On the Scene: Howard University Bison vs.Harvard University's Crimson

I spent a wonderful afternoon at Howard University this past Saturday watching their men's basketball team take on the Harvard University Crimson. The crowd was a lively mix of current Howard students, Harvard and Howard alums, and local hoops fans. The Crimson men, lead by their coach, Tommy Amekar of Falls Church, Virginia, were well-matched in the Howard University Bison, with junior Marcel Boyd dazzling the crowd with his almost balletic physicality. And the action wasn't just on the court, as Howard's Showtime Marching Band had the crowd up dancing in their seats. They were assisted by the cheer squad and the Bison dance teams, including the Bisonettes and the Ooh La La dance team. The afternoon had special meaning for me since my parents met each other when they were attending Howard University. Here's the highlight reel!

Howard University's Showtime Marching Band

Howard University's Ooh La La Dance Team

Howard University junior Marcel Boyd gives the traditional salute during the singing of "Lift Every Voice and Sing", also known as the Black National Anthem 

Howard University sophomore Dalique Mingo warming up to take his free throw

One of the musicians of Howard University's Showtime Marching Band

The crowd stands for the National Anthem

Harvard University Crimson Head Coach Tommy Amekar played college hoops for Duke University before joining the Duke coaching staff and was raised in Falls Church, VA

Harvard University talks strategy during a timeout

Howard University's Marcel Boyd gets ready to take his shot

Howard University's Marcel Boyd goes airborne 

Founders Library at Howard University

Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, President of Howard University, showing his school spirit

Mr. and Miss Howard University along with the Howard University Royal Court

The Howard University Showtime Marching Band

And Then They Were Wed

Weddings mean so many different things to different people, and that's why I enjoy photographing them so much. For several hours I get to experience how others experience the joining together of two people in matrimony. The photo below is from a wedding a photographed a couple of days ago. It's a bride, who is also one of my friends, surrounded by her son and her nieces and nephews. This was a wedding that celebrated the joyful melding together of two families. What a wonderful wedding day memory and what a great beginning for this happy couple:)

About a Boy: A Photographic Journey

One of the most unique things about life as a photographer is how you become involved in the lives of your clients. I am a witness to the rhythms of their lives - the ebbs, the flows, and those pauses when life's waters are momentarily calm. I have photographed this child since he was born and it's a joy to see him now, reveling in his boyhood. I can't wait to see what good things the future will bring to him, but I'll make sure to have my camera at the ready:)

Shannon the Photo Gal at the 2015 17th Street High Heel Race

Every year, 17th Street in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC becomes the world's longest catwalk and the world's most fashionable 100 yard dash all in one night with the 17th Street High Heel Race. This year, racers sought inspiration from movies ("Clueless"), television ("Mama's Family"), and music (Dolly Parton and Salt 'N'Pepa). Here are the highlights - and a special thank you to X-Men's Storm for keeping away the rain! 

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!