I feel like the purpose to life is making a difference in someone else’s. Often times it is tempting to make it about you but when it comes down to it, when it comes to what would I be thinking about if I were on my death bed, it would be about the kind of impact I had on other people.
When I chose to be a wedding photographer, I thought my contribution as a career would be simply geared toward my brides, grooms, and their families. I thought – I get to provide them with awesome memories for the rest of their lives, and that’s pretty cool!
It took me a while to wrap my head around the idea that I have the possibility of inspiring others too. As a by product of expressing myself and sharing work online, I started getting positive comments and emails. I got asked to speak at a local middle school for Career Day. I had a casting agent contact me about a documentary series – they were looking for passionate photojournalists.
You might not be aware of it, but you have an impact on other people ALL the time. All the little things you do (and don’t do) contribute to other people’s lives.
Overall, I think if you do and share what is important to you, it’s good for you and it’s good for everyone else. 
Receiving emails like this always make my day!:
Hi Christine (:
My name is Manelle. I personally just want to send you a message just to tell you how much you have truly inspired me. I am currently 15 years old and very clueless. I had no passion in life and what I wanted to be. I was lost and confused. One day I stumbled upon your blog and I was simply amazed. Right then and there, I knew I had a passion for photography. I never really thought I’d love it but you truly inspired me to go big and get out there! I want to be a successful wedding photographer like you. Although I am still a freshmen in high school I have made it my goal to make this a career. I want to do whatever it takes to make my dreams into a reality and a big part of it is all because of you. (: I simply want to thank you. I want to find happiness in what I do for a living just like you (: Best wishes in all that you do and never stop inspiring young individuals like me (: I really really really hope to hear from you.
xoxo Hugs and Kisses from Hawaii
At Emerson Middle School for Career Day. The curiosity of the kids was refreshing. Their questions were VERY simple and straightforward (I love that). How much do you make? How do people know about you? What if someone doesn’t like their pictures? It made me laugh.
I met with a casting director last week. Being on the big screen has never been a goal of mine (minus my cameo in “The Fast & the Furious”, which I will discuss some other time … eek). I didn’t respond to the calls at first because it wasn’t something I wanted to focus my time on. “I’m not an actor,” I thought. The last voice message said that they really wanted to meet with me and that they would send a rep to my place. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that things flow a lot easier (and more fantastical!) when you say YES. So we met, it was great, and we will see what happens from here!
Share what you are passionate about. Look at someone when you are having a conversation with them. Show appreciation. Flash a smile at a stranger.
What are some ways that you contribute to others?
AWESOME!! =)
absolutely perfect!
And you charge $7K to make that difference in someone else’s life. That’s not “contribution” — that’s selling your services.
Don’t get me wrong, you’re a great photographer, but you’re not a saint.
Hi Sue. Everyone is allowed to his/her own opinion and I thank you for yours. To me, contribution has nothing to do with money and there is nothing negative about someone hiring you if they want your services. Contribution is simply about sharing what you love to do. All the best.
Please. You’re not SHARING what you love to do, you are SELLING what you love to do, to the highest bidder, who can afford $7k for photography. And your blog is an advertisement.
I never said there was anything negative about that — you were the one who used that word.
And all the best to you too.
I think it’s fair to say that what one does for a living is part of what you contribute to the world. If you’re an logistics manager you contribute order. If you’re a medical researcher you contribute information for new treatments. If you’re a writer maybe it’s ideas. Your actions change the world (even if it’s just a little bit) and Christine’s photos and sharing of photo knowledge change the world in a positive way.
It’s a pity there will always someone that tries to turn something positive into something negative.
Thank you Christine for your inspiration! I’m currently married and will never be in use of your services. However, reading your blog has taught me to be more positive. For that alone, I am very greateful.
Keep up the good work!