Editors note –

I have much to do with working with people by taking better pictures and being a better communicator—my latest series of Newsletters address areas that have helped improve my photography. Becoming an expert on people allows me to specialize in covering people.

I love to play basketball. Over the years, I’ve had the rare opportunity to play with good players and a few professional basketball players. However, just because I played with outstanding players didn’t make me a pro player. It did open my eyes to the potential of a player.

I’m not in the physical condition of my youth, but my improved understanding of the game makes me a better player than when I could jump above the rim.

Being around the best in a field will help us learn. Conversely, when we reach out to help others, we are blessed at least as much as they are.

I have photographed the homeless in downtown Atlanta and heard them pray for the wealthy people in the suburbs. They’re worried that wealth may cripple the hearts of the rich and harm their relationships with others. They’re not praying for handouts but for people’s hearts.

I’ve served homeless men dinner at an overnight shelter, yet they have jobs at places like UPS. They send their money to their families living in towns where the cost is much less.

I’m unsure if I could make some of these homeless people’s sacrifices. Just being around these people teaches me a lot.

Some of my neighbors are from Bosnia, Croatia, Chili, Jamaica, Kenya, and Mexico. One family from Croatia had to pack in the middle of the night, leave everything they owned and flee from danger – not once, but twice.

Another neighbor, having already escaped the war and living safely in the US, returned to Bosnia to help his family and friends in the war raging in his home country. Now, back in the US, he spends his time in a wheelchair with a bullet in his back from that war. Last year his wife suffered a heart attack and died.

Just living around these immigrant neighbors teaches me so much about sacrifice. Their determination to make a better life for their children is astounding.

As a photojournalist, I have had the opportunity to meet so many people and hear their stories. It has given me a better perspective on life.

Another way I have been able to expand my relationships is through education. Formal education in the classroom forced me to learn about subjects I would have never encountered had the classes not been required. What I gained from my education experience is the desire to learn.

Reading biographies helps me to discover how a person was changed through time and experiences.

The Internet helps me connect with many people and reconnect with friends from the past. Our oldest son went off to college this year. He remained connected to many of his high school buddies through the Internet and cell phone.

This is a significant change from when I left for college. Then, with no Internet and cheap long-distance phone service, we had to sever ties with many of our friends.

I’m learning to improve my game; I need to reach up to those who are further along than me, those alongside me, and those who may need my help. I’ve also learned that when I reach down, I often reach up.

Reach out and get connected—it can change your life.