It’s been a while since I gave you an update on what’s going on these days, so I figured it was time. As most of you reading this know, I joined the ON1 team back in November of 2014. It’s been an awesome time since, and I’ve probably learned more about education, training, and how people learn, that I ever would have thought. I’ve also had the chance to help shape the direction of the ON1 apps, based on the feedback that I hear when I’m out there teaching. It’s been a really fun experience, and enlightening to see the software side of things.
But, during this time I realized something about myself, I love teaching and I’m an educator at heart. So this past June, my wife Diana and I made the decision to start our own training company where I can focus on what I do best – teaching others.
People have always seen me in an educational coaching/mentoring role, so I decided to own that role and be very intentional about it. I’m starting my own educational platform here at MattK.com. I’ve really enjoyed my time as an ON1 employee, but this is something that’s been swirling in my head for quite a while. From my experience launching the ON1 Plus platform earlier this year, I’ve learned a ton about starting and running a business, and this is the right time to take the plunge.
Did You Say Your Wife Is In On This Too?
Yep, my wife Diana is a huge part of this and I couldn’t have started this without her. See, she was the manager/editor of a Photoshop Elements magazine. Because the magazine business isn’t exactly rockin’ it these days, the company made the tough choice to close that magazine. But over that time, she really sharpened a lot of great skills that make us a perfect team, so we can each do what we’re good at. Not to mention, it’s a great feeling to not worry about getting called to the HR office if I pat her butt and say “great job honey!” 😉
Plus, the timing couldn’t be better. We have two teenage boys – a 10th and an 8th grader. So, over the next 4-5 years, our household is going to get very empty. For any of you that have gone through this, you’ll know this is a really eye-opening time in a couple’s life together. You’ve spent years catering to your kids, and relationships take a back seat. But now we’re coming back together. Our kids are becoming more independent, and it’s not as cool to hang with mom and dad anymore, so we have a lot more free time together.
For us, it’s been amazing! It’s like we’re dating again in some ways. But we also realized that we wanted to do something bigger together. Every couple is different. But the two of us have realized we thrive together. I started working from home almost 2 years ago and we’ve never once found it difficult to be together all day. She does her thing in her area of the house, and I do mine in my office/studio. We come together throughout the day to have a cup of coffee, work out, eat lunch, talk shop – and then get back to work. It works out great, and I’m just so excited that I get to do this with her.
This is WAY more than just a business, or a job for us. This is a life for us to build together, and we’re SOOO thrilled about it.
What’s Next?
Okay enough of the sappy stuff 😉 So what’s next? Well, a ton of great things.
(Update: The course mentioned below is released. Click here to find out more)
First, I’m in the process of creating the most-complete, personalized, and useful Lightroom course that I’ve ever created. You can click here for more info, and to sign up to be notified when it’s out. This course is designed to be the first and last course you have to buy on Lightroom. I won’t give too much away here, but it’s got a lot of cool stuff.
Why Lightroom? Well, I say this in a very humble way, so please don’t take it wrong. But I honestly feel I can teach you Lightroom better than anyone else out there. I’m probably among the top 2 people in the world, as far as reach, when it comes to teaching Lightroom to live audiences. I taught seminars for years, and got to interact face-to-face with thousands of Lightroom users personally each month. I also ran the top Lightroom website in the world for 8 years. All of this taught me a key skill – listening! I took note of every person’s question who came up to me, or question asked on the blog. I watched where patterns developed, and I’ve tailored my training to answer your questions before you even ask them.
Is That It?
Nope, that’s just the beginning. From there, I plan on launching similar photography and editing training courses of a very personal nature. Working with the ON1 Plus group this year has taught me the value of a personal coach/mentor. I mentioned earlier that people have seen me in that role, and now I intend on owning it and being very intentional about it.
I may not be able to sell my training products to hundreds of thousands of people out there, like some bigger websites. But I don’t need or want to. My goal is to use a model that let’s me give personal attention, coaching and mentoring to the people I teach. I’ve seen first hand how amazing this is for learning photography and post-processing. It’s incredibly rewarding (on both sides) for people to have some one to talk to. And to really see themselves getting better at a much faster pace, and truly enjoying their photography.
Don’t forget. I’m not a professional full-time photographer and I have no problem admitting it. Sure, I shoot some paid gigs here and there, but that’s not how I make (or want to make) my living. So I hold nothing back. My only job is to help make you better. I have no ego in this, and no secrets. What I know, I’ll share with you, and that’s how we’ll both succeed.
Wanna help? Great! Here’s a few ways:
- Check out my new Lightroom course and sign up for my email community to be notified when it’s out. (Click Here For More)
- Subscribe to my videos on Youtube. That way, whenever I do something new, you don’t have to search around for it.
- Check me out at ON1 Plus. I’m in there just about every day (Click Here For More)
- Follow me on Facebook and Instagram. I post photos there all the time.
What About ON1?
If you’re an ON1 fan, don’t worry at all, I’ll still be around. I primarily use Lightroom and Photoshop for my editing, but ON1 Effects is a huge part of my “style” in my photos, so that’s not going anywhere. And Browse is always open, so I can quickly look at photos when I need.
Earlier this year, I helped launch an educational component of ON1 – ON1 Plus. It’s a group near and dear to my heart, and I’ve signed on to doing 4 months as an ON1 Plus guest coach next year. Also, I’ve been a part of ON1 Raw since the beginning (the next version of ON1 apps). I think what they’re developing will be a great tool for many photographers, and I’ll be around to show how to incorporate it into workflows with Lightroom and Photoshop.
Will I Be in Portland Or Tampa?
I run in to people all the time that think I moved to Portland (where ON1 is headquartered). I didn’t. I worked remotely in Tampa, FL, and traveled there a few times a year to meet up with the ON1 team. I’m a Florida guy, my wife and kids love Florida. Unlike many, we love the heat, we love the humidity, the sun, the sand, and the beach. Crazy I know, but hey, we like it. I’ve been here for 25 years, and this is where we plan on staying for the foreseeable future.
Are You Done Yet?
Yes, I’m finally done 🙂 You’ve probably stopped reading my short novel long before this. But hopefully you see this part. I want to sincerely thank all of you for your support over the years. I’m a seriously lucky guy. I get to do what I love for a living, and I get to watch and hear how people improve from it. I can’t explain what a rewarding experience that is. The emails and kind words I get from all of the people I train has been a huge inspiration in me taking this big step, and I wouldn’t have done it without you. I can’t say it enough, but I’ll say it once more… thank you.
– Matt K
(Header Photo Credit: Hudson Henry / Family Photo Credit: Robin Reiss Photography)
Update: I just wanted to say how much I appreciate all of the kind words from everyone. You guys seriously almost brought down my website on Wednesday when I posted this. The outpour of support here, on social media, and the hundreds of emails you sent was AMAZING! I’m trying to work my way through, and respond to all of them so stay tuned. But seriously… you guys rock!!! 🙂
I love teaching and photography... In that order. I feel that enjoying photography, and photo editing can get WAY too complicated. So my personal mission (and favorite thing to do), is to create education that simplifies the process of taking great photos, and how to edit them to get the results you’ve always wanted.
Wow great news. I have enjoyed learning from you for many years in your journey as a teacher. Look forward to this next level skills and wisdom.
Thanks Jack!
Matt, you, Scott K and Julie-Ann K have been my inspiration for many years. I now teach Lightroom (and occasionally Photoshop) and own On 1 and my journey has run with your help and input. I learned everything I know from your regular tips – neat, quick and to the point without too much preamble. I have learned your style of teaching, which is the most important process in a learning process; and have had great success. I refer to you three as the Holy Trinity, the ‘bible’ of Lightroom. So glad you’re giving more of you again to this great program. I wish you and Diane huge success in this venture, nay adventure, and know we will learn even more from you in times to come. Good luck, and thank you!
Nice to know what’s going on. I’ve been a fan for a number of years. I’m sure that you don’t remember but we did meet briefly in Kansas City during your seminar here. Also Mr. Co-Founder, It was also good to see you on The Grid. Good Luck with your new adventure. I’m looking forward to your new LR classes. BTW, really enjoy your 60 sec stuff too. Keep up the great work!
Hey Bill! Of course I remember – how could I forget 😉 Thanks for the kind words.
Congrats- great news! I stopped subscribing to Kelby once you departed because thier content was not the same polished tutorials that answered my questions. You provide clear and easily understood info and examples that seems to speak directly to me.
I wish you the best, and sign me up!
Good for you, Matt! Follow your dream. We’ve met very briefly at a few of your seminars and I was always impressed with your passion for and effectiveness of your teaching. Everyone in the room walked away thinking you were talking only to them and your enthusiasm and sense of fun were definitely contagious. I wish you, and your wife Diane, the best of luck in your new venture. I already signed up….let’s see where it goes.
Of course, I meant Diana. Oops.
You’re not the only one Bob. We’ve been married 17 years and my dad still calls her Diane 🙂
Thanks for the kind words!
Good Luck, Matt! Looking forward to all you have to offer!
Personally, I think it’s a great idea. I am a hobbyist photographer, at best and self taught. The amount of course and input on facebook alone is overwhelming and I know that I lately, I’ve been wanting one source..one great source to learn and to have input, that I would be able to afford and to help me become better at photography. I wish you much luck and you would be my source of choice for future learning. Thank you for all your videos and teachings so far. You’ve been a great help to me! Looking forward to learning more from you.
Wow, Matt! I’m so excited for you and Diana. What a wonderful concept. I think it’s going to be a big hit.
Wishing you all the best!
What a beautiful family photo. Wishing you and yours the best of everything in this new adventure. I hope you delve deeper into the editing capabilities of Lightroom. Most are just scratching the surface of it and a lot of us are beyond that level now. Looking forward to seeing you move forward!
Congratulations and best of luck making your dreams happen! See you again soon at the Great Smoky Mountain Photography Summit.
Exciting news, Matt! I really enjoy your teaching and passion, this sounds likea dream come true for you and your family. I am excited to see what is coming next!
Good luck Matt, will definitely sign up. Been following you and Diana for sometime now. ( I have a sister Diana, and I still call her Diane ) I live in Pinellas, maybe we will run in to each other one day.
I wish you all the best in your new endeavor. I’ll be there right along with you Matt.
I had just gotten my upgrade camera, a Canon 5d when a friend suggested Kelby training. So, you were the first course I had and then your Lightroom opened up a new world for a beginner switching from Aperture. When you moved to One1 I was worried I had lost a connection to improving my skills. Glad to see you back teaching. You REALLY explain well and I think I have been ‘getting it’. Looking forward to your future in teaching.
How exciting for you (and us!) Congrats and all the best with your new adventure!!
Good luck on your new journey Matt. I really enjoy your videos and your insight into the photographic process. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Best of luck Matt. I’ll be part of your growth but hope you eventually include photoshop as part of your curriculum. Btw I truly enjoy your photoshop quick tips – practical and useful. Keep up the good work.
Glad to see you are following your dream. You have taught me more than you could ever imagine over the years. From the lightroom and photoshop training which I think I have watched every video you made to the hands on photography like using the Lee Big Stopper you have always been there. I attended a couple lightroom seminars in Boston and had the pleasure of meeting you. I always have to think back to what Matt would do. I use your tip of f-22 for starbursts in the sun to this day. I look forward to learning much more from you in the future. Thank you for always thinking of us a teaching us.
Matt i meet you in Atlanta Ga. from a Kelbyone convention.. I am so looking forward to your teaching.. Even for us beginners it is great news .. Please keep us posted and thanks again for all you do for us photographers..
have always been a huge fan, student and follower … glad the journey continues!!!
Excited for you! I look forward to seeing your work!!!!
All the best Matt and Mrs. Matt!
Congratulations!!! I’ve missed your photoshop tutorials and your days on photoshop professionals so I look forward to your new adventure!!!
Of course, I’ll be following you. Your style of teaching is top notch. I really do hope that you’ll continue to be involved with and continue teaching with On1 after your four month stint on Plus next year. On1 has become my favorite way of finishing off my travel photos, and I’m anxiously awaiting the release of On1 Raw.
Thanks Sunny. I’ll definitely be around. I still use ON1 all the time and plan on staying involved.
Great to hear Matt!!! I’ll be keeping an eye out and passing along the info to my camera club as well.
Good luck Matt!! cant wait to see what you and your wife create for us!!!
Matt, you have been a great inspiration to me and in my aspirations in improving my photography skills. I enjoy your 60 second youtube tips, lightroom and photoshop classes. You are a great mentor and educator. I wish you and your wife all the best in this new journey. Always remember it isn’t the destination but the journey which rewards us.
100% agree Doreen 🙂 Thx!
Goog luck to you and your wife on the journey!! cant wait to see what you have for us
Congrats… I followed you at Kelby and On One. I can’t wait to see you new classes. Don’t forget to come to Denver sometime.
Will do!
Congratulations Matt, looking forward some great things in the future from you. I agree you have the touch teaching people. I have truly enjoyed my time spent with you. Good luck!!
Thanks buddy! 🙂
Matt, I’ve been a fan of yours for many years and have followed you in your various employment adventures. I’m better at post-processing thanks to your tutoring and I look forward to following you in your newest adventure. The best of luck to you and your family in this endeavor.
Matt, congratulations! That is great news. I will be looking forward to the next great course.
Great to read this and to know your back doing what you love. Having taken 2 of your courses in person here in Richmond I can attest to how well you do it!
Please as you develop your online site and courses not to forget there are thousands of us who live rurally all over the US and must depend on data caps. Sites that works for us best (and for others) are sites where We can download courses when We are in a wifi environment and then watch at home.
Congratulations, Matt. You’re one of the few instructors I’d follow wherever they go, so I’ll continue to seek your wisdom in this next adventure as well. I’ve had the pleasure to spend days on a few workshops and I’ll see you again in October in the Smoky Mountains. Until then, best of luck and may you always be at the right spot at the Golden Hour.
Thanks for the update Matt – I’ve learned a lot from you in the 12 Months w/ Matt and the past 9 or so months w/ On1 Plus – really looking forward to what’s next from you!
Best regards,
Alan
Congratulations on your new venture! It sounds incredible. I have enjoyed a few of your classes on Kelby One and will be anxious to be notified of your new classes. PLEASE consider a class on catalog issues in Lightroom. My catalog has become layers, upon layers, upon layers of folders within folders. It makes me not want to even OPEN Lightroom anymore. Plus, I want to “fix” the mess, even though I know it will take a LOT of time.
Exciting news! Saw your presentation at PSW13 and watched all your K1 videos and bought your books. I agree, you are the one person that taught me the most inLR, and it will be exciting for new LR learning from you. Thanks Also – I always wondered if you were related to Diane (of the same last name) from PSE. Loved that site so much. ( I am more of a PSE girl than a PSCC).
Yep. She’s my wife (Diana) 🙂
Good Luck Matt….I followed your stuff at Kelby, bought one of your books, and followed you to and at On1. I will continue to follow you in this new venture. I wish you well and keep the enthusiastic approach
Loved your content in the past and eager to learn more from you in the future!
Congratulations and god bless you in your new endeavor. I wish you and your family the best and hope to see and follow your teaching skills in the future!
I have followed you for a while now. Best of everything in your new adventure!
Well that explains a lot. Good luck in your new path!
Congrats, Matt! Over the years I have watched most (if not all) of your Lightroom training videos. Through those videos, your one-day live workshop, and editing of thousands of my own photos, I consider myself a Lightroom expert too! I thank you for all your help. Although I won’t be signing up for your Lightroom course (it’s your fault really), I will be following your exploits closely to see if there is some synergy for the future. Your teaching style is excellent and I look forward to new things in the future.
I was hoping to catch up with you at PSW but there was so little free time.
Best!
Good stuff, man. You both will be great. Talk soon!
Best of luck to you and Diana! My husband and I ran a business together for over 20 years and loved every minute…I’m sure you will too! Now we’re retired together and that’s pretty cool too!
I’ll sign up for emails!
Best of luck to you and your family, Matt!
Best wishes in your new venture, you’ll be great!
Congratulations! I’ve watched all your LR videos and tips/tricks and you’re the best! Good luck know the new venture.
Congratulations and good luck in your new endeavor!
I hope you are going to be at PSW in Orlando in April. I finally get to go to one (I don’t “do” Las Vegas) and I would like to meet you, and many of the other instructors I have learned so much from over the last few years.
I look forward to seeing what you come up with.. If I might offer any advice it is to make sure to let us know more about what differentiates your training from the other stuff out there. Most of us are already fans, but still, we need to know how your material is different, and how it is “personal”.
Sounds exciting. Good luck and keep us posted.
Matt, I have been following you for a lot of years now. I love what you do and how you do it. I hope that this new endeavor is going to rock. I am looking forward to training and understanding more of what you know!
Matt:
You know you have a loyal follower in me, and have been ever since your NAPP/KelbyOne days. I’m excited about your new venture, and of course I signed up! Best of luck to you and Diana!!!!
On a related note, will you be writing any more training books in the foreseeable future?
–John
P.S. Thanks for the portfolio tips. I’ll be updating soon.
Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for you. You are most definitely one of my favorite instructors for both lightroom and photography so I hope to see more of that in the future!
Hi Matt, I have followed you for years. I think that I first came across you back in your “photoshop guys” days. I think maybe 2006? At any rate, I am very happy for the update and will do my best to get the word out. You are correct, you are one of the best teachers out there. I wish you all the best.
Great news. I enjoyed your personal story. A real person with family.
I have heard you speak on several occasions, and look forward to receiving more
knowledge I can use!
Outstanding and congratulations, Matt
Congratulation Matt! I love that you and your wife are partnering in this together. It is one of the best things in the world and your right…like dating agin! 🙂
I look forward to following what you create and continuing to learn from you. Hopefully I will also get to see you again at CreativeLive one day!
Great news Matt. About time too. You are a really inspiring teacher. I have only recently returned to photography after a long absence, and you have really fuelled my enthusiasm for the art. Good luck with your venture. I know it will be a huge success and I wish you all the best.
Matt, wish you all the very best in this new venture. I am sure it will be a successful one. I have followed you now for many years (Kelby Training, youtube, Lightroom podcasts) and have learnt tremendously! You see a good teacher and can explain concepts in a simple manner that sticks. So thank you.
All the best.
Prashant
Jakarta
prashantsethiphotography.com
Congratulations Matt, I’m very happy for you and excited to see what’s coming next. I’ve followed you and learned from you since your earliest time at NAPP. I’ve always considered you one of the finest teachers of Lightroom and Photoshop. It’s because you listen and understand people.
I especially liked your story about working with your wife. I can only see great things coming from the two of you and I am totally confident of your success!
Marty
It’s all about the journey, Matt. Best of luck on your new adventures. I really look forward to learning more from you. In case you didn’t already know it, you are a great teacher!
Matt – Congrats. You have been my “go-to” guy for training in Lightroom, PS and ON1 for years. There’s no question that you will be successful in this endeavor, and I will be a part of it.
Can’t wait to see what’s coming. Been a huge fan of yours for a very long time and will continue to do so.
Thanks for all your insight and wisdom
Bob Rozanski
Winter Springs , Fl
Congratulations, Matt, this sounds like an awesome new direction for you both. I’ve seen you online since the early Photoshop Guys days, and a course you taught at Sessions.edu, not to mention PSW and bunches of Kelby videos. You’re a born teacher. Onward!
Matt, hope to meet you live someday. Of course, I signed up for more info. I have always loved your work and style on Kelby One and On One! Some instructors out there are very qualified technically but they can put you to sleep. You have the technical and presentation skills matched perfectly. Good luck!
FANTASTIC! I LOVE your teaching methods and I have joined enough classes or purchased enough on-line training to be able to say you are simply the best at knowing how to provide instruction. I look forward to continue to follow you in your new adventure.
No guts. No glory! Best wishes for success with your new direction, Matt. BTW – Good looking family!
Good luck and I will continue to support. You have taught me everything I know about LR and PS. Your way of teaching is very easy to understand and put into my workflow.
This is great news!!! I have followed you and your training online for a few years now. I haven’t been to a live seminar but hope to in the future. Thank you for helping all of us out there and being our mentor.
Congratulations, Matt! Very happy for you and your wife. I am looking forward to hearing what’s coming from you. All the best.
Congrats Matt! I can’t wait for your first Black Friday deal. 😀
HI Matt,
Good luck to you and your family !
I have attended your Kelby one Lightroom seminars in the past .
Mark
Bozeman., Montana
Matt, wonderful new indeed. The kids will be off to college and their own lives before you know it. So glad to see you have a plan. Looking forward to more of both you and your wife. I’ve enjoyed your personality thru the you tube videos, and am looking forward to meeting the woman that puts up with you. Lots of Luck in this Great Adventure!!
Matt, this is a great thing! Congratulations on making the jump! Will you still be at the great smokey mountains workshop? Looking forward to catching up.
Best of luck!
Oh yeah! I wouldn’t miss it! 🙂
See you there Jeff. Thanks!
Aloha Matt,
I’ve been a follower of you from Kelby, to On1 and will follow along with you on your new adventure! Hands down, the best photo post processing teacher out there!
Hey Matt. I just affirm your view on family and glad that you and your wife can work on this together. Keep us educated on an amazing tool, LR.
Hey Matt
Good Luck, anything you are teaching, I will be there.
I love your tutorials, I’ll be signing up. Just hope you can included photoshop lesions as well. Photoshop is my scary place. I’m just starting to delve into it….I want to use both programs together to get the best out of my shots. Sometimes I have the bones to a shoot, and just need the finishing touches to take it from bare bones to wow! I will be looking forward to you new role.
How exciting for you and your family. I know this has got to be a huge leap of faith. You and your training are the reason that I am so glad to have found On1 software. It has helped change my life and moved me forward into a photo apprenticeship in the Arcanum. I could have never made my own leap of faith otherwise. I was honored to have met you at the Great Smoky Mountains seminar last fall. Would have loved to have had some one on one tuteledge there. I hope you will do some teaching workshops in interesting places at some point. I would love that. For now I will be happy with whatever learning Venus you come up with now. BTW, I have a love/hate relationship with LR, especially the library functions. I never have gotten that to work for me as I would like.
Matt I think this is a wonderful next step in your life adventure. I pre-ordered Lightroom back at the beginning and it was your books and NAPP (way back when it was NAPP) training that helped me learn my way through it. Since then your name has always been at the top of my list when recommending Lightroom education for others that I now mentor.
I thought that your move to On1 was a huge plus for On1 and told you so at the time, though I’m not sure you saw it or remember. I’m glad it has been a positive experience for you as well. I have kept updated to the latest On1 products but honestly find I hardly ever use most other software than Lightroom and Photoshop except to play a little bit with the major ones and keep informed. That has more to do with my own advancements in knowledge of those two Adobe products than anything else. Your influence with On1 progress has certainly been noticeable. Especially on the educational side of things. There are many fine digital imaging tools out there for people of all levels and you have certainly helped keep On1 at the top. So this to me is viewed as a natural progression. I applaud you and look forward to your new adventure with you my friend.
You know what I think Matt. I’m in your corner all the way.
Hi Matt,
I am huge fan of your work and following you from last few years. I love watching your tutorials, watched all of your videos from Kelby, watched almost all of your tips and tricks videos. followed you at On1 and purchased one1 suite 5 till 10. I always open your videos for reference whenever I have questions or not sure about things. I usually stay in silent mode on your sites, FB and other.
I appreciate what you do and have great respect for your teaching style. I am sure you will do great in your next gig (mark.com). wishing you all the best !! Will be following you here as well 🙂 and can’t wait to watch your upcoming new lightroom videos.
Good luck !
This is awesome news, my friend! Congratulations to you both for making this leap for yourselves and living who you are. I wish you nothing but the best in all of this!
I own the Creative Live Long Exposure virus that you presented and have watched quite a few of your courses online and I own your ‘Layers’ book, which I’ve recommended to many many people. I love your teaching style – you make sense to me.
I don’t know you personally but that doesn’t stop me from saying I truly hope that your next move is the best move you’ve ever made (job wise that is) and I wish you every success for the future.
Sorry, my comment should say COURSE not virus.
Great news Matt and Diana! I have followed you for quite a while and am looking forward to this next phase for you. If you ever get to Atlanta please let me know, I’d love to shake your hand and say thanks in person!
Congrats Matt! It’s nice to have a job where you love what you’re doing 🙂 I’ve met you a couple of times at PSW and have followed you and your teachings since my first version of Lightroom back in the day. Proud to call you a friend, coach and a guy I look up to!
Good Luck Brother!
Great family portrait. You have a beautiful family and your wife is simply gorgeous.
Often times we have to make a huge decision about ourselves and where we’re going. It is so life filling to be able to teach others and to see the improvement that people make in learning what you’re teaching and the easiness with which you do it. It’s in your blood and it shows. Good luck in your new endeavour and I’m a Florida lover also, I don’t care what people say about Florida. If you haven’t been there, don’t kill it. LOVE it and I’m there whenever I can make it. (mostly Daytona Beach Shores at the Sherwin). All the best.
That one little trick you taught to upload photos to my folders first has saved me hours . Yes I was one that forgot when uploading to LR first and searching for them at times. Thank you. Much better workflow.
I have attended your live LR courses and so much info in such a short time.
You are a special person with a great gift for teaching. I am so happy for you. But have to admit I just can’t get into on1. I just go back to PS , LR, Topaz and MacPhun.
Happy you are doing what you love. Good Luck !
One more thing, Matt. I,’m 69 and still learning from great teachers like you. Thanks for helping keep my mind challenged and sharp.
Congratulations! You have always been an authentic, giving teacher and guide. I have no doubt you will be successful on this venture because it is your venture of heart. Thank you for continuing to give your time and talent. You are my go to Lightroom source!! I look forward to sharing this news with my community!!
Congrats Matt! Excited and happy for you and your family. You’ve got what it takes to make it in this arena.
Looking forward to the opportunity to continue to learn and grow from you.
Glad to see you back in the teaching saddle – bumped into you at PSW2016 – great classes.
There’s a great quote from JFK, but I haven’t memorized so I’ll paraphrase here; Life is about change so we can shape our future. I have learned a lot from you over the last decade and look forward to consuming more of your great content. Good Luck with this next phase of your life. I’m sure it will be exciting for both of us 😉
Congratulations on starting your own business, Matt. You are and have always been one of my very favorite instructors. This is wonderful for you and your family. I will always be a fan..
This is great news, Matt! I’m looking forward to your training and to see what you come up with. Congratulations!
Love your work and have followed you closely since I first met you at PPA in Tampa in 2008. Attended several of your road show courses when you were with NAPP and have enjoyed a number of your videos from NAPP/Kelby and On-One. You are a natural at instruction, so I am looking forward to see your new adventure materialize. Wishing you all the best in the new effort as you continue to chase your dreams.
Matt, great to hear! I am 100% on board! Very nice to see you back on the grid. Thanks for all your help!
Good luck with your new venture. I’ve followed you for a number of years – thanks for all you do for the photography community.
Please do not go to a yearly subscription program business model like Scott Kelby and now even Ben Wilmore is doing it. See my comment on his Facebook page. And I forgot, the On1 subscription plan which I’m on too! Please, please don’t do this!
Exciting move Matt. I love hearing Diana is part of this move. You are definitely putting your focus in the right place with her and your boys.
I can’t think of anyone who could do a better job teaching Lightroom. It’s obvious to anyone that has been in one of your classes that you have a passion for teaching.
Thanks buddy! That means a lot to me coming from you.
Hope we get to go shooting again soon 🙂
Having followed you for years, I got to treasure your lectures and videos. I sincerely hope you will find your aspirations in these new endeavors. No matter what, your way of teaching and approach have been massmerising! Keep it up and good luck to your wife and you
That’s great Matt!
I wish I could be part of it somehow!
I wish you the best of luck, Matt. I owe my ability to use. photoshop and lightroom more to you than you’ll know. I know you were an excellent teacher where I am concerned, so I know you will continue to be outstanding.
This is fantastic Matt. I have been following you for many years. Of anyone over the years, you have taught me the most about LR. You are the best teacher of the platform that I have come across. A good teacher knows when to get deep, and when to let things flow. You surf that line perfectly. Anyone who has watched your “before and after” videos can see this in action. Best of luck to you and your family!
Thanks so much Mike! 🙂
Matt, I love your way of teaching. I bought your restoration class from creative live I think it was.
Many of my friends and family are going through the great flood in Louisiana so I offered to help them if they had restoration issues. Not sure if they will, but if they do I shall give it a try.
Best of Wishes in your new endeavors and to your wife as well
Congratulations young man. That is one bold move for any man to make. Your wife and family are a tribute to you and your decision. All the best to one of the BEST!
Good luck Matt. I know you’ll do great things.
Great news Matt- and best wishes on your new adventure.
Drop a note if your adventure brings you near DFW, I owe you a beverage.
John
Thanks John! 🙂
How exciting and exhilarating to be your own boss with your beautiful wife contributing too on this new life adventure! If it weren’t for you teaching LR at Kelby, I probably would have never bought my first LR app! Thank you for continuing to teach us all you know.
Debbie
Glad to hear you are doing this . I was totally bummed when you left the Kelby group but I followed you anyway and always would look forward to your various posts. I think you are hands-down the best teacher for digital imagery with an all around great personality. You’re wonderful personality is embedded in your teaching which will drive you forward in the future. You’re the kind a guy that would be lots of fun to hang with on photo shoots.
Best of luck to you
Scott
Matt,
From the time I met you in Cincinnati, you and your teaching have continued to challenge me and encourage me to become a better photographer.
Best of luck and I will be a subscriber and ardent follower.
Matt, been following you for years, love your teaching style and looking forward to what you have to offer. Keep it real and affordable. When Kelby One raised their price it took a lot of us retirees out of the market. Still would like to be a member over there but just can not afford it anymore. Best of luck and congrats on your new endeavor!
Congratulations Matt on your new adventures. Glad to know you will still be around. Maybe I will run into you again at PhotoPlus Expo in NYC.
You have made the right decision….you are an awesome teacher!
I know this will be a great and successful venture for you and your wife. I’m looking forward to seeing you in TN for the summit and pre-summit seminar.
Congratulations Matt on following your heart! I attended the Photoshoot you lead on Honeymoon Island and loved it. Are you going to lead a local Photowalk in October this year? I am a local and sign up. I have tried to learn Lightroom on my own, I do ok with the enhancements but I never can get the import right and to find my photos later is a challenge, I have given up on it. Hope to take one of your classes and finally get it right. Good luck on your new endeavor.
Thanks! Not sure about a photo walk. I have a TON of travel and work coming up in Sept/Oct, so I’m probably going to skip all photo walks. But we’ll see. Stay tuned here on the site and I’ll mention it if I do.
Thx.
I followed you when you left Kelby.
I am a great fan of On1. My workflow is Lightroom with On1, and Photomatix plus Photoshop for the one off bits.
I even changed my photo downloading to your technique. I joined On1 plus because of you! have much enjoyed your training style and content and must sign up for your new venture.
Greetings from the currenly sunny south of England UK.
Man.. time flies… I’ve been following you ever since I bought my first book written by you.. “The Photoshop Elements 5.. Restoration & Retouching Book”. 2007?? Anyway my best to you and your lovely wife I’m sure you will succeed as you have already in all your endeavors.. Congratulations!
Matt you are a natural born teacher, something very few are. Great to see you are assuming this role full time. I have followed you since your time @ KM. When I retired and returned to my hobby of photography digital photography was here and I had to learn a new process. Thanks to you and your writings I began to understand ( born 50 yrs. too soon ). Your books on Layers was invaluable. Followed you to One1 without regret. My best wishes for your continued success and will eagerly follow it.
Hey Matt,
Awesome! I’m really glad you’re back doing what you do best … Teaching us!! I’ll never forget when I was having problems with LR and you were still running LR KillerTips, and you sent me a personal email and we set up a phone call to straighten me out!!! That was amazing! Also, I remember buying your book on Layers, and because you knew I was a regular at NAPP/Kelbyone you signed the book! What a surprise when I opened it … just awesome! To be honest, I really missed you when you left Kelbyone and LightroomKillerTips.
Wishing you and Diana the very, very best in your new adventure!
Dennis
Thanks so much Dennis. I’ve seen you around these parts online for many years and hope to continue to chat from time to time for many more. Thanks 🙂
I am a former Elements Mag member and am glad for you but also that your wife is going into the business with you! Diana had done such a wonderful job on the Elements publication over the years, she is indeed a rare talent. I learned much from her. As far as jobs and or career changes, you must be flexible to make things work. I always look at life as a book of chapters. I also lived in Florida for 20 some years raising our family. Now, because of how life changes I have a new family and am retired in the greatest backyard in the United States, the Smoky Mountains of TN! Like all things, someday you will laugh and remember these stressful moments with great joy as a deciding turn on the pages of life. One last note, I am and will probably always be an Elements user, yet I always will watch a good PS or Lightroom tutorial, often PSE has workarounds. The thing to remember is the concept and reason behind the video, that is information good for all users. I also am a big fan now of On1 and also use NIC plugin which expands my capability even to a greater degree. (Thanks for the help Diane! wink, wink!)
Good luck in all you folks do!
Rich aka moonpie
Matt, I have thoroughly enjoyed your teaching! Congratulations on the next chapter of your life with Diane. How exciting and rewarding!
Hi Matt, I am an old age pensioner who adored the Elements videos you used to make. I dont have Lightroom and woudnt know here to start with it I yearn for the comfort of the old elements magazine and their back-up whenever there was any new attraction for m to use on my great grand children. Being 84 could I buy Lightroom and have a hope in hell of learning how to use it at this late date ? My photoshop world came to a shuddering halt when the magazine collapsed…I always admired your work and found your support over the years with Mike doing most of it when i got stuck, where does the future lie ? I need something to teach me how to use that On1 10 you gave me in leaving, is there a book I could get ? I was born as Alfred but received a nick-name of “Ben” when quite small, so please talk to me in that vogue. Any advice would be welcome,,,thanks “ben”
Hi Ben. Thanks for the message. I actually think Lightroom is the easiest of all the programs to use. That said, you should also stay tuned to what ON1 has to offer. I’m a LR/PS users, but I think On1’s new Photo Raw apps coming out could be just what you need to keep things simple. Oh and there’s a ton of training on the ON1 website under the “learn” section. Good luck!
Matt, you are one of my three favorite teachers so I am onboard. I look foward to following you into your new adventure.
Matt,
Best of luck to you and your wife. It can be a challenge to live the creative life and balance work and family.
Good for you, seeing the transitions ahead with family.
Sincerely,
Kevin
Matt,
I just read your great news today (don’t know how I missed it earlier).
Ive been a fan for several years now and look forward to your new venture.
I briefly met you in Chicago when attending one of many of your seminars.
I have all your books and hope you continue to write and publish.
The best to you and Diane
Jeff Lazar
Thank you Jeff!
Well done Matt and Diana. The good old husband/wife team… It works. We’ve been doing it for years – you both know where you’re headed and you are both equally committed to making things work. And if you have a slightly different skill set so much the better. Good luck. Here’s to great things…
Roger and Pat
Thanks! And you know the best part is, I won’t get called to the HR office when I pat her butt and say “good job” 😉
Big fan, as many above have stated I’ve followed you from Kelby to On1 and will continue to do so. Good luck to you and Diana in your new venture. Sincerely Hal
Great news. Like others, I’ve learned so much from you over the years. Good luck to you and your wife on your new venture. I can’t wait to see it up and running.
Awesome Matt!! I’ll be looking forward to learning from you once again. On1 didn’t fit into my workflow as well as I had hoped, so I primarily use Lightroom and PS. I’ve always enjoyed your tips work arounds and teaching style. This will give me the opportunity to continue to do so with products I use extensively.
I have followed you for so many years, and always drawn to your teaching style. As a Dad of a 26, 22, and 18 year old’s, I can relate to the empty nester feeling, and reconnecting with the wife, like you said we put our lives on hold for them, as it should be. I will hopefully have more time now to do something I love, post processing photo’s with your help. Good luck with your new business!
Thanks John. Glad to know there’s others that know how we feel
OMGOSH!! I am SO GLAD I found you again! I *LOVED* your Killer Tips series and mourned their loss when my saved links no longer worked.
And now you’re back to teaching again!
AWESOMMMMMMMMMME!
Thank you so much for taking the plunge, Matt. I am sharing the link to this with all my graphics and photographer friends. They’ll finally understand why I love your work, because now they will be able to see it too. 😉
THANK YOU!!!!
Thanks Mary!
I am a newcomer but thanks for your transparency and bring on more sappy stuff 🙂 I also have 2 boys, a bit younger, ages 5 and 3 and some days I do wish they were older, but most days I wish time would stop because I am not looking forward to those terrible teenage years 🙂 Oh, I am loving your 60 second video photoshop tutorials! Thanks, look forward to all your future content.
Thanks! We’ve been really lucky. They haven’t gotten “terrible” yet. In fact, they’ve gotten better than ever 🙂
Matt, This is just fantastic news for all of us who truly take your advice to heart! Definitely a big step to take but you have the shoes large enough to handle it. Being ‘down the road’ in the Naples area, I definitely understand your deep Florida roots. I love it, too! Good luck to you and Diana and i will be looking forward to more great instruction and inspiration.
Thanks Ross!
I’m a 73 years old disable Marine & you are helping me with my bucket list.
Thank Charles! And thank you for your service. Happy to help 🙂
All the best on your new venture, just like the other folks commenting here I know how great your sincere passion for photography is and you always put together some awesome training and tips.
I first got to know a bit about you when you were at Kelby. Then I came across your name again at Creative Live where you presented Landscape Photography Start to Finish this past July. Great course from a great instructor. And not overwhelming as some courses tend to be.
I wish you all the best in your “new adventure” for you and your family Matt. I know what it’s like to kick off a new business. I recently (2014) shut the doors my own company that I started back in 1974. Really, 40 years. I wasn’t thinking that when I started…..
I now devote as much time as I can to serious hobby photography. I am looking forward to learning more from you. Oh yes, I just subscribed to your site as well !
Thanks Chris! Hopefully I’ll be writing the same after 40 years on some one else’s blog 🙂
Glad to help, and I hope you enjoy the website. See ya!
CONGRATULATIONS Matt! I have no doubt this will be a great success and wish you all the best. I hope in addition to LR and ON1 you can cover some basic (and easy to understand) Photoshop training, I am hopelessly lost there!! Congrats again and looking forward to a great learning experience.
Jim
Congrats Buddy!!
IMHO, no doubt you are the best LR teacher on the planet. Between K1 and that LR website I have learned 99% of what I know already from you.
I am headed back to Ridgway next month if you are in the area let me know otherwise I will see you in Townsend in October.
Again good luck to both of you.
Johnny
Austin, Texas
I might have posted before, I don’t remember.
I just want to say that, generally speaking, I am not a person who is motivated or inspired easily. I’ve had a camera ever since I can remember but I’ve always fumbled through using it (film and digital), never being able to retain any of the fundamentals, and I still have difficulty. Post processing? Now that’s easier…
But YOU – your teaching style, your honesty, your passion, your overall personality, have both inspired and motivated me. I may have to change careers shortly and I’m looking into what options I have in photography thanks, primarily, to you.
So best of luck to you and Diana in this new venture. I have nothing but confidence that it will be profitable in all ways possible.
Thanks so much Kimberley! I really appreciate the kind words 🙂 Good luck with the career change!
Hi Matt! I just wanted to say how much I’ve enjoyed you courses in the past, both live and online. I’m definitely looking forward to your future projects. I’m a former Florida Gater who now lives in central CA, and I really don’t get the humidity part, but I’m glad you like it.
Best of luck to you and your family!
Hi Matt!! My name is María Esther. I am from Argentina, but not from Buenos Aires. I live in Corrientes, a small city in the North-East of my country, near Brazil and Paraguay. Our climate is quite the same as yours, in Florida. We have hot and humid days.
I happened to know about you since a few time ago, surfing the web. I always liked taking pictures, but never encourage to do it seriously. As I read about your new project, and why you are in it, I felt like it is the same story for me. I am an attorney, a 50 year old busy working woman, with 4 sons. I am not trying to change what I do for living, but I wanted to develop what I always loved: photography. So I enrolled in a course this year, but it ended up before it was supposed to finish because of the lack of students (there were just two!!). That’s why I started surfing the web, trying to find some on line course. And that’s how I found your website.
Though I understand English (I am a former USF student, long ago, in 1985), my writing skill is not the best. I hope this will not be a problem if I take your course. I´ll be looking forward to receiving new information about it.
I’m so glad for you about your project. You sound so enthusiastic!!
I wish you and your wife all the best, and thanks for your generosity of sharing with us.
María Esther
best of luck Matt
Hi Matt,
It was a great seeing you and Diane at PSW this year. I have learned soooo much from you over the years at PSW and On1 and look forward to following you in your new endeavor. You are a great teacher and I wish you all success in the coming years.
Great news! Good luck with your new venture. Exciting to work with your wife, Diana, who was a great editor of the PSE mag. It will be fun working together to explore new avenues. Also glad you are still in the teaching mode because you do the best job of explaining concepts. Congratulations!
Hey Matt, so excited for you and your new adventure! You are an amazing teacher, but I believe it is your humility that draws us to you. That ability to connect as a friend makes your coaching that much more impactful.
Hey, Matt, it has been a long time since I stumbled upon your video describing how to use Adobe’s new software called Lightroom. What I liked about you then is what I like about you know; you moved quietly from one feature to the next, each new one building upon the last. Direct, focused, simple demonstrations that showed me what to do and why I should do it. Education. You were more interested in teaching me than selling me.
I came to ON1 because you showed me why I should add it to me process. i have come to rely on you, depend on you for simple, straight forward teachings and you have never failed to provide the help I have needed. I look forward to your next round of teachings.
Just saw this today!
Best of luck. I can’t even begin to thank you for all that you shown and taught me (and the entire community) over the years….from the beginning years ago. And such a nice, approachable personality to boot. (I’ve also met you at some local events….you seem exactly the same in person as on screen.)
I’m pulling for ya!! Go man, go!!
“See ya” around your new venture.
Yet another training company. Why not go back to Kelby? I can’t afford to kee all these subscriptions to Kelby, Lynda, CreativeLIVE, SueBryce, etc etc. you get my drift.
I wish you well and will be watching to see what happens.
Matt –
I’m a little late, but congrats. Excited for you and look forward to seeing you in the Smoky Mountains next month!
Joe
Congratulations on your new journey, Matt! I have always appreciated your accessibility on Twitter and your classes on Kelby. I have three kids – sophomore in college, a high school senior and an 8th grader – so I’m right there with you and your family experience. I love Lightroom, so I look forward to your down-to-earth and informative teaching! Blessings!
This is such exciting news for me. I learned PSE from you a few years back. I struggled with it a while, until I took your class. You made learning fun and easy to comprehend.
Now, I have LR, but importing my photos and learning where they are scares me. I cannot seem to catch on to this no matter how many classes I’ve taken in the past. NOW, I finally feel like I’m going to learn it once and for all!!!!
I’m looking so forward to this. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!!!!
May I make a suggestion. When you offer the photography course (which I will take) can you teach a segment on how to get your photos form camera to print. I cannot find anyone that teaches this. So many people have photos stuck in there computers because they don’t know about color profiling, color proofing, calibrating, RGB or sRGB. How to upload your photos to get printed and have them print they same as you see them on the computer.
Thank you!
Great news and wishing nothing but the best. I always enjoyed your teaching style. Maybe we will run in to each other at some point at the Dunedin pylons :). Let me know if you are ever down for some local landscape shooting.
Thanks Paul. I’ve been locked in my office way too long. I need to get out. I’ll definitely let you know 🙂
Matt I follow you some years ago from kelbytraining and always your work inspire me to be a better photographer, all my best for you in this new adventure, god bless you!!!
Regards from Colombia!!!
Thanks German 🙂
You legend. Great work. You are stepping into something not many of us could dare to do (start what you love on your own).
Been following your teaching for several years. You are one of the very few people out there who share your knowledge in the simple and best possible way.
All the very best in the new adventure.
Thanks! 🙂
Well done Matt and I look forward to participating. You and Scott Kelby have made me a whole lot better photographer.
You’ve a part of my photo education from the beginning and I look forward to more. One of my first books was your Layers book, even bought it as a gift for a friend new to Photoshop. Good luck on the new endeavor. The only thing that makes no sense is your love for heat and humidity!!
When will I be able to get the Ultimate On1 Course?
Congrats on the move to a family business!
Buuuut….does this now mean that you will no longer hold seminars at all now?
I (and my wife) are within one year of joining the multitude of Snowbirds down there and I was hoping you might still hold some seminars in Tampa. (we will be moving to the Pasco County area, by the way)
It would be a shame to not be able to catch one of your seminars!
Again, congratulations to you both and best of luck in your new endeavors.
Hi Randy – I actually haven’t had many seminars since 2 years ago when I left Kelby. I do plan on holding a couple here in Tampa though, so I’ll keep you posted. I see you’re on my email list, so you’ll get any notifications I send out. Thanks!
I was just reading your Top Blog Posts of 2016 and saw the one where your wife and yourself ventured out on your own. Congratulations, I hope it works as per plan. I’ve managed to be at a couple seminars where you have presented and fully agree that you are one of the best (and definitely my favourite) Lightroom instructors. Even though I’ve been using LR since Version 3, I did immediately get the Ultimate LR course when it was available (and recommended it to some friends just starting out) because I your teaching approach has constantly shown me new things.
Best wishes for the two of you in your new adventure.
You have meant a great deal to this 69 year old newbie. You teach in such a way that this visual learner gets it. I am primary photoshop and Raw in my processing because I find lightroom hard on the front in, but you have made me enjoy all 3. Thanks and keep up the good work (in photography and in your marriage.)
Col. 3:17
Sam Collins