matt benson's blog

8/29/2012

Reflections at the park

It has been raining for the past week, or two weeks (it's been raining so long I've lost track), and I have been struggling to find the will power to go out and shoot. But after a long conversation with Jenny today, I mustered up some motivation and went to the park for some weather/feature photos for the Sun. As it turned out, several areas of the park were flooded due to the rain, and I was able to take advantage and get some neat reflections. So needless to say, I turned a crumby day into a good day and got some stuff for the Sun. And for me! Enjoy.

8/25/2012

Gainesville businessman honored

So today I shot my first assignment for the Gainesville Sun. It was in honor of Cleo Strawder, 86, who was the first African-American entrepreneur in east Gainesville (He is the man sitting between his two sisters, Annie Pearl-Strawder, left, and Easter Simmons, right, in the last photo). The event was held at Wesley United Methodist church in Gainesville, Fla.

8/13/2012

Back in the 'ville, finally

So the other day, Jenny and I went to Hawthorne Trail at Paynes Prairie for a picnic. It was the perfect place to test my new lens (Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8), although I found myself playing more with my wide. As usual. But we had a great time nonetheless. It feels great to be back in Gainesville again after a long summer in Orlando, and in a week I will be back at school and starting my new internship as a photographer for the Gainesville Sun. So there will be lots more to come! Wish me luck!

5/28/2012

Happy Memorial Day!

So for memorial day, I thought it only appropriate to honor a few of the many veterans out there who have fought or are currently fighting for our freedom. Here are a few images from a portrait series I did on U.S. veterans not too long ago.