There are a huge number of photographers in any area trying to carve out a living. I do not see any of these folks as 'competitors', even have some as friends. Granted, most do not have forty years of experience from New York to San Diego to SanLuis Obispo, but that is only a part of me. What I present to everyone is ME. I sell my being who I am; my can and will do attitude; my experience as the backdrop to that which I can do  and my willingness to listen. I belong to a professional photographers association, but do not carry that as a cudgel to beat anyone with. It is just a part of ME.