I will have three custom framed limited edition prints for sale and on display at this travel photography exhibit… "A Monumental View", "Watch Your Step" and "Italian Sky". Come on out to the opening reception at the Center for Green Urbanism. All of the artists will be there to answer questions and share insight into their artwork. If you're not available Friday night, you'll still have until December 3rd to check out the exhibit.

“Meet the Artists” Opening Reception:
Friday, November 18, 2011 from 6:30-8:30pm
Free and Open to the Public

The following Exposure Group members will be featured:

Gallery Hours:
Tuesday-Friday from 10am to 5 pm
Saturday 11am to 4pm
Closed Sunday and Monday (except for special events)

The Gallery is located at:
3938 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Phone: 202-506-3867

Google Map Directions: http://g.co/maps/wjf3r

Parking is available in the lot behind the Dr. Dorothy I. Heights Library.

RSVP to Facebook Event Page

The Exposure Group is a membership driven, non-profit professional organization open to photographers worldwide since 1978. The mission of the organization is to enhance the skills, professionalism, and productivity of its members through information, education, demonstration, and compensation in the business of photography. The Exposure Group holds its monthly meetings at DCTV in The Historic Brooks Mansion in Washington, DC.

I started photographing scenes around the Tidal Basin and finished at the World War II Memorial just after sunset. Most of the images were captured using a specially converted black & white infrared camera, causing the greenery to appear white.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

 
Lincoln Memorial

Washington Monument

 
Vietnam Veterans Memorial and The Three Soldiers statue

World War II Memorial

Each photographer presented about ten of their favorite images, spoke about their thoughts behind its creation and the impact each image had on its viewers at that moment in time.  A panel discussion followed, where members of the audience had the opportunity to ask questions of the photographers.  One of the questions was regarding the scariest situation they've found themselves in throughout their photography careers.  Sharon Farmer replied, describing a photo assignment where she climbed a water tower (3 hours roundtrip) to capture the image she needed… not because she was asked, but because that unique angle was the only one that would effectively tell the complete story.  Sharon would later become Director of White House Photography, and assigned to then President Bill Clinton. She was the first African American and woman to hold this position.

Thanks to Exposure Group member Danita Delaney for bringing her vision to reality with this program.  Also, thanks to video producer Don Baker and fellow production staff members for your commitment to this photography organization.

Marvin T. Jones signing his book "Carolina Genesis"

Founding members (left to right): Milton Williams, Roy Lewis, Marvin T. Jones, Gene Young,
Marisa Nixon, Vernard R. Gray, Sharon Farmer, Edgar Thompson

This is why everyone's looking in a different direction. :o)
Photo by Milton Williams

For more information about the Exposure Group, visit www.exposuregroup.org.  More event photos are available on the Exposure Group's Facebook photo gallery.

Marvin Sapp, Karen-Clark Sheard, and Fred Hammond served as judges for the evening, offering some honest and often hilarious feedback.  The audience was treated to special performances by BeBe & CeCe Winans and each of the judges. All the choirs had a unique presentation style… some were very energetic with choreography, while others simply stood there and sang their hearts out.  It was obvious that many hours were spent rehearsing for this one night.  Big shout out to the bands that played live for each of the choirs.  The behind the scenes production and stage management was amazing!  Everything flowed seamlessly… the choir & band transitions, stage lighting, sound, and video production.  Thanks to Verizon for making this a first class production.

The winning choir was "Voices of Destiny" from Compton, CA performing the song "My Time for God's Favor (Presence of the Lord Remix)".  They won $25,000, a performance at the 2011 NFL Super Bowl Gospel Celebration in Dallas, and a performance at the 2011 Stellar Awards in Nashville.  During post-show interviews, choir director and pastor Michael Fisher shared a powerful testimony about how far they've come and what this win means to the members of the choir and their community.  All of the choir members are between 18 and 31, and most have never travelled outside of Compton, CA.  After their first flight ever, a tour of the White House earlier in the day, and a finale win… there was hardly a dry eye in the choir.  Congratulations!

• View the Gallery
  

Videos:

• Winner: "Voices of Destiny" of Greater Zion Church Family (Compton, CA)
  
• Runner-Up: "GFC Chorale" of Greater First Church (East Chicago, IL)
  
• V CAST People's Choice Award: "Greater Mount Calvary Men of Valor" of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church (Washington, DC)

The music for the night was provided by DJ Battle, who kept everyone bobbing their heads and dancing.  Thanks to Marsha & Monica for their wonderful job coordinating the wedding, and my assistant for keeping my lighting in place all afternoon. Most importantly, thanks to Ramona & Burton for allowing me to capture their special day to remember in photographs.

http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/?p=982 Sunday, I took some time out to visit the cherry blossoms at the tidal basin in Washington DC.  This was my first time seeing them (that I can remember) in more than 10 years.  Even though all the trees were not yet in full bloom, I was able to find enough that were camera-ready.  There are just a few more days left to catch the pink blossoms at their peak.  The National Cherry Blossom Festival began on March 28th and will continue until April 12, 2009.  Here are some images I created of the cherry trees, in color and infrared (black & white).

Waiting in line before sunrise.

Secret Service and the back of the line for my gate.

The view from where I stood

Another view from the same place, zoomed in.

The moment of the day

People taking photos with the presidential seal

I was there!

Colin Powell waving to the crowd, while waiting to do a TV interview

The view of the Mall from the Capitol

The beginning of the parade route, view from the Capitol

People were walking on the frozen reflecting pool, some more nervous than others.

Kodak moments everywhere…

Even police officers couldn't resist.

Lots of interesting signs

Steady stream of people exiting the subway station, just after sunset.

Metro… The best way to get to the monuments.

The line

Overflow crowd viewing one of the many jumbotrons

Martin Luther King III speaking at the Lincoln Memorial

Mary J. Blige performing

Joe Biden speaking at the Lincoln Memorial

Xi Zeta Omega charter members

Special presentation