A Big Change (and a Gift) for Our Photography Community

Hello Fellow Photographer,

For nearly a decade now, I’ve been collaborating with other professional photographers—like my friend David McKay—to build a community called the Photo Enthusiast Network (PEN).

Our goal was always to create a corner of the internet where photographers could actually learn and grow without all the noise and "likes" of typical social media. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve built there. We have hundreds of hours of video tutorials, inspirational articles, and image reviews.

Today, we are making the Photo Enthusiast Network completely free.

Why the change?

As many of you know, my journey started on YouTube. For me, it was always about the community and the shared excitement of finally "getting" a difficult concept.

Before I was doing this full-time, I spent years in public education. My background is in teaching, and I’ve always recognized that cost can be a massive barrier for a lot of people. Photography gear is expensive enough—I don’t want the education to be a hurdle, too.

To be honest, this wasn't an easy decision. I’ve focused my life on photography education and, like anyone else, I need to make a living. But I want to see this community grow, and I want to see you all succeed. We decided that removing the cost was the right thing to do.

Me from the beginnings of my Public school teaching days - captured on FILM!!

What’s next?

The doors are open. You get the tutorials, the image reviews, and the community without ever seeing a bill from us again.

A quick heads-up on 2027 & 2028

While the network is moving to a free model, I am still very much in the field leading Tours! We have some really exciting announcements coming for 2027 and 2028, with brand new locations being added to the calendar soon.

If you want to support what we’re doing and join me for some "in-person" learning in places like Sedona - Still a few spots left.

I’m thrilled to open the doors to everyone and I can't wait to see what you create.

See you inside,

Toby Gelston 

From a recent tour in Japan. We will return in 2028!