Shannon the Photo Gal: On the Red Carpet with Eddie Murphy at The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

Eddie Murphy with partner Paige Butcher and his mother, Lillian Lynch

Washington, DC was a bit glitzier on Sunday night when a host of stars from comedy and music came to the Kennedy Center to honor comedian Eddie Murphy who was the recipient of the 2015 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Former and current Saturday Night Live cast members hit the red carpet, including Kevin Nealon and Joe Piscopo, and Jay Pharoah. Kathy Griffin and the new host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, were also on hand. But, the most tender moment on the red carpet happened when comedians JB Smoove and Tracy Morgan greeted each other with an intense, tear-filled hug. Morgan, continuing to recover from the bus accident that nearly cost him his life, was still glowing after his triumphant return to Saturday Night Live as host on the October 17 broadcast. The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor will be broadcast on PBS on November 23, 2015.

Tracy Morgan with his wife, Megan Wollover

Tracy Morgan with wife, Megan Wollover

Comedian Joe Piscopo

Comedian Joe Piscopo

Writer Bruce Vilanch

Saturday Night Live cast member, comedian Jay Pharoah

Trevor Noah, host of The Daily Show

The Daily Show host, Trevor Noah, being interviewed on the red carpet

Brittany Howard, lead singer of The Alabama Shakes

Comedian Kathy Griffin

Comedian Kathy Griffin

Comic legend Dick Gregory

Comedian JB Smoove

Comedian Dave Chappelle with his wife, Elaine, and daughter, Sonal

Arsenio Hall

George Schlatter, creator of Laugh In

Tracy Morgan and JB Smoove share a special moment on the red carpet

Tracy Morgan and JB Smoove

Shannon the Photo Gal: Portrait of The King of the Rodeo

William "Bill" Pickett (b.1870-d.1932) was a black man and rodeo star credited with being the first person to engage in bull dogging. Pickett was also the first African-American rodeo athlete to be inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame. The Bill Pickett Rodeo, begun in 1984, was started as a way to honor the black rodeo athletes currently competing in the field. I recently attended the 2015 Bill Pickett Rodeo as it made its stop in Maryland and that's when I met a cowboy with a sunflower in his hand and a slow smile that crept across his face like the sun rising in the morning - ok, maybe I spent way too much time with the broncos, but what a day!

Streetstyle Inspiration: The Motorcycle Jacket - No Bike Required

Fashion's love affair with the moto jacket continues this Fall, and while the basic black leather moto is still the heavy favorite, bright colors and fun details are also taking the moto on a magical fashion ride.

Flower Power: Falling for Fall Florals!

If the shortening days have you feeling post-summertime sadness, fret not - florals are here to save the day. Flowers are bursting out everywhere, including bomber jackets and men's suits. Pair florals with leather and other hard-edged materials.

Shannon the Photo Gal at New York Fashion Week SS2016: A Vision in White

In the world of fashion, trends are followed and trends are set. While the old trend was to wear white solely between Memorial Day and Labor Day, this week on the streets of New York City, white after Labor Day is the new rule. And not just plain white, no, this Fashion Week is serving up textural whites that have a 3D feel. This is white that is flirty and ethereal as well as tough and dramatic. 

Countdown to New York Fashion Week: Pink and Blue

With NYFW SS16 starting next week, I thought I'd seek a little fashion inspiration here in my own backyard on the colorful streets of Old Town Alexandria. With Ashley looking pretty in pink in her vintage Jessica McClintock, with splashy red accessories, we're all feeling ready for NYFW!

Spider Man at the Wedding

He came, he saw, he flung his web and stole our hearts. No, I'm not talking about the actual Spider Man, I mean, he is, after all, a fictional character. But, at a wedding I photographed last week, one adorable ring bearer showed that his love for the bride and groom was only surpassed by his love for Spidey.