Photoshopping (or post-processing) has always been my waterloo and there were times in my photography-life wherein I find myself throwing in the towel (good thing I pick it up again). I get frustrated with monitor and color calibrations, over and/or under processing a photo, selecting which Adobe Action to use and list of qualms goes on.
However, to compensate for my lack of post-processing skills, I have been working so hard for the past year to understand and trust my camera so well (have been tempted to switch but stuck with the ever-reliable Nikon) and how it behaves with my single lens (I sold the rest of them). I bet it was a relief for my husband JZ because it meant that I won’t be spending tons on gears. 
On top of that, I have learned to search and find the best light that will work for each situation that I am in with my subjects. I have failed in numerous occasions but thanks to the digital world, I didn’t have to deal with wasted film rolls. 
Moreover, the last session I had with Debi and Peng gave me so much reassurance on my personal growth with this journey. I was and still ashamed to admit that I was at first scared of that shoot knowing that I have to deal with snow (exposure problem), full-sun (shooting at 2:00 in the afternoon with a cloudless sky) and cold-weather (fogging, etc). However, I managed to come of out it unscathed — I will be forever thankful with that wonderful couple for their patience while I took practice shots and fiddled with my settings). Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Anyway, I didn’t put this image on my earlier posts for them because I feel this is so special — that I want it to be a photo du jour feature on my blog. I showed it to them while we were shooting and now I am showing it to my blog readers for the first time — almost straight-out-of-camera (we call it SOOC) and did not need much photoshopping at all.
I am so grateful, satisfied and happy lately because I feel like I grew an inch or so…
How about you, what aspects in your lives do you see improvement(s)? Please do share.
I am excited for the weekend. JZ and I are visiting and maybe cooking for our parents (in-laws for me) tomorrow .
Happy Friday all!
Much love,
Joyce
I would love to improve and learn more re. photography. Will you ever do workshops? The photos that you share are always inspiring. More power!
Link | February 5th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
@Tori Are you kidding me? Workshops? :p I am too premature for that.
I can give tips here and there, though. Please feel free to email me at joyce@joycedzphotography.com. I will be so happy to address them. 
Thank you so much for always being kind.
Link | February 5th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
[Whistle...]
That would be tough ‘coz you’re a natural. Even the pictures that you took using a regular camera have just the perfect angle and lighting.
I’d like to become a great photographer like you when I grow up
Link | February 5th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
you didn’t look scared at all during the shoot! i don’t think you need to be… you’re just naturally gifted!
Link | February 5th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
@Bel Hahahaha. Thanks much. You are so supportive.
Link | February 7th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
@Debi Thank you for saying that. Of course, cannot make it too obvious because I needed to put you two at ease first. But with Peng’s antics, it made me forget all those initial worries.
Link | February 7th, 2010 at 1:56 pm