Site Comment Page

Special thanks to all the great people who have sent in kind words about our site. Your comments provide a lot of inspiration to keep building this site into a better place for photographers to find information. - Scott

Hi Scott,
Your Web site is extremely well done.
John Giulino
I take it back , your web site is the absolute BEST I have ever seen or used on the WEB. It is incredible !!
John

Hi,
Your site is the most impressive one I have ever seen. Not only is it beautiful, your talent is beyond superb. Such beautiful images should be seen by all. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Evangeline Kilday

Hi Scott
Just found your site and it has blown me away.. I am just starting to learn about using lights for pro portrait work and I am sure I will get heaps of worthwhile info from your site..
People like you are national treasures!!
Kiwikeith
New Zealand

Scott,
I have found a home. Your site is informative, concise, and just fun to look around on. I have been in a lot of “Professional” sites and I look at their photos to see what they are doing. Well a lot of them need to look at yours. It is awesome. Keep up the good work.
Your friend in Topeka Kansas,
Jon A.

Dear Scott,
What a super job you've done on the website! Congratulations. I haven't seen anyone's site with more effective and thoughtful design and color. Saw my note on the book comment page, too. :-) I was glad to see some of your photographs. I had no doubt that someone with your credentials would have an impressive folio. It's interesting to me that I bought into how you create the images before I actually saw your work. Now, seeing the product reinforces my sense of "This is going to work. You can do this."
Becky's galleries are fascinating. I had no idea I would "respond" to her art and even be interested in trying it, but her work made me want to try. I'd better stick to learning one thing at a time right now.
Tell Becky I'm still praying for her. If she's ever awake between 4:30 and 5:00 A.M., she should know that someone in Alabama is asking God to make her well at that time of day.
God bless you, and thanks again,
Mike McElroy

Mr. Scott Smith,
Let me please express my gratitude for creating and keeping "LightingMagic. com" by far the best photography web page I have honestly ever seen. It is not only very informative, but I find it easy to read and understand as well.
Thanks you very much.
Respectfully,
Eduardo Miranda
(Ottawa Canada)

WOW..WOW....WOW.....
What more can we say....We..Meaning my wife and I....Your pictures are so much fun to look at...Wedding pictures very good....Beautifullllllll......Watch out Monte.......Scott and Wife are going to give you a good run. Thank you Scott, for your hard work.
Dwight & Mariann.....From Michigan.

Dear Mr. Smith
Your web site is remarkable. I have seen a lot of web sites but yours is so beautiful to look at and easy to use that I find myself going back to it again and again. I especially appreciate how you have devoted your site to the visitor and have not filled the pages with the typical links and advertising banners that would make it just as irritating as most other sites. The text is easy to read and one never feels lost when navigating. It's just so easy to use and the information in it is of tremendous value. My hat is off to you for making a site that others
should look to for guidance. You set a new standard. Thank you for all your hard work and for sharing your knowledge. I will keep your site at the top of my favorites list.
Jean Hagan
Canada

Hi there Scott.....how are you?
A friend was telling me about your site so I thought it would be a typical photo web site. MAN was I wrong!!!!! it's great. Packed with information and great samples of your work which is by far the best. I have booked marked it and will check back very often.
Have a great day Scott!!!!
Bill

Dear Scott
I must congratulate you on your website. One evening I spent two hours looking through search engine results of 'portrait photography', and, after two hours, I found your site. I don't believe that I will ever have to search for another website again, yours is the ultimate
resource!
Thank You very much!
Yours Faithfully,
Alex Stearn

Scott
i think that your site is the best on the internet and all the info you give also.
Thanks for your help
Gary
garyscamera

I have never spent so long on any web site as I have on yours. The information was like entering Aladdin's cave. It is a breath of fresh air to come across someone who is willing to share so openly the fundamentals of their craft. I is much appreciated. I was going to sign up for a course but then realised you are in the U.S. but if you are ever in Ireland you have a free bed here.
Peter (Fire-fighter and trying photographer)

I stumbled upon this website via a Novatron website. My hat is off to you and your family! It is very informative. Your ability to convey lighting and posing concepts in a non-intimidating manner is a true gift. There are many talented photographers, but few who can communicate techniques in a friendly, and "NON-I'M BETTER THAN YOU" kind of way. (Ever been subjected to a Monte' Seminar?)
I haven't done much photography for 10 years now, and am starting to get back into it. I will be sending some business your way, as a thank you for this free, informative and fun website.
Thanks
Irving Harris
PLR-Photographic Sales & Service
Professional Photofinishing Equipment Sales & Service

Dear Scott:
I just discovered your web site. It is without a doubt, the most useful, information-full site I have been to about photography. Thanks for giving a rookie the information and confidence to continue!
Again, great site, great information.
Sincerely,
Terry Ballant

I would just like to take a minute of your time Scott and thank you for putting together your website. I will have to say that since I've found the site I've learned so much about outdoor portrait work, working with people, and just general photography. You really have a great way of explaining things to us and always explain your reason in a way that's just really a joy to read. Again Scott, thank you very much.
Jack C.

Thank you so much for the wonderful web site!!! This site has been of great help to me over the last couple of months as I have been doing outdoor portraits and working on a studio. This is the best photography site I have found!
Thank you,
Ann Long

Scott, Becky & Jennifer:
just a quick note to add my warm fuzzies to the others I've just read about your website. I've been visiting it for several months now and have told lots of other photographers about it. It is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting, colorful and informative websites of all time. Indeed, your creativity and caring are evident in the beautiful design of your site. It makes the world a brighter place to be in at the end of a long, hard week! I realize that besides the photographic excellence each of you possess and share so generously, you also are a fine example of the most important things we have and hold dear on this earth -- our families. So glad to hear the good report on Becky -- I think of all of you often. Jennifer, you are getting so tall and grown-up looking ----- STOP GROWING up so fast!!! You are precious and I know what a blessing you are to your mom and dad. Looking to my next visit to your site!
Kathryn Sue Stacy

Hi Scott
To be honest I never heard of you till I read your name in the insert with my Novatron 61-1000-VR3C light kit I purchased. I have since found your site and am thoroughly impressed. I have been a amateur photo bug for over 20 years. I felt it was time to finally add studio lights to my equipment in order to expand my horizons. I have never read anything (besides manuals that came with my cameras) or taken any classes for photography. I have learned more in the last 2 days from your site than I have taught myself in the last 20 years. Pretty pathetic huh? I was actually playing with the lights and getting some pretty good photo's with highlights and shadows but was basically working in the dark. Due to what I have learned from your site and will learn from your book as soon as I order it I think I may actually be able to get some where. I would just like to say thank you for having such a informative site that can actually teach not only beginners but advanced photographers the proper use of lighting and why to do it that way.
Mark

Hi Scott, and your family. I am new to photography and ran across you site and love it and all your work I seen. I am definitely going to buy your books. What I am writing about is to tell you that I appreciate the advise you give. Nobody with your talent usually gives out that much information. Hope it don't sound corny but I was kinda moved by the speech you gave to the beginners depression in the info library. A man who has no secrets is an honest man.
Take care.
Billy O'Bannon

Dear Scott:
First and foremost, your website has been a tremendous source of information for me, thank you for taking the time to produce and maintain it!
Marcus Randolph

To Mr. Scott Smith
My name is Ron Henderson. First I will like to start by saying that your web site as well as your work is the absolute best. You and your wife's work is absolutely beautiful, which make me want to improve my professionalism.
Thank you.
Sincerly yours,
Ron Henderson

Dear Mr. Smith,
It was a pleasure talking with you last Thursday via the telephone. I have viewed your website many times during the past three years, and I am always amazed at your in-depth knowledge of photography and its processes. I believe that you must have torn the subject of photography apart (as a mechanic would), examined all of its parts thoroughly, and put it back together again. Your images galleries are excellent. In particular, I like the "Natural Beauty" and the "Silver Girl" in the Portrait Gallery. In addition to the separation of highlights and shadows from your lighting setup, they also have an emphasis of warm colors - amber, magenta, yellow, or red (background). "Petals" and "His Favorite View" in the Boudoir and Glamour Gallery show a very similar emphasis and separation of colors. This emphasis of colors simply grabs your eyes and holds your attention! From studying your galleries and lighting diagrams along with reading your information libraries, readers can have a short course in lighting techniques and very high quality photography. . . From viewing your photographs and reading different entries in your information library over the past several months, I can't help but wonder what the forces were that influenced you in acquiring your photographic talents. Also your reply to the gentleman that ask you about "Loss of Detail in Dark Clothing" in the Lighting General Questions Library is pure gold. You said, "Why your picture looks the way it does will remain a mystery as long as you let your camera think for you." . . . In closing, you have one of the top sites for photography on the web. I am certain that you have put many many hours in designing and maintaining it. Thank you very much!
Best Regards,
Jack Everetts

Hi Scott,
I spent the better part of my day reading and viewing your site and my brain is swollen from all the new knowledge. Thanks so much for taking the time to share all your knowledge and beautiful photography with us.
I ordered your lighting book today and can't wait to get it. Hope you will soon have another seminar in the D/FW area. I would love to attend one.
Thanks again,
Bren

Hi,
I really enjoyed looking through the photographs on your web site. You do wonderful work. To me, having the ability to visualize and achieve what you visualized with so many different lights is like being able to play chess and see a dozen or more moves ahead. Simply amazing.
Thank you for your time.
Mike

Hi Scott!
I know you can't possibly have time to answer every e-mail you get, but I felt compelled to write to you and tell you thank you from the bottom of my soul for your web site! It shocks me what a difficult time I have had finding answers to my questions or even simply photographic advice! I have been reading and printing pages from your site for an hour. I know you probably hear every day how thorough your answers are and how much your advice is helping people. I truly feel that God will bless you for sharing your knowledge! Thank you again!!!!!
Lynn Enterkin

Scott
I have come across your web site through a recommendation from a photography forum. I know you probably get lots of praise on it but I am very, very touched by the information you posted about your family. It gave a new light to things when I read your answers to questions, your solutions and recommendations. I'm not quite sure how to put it, but it seems like you are not just a photographer, but that you really put your heart and soul into what you know and do. I know that it has been a sacrifice, but you are providing more than knowledge. You are providing inspiration. I have admiration for your dedication to and for humanizing the craft of photography. Thank you for what you have done and for your work.
Waldo Berry

Scott,
I don't have a question, just a comment.
I Have been shooting film since 1969 as a still photographer in the US Army, Viet Nam 1969. Although never formally trained, basically self taught after the 4 week of Army schooling. I have been shooting commercial type images the last 15 years, reading everything I can get my hands on about studio lighting. Been to several Dean Collins seminars, and have a few of his VHS tapes but I must tell you that I have learned more about studio lighting from your free web site this weekend than I have in the past 15 years. Down to earth plain english basic information. The Q&A section was fantastic, I learned so much about lighting tip and tricks I'm all fired up and can't wait to try some of your suggestions.
I am not good at putting things in words, just wanted to let you what a GREAT job you have done in putting together your web site, the diagrams are fantastic, really informative.
Warm regards,
Jon

Scott:
Super web site! Best one I've seen by far. Congratulations on a fantastic job.
Bill Hedrick
Texas Professional Photographers

Dear Scott,
Thank you so much for providing such an informative website! It's going to take me days to read it all! Your site has been the most informative I've come across in the months of searching. Thanks for the wonderful information. Wish me luck in my new business venture! :o) And much luck to you too my friends.
S.Barnes
Portland, Oregon

Your contribution to the developpement of QUALITY on the internet is tremendous. Thanks to sites like yours, the internet can continue to hold its true meaning : Outstanding content and Information!
Thanks
Christian Van Simaeys

Dear Mr. Smith;
I just had to drop you a note to say thanks! To begin, it's very refreshing to find a web site with the image quality and taste that your's has. With all the trash sites anymore, etc... I've been an avid photographer since 1988, from scenic and wildlife to press coverage, weddings, modeling, portraits and more. After finding your link on Novatron's site, I have spent several enjoyable hours viewing your work and learning much! I plan to open a studio here in Huntington, WV in about eighteen months with Novatron's "Scott Smith" studio light set and replace my 35mm with the new Hasselblad 555. (Call me sentimental!)
Wishing you and your family the very best, and thanks again for such an informative and beautiful web site!
Sincerely,
Jim Elkins
Jim Elkins' Photography

What a great site! I think I spent longer on your site than any other in my several years of cruising the 'Net. Great information in an easy to read and navigate format. I also liked that you avoided most of the stupid browser tricks. I guess your “keep it simple” philosophy spills over to you web design as well. Just wanted to say thanks for all the free info, I know it took time to post.
John R. Ellison
Executive Director

Scott:
I don't recall how I "stumbled" onto your OUTSTANDING site, but I'm glad I did! It's so EASY to navigate...FILLED with such valuable and practical information...EXCITING to traverse...a JOY to visit. I look forward to returning often.
Thanks for building a site that is not only FAST, but INVITING!
Photographically yours,
Richard Duncan
Richard Duncan Photography(Chicago)

Scott hello,
i found your site very informative. the most i've seen to date. I am a webmaster and the site runs afantastic and has much to offer to people. i will pass the url to others.
Robert D.

Hi, Scott.
Thank you for the most informative lighting website I've ever seen. I appreciate people like you sharing their vast experience with the rest of us.
Thank you,
--Ian

Scott,
Thanx so much for such a web site that you have offered to anyone who wants to enter into it. I have spent so much money on these so called money making photography courses through the mail, but have not learned half as much as just reading your site and studying your photos.
Thanx,
Greg

Another beginning photographer turned me on to your web site. You are such an awesome person to offer so much information in such an understandable format. I've got your book that I bought in Kerville last summer. I think I'll go back and read it again. It's starting to click now. Maybe someday I'll be able to return the favor by assisting some new photographer as you do so many.
Thanks again,
Jenny Wallace-Crounse
Kingwood, TX

Hi Scott,
I can't wait to read your book. I am a regular visitor to your web page. It is very educational and inspirational to read and learn from you. Although, I am a potter with very little knowledge of photography, I can understand your writing very well, and the diagrams for commercial pictures are very helpful. Your suggestions make so much senses to me. In fact, I just finished building the diffusion panels.
Thank you very much for sharing with us. We owe you big time! Can't wait for my book! Please let me know when you are going to have a teaching session on commercial photography.
Thanks again,
Satian Leksrisawat

Hi Scott-
I spoke to you over the weekend and ordered your "Portrait Lighting" book and then checked out your web site. It is absolutely awesome and the best I have seen in forever. I think I spent about 3 hours checking it out (and yes, reading everything) as well as the links. I found the "story of your life" fascinating reading. I hope your wife is feeling better lately.
I also wanted to say the questions and answers section of your website was awesome as well. I have been reading and reading these past two days! Already some of my questions have been answered!
Thanks again, Scott.
Regards, Diane

Dear Scott;
Your web sight is inspirrational and sensational!
George R. Groves

To Scott:
I just want to thank-you for the your willingness to teach and share of your professional knowledge. Although there are a great many resources available, (especially on the web) the calibur and sincerity of your personality shines vastly above others.
God Bless you and your family!
Sincerely,
Brenda Mikols

Scott,
I am amazed! Your site is honestly one of the best I've ever seen--and that's after eight years of surfing the net. The amount of information contained here is astonishing--as a photographer, I can't believe I've lived without it for so long! Keep up the good work, I'll be visiting your page frequently!!
Sincerely,
Melanie Love - Photographs by Melanie
Southeast Michigan Photographer

Scott,
Great to see a photographer such as yourself willing to share your great knowledge of photography to others who are striving to become
professionals.
Your friend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Hey Scott:
Awesome site. The image quality is superb and the color scheme is very pleasing. Nice job. I'm really jealous! I still have mine in the works. My best to Becky,
David Boeck
San Antonio, Texas

Hi Scott:
I have been watching for your site for quite a while. I am glad to see the results of your efforts! Congratulations! I am reading your lighting book again now that I see the actual photographic examples. Love your work, love your book, and Becky's work is AMAZING!!
Take care, keep up the good work and thanks for all the excellent information and may God bless.
Steve Heaton
Spirit Lake, IA

Dear Scott and Becky:
I just wanted to let you know I am a newcomer to your site.....and I just love it! I rate it as one of the absolute best on the net!!!
I also wanted to send my prayers to you and Becky during this time. Your story moved me to tears, I was so touched by it. May God be with you and bless you and your family.
Darlene

Hi Scott
I am writing from Perth Western Australia. Excellent web page.You deserve to retire wealthy! Kind Regards
David Todd.

Hey Scott:
I just learned from Monte's site that yours is up and running. Wow, not sure if this is all your creation or with the help of a very artistic webmaster, but this has to be one of the best, if not the BEST, sites I have seen produced by anyone. The choice of text fonts, colors, layout are excellent, but why should I be surprised! You have been a man of detail and a professor of color for a cotton-pickin' long time now.
Hope all is well with your family. Hope to return to Fort Worth sometime soon to participate in another of your seminars.
Sincerely,
Roger Braniff, Shreveport, LA

Hi Guys:
At last your site is up and running..... wow, what a delight.....wow, what photographers....wow, what a family. Your images are sensational and give me inspiration to try to emulate. I'm sure with a bit of practice, and an odd e-mail or two, I can do just that.
Thank you Scott, yours has just become my favorite site.
Regards,
Max McRae

Dear Mr. Scott!
I had really hard time finding a good web site on studio lighting such as yours until I received Novatron products catalog with the link to your web site. I think it is marvelous. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get a decent piece of information about studio lighting on the web. If your books are just as informative, useful and well explained as your replies to e-mail questions then I definitely need and want one - Studio Lighting Made Simple!!! I believe it's only available from you so I'd like to know the details and how can I buy one (I live in Europe and hope you take credit cards!)
Warmest regards,
Ales Lednik,
Slovnia
P.S. Keep on doing the good work and I will let numerous photographer friends in my country know about you!

Scott:
I wanted to acknowledge the fact that I just spent the last hour and a half truly amazed and enjoying your web site. It is filled with so many good ideas on photography. You have a truly inspiring story and I'm truly impressed. Your web site is probably the best that I've ever come across in the many that I've looked at in the last three years. I've been in photography for almost 26 years and feel I'm never too old to learn.
Keep up the good work.
Keep the faith! We'll pray for you and your family.
Thanks again!
Bill Timmer
Holland, MI

Scott......
Came across your web site a couple of days ago. Spent about two hours browsing and came away impressed and inspired. Your use of lighting and gels is a cut above the norm. Growing up in the South, I found a special appreciation for Becky's rural art scenes.
I have worked in preschool photography for 30 years and conduct training sessions for photographers in that market segment. Perhaps we'll cross paths one day.
Good luck
Robert Dabbs
The Dabbs Company, Inc.

Scott:
It is obvious that you care about teaching others. I'm sure there are many, like me, who appreciate your concern.
Steve Roberts

Hello Scott, Becky and Jennifer:
I hope all is well with you beautiful people. I keep you all in my prays for health and happiness. Scott I would like to thank you for your ideas, I constructed my first set of diffusion panels. They are nice to work with. I would like to take this time to thank you for your expertise and mostly for you time that you donate on your web site for us amateur photographers. I have learned a lot in the last few weeks reading and trying different things which you have given for nothing. As a self taught photographer I am deeply indebted to you. Thanks, and God keep you all under His wing.
Michael Lunny

I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you the hard work is
appreciated on your site. You have a great one here and I find myself coming back again and again for little bits of this and that.
Thanks,
Duane

Scott,
I have enjoyed looking at your wonderful web site. Thanks for sharing it with us! Your work and your wife's work is beautiful.
I will be checking back on your web site from time to time, as I have really enjoyed my visit, especially the photos with the diagrams! Keep up the good work!
God bless,
Renee Johnson

Hi Scott,
I have been watching for your site for quite a while. I am glad to see the results of your efforts! Congratulations! I am reading your lighting book again now that I see the actual photographic examples. Love your work, love your book. And Becky's work is AMAZING!!
Take care, keep up the good work!
Thanks for all the excellent information!
And may God bless.
Steve Heaton
Spirit lake, IA