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I purchased your book Studio Lighting Made Simple. I just want to tell you thanks, BIG THANKS. I have a shelf full of photography books many of which are on the topic of lighting. If I would have found your book first I would have saved a great deal of time and money. In fact so many books I have carpal tunnel of the eyes ;-)… I highly recommend this book to any and all photographers new or pros, everyone can learn from it. Your writing style and your obvious sincerity make this an easy book to read and understand. Your technique is extremely effective and simple just as the title says. Other books confuse the reader with technical jargon and just do not explain the process in a clear and concise method. I am too busy to try and learn the science of light; I just want to make it work for me. Well I am on my second trip through your book (it’s like a great movie needs to be seen more then once) and my confidence level is WAY up. I can see that my equipment cost is going to slow way down which will increase my profit margin. Scott I could go on and on about how much I have learned from your book and how it has made my life so much easier but you have more books to write (I HOPE) hint hint. Looking forward to the wedding Book I just ordered and the rest in your series. Keep up the great work and don’t let life’s blows get you down, my prayers are with you and your daughter
God Bless
Jon A.
Topeka, Kansas
PS: if you have a mailing list PLEASE put me on it.
I just finished reading your wonderful book on lighting. You really have made it simple to understand. I wish I had never bought all those glossy books from the book store. Lots of pretty pictures and pretty much nothing that I could actually use to improve my lighting skills. Now I am clearly on the right track thanks to you. My only regret is that I forgot to ask you to autograph the book before you shipped it to me. Oh, well.....I will get you to autograph the next book that I buy from you. Thanks for your great web site, your great method of teaching and for the time and energy you have saved me with your great book.
Best regards,
Reginald Brown
I truly appreciate your no-nonsense help. I purchased your Lighting book while stationed in Germany about two years ago. I called you from there and, though in between engagements, you took the time to talk to me. With your book, before having any equipment at all..........I had a clue what I was looking for. I can't thank you enough for always making time for those of us who cannot afford to be pros but are conscientious about our outcomes. Your book has given me a feeling of some competence, though I'm at the beginning stages.
Jim
I just wanted to tell you how much i enjoyed the books. I wish I had read them 4 or 5 years ago [I would have saved a bundle on recommended equipment]. I am just a part time photographer who loves to do glamour & boudoir. Once again, great books Thanks,
Edward Langlois
Very sincerly,
Richard Woods
from the great state of California
I wanted to say how impressed I was with your web site and lighting book. I have a library of books on photography and not one explains the different aspects of lighting as well as your lighting book. The web site is a wealth of information useful to beginners and Pro's alike. Your books cut out the techno-babble and in simple and logical terms put it all in perspective and makes sense out of the puzzle of controlling your equipment and lighting. The lighting book is highly recommended and I just bought the wedding book to help expand my photography business.
Jim Cummens
Computer Designs
I receive the book of "Studio Lighting Made Simple" last week. It is a great book. Thanks a lot for signing it for me. It was very nice to talk with you in the phone. I like your web site very much.
Best Regards,
Xiao(Tony) Xu
Your Boudoir book is great! I've read through it at least twice now. Again, FANTASTIC BOOK!!!! Can't wait till the posing guide comes out!
Mark
Amanda Grantham
Had a nice chat on the phone with Becky while ordering the lighting book. I've gone through it and it - is - AWESOME! Thank you so much for that info. And I really appreciate your easy to understand way of putting things...what a breath of fresh air! Kinda tired of all the heady jargon that most text books use and never make any way of letting us know why to do something a certain way as you do. I'm in Germany now serving the US armed forces with a little family studio. Now after 5 years under my belt I find your book and learn all this great stuff I could have been using all along...DUH! Your Web page is top notch too. Do you do your own web page? Where can I see more of your award winning work as I really enjoy (and learn from) looking at your images?
Well thanks again for your fine service and keep up the good work. I will be in touch for sure to get some of your other books. Best wishes to both of you.
Sincerely,
Kevin Tessier
I ordered your book awhile back and was completely thrilled and I was quite impressed with myself after I put your suggestions into practice. So many other books approach lighting as if you already "knew it all". Your book didn't make me feel stupid, rather it made me feel "enlightened"! I have 2 weddings coming up in June and I will be ordering your book on Weddings. I was impressed with your bio, and appreciate the way you give God credit for seeing you through your times of sadness. ( As a matter of fact, that was what led me to purchase your book). Keep up the good work! You're a great teacher!
Thanks,
Sue Immel
"In Focus" in Kentucky
Humza Yasin
I would just like to say thank you. First for answering your own phone. That was a real treat to get to talk to you instead of just just someone taking orders. You answered my questions and gave me some good advise. I took your advise and returned the Novatron 240 fun kit and purchased a 63-V-600-3c kit. I'm glad I talked to you before it was too late. But the best thing was ordering your studio lighting book. Wow! What a lot of great information. Information I was unable to get from all the books I have read and the people I have talked to. The book was so easy to follow, in fact I read it the first night and a great deal of it again the next morning. I then typed a note sheet with some of the information I got from your book to use as a guide. I will keep it in the case with my strobe lights. I realize I will still have to experiment a little to get it down right, but at least I have a good start. All the other books I have read gave me no start at all. Not even a clue.
My daughter's friend is getting married and has very little money. She asked if I would take some announcement pictures of her and her husband to be. I jumped on it. Before I read your book, I would have not had the confidence to do it.
I am looking forward to purchasing some more of your books and your Diffusion Panel and the gel kit in the future. I hope to see you get your posing book out soon.
Thanks again
Larry
Purchased your lighting book and read it in one evening. Couldn't put it down! I will read it again AFTER adjusting my lights! Something that never occurred to me. I'm going to follow the book exactly with all of the examples and "adjustments" that I should have done a long time ago....hey, nobody told me! By the way, do you pay for all of the film and the processing to get my equipment just right? Just kidding....but I do wish these basic "first" things had been shown to me before all of the wasted time and film. I will be studying your book for a good while and again I Thank You. Money well spent.
Sincerely,
George Wyatt
Amarillo, Texas
I recently ordered your Diffusion panel, Studio Lighting Made Simple and your Wedding Book. I must say that both of these books were no doubt the most informative works I have found to date. Your diffusion panel was also a great improvement. I have learned more from your books than a thousand rolls of film have taught me.
Thanking you in advance
Clarence Peters
Indianapolis In
I received your book, Studio Lighting Made Simple. a few days ago. Thank you for the prompt service. Waiting for the chapter on Digital was a wise choice for me. I read the first 65 pages the first day I received it. Then day before yesterday I read the rest of the book. I couldn't put it down. You are a great teacher and present the material in a wonderful way. Thank you for your insight into using what is available to make great portraits. I really appreciate your book and will probably be ordering some of the others in the not too distant future.
Thanks again.
Zu Carpenter
Outstanding lighting book. First book I read that kept it simple and made me feel like I could create spectacular photos. Look forward to using the diffusion panels I ordered from you and can't wait to purchase your other books.
Bob Pocius
I can't wait to get my books that I ordered today and wanted to ask if it's not too late for you to sign them for me. I would really appreciate it. I also wanted to thank you for all the time you spent with me on the phone. I don't know how you do it. Your web site is my favorite to visit and I thank you for all you share with those of us who are trying to learn about making good portraits.
Yours truly,
Linda Gibson
Have been studing your book Studio Lighting Made Simple, and I must say it is the best I've read on the subject. After reading and studing my text books and any other books I could come up with on lighting, I was left confused and frustrated. Seldom getting the results that I expected to see on my prints. Your book though has made it so much easier to understand how to get the results I'm looking for. I must say though, I've highlighed so much stuff in it, it looks like a coloring book.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge,
Rodney Day
Stinnett, Texas
Just a note of thanks for your excellent book on Studio Lighting. As a photography instructor I thought I'd read all the excellent books on studio lighting but your book is by the far the best for explaining what is and should be a fairly simple process. Your explanation of the inverse square law was the finest I have yet to read. Thank you so much for an outstanding job. Above all, I appreciate the courtesy and respect you gave me when I called. I've noticed the same respect with people that have asked you questions....even the questions that may appear somewhat simple. The world needs more people with attitudes like yours. Have a great new year!
J. F. Wiemer
Your lighting book is AWESOME! Everything made so much sense. I am thrilled with the pictures I have taken so far using your advice. I have so many more things that I want to try. I'm also going to order your wedding book and posing book when it is available.
You are a great teacher!
Mary Sweeney
I received your lighting book just after 4:30 PM today. Took it home, started reading it, finished it about 5 minutes ago THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Your lighting techniques made complete sense to me. You wouldn't believe how excited I am over my new found knowledge.
The outdoor lighting for Weddings was like having a lightning bolt strike me. Genius! So Simple. I can't wait to shoot another wedding next summer. Thank you very much for your knowledge. You have given me great confidence in my abilities. SIMPLE IS BETTER.
Again thank you. Great book. You will be hearing from me to purchase your other books.
Please notify me when the Posing book is finished, as I would love to add this to my collection. MAN, if I had the money I would love to fly across the world to attend one of your seminars.
Sincerely,
James C. Hodgins
First, thank you for your terrific book on lighting. I am learning plenty even though I have taken photography at NYIP.
Best Regards,
Bob Pardue
Peter Cartier
I just received the books and gels that my sweet dad ordered for me! They are awesome! You really know how to explain things in "everyday" language, with the emphasis on us learning in a fun way. I kicked back and have been reading and enjoying!
Anyway, I am enjoying the books and can't wait to put some of the advice into practice.
Thanks for everything!
Teresa Ash, Marshall, Texas
I bought your trio of books recently and found them very easy to read, much less technical than the usual explanations. Well done!
Cheers
Dave Miller
I received your lighting book yesterday. What a fantastic resource! I was up past midnight last night going through it. Your book offers value far beyond it's price.
Thanks again!
- John Driscoll
I got my copy of Studio Lighting today and am almost ashamed to say that I spent the rest of the afternoon with my nose buried deep within. Great book.
Thanks again!
Fred Walker
I just got off the phone with you. I am compelled to express my pleasure first at having had you in person rather than an order taker and second at the comfort level that you gave me during our conversation. Although I am a mere "advanced amateur", I never detected any condescension on your part, just two people passionate about photography having a chat about what they love. For that I thank you. I will make it a point to try and attend one of your seminars in the Lone Star state, although I wish you could make it to the North East.
Fabulous web site, extremely informative!!
Many thanks,
Sincerely,
Jean-David
I have read every question and answer on your web site. I also recently purchased your book Studio Lighting Made Simple. I must say " this combination has helped me understand the most tricky concepts." I have watched many videos and read numerous books. Nothing compares.
Thanks Scott! You are a gentleman and a great businessman. I wish their were more people like you to help newcomers learn the secrets rather than hide information and discourage them. I will be proud one day to be called a photographer!
Sincerely,
Jay Asper
I think your book entitled "Studio Lighting made simple" is the best book available on the topic. I own and have read several books on portrait photography and lighting. Your book is far superior to many others as instructional material. Combined with the supplemental information and photographs on your web page, it provides the necessary knowledge to fully develop my lighting skills. It's just what I was looking for all semester in photography II at San Jacinto JC. My instructor was very impressed with it. I would not be surprised, if he includes the book in graduate classes at UH next semester. The book makes an excellent text and should be included in any painting or photography class.
Randy Peters
I wanted to let you know that the books were very helpful and easy to read.
Sincerely,
Jim Robertson
I wanted to thank you for prompt response to my order for your Studio Lighting, Wedding and Boudoir books, as well as your diffusion panels. I just finished reading the Studio Lighting book (just got it yesterday) and can't wait to try out some of your suggestions for lighting. I found it very well written and easy to read. The diffusion panels, (as you said they would be), are of first class construction. ......Once again, thanks for your advice and I'm sure that you will be hearing from me in the future. Bon chance dan tout chose!!
Mike Louvier
I just recieved your book about 2 hours ago, (Studio Lighting made simple), and I have spent that two hours reading it. I have learned more in that two hours than I have in hours and hours of reading other books. Your book
contains the stepping stone that I need to get out of the ugly rut I am
in. Thank you! Thank you!
D. Holiday
Shelby, NC
Your package arrived today. I flipped through the books and I believe these books will be well worn before I ever put them aside (if ever!) They are well written with lots of great info and the photos are the type I hope to someday produce! With your help I'm sure it is possible. Thanks! Now I need to get busy assembling the Diffusion panels I ordered from you.
Again,Thanks,
Doug
Thanks,
Jim Dugger
St. Augustine, Fl.
I have recently purchased your lighting and wedding books. Thank you very much for their "simple" explanations! I hope to begin applying them to my work soon!
Thanks,
David Berensohn
My name is Michael Lunny, last winter I spoke to you from my home in Quebec, Canada. I purchased two wonderful and very educational books from you, the wedding book and the studio lighting book. Let me tell you that you made my life easier in both functions. The studio lighting book has given me results that I never thought possible as a amateur. I also love your diffusion panels, I get the lighting I want with out moving anything other than the light head. Lighting made simple. Scott, I just wanted to say thanks, your books made my photography more exciting. To you and your family, from Mary and myself, we wish you a joyous Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.
Mike Lunny
Michael
Scott:
This lighting book is really good. I have been spending a lot of time in it and trying the methods you described. You are right about the ways people teach. I know the other two books will be just as great. That lesson on background lighting really blew me away. I've always tried to use grids to keep light off the background to make it go black. Boy do I feel like the dummy after reading this. I've only got a few more chapters to go and I will go back through it again to take detailed notes. I have balanced all my lights.
Have a great week my friend and thanks...
I'm going to either push to have you come to our school next year or I will come out to the Texas School for your class. Hopefully I'll have some prints to show you of the results of your teaching :-)
Waldo Berry
Kansas State University
Studio Lighting Made Simple - Wow! A FANTASTIC book on lighting. When I think about all the money I have spent (wasted) on lighting "technique" books that only showcase the authors best shots without any real detail on the thought process or techniques that went into making the picture or went into technical dissertations that are meant to impress NASA scientists (or Nuclear
Engineers). I wish I would have discovered your books a long time ago. Made Simple is VERY easy to understand, well thought out and informative. A perfect book for an advanced amateur or the young aspiring professional. Feel free to quote any part of that!
The Boudoir and Wedding books as "companion" books to Studio Lighting are as well thought out. Thanks again for taking the time to put together a great series of books!
Andy Seynaeve
Hampton, IL
I want to thank you very sincerely for writing such an outstanding book and providing such a great web site. After purchasing my first Novatron pack several months ago and finding your brochure inside, I have learned so much! Your book is so fabulous and helpful and clearly written! I appreciate so much the effort you put into that book Studio Lighting Made Simple. Finally a book that makes sense and is a wonderful guide to the art of studio photography.
Whenever I can I go to your web site and found it to be one of the most enjoyable sites I have ever visited. I know because it's one of the few I keep revisiting!
Best wishes to you and your family...
Sincerely,
Roy D. Rackley
Los Angeles, California
I am in receipt of your book "Studio Lighting Made Simple" and have absolutely been immersed in reading it. It is, without a doubt, one of the best reads on the subject that I have ever seen.
Thanks for your help (and your book).
Regards,
Ron Crawford
I ordered 3 of your books last week and they came Monday. Thanks for the fast service! I have been reading them every chance I have had and love them. They are the clearest texts I have ever read on photography. I guess I'll be selling some of my old books (and maybe a soft box) on eBay! I also appreciate and relate to your attitudes on several things, like the importance of satisfying every customer and your preference for working as a sole photographer, so as not to bear
the responsibility of someone else's actions. Nobody else can care about my customers in quite the same way I do.
I also appreciate your boudoir book. This is an area I have been interested in, but haven't been too sure about. We (my wife helps with my photography) have had two requests for this kind of session the last two months. I had it in my mind that it could be something very tasteful and respectful. You expressed what I had been thinking beautifully. Your rule that a lady will always be portrayed as a lady and nothing less (did I get that right?) is perfect.
I appreciate the fact that you are willing to share your experience with others.
Thanks for everything,
Robin Hickman
(second
e-mail)
Scott
I just finished your wedding book and it was fantastic! I
am going to shoot my first real wedding in about a month
I have been terrified. I have bought every wedding book
and video I could get my hands on and they were not a lot
of help. My attitude towards weddings has been that they
were a necessary evil to pay the bills. After reading
your book I am actually excited about doing weddings.
Thanks so much,
Robin
Your book has given me the confidence I needed to embark on my dream project. I had read a half dozen other lighting books and still had no idea about where to begin or what equipment to purchase. Thanks to Studio Lighting Made Simple, I know exactly what I need and how I will use it. Can't wait to get started!
Rich
Los Angeles
Just a quick note to say thanks. We received the book in perfect condition.....Got started into it on our rainy Sunday - easy style to read and handle - and a lot of great information - you've certainly done a great job - and I'm very pleased with it.
Just wanted to say thanks!
Leon Watson (Project Engineer)
Toyo Engineering Corporation,
JAPAN
I have received your book and I must say that I have learned more within the last few days about lighting than I have in the past. Your images of what each light pattern should look like has made a tremendous difference for me, instead of hearing about what they should look like, I now know what they look like. Thanks.
Also, you idea about having a ratio set of prints made as a reference is really a great idea.
Thanks.
D. R. BRANTLEY
I received the Studio Lighting book and am very pleased with it. There is no question that it is far better than all the "coffee table" books that I have, including the Pro-Lighting "Portraits". This latter book gives a slick presentation of the work of several photographers and has good lighting diagrams, but like the rest of the genre, doesn't give the "nuts and bolts" of how to set up and operate a portrait studio like your book does.
I am looking forward to purchasing your book on Posing, when it is ready.
Thanks for your help.
Stan Locus
Van Nuys, CA
I got my Pola Book and tools last week. I really enjoyed reading through the book. I especially loved the glossary of terms at the back. I learned things I didn't know such as how to make a cable release. I'm going to attempt some night shots soon. The Pola tools are very nice and allow fine control. I have been using my keys and a chopstick! The book was great in that you broke everything down into a step by step simple process. Congratulations on a fine book.
Sincerely and God's light to you
Chris Hansen
Falcon's Wing Photography
I can't express how pleased and excited I was after reading you book on lighting. You make everything simple and easy to understand. All the other books that I have read did nothing but confuse me. Why can't everyone make light so simple? I have read the book 3 times and each time I garner more and more information. I would Highly recommend this book for anyone that wants to learn how to paint with light in an easy and understandable manner.
Sincerely
Bill Hansen
I'm enjoying the lighting book and learning more about the subject than I've ever known. Thanks for making it understandable. I can't wait to get my strobes balanced and start practicing. My neighbors probably think I'm crazy-holding up my hand while on my early morning walk, looking for the "glow" of the light. Thanks for your time and patience. I hope to come to a class someday, somewhere.
Your student in Tallassee, Alabama,
Mike
Thanks again. please tell your wife I was not disappointed because the book was not a hard back. Rather, tell her accept for the Bible, I haven't been able to put it down.
Aspiring to greatness in Seattle,
Darrell Warren
PS : SOME DAY WE WILL MEET
Your Boudoir Made Simple book has helped me understand more about Boudoir photography. I especially like how you teach us to make the customer feel comfortable. I have learned so much. I plan to change my package design like you suggest. I makes a lot of sense. I also really like the case histories in the book. Some are very funny. Thanks you so much for your easy way of teaching. We need more teachers just like you.
Sincerely,
F. Gomez
Los Angeles, CA
I received the package yesterday, and read the studio book. WOW, I am very impressed with your ability to "Teach" lighting. Thanks again for the time you took with me on the phone last week.
Wayne
P.S. When will you hold another one day lighting class as I can't make the one in October ?
I received my Lighting book today, what a pleasure it was to open, I frantically flipped through every page and said, "wow", this is exactly what I have been searching for. The book plus your informative web site, wow! I will let you know how I progress. Right now I have to head to the hardware store and purchase some PVC. Cheers, and thank you very much. As I always say to my photo friends, " You don't need a name brand to take a great picture." I'm glad I see you stating this as well.
Thanks again,
Frank Hupalo
Thank you!
Rhonda
After reading, re-reading, practicing, reading, re-reading and practicing some more - your methods have made worlds of difference to my lighting! The methods and practices you teach hold up well after following them for almost a year. The notion that I am in charge of my lights and not a slave to formula lighting has me trying things that I would have never thought of. Establishing a working ISO (such a basic and simple concept) has really done wonders for my location shoots. No more guessing and hoping that something will turn out well - I KNOW IT WILL! Now that I have gotten past concentrating on lighting, I have more freedom to explore new and exciting poses since I can now see what the light is doing and predict the results. To quote something I read somewhere..."Training that thing between your ears is pretty important." I hope that I didn't butcher your quote too badly!! Thanks again for all your efforts in putting together a great series of books!
Andy Seynaeve
Hampton, IL
(Nuclear Simulator Instructor and future photog)
As of this writing, I am re-reading the "Studio Lighting Made Simple." The text is clearly written, concise, and filled with tips that demand immediate application. A co-worker asked that I photograph her daughter prior to her first Prom. I set up the lights and took a series of shots. A few hours later, the mother called me screaming into the phone that I needed to wait in my office for her momentary arrival with the photos. Given the size and general disposition of the mother, I spent the next few minutes in dread anticipation of her impending arrival. Upon arrival at my office, she threw her arms around my neck and cried while thanking me. The photographs were unbelievable. The mother (Elnora) wanted to know why I continued to work as a paramedic. I would like to thank you for the wonderful information that you communicated so well within the text (and probably saving my hide).
Thanks, Tony
I also appreciate you taking time to answer questions. It has been a huge help to me. I hope you and your family prosper for all the good you do for others.
Andrew F.
LA Calif.
I received the lighting book, today. I started reading the book & I'm completely engrossed. I love the easy to understand format & I truly think your photos & redentials are phenomenal. I think your simple approach is a wonderful starting point & I can't wait to purchase some lights & have fun & learn all at the same time. I think your website, books & products are a wonderful asset to the world of photography & I look forward to using this info to create & enjoy.
Thanks!!!
Roger Sanford
I just finished reading your wedding book. Wow! You really did hit on the things that I hated about doing weddings. I was starting to feel burnt out with weddings. I can tell that you have done a ton of them. The ways you solve problems are so simple I keep asking why I never thought of them. I just wanted to say thanks for making weddings less painful for me. I plan to adopt many of your methods and policies.
Best wishes,
Randy Tyler