NoBs Digital Dogbowl

The Inferno Report from James' Perspective

You think photography is hard? Try typing out your thoughts after you have just come back from a NoBs Inferno Convention. My thoughts right now are all over the place. Where do you start? I guess I will start at the beginning (ya, good place to start hotshot, way to figure that one out). I think back on the last three days and shake my head. Information overload to say the least. It amazes me the group of NoBs individuals we have gathered into one location. Walking up onto the platform and gazing across the room is mind blowing. You could actually feel the energy in the room. Everyone eager to learn, everyone eager to share.

We had an awesome turnout, over 80 members from all across Canada and the United States. We had accents from one end of the room to the other, eh? I tell you whaaaaat! It's a great feeling to meet photographers face to face that you have already talked to, shared your images with, and inspired or been inspired by. Still as I am typing this, I am having trouble, words typed cannot convey the impact something like this event does on your life, business and creativity.

I always come home with my mind racing, ready to implement new ideas I have learned, marketing concepts I have gained, and new photography techniques I am pumped to try. You glean sooooo much from events like these. It's not only the speakers but hanging out with other members at the event. There are so many opportunites, it's just one big giant intravenous needle, one end stuck into my brain, the other end stuck into the pool of talent at the Inferno.

It's great to see members of all caliber interacting with each other: newbies discussing things with photographers that have been around the block 3 or 40 times; seasoned veterans in awe at the "unique" eye that some of the newbies have, all the time sharing all their personal experiences and knowledge, each learning from one another with no strings attached. That's what the inferno was all about. Jam packed with great speakers, friends, and a united goal of sharing and learning.

Our speakers were handpicked from personal experience with Rob and myself, and I believe our picks where "perfect" for this event. Carl Caylor introduced us to a whole new level of using available light and not only thinking outside the box, but smashing the box altogether. Judy Cormier introduced us to an untapped niche of intimate bridals and boudoir photography that screams high-end talent. Craig Minielly, along with his offshore figure study images, showcased some of his best-selling action sets along with his new "production assistants" that not only simplifies your workflow, but also streamlines your productivty for you. And let's not forget his "naturalizer actions," eh? Who could forget those hahaha. Julie and Guy, our dynamic duo walked on stage and unleashed it all. They might have thought that they were stumbling, but what they were really doing was snowballing down a hill of enthusiasm mixed in with emotion and talent and everyone was hungry for more!!!!! Dan Morencey gave us some insight into his life and photography (something he should start doing more in the forum, huh Dan?), while Jyotika informed us with new skills of negotiation. Let's not forget Rob's marketing, Tina's studio management strategies, and Riff's top 10 things your website should be.

I took home something valuable from every one of ours speakers that I know will make me more money. The things I picked up within the first hour made the whole thing worthwhile. That's what these events are about right? You would think so, but in reality it's so much more. Yes, you can learn some new lighting/photography skills, pick up some marketing tips, discover new ways to bring more money into your business, that's just a given at the inferno, but there is something more valuable than any of those. The networking!! YES, meeting your fellow members face to face, talking to them over breakfast, lunch, supper or after hours in the evening. This networking is, in my opinion, one of the biggest assests you can have in your business, because not only do you gain friends from fellow members, but you also gain everything aforementioned, something that you can keep learning from.

Inferno 2007 was another great success in the NoBs Community. Like I stated earlier, it amazes me the talented group of individuals we have and the amount of knowledge they are willing to share with everyone. How can you go wrong with something like that?

James Hodgins

Co-Founder of NoBs PhotoSuccess

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