How should we celebrate the turn of a calendar? This year we turn over a new decade. I was born in the 50s. I survived the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s and now I am alive in the 2020s. That totals eight different decades that I have lived in.

Lots has changed. The world seems angrier. Even the photography forums have become war zones. Even tribal. Why? To what end? How does it help anyone? Ever?

It can become, overwhelming.

So my New Year’s resolution, and my advice to you is this:

Look out for your neighbor. Look out for others. Place other people’s needs ahead of your own. While difficult, if you can do these things, you will be happier than ever.

2020 can be a great decade. Let’s all work to help one another.

Instead of being jealous that some other photographer won a camera or made the cover of a magazine, why not celebrate their success as if it were our own?

The Stoic Philosopher, Seneca – wrote:

“It’s in keeping with nature to show our friends affection and to celebrate their advancement, as if it were our very own. For if we don’t do this, virtue, which is made stronger only by exercising our perceptions, will no longer endure in us.”

You can teach yourself to actively cheer for other people. It just takes empathy.

And without empathy, it’s impossible to be a good photographer. Period.

So today’s New Year’s message is still a lesson about photography, I just took a long road to get there. You need empathy more than you need a new camera.

I am here to encourage and inspire you every week. I am also here to celebrate your success with you. As you often hear me say, I am rooting for you. Really.

I hope your new year is amazing.