West Virginia Photographer's America 250 Images Reach Millions Online
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Millions of people across social media have spent the past several days sharing and admiring breathtaking images from West Virginia's America 250 Celebration, but many may not know the photographer behind some of the event's most widely shared photographs has spent years documenting the Mountain State through his camera.
Perry Bennett, who serves as the official photographer for the West Virginia Legislature, captured many of the celebration's most memorable moments during the Independence Day weekend, including dramatic fireworks over the West Virginia State Capitol, the illuminated Liberty & Lights projection show and sweeping views of the America 250 Wheel overlooking the Kanawha Valley.
According to Bennett, photographs shared through Perry Bennett Photography received more than 5 million views across social media in just a few days, including one image that surpassed 3.6 million views. His posts also generated more than 376,000 reactions, comments, shares, saves and clicks while attracting approximately 1,700 new followers.
Among the most popular images were long-exposure photographs of the America 250 Wheel in motion with the Capitol illuminated in the background, panoramic views of synchronized fireworks stretching across Charleston and striking photographs of the Liberty & Lights projection show that transformed the Capitol during the four-day celebration.
Bennett also photographed visitors enjoying panoramic views from atop the America 250 Wheel, patriotic displays surrounding the Capitol grounds and the elaborate synchronized fireworks display that lit up the Charleston skyline during the state's Independence Day celebration.
For years, Bennett's photography has documented many of West Virginia's biggest moments, from legislative sessions and state events to community celebrations, landscapes and life across the Mountain State. His work has earned recognition both inside and outside West Virginia, including selection to represent Team USA in the World Photographic Cup and recognition as a two-time West Virginia Photographer of the Year.
Whether capturing historic moments beneath the Capitol dome or the beauty of communities across West Virginia, Bennett's photographs continue to showcase the people, places and traditions that make the Mountain State unique.
