From Today (March 15, 2006)

Before coming here, I had become quite stagnant. No-one here understood my passion for photography and thought it as just an obsessive hobby. No one could answer any of my questions or give suggestions or advice. I felt like I was beating my head against the wall. Now, I know that there is a distinct and special group of people who understand my love of photography, my desire to have a career in something I love so much. Since joining here, my whole outlook has changed. My goals are defined and slowly being acheived. My skills are improving slowly and my PS skills have improved greatly and are still improving.

Thanks to all of you.
MRudland


From This Month (February 2006)

Rob and James,

Ok I have to admit that in becoming a No B's member I was skeptical about the worth of "our" beloved website. I didn't know if this was just another website of photographers who just wanted to brag about how good they were.

But now -- wow You proved me wrong and I sincerely thank you for that.

I downloaded the actions from the website and I am a new woman -- ok maybe not really (after all it didn't help me shed that 30 extra pounds ) but seriously - You have opened a door that is starting a new career path for me. I have done photography as a hobby for over 20 year... a few years ago I started shooting a few weddings on the side - but you have renewed my love for this field simply because of the mentoring and unselfish act of helping others that you exercise from all that you offer on this terrific website. I plan my days to make sure I make time to view the tutorials and all the "STUFF" that are on there.

You've shown I don't have to know it all right now to get started back into it. What I don't know isn't a tool for failure any longer because somewhere on the website I will find the answer.

Can I tell you that I am working on fading out of a very successful field (Real Estate) to pursue my passion. My sales partner and I have sold over 7 million dollars in new construction this past year but I really do not enjoy it. ( The money is great but the hassles will zap your joy BIG TIME) But hopefully by this time next year I will be full time shooting with a new studio built on in the back of our home.

God Bless you both --- See ya on the site ! Hopefully you'll have a seminar in the Mid Atlantic region one day. The Commonwealth of Virginia awaits !

Louise (Lou)

Judy Fischmann

James, I just received a notice about my $20 recurring fee being billed. Just wanted to take the opportunity to say that this is the best monthly investment I've ever made. Since I joined NoBS on Nov 1, I've opened my photography business (had my first paying client exactly 3 months ago) and grossed over $12,000 in sales. There is no way I could have done it without NoBS.

Thank you!!!

Amy

Just wanted to send you another note (I am sure I did this once a long time ago) to tell you how much I appreciate what you do. This community has truly changed my life. I joined on 1.1.05 (I think) and I was barely a mediocre photographer. Barely. Over the course of the last year I have become a new woman. I have learned things I never could have imagined- met people I have dreamed about. I have made friends that I cherish every day- four people whom I love and hold in the highest esteem and consider truly dear friends. What an amazing opportunity you have afforded me and so many others.

This board has changed my world and I just wanted to take the time to thank you. I dunno if you get much feedback so I figured I would step up to the plate. Just thought you should know.
Love ya, Man

March 2006

Amy Burkett

Me being one of the new ones am SO happy to be here! I cannot begin to tell you how much I have learned the past 2 weeks. This website saved me so much time - so many resources are right here and I don't have to go search everywhere for answers. This website is a HUGE gift and I am very thankful that I can be apart of it and I cannot wait until I can contribute from experience!

We have hundreds of satisfied members. Why not you? Check out our best offer:

Read the open letter here

Joining NoBS has been one of the best decisions I have made in my 22 years of Professional Photography. whenever you have a question, someone knows the answer.This place is like family. It is amazing how fast members skills improve over such a short period. You got to check out the Download section, it's like a goldmine of tutorials, interviews and other valuable info. I can only think of 2 reasons not to join. 1. You are not serious about photography or you never heard of this place. I guess now you have one less reason not to join.

Since joining NoBS in 2005, my photography skills have gone through the roof. Everyone here shares ideas, gives you constructive help with everything from photoshop to marketing. We have become friends both on-line and in person. If you want to push your photography to the next level.. you have to join. Thanks, Rob & James, for everything that you guys do to make this a great place.

Best decision I have made. I am new to photography, but what I have learned from here in 2 months has been absolutely AMAZING. Not only is there great information, the people on here Hodgy, Rob and ALL of the others are so wonderfully helpful. So encouraging. LOVE this forum! If you want the become a better photographer, more creative...JOIN TODAY. You will no be disappointed.

Jason

Since joining NOBS my photography sales have quadrupled! Yes increased 4X over the same sales period from last year. This is the best teaching website on the net. This is the best $20 per month I spend.

Pat

The NoBS PhotoSuccess community of from novice to veteran photographers, combined with the immense repository of photographic tutorials, videos, guides and Photoshop goodies has been instrumental in helping me take my love for photography to a whole to new level! With these new skills I have gained enough confidence to begin my own part-time photography business.

Thank you Rob and James, and to all the forum moderators, and to all the members, for making NoBS PhotoSuccess the fun and dynamic learning environment that it is today!

John

When I joined NoBS a few short months ago, I was a complete beginner. There is such a wealth of knowledge here from the very basics to "how did they do that" information. You will find information here in such an easy to learn format that you will not find anywhere else. The "family" of members on this forum are very helpful and encouraging, but also shoot straight from the hip (tell you what works and what doesn't). What really impresses me too is the caliber of photographers on this site that so freely share what they have learned and give you pointers and tips and tutorials on how you too can rapidly better your photography.

Like I said, I started my business and NoBS a few months ago (3 to be exact), and I am already booking clients that I do not know that have seen my work. Not only has NoBS taught me better photography, but they also have jump started my marketing. If you want to learn how beautiful pictures are made and the 360 degree business of photography AND get your business going fast, this is the place to be.

When I switched to digital after 50+ years of film I was looking for a supportive community that was populated with people who were not only wanting to learn but also willing to share no matter what their experience level. I was also looking for a group that was non-judgemental focused more on helping and learning from each other.

I have tried and left many groups most because the members really didn't listen and pay attention to requests for help. With NOBs I found the most amazing friendly group of photographers I could imagine. They listen when critiques are requested and focus on what was asked for.

This comunity is what it is not only because of the generous and very gifted members but also because of it's moderators.

I also feel that I could go to any part of the country where NOBs members live and I could find more than willing playmates.

Unlike other forums that seem to encourage uniformity NOBS members value and encourage differences realizing that we all have our own path to follow in discovering and make use of our creative vision.

I love this forum! I have been a professional photographer since 2000. I have been on the forum for about 2 years or so, can't exactly remember..... Anyways, the people on this forum are so thoughtful and helpful, and I can't say thank you enough. I have learned soooo much on here I don't even know where to start! I can tell you that my photography has improved by a mile. I am a proud member of the PPOC and PPOC-SK and enter the print show every year, well this year I hung all four of my prints at the provincial convention, won an award for the best in class architecture as well as being a finalist for Photographer of the Year!!!! And I credit the forum for teaching me so much that I could accomplish this! So if you are looking for a place where you won't be judged and you need inspiration, this is the place to be! Thanks James and Rob for a great forum! You guys aren't so bad yourselves!!!

I was searching for some new tricks to put into my bag for working on my images in photoshop. I was running into a lot of mediocre advice and tools to use. Somehow I stumbled into this website and 'walked' around the non member area for a while watching all of the free tutorials and even trying it out on my own stuff. As a somewhat questioning analytical individual who doesn't have money to waste I really didn't want to spend the money to sign up nor the monthly membership fee. BUT I COULDN'T RESIST so I joined. What I found was a GOLD MINE of information, tools, tutorials AND THE KITCHEN SINK. Now I can't imagine NOT being a member. I think I would lose sleep at night!!! This place is like your corner of the boxing ring where everyone is on your side, ready to help, share ideas, hand out their tricks of the trade, and help your business grow. It is absolutely unreal. TRY WALKING UP TO YOUR COMPETITION IN YOUR TOWN AND ASKING THEM FOR THEIR TRICKS AND ADVICE....NOT GONNA HAPPEN, right?. Imagine this place as an extension of your brain. Seriously, it's a database for all the secrets that successful photography businesses use. I almost don't want to write this but I figure what the hell there is enough business out there for EVERYONE

I will write more later but I can quickly list a few things:

*Started my business in June 2004.
*Joined NOBS in November 2005 while COMPLETELY frustrated
*I was ready to give up. Really.

BECAUSE OF NOBS:

*NOBS turned my entire business around and allowed me to raise my wedding prices over 500%
*NOBS taught me studio lighting from scratch
*NOBS taught me posing and composition from scratch
*Just this year, I more than tripled my wedding prices and still have plenty of work
*I have streamlined my wedding workflow from several months down to several hours to several days to complete everything (still done a bit at a time due to the day job hanging around but I know once I do go full time, I can handle the volume of work)
*I just opened my studio
*I have access to the best photographers in the world, 24/7.
*I have received crazy amounts of free advice, tutorials, late night photoshop hand holding to talk me through problems/fixes/batch actions.
*AND ON AND ON AND ON AND ON!!!

Now I am building a business that I control rather than the business controlling me. And I have more than friends from NOBS. I have family from NOBS.

The NOBS difference is a caring attitude, honesty, and a willingness to help anyone else no matter where they are on their photographic or business journey. If you are reading this and thinking about whether or not to join- just do it. You will never regret it.

Sit and think about it or... Jump in and BLOSSOM.

That's the only way to describe it. Your craft and your business savvy will grow like never before. Even if you are a seasoned pro, the vast amounts of talent, insight, and creativity here are enough to make your head spin. Beginner to seasoned pro, NOBS is a great place to be.

Are you ready?

Yes you will learn a LOT from this great group of people....but what is even more important to my business is the friends I've made because of NoBs. The support I have received from these new friends sometimes is what makes me keeps me going.

HEY ! YOU'RE WASTING your time reading these testimonials !!! You should've JOINED yesterday when you were THINKING about it !!!

Being a photographer we all have to continuously look for new and different things to learn and try. Going to school is not an easy task with my regular work schedule, so I have always looked for training videos, online information, and attended workshops and seminars to keep updated and learn new things.

I have been doing photography for about 20 yrs; professionally for 9 of them, in addition to my career. I ran across this forum earlier this year in my search, and it seemed to be EXACTLY what I was looking for.
I read all about it again and even called the number to ask a few more questions. To my surprise, I didn't get a recording like you do for most companies. I got James...one of the founders, who gladly answered my questions.

I joined that day and haven't looked back. This is the BEST money any photographer can spend on INVALUABLE TRAINING and support ! The members are more than helpful in any issues you might have, or advice you may need. You will find yourself immersed in information, and may find it hard to go to bed for a few days !

I am a better photographer thanks to my NoBs family ! My work looks so much better, and I get more compliments on my photos than I ever have, from the things I have learned here.

SO..You think you can't afford to be a member ?? In My opinion, YOU CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO !
Thank You James and Rob !!

I have been "Doing" photography on the side for about 7 years. Wanting to do more but nervous of doing much more. I started using custom colour lab in Toronto (at the recommendation of a photographer who I think saw potential in me). Shortly after starting to use that lab I got a post card about Niagara School of Imaging. I researched it on the web and came across Rob and James and the NoBS program.

I didnt go last year because of poor planning and frankly because of lack of belief. But since then, I have heard more about Rob and James... visited their websites and showed Sharon my wife. We sat down one night and agreed that I owed it to myself to go to NSI in 2007. I booked off work 6 months in advance, booked my photo calendar off that week (but still shot a wedding the nightbefore and the saturday after, ya really tired after all that but worth it).

NSI opened my photography taste buds like they were the first time I did black and white photography in the darkroom. I was excited to be there... The friends I met were amazing.

OK SO YOU ARE THINKING WE'RE SUPPOSED TO TALK ABOUT nOBS NOT NSI.

I know but that was what introduced me to Rob, James and the number of NoBS members that were there. Each one spoke enthusiastically about it and we offering to 2nd shooter a wedding with each other...

Both Rob and James openly admitted that they were going to talk about the forum there. James made the effort to make sure I joined. He even went so far as to ask if I was going to join the professional photographers of Ontario soon. I told him yes but doubtful the regular pro in town would sponsor. He said when I was ready and if I couldn't find a sponsor, to contact him and he would help me join.

NOW.... ON TO THE NoBS RAVES !!!

I took a few weeks to think/digest everything from the NSI course and then joined the forum. I installed wireless connections in my house shortly after the first week so I could download and visit the website whenever I wanted... that's how happy I was. I visit it a couple of times daily (I don't want to become tooooo adicted to it) to view topics and hit the download section.

I used some items within hours of downloading. My price took a modest jump of 30% in average wedding sales right at the beginning and I feel that it will only get better because I only used a couple of key things for those presentations.

Worth it? Defintely!,
Addictive? Yes but in a good way.
Helpful? Beyond the words that I have written here.
Recommend to others? If I didn't, it would only be because they are dead or are total ***** (lets use twits)that don't believe photography is alive any more and don't want to learn.

Repectfully and enthusiastically yours

Brian Coleman of
COOL-man Photography
Timmins, Ontario

ps/ James, studio will under go full name change in spring... have be subtley using new one with correspondance and projects this month.