Though I sometime I may sound negative (something I will definitely be working on in the year to come), I try to build my life in a series of good actions. It requires just a little bit more effort but creates a positive vibe around your persona. It’s called Good Karma.

More than a superstitious trend, I see Karma as a way of life, trying to always keep things in balance. The other day, I was walking towards the studio. Our lift had been broken for a week and people needed to bring up stuff to their loft using the basic elevator. A fellow photographer was emptying his truck and was having a hard time balancing a bunch of seamless. As I approached, they started to fall off, so I ran to give the guy a hand. A warm thank you later, I decided to assist him unloading the gear in snowy conditions. I took the extra time and got to talk to the guy, ending up having a very interesting conversation. That morning, I could’ve simply walked by, minding my own business but I figured that in the same situation I would appreciate the helping hand.

Another situation hit me just a week ago. As we were finishing up lunch, I helped cleaning up the table before getting back to work. The client came to me surprised saying that she didn’t remember ever seeing a photographer helping out with the dishes on a shoot. At first, I didn’t know if she thought it was a good thing. Then I simply told her I didn’t really believe in strict hierarchy on a set. Of course, everybody knows his role, but it’s not a reason for me to act as if I was better than anybody else and that if I had the time, I would definitely pitch in.

I’m simply giving out these examples as simple yet effective way to score some extra Karma points! In these times of instant gratifications, it’s nice to do something just out of good will. Good deeds will never set you back. But they will create stronger bonds with the people around you, reinforcing their loyalty. Sometimes you help out a stranger and it just makes you feel good. Then, helping out doesn’t take the extra effort anymore, it becomes a natural reflex. Because you never know when you’ll be the one in need of a helping hand…