I don't really remember how I gravitated here, it's been so long. I remember liking James' wedding work for quite some time. I didn't (and still don't) don't shoot weddings, but beautiful photography is beautiful photography, period. I was going to write on about how I got started and how NoBS factored into the growth of my business, but really it boils down to this.... There are wonderful photographers here. Some are lovably egotistical, some are completely humble, some have no idea of the talent they possess. Everyone has their own style and everyone ELSE appreciates and champions that. If you can find a place that champions your style, just because it's YOURS. Stay there.

There are some amazing photographers here....plus if you want to know how to make a Ring Flash out of a pie tin, a stick of bubble gum ,and some dental floss this is the place to be!

I went from shooting $500 weddings (and feeling like I was barely worth it for all that work) to just finishing up a two day school portrait job with a total just under $7,000.

And you know what? I earned it!

I don't know if that influences anyone who is just checking out this site- but if it weren't for NOBS, then I would NEVER have learned studio lighting and I would never have the opportunities that are opening up for me right now.

Here! Here!

NoBS, really opened the door for me to the next level (styles, business and resources).

FWIW, Kris is a great role model for "Going Pro"...I love reading her advice and stories (You should write a book ;))

NOBS is what took me to the next level. Worse than Kris at $500 weddings, I was doing them for free! I was so stoopid!!! Most of my photography was free because it was fun for me. I learned my initial workflow from NOBS' Big Kahuna - yeah, I purchased it before it was free online - still have my disks.

I've been a lot of places and met quite a few great people, but no place is as inviting as NOBS. The people are real and not so full of themselves that they look down on others who are just beginning. I don't think being arrogant goes with being a great photographer or businessman(woman). One thing that's a must is learning the business side. Otherwise, you're just wasting your time.

Something else I love about NOBS is the lack of gear snobbery. Once you learn your craft, you'll know what gear you need. Gear is a tool; it's what you do with it that counts.

I'd have to agree that Kris Gay should be the NOBS poster child for success.

Peace.

HA, you guys are funny. I'm still a mess in some areas. What I love about NOBS is that I can post a question in the "digital shop talk" area and say, "OK, I know we've talked about this a million times but I *STILL* don't get it."

Someone will always be there to help you out, without making you feel stupid, and if necessary- they will talk you through it VERY SLOWLY with great examples, screenshots, even go through it over the phone with you. Seriously. I have talked to so many of my fellow NOBS members on the phone and Skype. It's like a big family here. From photoshop questions to accounting questions to marketing and more- EVERYONE here has the NOBS attitude of helping, teaching, and caring.

That's what this site is about. It's THE BEST place on the net to learn photography. It's more than a members only forum. It's FAMILY. It's your morning, noon, or night meeting with the marketing department. It's 24/7 tech support from your best friends. It's sharing what works, what doesn't work, and why. It's your cheerleading section when you're down and your cheerleading section when you win.

One great big nerdy, techy, creative family of wonderful people.

Are you in?

I love this site. All the advice and help is just plane awesome. The first thing that I noticed after joining No BS is that there isn't the constant bitching that you get on all the other sites. I wish that I had found this site when I first got back into photography. It would have saved me thousands$$$