This year, I had a wonderful opportunity to take part in a workshop with photography legend Joe McNally in New York City during the Christmas season.

For several days, we walked the streets of Manhattan, practicing new techniques to capture the festive mood and getting daily critique from the maestro himself. What makes Joe McNally stand out from his peers of insanely talented and successful photographers? He is a very humble and tactful coach who eagerly shares his trade secrets.

Here’s just a small portion of the photographs I took on the first night of the workshop in Lower Manhattan, wandering in and out of Oculus at World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial Pools, and Winter Garden at Brookfield Place.

Thank you, Liza and Ari at Fancy Girl Street Boy, for organizing the workshop and being wonderful hosts and welcoming guides.