Sleeping with the Enemy

I feel like telling everyone a story... {so deal with it}

Meet Deb.



In the world of business, Deb is my "enemy". Not literally (how could you hate a face like that!?!?) but she is my direct competition. Same target market and I could probably throw a rock and hit her house if I wanted to (watch out Deb...)

I met Deb through a social networking site for Moms and saw that she was a photographer, in my area....and she was good *gulp*. Oh no, more talent infiltrating MY area!

Then I got to know Deb...and she was awesome. She made me laugh and (*gasp*) I learned a thing or two! I started to get to know her and it seemed ridiculous that we couldn't be friends!

And then...I had a revelation. Deb and I had coffee yesterday and it was just meant to be a time to get together and catch up. Slowly after the conversation progressed, talk turned to photography. We talked about clients, advertising, shoots...all of the stuff geeky photographers talk about.

It hit me, we all have "ISUCKITIS" at some time. I look at the work Deb is doing and think, "wow I wish I could be there". I see her post a new session and think, "I can't believe she's getting work and I'm not". I see her buy advertising and think, "I can't believe she can afford that". When really, we're all in the same boat.

There is always two sides of the story. So if there is a photographer you admire (and maybe secretly envy) take them to coffee. Maybe they'll let you in on the fact not ALL of those shoots they posted were paid....or the fact they got a discount on that ad spot. Maybe you'll walk away feeling like you not only have a friend, but an "enemy" you really like.

[oh and go check out my amazing enemy @ http://debradeanphotography.wordpress.com/ cause she really does rock]