.

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.

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.

Tea Rose Ball 2007

Benson Blake Photography — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:59:07 +0000

On December 7th, the Ivy Foundation hosted their annual Tea Rose Ball at Washington Navy Yard in DC. This event also marked the 25th anniversary of the Xi Zeta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Congratulations! A few presentations were made, including a salute to the chapter's charter members. Thanks to The Soul Patrol for keeping the party going with their live music.

Xi Zeta Omega charter members

Special presentation