http://www.bensonblake.com/blog News and updates Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:54:25 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/992 During the last couple of weekends, Drama Kids International hosted their spring performances in northern VA.  The plays were held at Stonewall Middle School in Manassas VA and Walker-Grant Middle School in Fredericksburg VA.  The Drama Kids program teaches acting and public speaking skills to students 3-18.  Some students may ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/1117 The Ivy Foundation's Tea Rose Cotillion was a success!  The event took place on May 3rd at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda.  Thanks to all of the committee members and parents for all you've done to help this year's event run smoothly.  This year's theme was "Presenting Our Pearls: The Next ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/988 I was recently commissioned to photograph 8 young ladies who will be participating in the Tea Rose Cotillion this month, in the DC area.  The session was held at the THEARC Campus of the Washington Middle School for Girls in DC.  Several portraits were created of each debutante, showing their ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/984 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/995 During the week of March 23rd, I had the opportunity to travel to Boston, Massachusetts for the annual Photoshop World Conference.  The event took place at the Hynes Convention Center and included a ton of seminars dedicated to Photoshop, Adobe's premier image-editing software.  Seminars included a range of topics from ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/986 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/982 Last month, Earl Bynum celebrated his birthday in the form of a gospel music event.   The concert was held at Mt. Lebanon (The Mount) in Chesapeake VA, where Earl is the minister of music.  Ju Joyner, Sheliah Belle, and Brother Ray co-hosted throughout the evening.  Gospel artists & groups included ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/933 During the week of February 23rd, The Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA) held its annual convention in Portsmouth, VA.   Members from throughout the state came together to perfect their craft and share the latest tips and techniques in the industry.  A number of photographers conducted seminars, such as ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/909 On February 7th, I traveled to Chesterfield, Virginia to photograph business-woman Natalynn Roman.  She's the president of the Strategic Leadership Development Group in Virginia, a company that provides leadership and organizational consulting services to a variety of clients. Natalynn will be featured in the April 2009 issue of Black Enterprise ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/905 On January 20th, I had the opportunity to be among the millions of people gathered on the National Mall for the swearing in ceremony of our 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama.  My journey began at 4am on the way to the Metro station, and included hours of waiting in lines ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/847 On Sunday afternoon, the city of Washington DC hosted an opening ceremony on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, to kick-off the 2009 Inaugural festivities.  The star-studded event included performances by Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Herbie Hancock, John Legend, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, will.i.am, ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/825 On November 3rd 2008, Senator Barack Obama made the last stop of his presidential campaign in Manassas, Virginia.  The energetic rally took place at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, with an estimated 80,000+ people in attendance.  Here are some photos I captured during the historic rally. Governor Tim Kaine introducing Senator ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/794 Congratulations to Shannon Cooper, Miss Hampton University 2008-2009.  She was crowned on October 11, 2008 and will serve as an ambassador for the University for the current academic year.  The day after the pageant, we held a portrait session in Hampton to capture some promotional images.  The 2009 "Black College ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/727 The Miss Hampton University Pageant took place on October 11th at Hampton University's Ogden Hall. Fourteen contestants competed for the chance to be crowned the next University queen.  The theme for the event was "An Evening With The Stars".  Thanks to Dr. Maye and Jerrica for organizing and producing such ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/721 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 ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/685 Earlier this year, I photographed gospel artist Naomi K. Thomas for her debut CD project.  Her live CD is now available, and features some images from the session.  Portraits by Benson Blake Photography are also used throughout her new website www.naomikthomas.com. Naomi's CD "Best Offering" is available online at CD ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/665 Congratulations to newlyweds Seidah & John, who recently married in northern VA on 8-8-08.  They enjoyed a private ceremony, then held a party on a later date for family and friends to join the celebration.  I had the pleasure of creating casual portraits for their custom-printed invitations. http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/660 For the months of August & September 2008, one of my photographs will be displayed on a billboard.  In July, I photographed the 2007 and 2008 recipients of the Virginia Outstanding Scientist award.  They both work at Hampton University, so the university has showcased their accomplishments in the form of ... http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/559 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