This past week I received the nicest thank you note from Julie Sotomura.  She thanked me for recognizing her project during Charity Fest here on the blog.  The first thing that hit me is what a class act it was to send a hand-written note, but here’s what really hits me the hardest:

I’m more a marketing guy than I am a photographer, but I am photographer groupie.    I’m fascinated by what all of you have chosen for your career.  I love seeing the images you capture and create.  It’s a kick to hear the enthusiasm when you come back from a wedding, an event or a project and you know you nailed it!  I can’t help but empathize over the stress you’re under in a tough economy, while still trying to keep up with all the changes in technology.

While I appreciate the comments from so many of you, including Julie,  thanking me for giving you a venue to share your experiences, the truth is, the “thanks” goes from me to all of you and from all of the manufacturers and associations you support.   Everything you do is a contribution to an industry I love dearly.  So many of you understate the service you provide, the joy you bring to every family you photograph and the impact of working so hard to give a little back.

As you lay out your plans for next year, remember there’s no such thing as a charitable cause too small.  The issue is simply giving back.   And, along the way, when you hit the wall and just run out of ideas, when frustration trumps the joy of creating, when the economy trumps your enthusiasm…put your camera down and spend a day with a friend!  Step away, clear your head, recharge your battery, sign up for a seminar you know you’ll enjoy and most important of all:  utilize your network.