A few years back, I found a photographer online who I thought was so awesome.  Reading his bio and looking at his work felt like I was looking at the future me.  I felt such a connection with this guy, that I wrote him an email saying that we should hang out.  He was like "yeah cool!", but life got in the way and we never met up.

A year later, I ran into him at WPPI - a conference for photographers.  I approached him and started talking.  At this point, I had been following this guys work for so long, that I came off as a total fan.  As I stuttered "you're so awesome man!" I instantly demoted myself from a future friend/colleague to just another fan.  He said thanks, but immediately I could almost see a wall come up.  Like "aww man, you seemed cool." hehe...

A month ago, I had the opportunity to hang out with a different photographer who would be considered one of the most "famous" in the industry.  I also felt a strong connection with this guy's work and personality, but I had not looked too far into his work.  When we met, I didn't mention his work off the bat.  Instead, I treated him as I treat anyone: with love and respect.  Our friendship was really able to grow, and soon I was able to have real conversations from the heart.

I've thought about this a lot since then.  When people over-compliment me, I feel awkward and it changes the relationship.  It's hard to start a real friendship on flattery, and being treated like a celebrity definitely creates walls that most likely prevent anything different.

Thinking through this has reminded me that every person is as amazing as any other, and everyone desires real relationship and conversation.  Everyone is famous, incredible, and should be treated as so, but few people desire to be put on a pedastool - that kind of flattery doesn't really do any good. Those in the spotlight, more than anyone else, probably desire to be treated like normal human beings.

To be in the company of outstanding artists, work hard at being yourself and doing what comes naturally.  Following those you admire too closely may lead to losing your own style if you're not careful.  Even if you're not copying them outright, you may be trying too hard NOT to copy them which leads to second guessing your own genius.

On a deeper note, I think God desires real relationship more than fame too.

I'd really love to know what others think about this.  Comment through facebook or twitter below if you have a sec.