Just Luv Entertainment has done it again with another evening of good music, food, comedy and fun. Just Luv's latest event, A Black & White Mid-Summer's Night, took place on a June evening along the Occoquan River in Woodbridge, Virginia. It was quite an occasion, with everyone wearing black and/or white attire. Stacey Carver's comedy performance kept everyone in stitches, and William "Smooth" Wardlaw provided the music for the evening, singing some Luther Vandross and other hits. Thanks again to Ms. Bernice (catering) and the Harbour View staff for hosting this Just Luv Productions event.

During Valentine's Day weekend, I photographed the event "A February Night to Remember" in Woodbridge VA.  Just Luv Productions hosted their premiere event at Harbour View, a waterfront venue along the Occoquan River.  The evening included music by the E&ME Band, poetry, dinner, and a hilarious stand-up performance by comedian Stacey Carver.  Benson Blake Photography created portraits throughout the night as a momento for many of the 200+ attendees.  Thanks to Ms. Bernice and crew for catering the event… the sweet tea was SO good!  I'd also like to thank Marcia at Just Luv Productions and the Harbour View event staff for your great support of the vendors and guests.  Here are some moments from that February night…

Poet SheSeven

Poet Rasheed Copeland

Marcia of Just Luv Productions & emcee/poet Simply Tee

Caricature Artist Dana V. from About Faces Entertainment

Comedian Stacey Carver

The E&ME Band performing

Check out the April 2009 issue of Black Enterprise Magazine.  An image from my portrait session with Natalynn was published as part 3 of the "Women & Money" article series.  The article begins on page 66, with the photo of Natalynn and her husband Dan appearing on page 70.  Photo credit was incorrectly given to another photographer for this image, and should read "Photograph by Benson Blake" at the bottom of page 70.  Black Enterprise Magazine is available at most Barnes & Noble and Walmart stores.

On October 4th, I created portraits of the Toney family at their beautiful home in Haymarket, VA.  The family dog, Nikki, stepped in occasionally for her cameo appearance throughout the morning.  Thanks to my assistant Precious of Precious Perspectives for helping out with the session! The two boys, 10 months and 3 years, were all smiles (and silly) for the camera.  Three years ago, I photographed their youngest son when he was just 8 months old.  So, this was a great way to capture both children as infants.  Here are a few of the images…

On last week, I held a portrait session on location with gospel artist and pastor Dr. Peggy Britt. For this session, I setup at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Methodist Church in Portsmouth VA to create some promotional images for her.  We started with a few in the sanctuary to give a church-like feel, then ended with some headshots to show more personality.

I recently had the opportunity to photograph Bishop Ted Thomas Sr., pastor of New Community Temple COGIC. This session included studio portraits and images created on location at his church in Portsmouth VA. Here’s a sample of images from that afternoon.