In 2009 we have some wonderful opportunities to gather both online and at our in-person Summit events. You are a very special group of people who are making a difference to others. By joining together, we can all improve – not only creatively, but on a much deeper level. Bringing together professionals that offer skills to enhance your photography is a wonderful thing, but what is really special is the realization that BetterPhoto is enhancing lives through connecting people.

In my years leading BetterPhoto, one of the most pivotal things I've learned is that I'm not alone in having felt lonely as a photographer. Although it's a deeply satisfying hobby, photography can also be an isolating experience. Realizing how common this feeling is has been life changing for me and will drive some new directions at BetterPhoto. The feedback I get from members is that they not only have been able to improve as photographers, but find themselves belonging to something. Despite our many resources, we consistently get requests to offer more of an ongoing program where people can share a journey together. Photography for most of us isn't a temporary hobby, more often our lives are transformed through the view finder, and finding like-minded people to share this with is a dream come true for many of us.

Recently as I looked at our company name I realized that my goal has always been to help people become better photographers, but also, to nurture and enjoy relationships here. I have enjoyed getting to know other people who understand my determination to find new things to shoot, and my need to set and achieve goals to improve my photography. We'll never be perfect, but we can always improve. We can't always measure up to other people's expectations, but we can identify our own life goals and work together towards those achievements. We can't always motivate ourselves, but with friends that share our goals, the likelihood of success multiplies. Together, the journey is enhanced.

With all the talk of New Year's resolutions, it only seems fitting that I would share my very personal goal with you that was inspired by Ansel Adams himself. Ansel Adams had a personal and professional goal to create one masterpiece each month. In homage to Ansel, we are launching the special Masterpiece Membership. In this program, we offer a safe place to share your dreams, motivating assignments to continue your path to excellence, and an atmosphere where we will champion and challenge each other. We will recognize achievements and strive for greatness. We will hold each other accountable and together we will thrive. We will stretch our skills and share experiences, and as a group, move forward to make 2009 the best year ever.

In my effort to push myself to continue to improve and do my best work as a photographer, I invite you to join me in http://www.betterphoto.com/Masterpiece-Membership/. With a Masterpiece Membership, you will receive monthly assignments, private newsletters and video tips, and be eligible for rewards for your efforts. This membership is for serious nature, animal, flower, people, travel, landscape photographers... anyone with a passion for artistic, creative photography! Masterpiece Membership offers motivation and the special experience of being in the inner circle of elite photographers making a masterpiece every month.

Experience the thrill of sharing your love of photography with http://www.betterphoto.com/Masterpiece-Membership/. Be a part of something special... join like-minded photographers and make masterpieces every month!

James Miotke
Founder, BetterPhoto.com