I just wanted to take a few moments to wish everyone happy holidays – whatever you celebrate. Especially during these harsh economic times, it is sometimes hard to see the good in the world. But don’t let the times pull a dark cloud over the season. Do your best to make it joyful to at least one other person. You don’t have to give presents to spread joy. You can do a small gesture of kindness for someone and make just as much of an impact. Scrape the ice off a co-worker’s car or salt your neighbor’s sidewalk. If you have some things lying around that you aren’t using, donate them to a good cause.

As a photographer, you have some unique opportunities. You can put your photojournalism hat on and document some of the goodwill or the needs around you. Memorialize the volunteers who have dedicated large portions of their time to help out in shelters and soup kitchens. Educate the masses about the poverty that exists in many places in this world. Your photograph could change the minds of just a few people, and that could make a significant change in the lives of many.

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