Robert Blanken

Bob is a member of the Professional Photographers of America and its local affiliates. He is also a member of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). He has been certified as a Professional Photographer by the Professional Photographers of America and has received their esteemed Craftsman degree. He served on their National Council for nine years.

He is the president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. He served on the Board of the Greater Washington Chapter of International Special Events Society for seven years in various positions. He was instrumental in guiding the Capital Awards program from its beginning to being one of the best in the country.

Bob had been the Official Chapter Photographer for the Potomac Chapter of the Meeting Professionals International for seven years. Bob is the official photographer of the Capitol chapter of IAEE.

His peers have honored his work with 19 nominations as Best Photographer of the Year and he has won: 2006 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer 2003 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Corporate Photographer 2002 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer He has been honored with two nominations as an International Esprit Nominee for Best Event Photographer in 2003 and 2005.

Bob is an instructor for the Digital Photo Academy and Washington Photo Safari.

Blanken Photography Studio, Ltd was incorporated in 1991 after existing as Bob Blanken Photographer, a sole proprietorship since 1981. Prior to 1981, his photography work was directed toward architectural and advertising photography. Since the early 90?s, his work has been targeted to special events and portraiture.

Bob is the founder of the Photographer?s Collaborative, a co-operative group of top event and portrait photographers based in the Washington, DC area.

Bob is married to Rhea Blanken, ASAE Fellow, President, Results Technology, Inc. He has 4 sons and 5 grandchildren.