I love the Old Testament story of David and Goliath (I Samuel 17). It's an age old story of how a lowly shepherd boy, and unlikely hero, with only a staff, common sling and five stones toppled the Philistine giant, Goliath. Even if you're not a biblical follower, this crystal clear metaphor is strikingly applicable to all photographers.

To this day, when reading this story...I still chill up with goosebumps. And am inspired to face my own giant problems with my own staff, sling and five small stones.

As photographers today, we have so many Goliaths in our paths. Recession. Economy. Keen competition. Limited resources. Fear. Insecurity. Panic. Apprehension. Over-saturation. Market decline. Any one of these, in and of themselves, is crippling. But in aggregate, they're paralyzing. They are giant problems. That need to be faced, battled and even defeated. With great solutions.

David, probably a teenager at the time and youngest son of Jesse, refused to put on the king's battle armor. He chose, instead, to wear his tunic. Because that is what he was comfortable with. He was playing to his strength.

The terrifying giant, Goliath, with his sword, spear and javelin, was seemingly no match for the small, untested David, with his staff, sling and stones. But we all know how the story ends. David triumphs. And he triumphs almost beyond belief.

The metaphors and lessons here are endless. David took action, in spite of terrifying and debilitating odds. He believed in himself. He had faith. He found a hole in the armor and sank a stone in the giant's head. He played to his strength. He believed that his own weaponry, although seemingly inferior, could and would challenge the mighty battle-worn weaponry of Goliath.

What Goliath's are you facing? What staff, sling and stones do you have in your arsenal? Do you believe in yourself? Do you have confidence to compete? Do circumstances paralyze you? Or do you paralyze your circumstances? What armor are you refusing to wear? Are threats, criticism, insults stopping you in your tracks? Or are you standing tall, against the giant's threats?

For the first time in history, the internet has leveled the playing field - now and forever. You, a lowly photographer, can compete with giants. You have the resources within reach to tame and topple those that oppose you and your plans. To conquer and rise victorious. To turn a seemingly impossible situation into a moment of triumph! To stand up. And stand out.

So go collect those stones. Look for chinks in the armor of your competition. Believe in yourself. Have faith. Hurl away. Stand proudly on the head of Goliath. This is your day. This is your battle. This is your moment.