http://www.bensonblake.com/blog News and updates Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:25:40 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/444 365 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/454 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, ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/563 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/496 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/533 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/488 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/459 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/456 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/451 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/346 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, ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/433 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/348 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/347 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/423 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/345 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. http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/349 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/343 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. http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/342 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/344 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. http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/339