A good friend of mine was already active on LivingInHD.com when they told me about it. Knowing my interest in technology and social media, they thought I would enjoy learning about HD from a community of both experts and non-experts alike with a willingness to share their knowledge and experience. Since that initial conversation, my experience here has been amazing - though sometimes I have to curb my enthusiasm for what I have learned and appreciate how far I still need to go. LiHD is very humbling as well as empowering. Everyone can benefit and everyone has intrinsic value. I saw that when I first visited.

Growing up I had an interest in art. My family and friends always encouraged me to improve and enjoy what I was doing. I try to incorporate that into all aspects of creative expression - even when taking family photos. However, the stories and memories associated with these photos are more important to me than any composition. The photos represent a story that the family can commune around and share memories. Sure you still need to have good composition and so on, but the emotions the photos will kindle when viewed by anyone in the family is what makes them spiritual and emotive touchstones.

Similarly, I try to maintain this communal emotive connection between the photos I upload and my LiHD family - from those who welcomed me to members who are just joining now. For this reason I try to upload images that will inspire others as I have been inspired. Once you belong to the community here you realize it's very unique and that there's a strong positive will amongst members. It's humbling and everyone contributes in one way or another. I try and ask myself, "How can I positively contribute to the wellspring I have found so someone else will be as motivated as I have become?" I hope I don't insult anyone by making the analogy of LivingInHD.com as a "community chest" that everyone can benefit and take from the virtual cache of positive, boundless, useful and actionable will.

My favorite photos are the ones taken soon after I had first joined the community here in the gallery "National Audobon Society". That project was my first DVD project because I have so many photos and great video but it's the fact that I didn't accomplish that on my own that makes it special. Aside from supplying the tools for the project, LiHD inspired the courage to be curious and inventive while exploring how to positively impact the world. I hope those photos and the final project reflect the scope of empowerment and motivation that LiHD has beyond just the site.

I have so much more to learn before I can offer advice, but I will say this: Be Bold. Don't be intimidated by technology or trying new things. Take advantage of the limitless opportunities of doing, sharing and growing that this community and the LiHD site has to offer.

LivingInHD.com has affirmed my confidence in Panasonic as one of the most progressive and generous companies today. Through this community they have created an environment of such strong positive energy I don't believe there is a limit to what I will continue to gain while here. Not only for myself, but also for the many other people they have empowered with this great resource. Thank you to everyone involved in creating LiHD - past, present, and future.