This year's Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA) convention took place February 20-24, 2010 at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa.  As with previous conventions, this one was not without a theme… "Pirates of the Caribbean".   It was great to see many photographer friends again and get re-energized for 2010.  This year, my dad joined me for a few days, to see what other photographers in VA are creating and marketing in their studios.  Some of the seminar speakers were Claude Jodin (lighting), Lori Nordstrom (children), and Helen Yancy (Corel Painter).  Clay Blackmore closed out the convention with his inspiring program "How to Photograph Everyone".

photo by Eric Green

The June 2009 issue of Black Enterprise Magazine features several top U.S.  companies, and their supplier diversity strategies.  Altria is one of those featured companies, where Connie Smith is the director of Supplier Diversity Development.  I photographed Connie a while back, creating a variety of headshots to be used for publicity purposes.  Well, one of those publicity opportunities landed her photo in the pages of Black Enterprise Magazine.  Connie’s photo is published on page 152 (left), as part of the article “Supplier Diversity—a Winning Strategy in Tough Times”.  Some other companies in the article include Coca-Cola, Macy’s, Denny’s, The Home Depot, Kellogg, and Allstate.  Thanks to Connie and all the other supplier diversity managers for your continued efforts.

On last Thursday, I had the opportunity to photograph a portion of the Annual Spring Workers’ Conference, where Bishop Charles E. Blake (Presiding Bishop, Church of God in Christ Worldwide) was the guest preacher. The theme of this year’s conference was “Seeking God’s Help; Entering a Promising New Future”. The Historic Virginia First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, COGIC served as host for the 6-day event. Thursday night’s service was held with a standing-room-only congregation, at Community COGIC in Richmond VA. Here are some images from Bishop Blake’s appearance in Virginia.

Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr.
(Prelate of Historic Virginia First Jurisdiction, COGIC)

Naomi singing before Bishop Blake’s message

Bishop Charles E. Blake

On October 20, 2007, I assisted photographer Vicki Kelliebrew with photographing a double wedding in Richmond. This was my first time covering such an occasion. There were two brides (sisters) and two grooms. The wedding party of 16 had alternating fuschia and bright green-colored dresses for the bridesmaids, and matching ties and vests for the groomsmen. The decorations were VERY colorful… everything from the flowers to the cake! Thanks to Vicki for the invite, and Diane and her team for thinking of so many wonderful wedding day details. Congratulations to the newlyweds LaJuan & John and LaToya & Vincent!

LaToya & her father

LaJuan & John

The cake