THE GALA

#EBONYPower100
Portrait Studio

Curated by Derek Blanks
Presented by Nationwide


This year’s EBONY Power 100 gala was truly a night to remember, with famed photographer Derek Blanks capturing the true essence of Black excellence as host of the Nationwide Portrait Studio. Influenced by the work of Gordon Parks, Carrie Mae Weems and other classic EBONY featured photographers, Derek Blanks is a true power player himself.

"Just to be a part of that and have the opportunity to capture that night was amazing. The images really capture those special moments in time, especially if it’s candid shots between a husband and a wife, a celebrity or a group of girls, it’s really about capturing that moment and showing the greatness of that person." READ MORE ABOUT DEREK BLANKS

View all the photos below from the #EBONYPOWER100 Portrait Studio, curated by Derek Blanks, presented by Nationwide

Portrait Studio by DEREK BLANKS:

Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
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Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks
Photo by Derek Blanks

#EBONYPower100 Portrait Studio

Curated by Derek Blanks
Presented by Nationwide


This year's EBONY Power 100 gala was truly a night to remember, with famed photographer Derek Blanks capturing the true essence of Black excellence as host of the Nationwide Portrait Studio.

Throughout the evening, Blanks documented friends, families, celebs and the business elite as they celebrated the accomplishments of this year's honorees, an opportunity the Atlanta artist couldn't pass up.

"Just to be a part of that and have the opportunity to capture that night was amazing. The images really capture those special moments in time, especially if it's candid shots between a husband and a wife, a celebrity or a group of girls, it’s really about capturing that moment and showing the greatness of that person."

The star-studded reception brought out some of the industry’s biggest names, all willing to let their hair down in celebration of their peers.

"I thought it was cool that celebrities, business people and all kinds of personalities all had a good time and let their guards down," Blanks shares of his experience. "There was no pressure to be a certain way, everyone just enjoyed the atmosphere and enjoyed each other’s presence while celebrating each other's accomplishments. I was very honored that EBONY and Nationwide considered me to be a part of it."

Influenced by the work of Gordon Parks, Carrie Mae Weems and other classic EBONY featured photographers, Blanks has become a true power player himself. For him, the key is being unafraid to walk your own path, believing "the most important key to becoming a true power player is making your own rules."

Check out Blanks’ brilliant work from the EBONY Power 100 Gala above!

Written by Jessica Bennett