Tracie and Sons enjoying a photography session in Homeland Collections Portrait Gallery

September 26, 2009

 8:00 to 11:30 a.m.

 Workshop Presenter:    Denise Bennerson    Wedding and Portrait Photographer

Workshop for beginners, parents, teachers, in house agency photographers, or for those who want to make sure they have the right tools and equipment. Workshop will cover the digital camera and computer.  Some topics covered:  Basic and Advance Presets, Resolution, Exposure, ISO, Internal and External Flash, Managing and storing your photos and calibrating your monitor.  

$95.00 Registration Fee          Visit http://www.homelandcollections.com or call 772-2386 to for more information or to register.   Space is limited.

Denise Bennerson, Photographer - Homeland Collections Portrait Gallery

   I had fun photographing Gloria. She was shy at first, but as the photos session progressed she began to express the wonderful person she is.  I have always wanted to photograph someone in the historical Fort Frederik and Gloria thought that was an excellent idea.  We had a wonderful time. Enjoy the photos. Denise Bennerson, Photographer

     I had a wonderful time photographing Kimberly and Kevin during their engagement photo session. The lush grounds of “Cruzan Gardens” provided the perfect backdrop for the beautiful couple. More photographs can be seen at http://www.homelandcollections.com.    

Well after the passing of “Hurricane Omar” St. Croix VI is back in swing. We now have telephone, electricity and cable.  Since my last writing many things have happened on the local and national level.  On Election Day I went out to vote and that evening we had no cable TV so we had to seek shelter at the “Frederiksted Hotel.” It was exciting to see the results. St. Croix put in four new candidates out of seven incumbents. And the continental United States elected its first Black President, “Barack Obama.” What an event to witness via the airwaves. We congratulate all.

Now on to Photography…

            I love to photograph weddings, because each one is special and unique. As the photographer I try to capture the essence of that wonderful day. Today, I decided to feature one of my weddings – the union of a wonderful couple “Tamika and Patrick” Their wedding had a “Cinderella” theme and we had fun on their wedding day.  The ceremony was held in the beautiful historic district of Frederiksted, St. Croix Virgin Islands on the wharf next to the stunning clock tower. How romantic! While I was photographing the wedding I kept the theme in mind and at the reception showcased elegant Tamika, aka, “Cinderella” and her handsome prince charming, Patrick in their pumpkin carriage.  

Tracie celebrated her 37th birthday with a swimsuit and lingere photo session.  We had fun.  Developed by Homeland Collections Portrait Gallery , LLC. Tracie now has the following DVD to showcase any time she wants to remember.  It is priceless. Enjoy. Denise Bennerson, Photographer. See more photos at http://www.homelandcollections.com

March 2009

September 2009

October 2009

      Well we finally got electricity Saturday night. That felt good. Phone still out. So contact us via email hcblog@fastmail.fm.

     I just enjoyed a freshly cut coconut off the tree so now its time for photography J

     I like to make my photography sessions enjoyble for my clients. Inadditon, I love photographing people who just like to have fun during their photography sessions. One of my clients Tracie is one of those people. I have been photographing her and her family for over three years. She planned for a whole year with me her photography session with swimsuits and lingerie attire for her 37^th birthday.  To make a long story short, we had a fun time.  See photos http://www.homelandcollections.com.   One of her goals initially was to get a large portrait for her home and her own calendar.  Well out of this wonderful photo session she has a large portrait 20” x 30” and other sizes, several bags with her photos, a “Tracie’s World” DVD birthday album and last, but not least her elegant calendar. We want to thank all those who participated in voting for her photos for the calendar of the various months.

      I have given you a sneak peek at the calendar.  June is her birthday month and you will have to ask her to see her calendar to see June’s photo.  Any comments?  Denise Bennerson, Photographer

Hurricane Omar passed our way about ten days ago and St. Croix US Virgin Islands continues in the recovery.  Personally, I have not received electricity or phone service, but I am blessed to have a generator. It takes work to run, but it helps. Well on to photography; as a photographer I am continuously documenting major events in our lives and Hurricane Omar’s visit is no exception. I decided to venture out one day to travel from west to east, aka, Frederiksted to Christiansted.

 The west end of the island where I live did not suffer much structural damage, except for our lovely trees and the telephone/electrical poles and wires. The east end of the island, in particular the boating community suffered greatly.  Over 40 vessels/boats were damaged or destroyed. The pier in Christiansted on the east end of the island was also damaged. The photographs showcases some of the destruction of “Hurricane Omar.” While I was photographing the boats my mind wondered off thinking about the dining room in the movie, “The Titanic” as I saw various objects floating in the partially submerged boats, “What a sight!” I definitely felt sorry for the boat owners.

 While photographing I met two guys and their dog, “Brown Dog” on their boat.  Robert, the owner of the boat proceeded to tell me about their horror story of ridding out the Hurricane in their boat. He stated that all three of them (including “Brown Dog”) thought they were doing alright until they heard a big bang – the boat had knocked against the pier. They survived; however there is a big gash on the side of the boat just above the water line.  We’re glad they made it.          

 My last stop in Christiansted was to visit the fallen, “Mahogany Tree” that Joel Tutein, National Park Service Superintendent spoke about on the radio. As I looked around for the tree who should I find -  Joel Tutein.  I asked him, “Where is THE mahogany tree?” and he proudly said, “Come, I will show you.”  It was located right on the grounds of the Danish fort, “Fort Christiansvaern.”  He stated that the tree was there for many years and he will miss it. For more photographs and cultural  information on the Virgin Islands visit http://www.homelandcollections.com   Denise Bennerson, Photographer

I like everyone in St. Croix survived the ROAR of “Hurricane Omar,” (it did sound like a lion.) From about 10:00 pm Wednesday night to 3:00 am – I believe – I sat there in wonder “When is he going to stop?” By the time it reached St. Croix they felt it was going toward a category 3 Hurricane – not good Anyway, the results after is we got some water and lost some of our plants – especially the bananas. The east end of St. Croix had more destruction than the west end. Today is Saturday and we still do not have electricity nor use of the land phone. I’m not complaining because that’s just how is is after every hurricane. By the way, we did miss the “Obama and McCaine Debate,” electricity went out at 8:30 pm. That’s OK, we did survived, Hurricane Omar

Well today everyone in the US Virgin Islands in particular St. Croix, is preparing for “Hurricane Omar.” I am doing the same. Hurricane shutters are up and important valuables tucked away. The reports are that St. Croix will take a direct hit. This does not leave an easy feeling (my house have been destroyed several times by those horrible things.) That’s how I was inspired to write my books, “Daniel and Hurricane Marilyn” and “Daniel After Hurricane Marilyn.” We have been blessed for several years not to be hit, but today is our day. We shall remain blessed. We are hoping that Hurricane Omar would at least let us see the “Obama and McCain” debate before electricity and cable goes Anyway property owners make sure you take out your camera and take photographs before and after the hurricane for insurance purposes, incase of damage. I’ll let you know how I did after the Hurricane. Denise

Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Luis Santos for photographs to participate in the 1st Mr. Universe Outstanding teen International Intellectual Pageant. He is Mr. V.I. Outstanding teen 2007-2008. In addition, he is a model and fashion designer. His many self-designed outfits and wonderful personality made the session fun. During the photography session I enjoyed exploring various textures as backdrops. We need to cheer him on as he represents the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in the pageant. See more of his photographs at http://www.homelandcollections.com