In November, I went to this amazing weekend photography workshop run by Me Ra Koh, who is an award winning photographer. I was there with twenty other inspiring, creative women who are just as addicted to their cameras as I am! And it was also my first night that I spent away from my little man since he was born *sniff*. He did really well hanging with his Dad though, and I for one could not believe that I was sitting alone in the hotel having breakfast on Sunday and reading the New York Times- when was the last time that happened?! 
The workshop was not only chock full of technical tips but also filled with inspiration for the more intangible process of embracing your own style, creativity, and point of view as a photographer. It reminded me that even a maestro guitarist has to tune his guitar before he plays, and similarly, photography is not something that you just figure out one day and then you’re done. It’s a process of tuning, refining, practicing, and embracing your own version of the art form. It’s really more about telling the story and capturing the emotion of the moment than it is about having consistently flawless shutter speed or aperture.
I also have to say that I fell deeply, madly in love that weekend. With an 85mm/f 1.2 that I used as a loaner lens during the practicum. So I decided I couldn’t live without it and went out and ordered one. Merry christmas to MOI. 
Here are some pictures that I took during the weekend!
[I know this isn't the typical 'smiley baby' picture, but I have to say that I do love the little upside-down U that a baby's face makes when they are about to really belt it out, and let me tell you this little cutie was NOT happy about shedding her nice warm christmas sweater, or shy about letting people know it. You can tell her whole face is frowning.]
Hello world! Check out my blue eyes!
Wow…some of your best so far. Watch the focus on that 1.2…it’s paper thin! Keep it up Mary…good work.