Everyone has had one of those days… you know where you wonder if it is all really worth it? Perhaps a Mother of the Bride snaps at you, or you spend 6 hours straight just editing photos all the while your spouse or child sits on the couch alone, whatever it is, every once in awhile it is good to step back and remember why you fell in love with your profession in the first place. Using your talents for the greater good is a wonderful way to use your skills and revitalize your soul. Whether you are a photographer, stationer, planner, or even a blogger, you can use your talent to make a difference in the lives of others and I guarantee it will make you feel incredible. Here are a few ideas to help you make your talent matter for others:

Photograhers:

• Operation: Love Reunited Professional photographers volunteer their time and talent to provide photo sessions for military families. The organization recognizes that snapping photos may be the last thing on a military family’s mind but knows the memories are just as important. They document Goodbyes, Welcome Homes, and time in between. They can capture first steps, proms, and any moments missed by deployed soldiers. They’ll even send the soldier an album if they are deployed after the session takes place.
• Sage Wedding Pros presents Be A Giver: In an effort to raise money for their charity, Get Hitched Give Hope,  Sage Wedding Pros is offering an incentive to photographers who will commit to giving $100 from one session to GHGH. In turn GHGH will blog about you and the session to give you a little promotion as well. GHGH raises money for the terminally ill, so promotion or not, you will know that a little good came of your session and you brought a little joy to someone’s life.
• Volunteer your time to take high quality photos at women’s shelters, animal shelters, or charity events.

Stationers:

• Offer to create marketing material, logos, flyers, or ads for non-profit organizations.
• Create some cheery cards and drop them off at a local hospital or nursing home.

Planners and Event Designers:

• Offer to plan, organize or design a charity event.
• Offer to plan, organize, or design events for military families, sick children, or battered women.
• Hold a sale that benefits charity with extra decorations or things you don’t use anymore.

Other Vendors:

• Offer your services as raffle prizes at charity events.
• Offer to donate part of the proceeds of one wedding or event each month to a charity of your choice.

Doing something solely for the purpose of helping another is the absolute best way to put your life in perspective, keep you grateful, and get you out of the day to day rut a stressful job can put you in. I guarantee you will walk away refreshed and honored that you were able to use your amazing talents to bring joy to another.

All photos via Operation: Love Reunited.