Too many times people hear of a good cause and wonder how they can help? I’ve often been caught with the feeling of I want to do something but I just don’t know what or how to help.

The tragic earthquake in Haiti opened my eyes to how I can help causes that are dear to me. Laura Bergerol and Staci Ericson invited me to take part in their project “Images Without Borders” which benefited Doctors Without Borders -who sprung into action to aid the victims of the Haitian earthquake. (Link to a previous blog post re: Images Without Borders)

I gladly accepted the invitation but it left me with a feeling of – I want to do more. But how?

The two questions that stuck with me were – what’s my passion, who can I help and how can I help. After some thought and these questions were answered the rest fell into place.

I knew I was passionate about music and photography. I thought I could compile a book of my music photography and publish it with all the proceeds going to a selected non-profit organization.

After kicking around the project’s premise and model with Kristina it dawned on us – Let’s open it up with a call for submissions and get other photographers involved. There has to be other people I share the same passions with – right? The more the merrier and now there can be the potential for this project to grow.

The light switch flipped on and The Music Matters Project was born.

Everyone who I have spoke to regarding this project has been amazing. I am overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness. Thank you to those who sent photos, volunteered to help, passed the word on and/or gave us the “thumbs up.” Without you this project may still be a thought without a plan.

I invite anyone who has a passion for music, photography and music photography to submit to The Music Matters Project or to help spread the word.

Complete details of the project along with project updates can now be found on The Music Matters Project’s website and we can also be followed on Twitter – @musicmatterspro)

I challenge everyone who reads this - how can your photography help others? Pick a project that is important to you – get involved and help someone else.

(I wanted to take a break from my regular posts and post an update to a previous post from 12/30/09)

2010 is off to a great start and I wanted to take a minute to provide a quarterly update of my 2010 declarations. As I stated before I do not believe in resolutions but I do believe in declarations. Saying you are going to do something and work toward that initiative, so here is an update with where I am with each one.

Health: I am tuned into what I need. I am still living a vegetarian lifestyle and enjoying it immensely. Late nights have been a little more frequent than I would like and that is in relationship with my pursuit of music photography.

Photography: I am shooting more photos than ever. I think the images I have put out during 2010 have been some of my best work. Last week I secured the venue and made strides towards planning my 40/40 exhibit. Also, I have started The Music Matters Project which benefits Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. (My goal is for The Music Matters to be an annual project.)

Personal: I believe I am working towards being the best person I can but I think that’s not for me to judge. I can honestly say that I am trying. During the last three months I have been active and met some cool people I have only known from twitter and blogs. Knowing that there are some real smart, good people in our creative/technical community here in Arizona who are willing to help you while placing a high emphasis on collaboration has impacted my life. This morning I submitted to present at Ignite 7 in June and I am part of the weekly #phxhoops crowd.

Professional: This is an area I feel I have fallen short. I am very distracted with opportunities. There are many side projects I am working on. I thinks it’s time I  regain focus and keep my eye on the prize. All professional decisions will be based on whether or not it’s moving me towards my goals.

If I had to put a grade on where I am for My Declarations of 2010 – I’d grade myself at a B-. Everyday I strive for progress. I am making simple improvements that will benefit me over the long haul.

Your turn…Did you have any Declarations for 2010? Share some with us and how you are doing?

Thanks for reading. In April I have a lot of photography and music related articles planned. I appreciate you letting me go off topic a little today.