I’ve written before about the 5 reasons I shoot every day. One of those is freeing inhibitions. Since becoming a photographer, I have gotten many a snide comment, a teasing jab at the camera I keep on hand at nearly every gathering, every event. Additionally, the number of times I’ve run into someone or been stumbled over as I work to get just the right angle, well, the number is embarrassing.

However, becoming my family’s historian is a gift I like to believe will be cherished for generations to come. Recently my father was hospitalized and his prognosis was unknown for quite some time. Months later at his birthday celebration, the image I captured of the life he exuded will forever remain one of the most treasured memories for all those who love him. Taking your camera to events, play dates, excursions and celebrations for the purpose of documenting rather than a single shot for the photo books changes the way you look at your time. Suddenly, the expressions, interactions, details take on new meaning. Then, burn a CD for those involved or set up a DropBox account for simple sharing. Allow others to experience the joy without a price. Shooting for the purpose of preserving history for future generations is humbling, noble and rewarding.

Art evokes emotion, and emotion is the essence of humanity. Stepping outside of the confines of the expected to reach for what speaks to the soul is a gift to oneself. However, there is more. Doing so frees others to see life in a new light. It unveils beauty. A recent getaway gave me the opportunity to shoot only landscape photography. Being primarily a portrait and lifestyle photographer, this presented the unique challenge of stretching my comfort boundaries.

However, in doing so, I was able to create art like I never had before, and a new sense of gratitude was born. Challenge yourself to shoot for the purpose of sharing what you have found beautiful. Consider abstract photography, macro photography, tilt shift photography, street photography. Then, after shooting, submit it, publish it, frame it, display it, give it. And, then, step back to watch the joy blossom.

Spend some time reflecting on what last moved you to the core. Although it’s easy to get caught in the routine, the logistics, the details, when was the last time you paused. When was the last time you wept? When was the last time chills swept across your skin, stilled to the soul by awe? Giving in the channel of a personal passion has the potential of being the most meaningful experience you may ever have.

Personally, I see birth as the greatest miracle there is. When a spirit joins earthside, pink lungs filled with life for the first time, skin against skin, love created new; it is everything. Nervous, excited, agony, nakedly vulnerable, the myriad of emotions through the arrival is unparalleled. Photography has given me an avenue of honoring mothers through photographing their births. While most of the time this is a paid endeavor, I am sensitive to every story and listening to the heart behind why some may not be able to afford my services gives me the chance to share my passion even in situations where I may not be getting paid and thus bless others in an incredibly sensitive time. Some of the most powerful experiences of my life have been when I have had the chance to gift my time and talents to families who do not have had the resources to pay me.

Once I photographed a family welcoming the birth of their much anticipated son after years of infertility through the miracle of a surrogate. Months later I was able to be a part of two families who had grown up together, whose children had fallen in love and just weeks before they all moved across the world from each other, the first grandson was born. In both of these situations, the reward of joining these celebrations was far more lasting than any paycheck.

As an entrepreneur, I am acutely aware of the essential nature of networking. Seeking out fellow creatives and small business owners to not only support their endeavors, but learn from their expertise has been an avenue of giving back I’ve just recently discovered. I keep a careful ear out for individuals whose work ethics humble me and whose drive inspires me. Kansas City local, Sam Unruh of Unruh Furniture, went from tinkering in his garage to employing and mentoring young men, to developing a reputable, outstanding brand, to now seeking out single mothers to provide charity through free family tables for in his own giving back. Partnering with him to feature his work has not only developed meaningful, strategic relationships but allowed us the opportunity to reach wider out to the community with our missions. Living on the land, working daily towards self-sustaining systems and provisions, everything about her life about dedication. In both cases, photographing these courageous individuals free of charge in order to recognize their work and success was an honor.

In a world flooded with information, we don’t have to seek out those who are hurting; they are ever present. However, photography is an avenue of not simply feeling, but responding. Look for ways to utilize photography to bless these individuals, these communities, whether by raising moral, awareness or funds. Being such a visual and viral industry, photography has a unique capability to reach an extremely broad audience. When a friend’s daughter was diagnosed unexpectedly with leukemia, I didn’t wait to be asked to get involved. I approached her gently but proactively, asking to partner with the campaign that was already in place. Within hours of adding photography to an amazing support system already in place, the donations doubled and exceeded their goal amount. Allow yourself to listen to the stories that are already happening. Let your heart settle on the magnitude of what those around you are facing. Then, allow your soul to sift through the information and dream for how you can come alongside your neighbors. Your unique involvement will, undoubtedly, be a gift.