Photography. Blood. Sweat. Tears.

It seems like just yesterday I was sitting here worrying about the start of a summer season at the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops. Could I handle the fast pace? The stress? 16-18 hour days? Would I have a chance to sleep *at all*?

This summer has been a blur, a good one, but a blur nonetheless. Days are busy, fast-paced...shoot...shoot...shoot....edit...sneak in a few hours of sleep...get up the next morning....critique....then out on location again to shoot some more...

I can't think of another environment that could have boosted my photographic skills and eye faster than being completely immersed in the workshops for 9 weeks. Today was the last location shoot that I will do this summer. I sat there thinking, Wow. It seems like just the other day I was in Arthur Meyerson's workshop (during the first week), shooting in Albuquerque. And, Megan and I were both trying to get our feet under us and figure out how to balance classes and work.

But I am here. I am a better photographer, a more understanding and tolerant person, and have a newly-invigorated passion for photography because of the work I've done this summer.

There was blood. There was sweat. And there were tears (yesterday, actually...). But, what an amazing summer it has truly been. I don't quite feel ready to leave! We will see how everything plays out between now and graduation, but I am seriously considering applying to work here again next summer.

What an amazing experience & opportunity. ...and to think I completely blew my phone interview with Nerissa back in April, calling from Iceland, during my spring break. psht.

Everything plays out as it should.

With love & a touch of nostalgia,

~ Katie