This week you have the chance to see KelbyOne in a way that has never been offered before. On Thursday at 2:00 PM EDT, Scott Kelby will host a live demo of what it is like to be a KelbyOne member, along with a behind-the-scenes tour of the KelbyOne Studios. It is free, it is live, and it is open to everyone. If you have ever wondered what goes on inside or what membership feels like, this is your opportunity to see it for yourself.
I know how valuable that experience can be because I have lived it. I have been a KelbyOne member since 1999, back when it was called NAPP, the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. My membership number was 007, proof that I was one of the originals at the very beginning. What made it special then is the same thing that makes it special now. It was designed to be for everyone, not just pros. Beginners could learn, working photographers could sharpen their skills, and it was affordable for anyone who wanted to grow.
Over the years NAPP evolved into KelbyOne. The name changed because the vision grew bigger. It became more than just Photoshop training. It expanded to cover photography, lighting, editing, business, inspiration, and the creative side of being a photographer. What started as a professional association became a true learning community where anyone with a passion for photography could belong.
What has kept me a member all these years goes far beyond the courses themselves. KelbyOne has been a place where I could grow, connect, and find answers when I needed them most. Through it, I found mentors, peers, and friends who helped me sharpen my craft. The knowledge I gained kept me moving forward, and the community support gave me confidence during times when I might have doubted myself.
How It Changed My Career
The knowledge, networking, and skills I developed through KelbyOne directly shaped my professional path. Over time, those lessons did not just make me a better photographer and editor, they opened doors I never thought possible. The confidence and expertise I gained through KelbyOne ultimately led me to my current role as Director of Education at Skylum, the company behind Luminar Neo, Aperty, and Luminar Mobile.
That role allows me to give back to the photography community in the same way KelbyOne gave to me. I get to teach, inspire, and provide resources for photographers worldwide, helping them discover the same joy and growth I found when I first joined more than twenty years ago. It feels like coming full circle.
Why Learning Never Stops
Photography is not a static craft. Technology evolves, software updates bring new features, and creative styles shift with time. If you stop learning, you risk falling behind. That is why education has always been essential to me as a photographer. It is not just about staying current, it is about staying curious. Every new skill opens a door to fresh possibilities and makes me see my own work with new eyes.
Events That Bring It to Life
One of the most inspiring parts of KelbyOne has been the live experiences. Webinars allow direct interaction with instructors, making learning personal and practical. Photoshop World has always been a highlight, filling rooms with energy, ideas, and connections that carry far beyond the event itself. Those gatherings remind me that photography is both a craft and a community, and we thrive when we share knowledge together.
Why It Matters
When I think back to the early days, struggling to figure out photography and Photoshop, I am grateful I found a community that offered both answers and encouragement. KelbyOne gave me the foundation to build my career, and it continues to be a place where I learn, grow, and connect. For photographers at any stage, having a space like that is not just helpful, it is essential.
Now you have the chance to experience it yourself. On Thursday at 2:00 PM EDT, Scott Kelby will show exactly what it means to be a member with a live demo and a behind-the-scenes tour of the KelbyOne Studios. Do not miss it.
You can register here: https://l.skylum.com/KelbyEvent
