Benson's Blog

We’re Moving…

Benson Blake Photography — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:25:40 +0000

During the month of August, Benson Blake Photography will be relocating to the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Because of new professional opportunities in the DC area, the move and the transition is a wise decision at this time. The website and BLOG will continue to grow, and will be updated regularly with new photographs from the nation’s capital. New contact information will be available via e-mail and bensonblake.com as soon as all details are finalized. Remember to periodically check out Benson’s Blog at for the latest updates.

Blog Turns One!

Benson Blake Photography — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 05:57:17 +0000

365 days, 68 posts, and 148 comments later, Benson’s Blog has reached the one year mark… Woohoo! I hope I’ve kept you all at least somewhat entertained, and that you’ve enjoyed the images. I’ve REALLY enjoyed this whole blogging experience! :o)

Thank you to ALL who have taken time to post comments to the Blog, and those who continue to check us out online. Your feedback and encouragement is GREATLY appreciated!

GMWA Convention 2008

Benson Blake Photography — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:55:07 +0000

On Monday August 11th, I traveled to Nashville TN for gospel music’s annual GMWA Workshop Convention. The 2008 convention featured a 5-day line up of evening gospel showcases and daytime classes. For three of these days, I had the opportunity to photograph performances by artists like Trinitee 5:7, Kurt Carr, and Dorothy Norwood. Here are some photo highlights from Monday through Wednesday night at the Gaylord Opryland hotel.

View the Gallery

Hopkins Family in BE

Benson Blake Photography — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:10:38 +0000

The August 2008 issue of Black Enterprise Magazine features the article ‘Finding Solid Ground’, about investing in today’s real estate market. In the article, written by Kemba J. Dunham, an example is given by the Hopkins family who has found investment opportunities in Virginia. In June, I had the pleasure of photographing the family of four at their home in Triangle VA. The photograph has been published as part of the article’s opening spread on page 80. Radio personalities Steve Harvey and Tom Joyner are pictured on the cover. Black Enterprise Magazine is available at most Barnes & Noble and Walmart stores.

Dr. Peggy Britt

Benson Blake Photography — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:52:38 +0000

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.

Deanna & Natario Wed

Benson Blake Photography — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:46:10 +0000

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

The Garcia Family

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:25:41 +0000

On last weekend, I had the joy of photographing the Garcia family in Dumfries, Virginia. The newest addition to the family is their 5 month old son, who was ready for his close-up! Big brother and sister also had their portraits done… then the whole family piled up for a casual portrait. These are just a few of my favorites from this family’s session. Enjoy!

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.

The Hopkins Family

Benson Blake Photography — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:18:33 +0000

I was recently commissioned to photograph the Hopkins family in Triangle VA. One or two images from their session will be published in the August 2008 issue of Black Enterprise Magazine. The family will be featured in a real estate article, about successfully investing in the current housing market. Here are a couple of images from our session.

Ross & Darby Families

Benson Blake Photography — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:33:58 +0000

I recently had the pleasure of photographing the Ross and Darby families in Newport News VA. Their outdoor session took place at Huntington Park, which has become one of my new favorite locations for photography. Thanks to the families for being such great sports in the extreme heat… whew! Fortunately, there was plenty of shade for us to work in and still get some great images.

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

Amy & Mike Wedding

Benson Blake Photography — Fri, 30 May 2008 17:55:07 +0000

Congratulations to Amy & Mike! Their wedding ceremony took place on May 25th at Sandbridge Beach in Virginia Beach. This was a very intimate occasion with about 50 close family members and friends in attendance. The reception was held at a nearby beach house, where the bride’s sister prepared LOTS of great food. Once many of the guests were full, they realized the coconut shrimp, beef skewers and crab cakes were just appetizers… whew! Anyway, here are some images from Amy & Mike’s special day.

IAM Magazine Cover

Benson Blake Photography — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:48:21 +0000

For the Spring 2008 issue of gospel’s IAM Magazine, two of my photos from this year’s Stellar Awards are on the cover. There’s also a two-page spread inside (pages 34-35), featuring some of my images from backstage at the awards show in Nashville. Thanks to Val and Jerry for selecting my images to be published! You can check out this issue online here. For more info about IAM Magazine, visit their website at www.iammag.com.

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

Amber’s Portraits

Benson Blake Photography — Sun, 18 May 2008 13:50:43 +0000

I recently held a studio portrait session for Amber, a music major at Hampton University. We created lots of great images to be used for her upcoming vocal competition. Hopefully we can narrow them down to just one for the program. Here are a couple of my favorites.

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

Jayde’s Graduation

Benson Blake Photography — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:50:19 +0000

On last Thursday I traveled to Aurora, Colorado to attend my nephew Jayde’s graduation from Aurora Community College. Congratulations Jayde, and best wishes to you as you continue your education in Colorado.

Pageant Committee

Benson Blake Photography — Sat, 10 May 2008 14:08:05 +0000

On Wednesday, I held a studio portrait session for a few members of the Miss Southeastern Virginia Pageant committee. I thought it was neat how they just happened to show up wearing red, white & blue. Their solid-colored clothing worked great for these promotional images. Here are a few from our studio session.

Bishop Thomas’ Portraits

Benson Blake Photography — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:51:32 +0000

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.