Eight years. It’s a simple enough phrase, but when you stop to think about it, the weight of what it represents begins to settle in. Eight years of late nights and early mornings. Eight years of breakthroughs, setbacks, and everything in between. Eight years of building something out of nothing, of daring to believe that a small company could thrive in a space dominated by giants.
NBP Retouch Tools was born from a singular idea: to create tools for photographers and retouchers that didn’t just work but truly empowered. What began as a passion project—a simple wish to share techniques and workflows—has grown into something I’m immeasurably proud of. But let me be clear: NBP is not some sprawling corporation with layers of departments and faceless decision-makers. No, it remains what it’s always been—a small, independent company fueled by creativity, grit, and an unwavering desire to support fellow artists.
Over the years, I’ve experienced moments that humbled me to my core. Watching as NBP tools found their way into the hands of photographers and retouchers around the world—artists who use them to create, express, and explore—has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of this journey. But let’s not romanticize it too much. The road has been anything but smooth. There were times when I wondered if it was worth it, if the challenges of running a small business could ever feel anything but overwhelming. Yet here we are, not just surviving but thriving, in no small part thanks to all of you.
And in recent years, my newest partner, Joachim Hiller, brings his own expertise and passion to the table from Germany. Together, we’re navigating the next chapter of NBP with the same independent spirit that’s carried us this far. Having someone who shares the vision and who truly understands what it means to build something from the ground up has been nothing short of transformative.
When you choose to support NBP, you’re not just buying a tool. You’re supporting independent artists and developers who pour their hearts into every line of code, every UI tweak, every update. You’re supporting a little company that could, that did, and that still does. You’re supporting a team that sees you not as customers but as collaborators, as part of a community of creators who value artistry, craftsmanship, and ingenuity.
So, as I reflect on these eight years, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. To everyone who’s ever trusted NBP, to those who’ve shared their work and their feedback, to the community that’s made this journey possible—thank you. Thank you for believing in us, in what we stand for, and in what we create. Here’s to the next chapter of this little company with a big heart.
For more on what we do and why we do it, come see us at www.nbpretouchtools.com