DC FashionWeek 2016 Goes Underground with Crystal Couture!

While all eyes in the fashion world will be trained on New York Fashion Week this week, the streets of Washington, DC were filled with fashion this weekend as DC Fashion Week kicked off this past week with the annual Crystal Couture Fashion Shows and sales. Featuring local designers and models, the event was fun, fierce and fashionable! Here are a few great runway looks:

Shannon Photo Gal on the Scene: The DC premiere of the Jesse Owens bio-pic, "Race"

The story of the fastest man on earth is about to hit theatre screens. "Race" tells the story of Olympian Jesse Owens, played by actor Stephan James. Mr. James, along with Stephen Hopkins, the film's director, hit the red carpet at The Newseum. 

Actor Stephan James and Director Stephen Hopkins

Actor Stephan James

Gloria Owens, daughter of Jesse Owens, surrounded by her family

Gloria Owens, daughter of Jesse Owens, greets actor Stephan James

Actor Stephan James with Congressman John Lewis

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!