Benson's Blog » Hampton University

Obama Speaks at HU 2010

Benson Blake Photography — Mon, 10 May 2010 12:59:48 +0000

On Sunday May 9th, Hampton University's 2010 commencement exercises got off to a memorable start. President Barack Obama delivered the Mother's Day commencement address at HU in front of 1,072 graduates and a crowd of about 12,000 relatives and friends. The speech was also broadcast live on several TV networks nationwide. I had the honor of being one of the photographers present to capture images of this presidential moment. Special thanks to Yuri and the University Relations staff at Hampton for all the hard work done to make this special occasion a success.

wp-image-1517" height="367" src="http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/HU2010_4272.jpg" title="Hampton University Faculty" width="550" />

Miss Hampton Portraits ‘09

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:21:41 +0000

The day after the 2009 pageant, a portrait session was held for the newly crowned Miss Hampton University, Nikole Churchill. Promotional images were created using a variety of outfits and poses. Thanks to Bobby and Myrtle for assisting with the equipment setup and styling for the session. Here's one of my favorite images from the session. Good luck to Nikole, as she competes for Miss Virginia in the Spring 2010 pageant.

Miss HU Pageant 2009

Benson Blake Photography — Mon, 19 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!

Ebony Queens Online ’09

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:07:05 +0000

In case you missed it, Ebony Magazine has published their "2009 Campus Queens" feature online. The printed version is usually published in April. However, they decided to take it online this year. This gave the magazine the opportunity to showcase the Queens more equally, while also (I imagine) saving on printing costs. Checkout Miss Hampton University 2008-2009, Shannon Cooper, and other campus queens at EbonyJet.com. One image from her portrait session was posted along with a brief bio.

Miss Hampton Portraits ’08

Benson Blake Photography — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:39:50 +0000

Congratulations to Shannon Cooper, Miss Hampton University 2008-2009. She was crowned on October 11, 2008 and will serve as an ambassador for the University for the current academic year. The day after the pageant, we held a portrait session in Hampton to capture some promotional images. The 2009 “Black College Queens” issue of Ebony Magazine will feature a photo from this session. Good luck to Shannon, as she will compete for the title of Miss Virginia in the Spring 2009 pageant.

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!

Billboard on I-64

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:58:50 +0000

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.

VA Outstanding Scientists

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:45:19 +0000

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

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

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

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

Ebony Mag. Queens 2008

Benson Blake Photography — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:53:16 +0000

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.

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

Miss Hampton Portraits ’07

Benson Blake Photography — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:52:23 +0000

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Javicia, the newly crowned 2007-2008 Miss Hampton University. One photo from her session will be published in the April 2008 “Black College Queens” issue of Ebony Magazine, as well as official Hampton University publications.

Miss HU Pageant 2007

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 02:32:56 +0000

A total of 16 contestants participated in this year’s scholarship pageant. The production theme was “Where in the World is Miss HU?”, based on the cartoon “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” This was most visible during the opening number, when the ladies entered the stage wearing red outfits and matching large-brimmed hats. They competed in swimsuit, talent, formal wear, and question/answer categories.

Congratulations to Javicia Walker, the newly crowned Miss Hampton University 2007-2008!

Contestants backstage before the pageant

Opening number

New 2007-2008 Miss HU being crowned by RaSheeda Waddell

Miss HU 2007-2008 and attendants