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.
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.
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!
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!
On July 19th, Deanna and Natario were married at First Baptist Church Denbigh in Newport News VA. The reception took place at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, where the bride and groom arrived from the ceremony in a white Rolls-Royce. Fortunately we were able to slip away for a few portraits with the classic car. Thanks to Melody and all who helped make this day a success! The decorations were provided by A Touch of Elegance, adding a splash of color to the reception. Special thanks to my assistants Gary and Charlie for helping out with the photography and lighting setups. Here’s a sneak peek into Deanna and Natario’s special day.
Decorations by A Touch of Elegance
Everyone capturing the cake-cutting, including myself
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