Testimonials
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The Not Your Normal School of Photography is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and has been helping photographers achieve success since 1997.
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~ Testimonials Page 1 ~
Here’s what our students are saying about the Not Your Normal Photography® course!
Below you’ll find letters, e-mails, and faxes we’ve received from our students. I think you will find them interesting! As you’ll see, they come from students with a wide variety of perspectives and different stages of developing their photo skills and businesses. I really had a great time putting these together because, for me, reading them was like visiting with old friends!
Anyway, one thing I need to mention — please be aware that any comments with regards to income or anything else may not be typical nor do they represent an “average” experience or result.
First of all, people who write in tend to be the more successful students. You won't find testimonials here from people who took our course and did not achieve the success they wanted, but as it is with most activities, some people are more successful than others, and some are not successful at all.
Second, everyone comes into this with a different set of skills and experiences and ends up in a slightly different place. And that’s a good thing, because it makes this entire field of people and pet photography even more fun, and it opens up plenty of room for each unique talent!OK, enough from Pam and me, here’s what our course members have to say!!!...
Hello Pam & Jeff,
You know, I’m not someone who usually writes “testimonial- style” letters - in fact, I’ve always wondered who the heck those people were who took the time to write them. However, I truly feel compelled to share my experience with the NYN Photography School (and if feel the following letter could be useful for any skeptics, feel free to use it).
First, a confession. When I first saw your online ad “Make $X in one weekend” - I thought it was a scam, but I clicked through, and signed up for the book & mini-course.
I found myself reading one section after the other, until this “one week e-course” was finished in one short afternoon. You captured my imagination. I began to think..yes, I CAN do this...and I thought you two could help me with some “know -how” - especially the photography side of things, as I have no formal training!
When I clicked “purchase” for the deluxe package for $1000, I thought - OH MY GOD! What have I done?!? But, sure enough...two big boxes arrived on my door step a couple weeks later.
Those boxes changed my life.
With fear of sounding like a complete sap, what you two are doing IS changes lives.
You offer the practical tools & support for people to find the courage to make their own way, on their terms, and you let them know they aren’t the only crazy people out there who feel like should be more than 9-5.
Coming from a marketing/business background, I really appreciate how simple, effective & well thought out your business strategies are (and inexpensive!)
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with others.
Warmest regards,
Erin Brule
I had FOUR full sessions just last Sunday and 1 xtra big one for next week. Looks like i wont need to work at all in Jan. Although I will, because i want 10 sessions a week for spring .. I LOVE THIS COURSE. MERRY XMAS aaron pauling
THANKYOU....I LOVE THIS COURSE AND I DO NOT WORK ANY REGULAR JOBS ANYMORE!!! THANKYOU PAM AND JEFF!!!
I love the course. It doesn’t compare to any courses I’ve taken, yours is the most informative, fun to read course ever! It’s easy to follow, step by step format made it very clear on how to set up the studio. And the Swipe Files are a life saver. It saves me from having to rack my brain for new and different poses. I’m glad I paid extra for the upgrade course. — Ruth Nichols
I’ve already gotten repeat business from one family. Every session I’ve ad so far has gone well and the clients loved their photos. And of course they were surprised by the “extras” I put in the package.
There is nothing like it (NYN course). I see countless ads in photo magazines that promise to make you a pro in three days. None of them tell you how to operate a business as a photographer. I’ve followed the business plan and it has worked for me.
I love that you encourage us to build a business that fits your desired lifestyle. Jeff provided some compelling reasons why NYN photography was a legitimate company to my reluctant wife. I had no clue how to start and run a photo business and now I’m doing a decent job.
From a motivational standpoint you have convinced me that action works a lot better that wishful thinking. I have paid for other “business opportunities” and none walk you through the process A-Z and then from AA-ZZ.
The newsletters are very informative and have been very helpful in keeping me up to date with the latest marketing and photography methods that you practice. I’m so glad I took your 6-day e-course and then purchased the full course.
Of course starting a part-time business has added another layer of complexity to my already hectic life, but it has revealed my passion for portrait photography. My short term goal is to develop the business to be able to replace my wife,s salary and eventually mine. I believe God planted a latent gift of photographic ability and He orchestrated everything from my first SLR purchase to finding NYN photography. THANKS!!! — Derek Johnson
Hello Jeff and Pam!!!
I just want to say THANK YOU for the amazing course! In less than 3 months I have made nearly 2K in the photography business. Your course is more than just a photography course, but it is a complete roadmap to actually creating a photography business. I just completed my first set of photo sessions in. I wanted to get an eclectic mix of individual so my mother helped to coordinate with a number of her friends and some friends from my childhood with their families. The results were astounding. I did the sessions for free but conducted them as I would a paid session.
From my FREE sessions, I got nearly $2,000 in reprints and testimonials out the wazooo!!!! Once again, thanks for all of the great advice and I KNOW that I am going to do well in this business. Jenea Pate
I am a student of yours and have had my business up and running seriously since May of this year. Things just keep getting better and better. Your system is a slam dunk and I wanted to say thanks. Kind Regards, Bob Knapik - Photographer
I’m so thankful to have found the NYN School of Photography. You have exceeded my expectations. It is such a leap of faith to buy anything off the net these days! The manuals are so clear, straightforward and just plain common sense, and the personal telephone support has been phenomenal. Blue Skies, Trez Fleming
...a side note about this session: she told me at the end of the session that she would probably want everything, meaning the Deluxe Session Package, which I have priced at $995! I had resisted pricing my packages this high for so long, but you gave me the confidence to finally do it! — Angela Griffin
Jeff & Pam,
After starting and operating my own digital imaging business for four years now I am in awe at how proficient you both are at what you do! I know first hand how hard this stuff is to figure out from scratch!
Jeff you really are a marketing wizard and Pam gives dedicated insight to the creation of her photographs every step of the way. To get so much information together like this that is so to the point, tested and described so well was a surprise to me because I have never seen anything like it. I like how I don’t have to “sift” through extra information to get what I need to make it happen. Thanks again, Scot Guariglia
This is a great course. I’ve taken NYIP, PCDI, and several courses at my local college and none of these courses gave me the information Pam and Jeff did. I’ve been in the business of photography for a little over a year and didn’t know why I couldn’t get people lined up to come to me. Now they are! Thanks Pam and Jeff” — Tiffany Johnson
Hi Jeff & Pam, Just wanted to write a quick note to let you know that my wife Susha and I acted on the vision you described in your Jan 07 newsletter on going
from “Home Based to No Base” with the help of virtual assistants.
Susha and I have no problem getting 20 to 30+ half hour sessions booked for each weekend we choose to shoot on. 80.7% of our customers purchase anywhere from a $395 package to $895 with the most popular being our $525 package. Our biggest challenge has been in getting everything edited in time for the customers viewing appointments a week or so after their session.
Up until just 3 months ago we never even used Photoshop and finally bought Adobe Elements 5. We are about ready to upgrade to CS3 but find that it is taking us to long to edit each package so after reading your article on “Sever Farms and Virtual Assistants” we decide what we really needed to do was to get some hired guns to help us free up our time to do more marketing and shooting. So we just hired 3 virtual assistants skilled in photoshop to do most of the editing for us!
Now instead of shooting weekends only in our living room we are planning on targeting several other towns here in Australia within a 5 hour drive from our home and increasing the number of days we that we shoot and sell.
We hesitated in the past to get help because we didn’t want to deal
with all the typical problems
associated with hiring employees. Didn’t want to become dependent on a
key employee or worry about providing them with benefits and funding
their SuperFund Account (Australia's smarter version of your Social
Security) with three instead of one we won’t get hurt as much if one
decides to quit or simply does not work out.
I’m excited about what other gems we’ll discover buried in the other back issues of your newsletters!
Cheers, Steve and Susha Shulenski
Happy New Year Pam & Jeff,
Your tip on Face Glow is outstanding! I have used Lighting Effects in the past but never like this. I added a couple images with Face Glow to some Portraits I was working on in Dec. The people were amazed, surprised and loved the extra photos. Their comments were something like “How did you do that?”
Keep up the good work and give us some more neat tips like this. — Bill Gatheridge
I loved your encouragement in the course, newsletters and follow up e-mails and phone calls. Loved the DVD, too. I especially like Pam’s specific instructions on how photographic dogs... the “buzz” word was really helpful. — Nicki Bailey
Pam and Jeff, I have had my studio running for about 5 weeks and I am including some samples of my Photos, really thank both of you for the wonderful course. It is complete and has given me nearly everything I would need to get up and running (and making money) quickly and professionally.” Thanks again, Craig Bybee
Dear Pam and Jeff, First things first. Thank you for a wonderful course! You did a fantastic job putting this course together. Very easy to understand and follow. I always assumed that studio photography was for the highly skilled (college trained) and complicated, requiring thousands of dollars of equipment. You sure did show me how not true that is.
The marketing part of the course is very informative and has to work if implemented as instructed.
This course is worth every bit of the cost.
Again, Thank You!
Bob Miner
I am so thankful to have found NYN School of Photography! The wealth of knowledge that is in the course is unbelievable! I can’t believe I considered going to college for photography. It would have taken me 3 years and thousands of dollars to learn what Pam and Jeff taught me in weeks. It’s funny how after I finished the course, it felt like I really knew you both. Thank you Pam and Jeff for opening up and sharing you passion for photography with me! I am truly blessed! Warm wishes to you both, Shonna Thompson
Jeff and Pam,
I believe that the best thing I did in was order the course I love photography and have been taking pictures of friends and family for a small fee for years...... BUT always had to retouch them on the computer because the lighting would be way off. I could never get the lighting just right. Each session would take me an average of 4 hours. (Keep in mind I also take glamour shots). Now with the wonderful “set it and forget it” my sessions are half that time! Even when I take fantasy photos of small babies and children! The course has provided me knowledge that has made my life easier not only for lighting but for the marketing too! Thanks for putting together a course that is easy to understand and use!
Thanks again Shanna Prince
Your course materials are a delight and right on. I have worked for PCA (K Mart and Wal Mart), Knack & Richards, glamour & wedding photography. I have also sold real estate and life insurance. I have taken extra courses on my own some good some not, so I know what I’m talking about. Never before have I even come close to putting all the creative and marketing tools together. Your course was just the all around “button down” information I need in one complete package. — Thanks, Bonnie Fredericks
I am appreciative of both the technical and motivational support I received from NYN and it contributed to the success I’ve achieved in the one year since opening my studio. I’ve gone from zero to an average of about $5,000 a month in session fees and print sales since opening my studio last June. And sales continue to grow at a nice rate. — George Delgado
Dear Jeff and Pam,
I have been using “Not Your Normal” poses in my photography business for the last 2 years.
Kids especially enjoy simple props that let them have fun while having their picture taken. Most adults I’ve photographed also laugh a lot and appear much more relaxed in their poses.
While I started my business with a different pricing format and package, I have incorporated the matted prints into my family photo package and they are always a hit. The accompanying album that allows the clients to keep all of their photos together always get great reviews.
The newsletter has great tips and info on computers and software. I
particularly like the photo examples from Pam. Her ideas of
cropping close-ups from full shots has been well received by my clients.
When I started my business I looked at many on-line schools and ways to conduct a business. I am so glad I found “Not Your Normal School of Photography” and the Advanced course including all of the marketing information and, of course, the swipe files.
Thanks, Becky Klingenberger
Hi Pam & Jeff,
This is my testimonial that you have permission to use. I have to admit that I had reservations at first sending that kind of money to total strangers. I have been burned before in a business transaction with some less then honest people. You guys came through & stood by everything that was promised to me. I found your course easy to understand & right to the basics to start a business from day one. Yours truly, Robin Hamann.
I loved the course. There wasn’t a lot of useless wordy stuff. You held my interest well. I love your style! I have 3+ years of a BA in business management and most of it is useless info with no practical application. This is much more focused — do this it works kind of stuff. I took the NYIP course — it seemed complicated. I like the “keep it simple” style of your instruction.
The lights you sell are great. Love them. — John Dickie
Howdy Jeff and Pam! I just thought I’d let you know that I had my first paid gig that included pets! I’ve offered this to everyone, but this family was the first to take me up on it. It was PAINLESS! and actually, kind of fun! I can testify to your other members that shooting animals is EASY, and they shouldn’t be intimidated by it. I think this will really give me a differentiator here in town - I think I’ve told you that I'm shooting out of a metal building next to our barn — horses, rabbits, cows and even a pig! so adding animals to the shoot is just a natural - and I think that since I don't have some nice “studio,” people don’t feel intimidated about bringing their pets with them. Anyway, I just dropped the package off that included these shots - the mom started crying when I gave her the pics. I’m keeping to your plan of “batchin” my shoots - only shooting 2 Sunday’s a month - and no more than 3 families per Sunday - I’m booked for 3 months and I haven’t spend a penny on advertising. I could shoot MUCH more if I wanted to, but this is just about right for me right now. Thanks again - let me know how you like the pics.— Scott Barnes
I want to thank you guys again for putting on this course. I really love this style and idea of casual photography... I already have a lot of people phoning me for bookings. Thank you again sooooo much for this. A very happy “student”, James Smith
Dear Pam and Jeff,
Thank You! Thank You! THANK YOU!
I am 20 years old and have been searching for a career for a while now. College didn’t seem like the right route and anything I enjoyed didn’t pay the bills. I’ve actually attended two community colleges in the past 2 years and was miserable! I couldn’t imagine doing what I was learning for the rest of my life! I’m too rambunctious and creative for conformity!! ‘grin’ I’ve always loved taking pictures and actually have a fairly good eye for it, but! never had the know-how or the bravezy to get-a-MOVE-ON! and actually make money from it.
Last summer! took my boyfriend’s little sister and cousin’s senior photos. I made $350 from the two combined. Not bad for family! that’s when I came down with the photography bug. I was convinced that I would be a successful photographer before! reached the legal drinking age! No more quitting or failure for me! But I didn’t know how to go about creating my own business. I eventually quit my pet store job in November and convinced my dad that if he helped me with expenses of starting my business I would repay him 3-fold in the long run.
I am now 2/3 through the advanced course and I am AMAZED at all you have achieved and created. Every question I had, every worry! needed taming, and every doubt I had about my ability was taken care of by your course! BRAVO! !‘m not even finished with the course and I have 3 clients asking for my work. (enter “yippee!” dance here) and I’m just getting started.
It was extremely scary paying so much for a bunch of paper that could possibly have no more use than being kindling! But now that I have your Not Your Normal Photography course- I think! would have paid double, (if! would have known exactly what I was getting.) There are no important details left out about what you will need to start from scratch. All information is complete, creative, and creates an all around “wow!” factor.
As Pam was describing the package the clients would receive I was reading it with my jaw hanging open! I kept thinking, “I never would have thought of that! Oh wow! That would make them feel special...”
The night the course arrived I stayed up until 3 AM reading the intro — ! literally got so excited I couldn’t sleep. My heart was beating out of my chest and I kept thinking, “This is !T! ! can make this work!”
Again, Pam and Jeff, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
I now have the ability and direction to create my dream of being self employed. I ain’t gonna work fo’da man ANYMOAH! U! Your course is so good and so easy to understand I think anyone who put their mind to it could create a successful business.
Again, I’HANK YOU so much for sharing this information with the world,
Alanna Riley
Hi guys,
I received the books
Saturday and I’m impressed. I’ve bought the so much book on marketing and this one makes more sense. I’m happy I have purchased your course. I went to
photography school for 2 years night school and enjoyed every moment of it.
What is lacking was the marketing side and business side. I didn’t want to
go to business school so I started reading marketing photography books. They
were useless as they pretty much say nothing about starting the business.
Jeff and Pam thanks for creating this course. It’s my missing link to
photography success. I’m an aspiring wedding photographer but you gave me
another alternative to this tedious wedding business. Yours truly,
Ed Pascual
The newsletter always has something of interest — most helpful — Douglas Harte
By far your course is better than NYPI’s course —definitely more bang for the buck.
Thanks!!!
The newsletters are excellent as well. — Patty Latimer
Hi Pam and Jeff, To begin, I do a lot of writing, and a lot of reading. A lot. Lately, it’s mostly about photography. Your materials far exceeded my expectations. I am currently slogging through the NYIP materials, and find them boring and not well written, but your material comes alive. Well done! — Dave
Dear Pam 'n Jeff, I just received your "Not Your Normal Photography" course. I am very impressed........ no, over-whelmed is a more appropriate term, with the comprehensiveness of the material. Thank you for your promptness in sending your material!!!!!!!— Lawrence Bestmann
Hi Pam and Jeff!
My husband and I were actively engaged in professional film photography some 20 years ago but regrettably we gave it up because of the increasing problems with proper and legal chemical disposal. Now, with the advent of professional quality digital cameras, we are excited to be back in our trade full force! Your course gave us everything we needed to know and more to get back
into the swing of things. Our business is increasing leaps and bounds and we have Not Your Normal Photography to thank For it! The newsletters have proved to be VERY beneficial to us, not only to learn about new equipment, techniques, etc., but to get ideas and feed our enthusiasm to succeed! Can’t thank you enough for offering this course.
Arne and Stacey Carlson, Cedar Grove, WI
Special thanks are in order for not ripping me off; that is always a very special concern to me when I buy anything via the mail. You both seem to be just great people, that alone is greatly appreciated; however the fact that you genuinely want to help after you’ve been paid, is an extremely rare quality — at least in this neck of the woods. Thanks again for being who you are.— Al Benner
I have been a customer service manager in retail photography for the past 15 years and I can say without reservation the you two have demonstrated the highest level of professionalism I have witnessed in this industry for many years. Keep up the great work!!!— Larry Basinger
Hello Jeff and Pam! I just had to comment on the certificate of completion and the frame I had ordered...it is absolutely beautiful! I have 2 large pet shows coming up in May (approx. 600 people attend both shows yearly). This will decorate my booth very well. It is much nicer than I had anticipated and I do appreciate the prompt delivery. Just had to let you know that this evening I will have my very first ‘paid job’...a couple of teenagers, so they should be fun. I have to say I am slightly nervous, but very excited! Then I have another booked for tomorrow evening. Both came via word of mouth of a friend that has seen my work. I truly was not going to start until after my first show but I thought I would take advantage of this and hopefully have good work from these two sessions to display at the shows. See, thanks to you and your encouragement that you give in your courses, I am taking off like a rocket. Thank you! I know I have a lot of fine tuning to get everything just perfect-but that will be the fun part and will have to wait 'til I get to it. I will be making money starting this evening! You guys have a gift...you gave it to me and to many others that have/are enrolled in the course. Thank you!— Judy Girrand
Your course is fantastic. I am a traditionally trained photographer with almost 20 years experience. Pam’s style of non-traditional photography methods and your marketing genius have been a life saving breath of fresh air for my career. Thank you for making it all available for a reasonable fee! — Mark A. Bass
I just completed the entire basic course and want to say thank you soo much. You guys are awesome! I’ve been through several home study courses and this one is by far the best ever, never have I received the how to along with everything I need readily available to get going. I can’t say enough. Have a great day! — Windy Harvey
I have a four-year Bachelor’s degree in photojournalism. I thought I knew it all. However, your course taught me things I never learned in class. The posing guides alone are worth the course price. Adding the business program to the package makes it an incredible value. Anyone seriously interested in making money in photography should definitely buy this course and study it. Thanks for creating this opportunity. — Gart W. Genser
This course gave me the information I needed to turn a passion into a business! Without the course materials it would have taken me years to open my studio. Instead, I went from zero business plan to “Opening Day” in three months with t Not Your Normal course material. This course is a life-changing event. — Susan Gilchrist
Good morning Jeff, Not only has your course helped to get my own photography business rolling, but your newsletters and marketing material has helped my wife to better her own small business. The newsletters each month are a great inspiration to keep the ball rolling and there’s always something new to look forward to. So thanks for the continued support. — T.O. Galloway
When I first saw the advertisement for the “Not Your Normal Photography” course, I immediately became interested. Since completing the course, I’ve realized there are a lot of people who like the same “natural, relaxed” photos that I like. This course has renewed my confidence and enhanced my ability to do what I like to do — take photographs of people being themselves. — Sheryl
I am sending this to you to let you know how much I have enjoyed this course and how much I have learned about how to working with the people, especially from the dvd. I watched the dvd and loved it! I want to complement you on the way you worked with the families and especially the kids and the dog. — Michael Young
Hi Jeff and Pam, Just had to share a quick comment with you. My client picked up her finished session the other day and was over whelmed. The album with the mats was impressive. They looked great. She said she couldn’t wait to start showing them off. I take care of her husband’s father in my cardiac clinic. He came in and gave me the greatest comment I’ve ever gotten. He said, “Bob, I saw the pictures you did of my grand children, they are wonderful, you should think of doing this as a full time business.” How’s that. I’m on cloud nine. I know this will take time, but I can’t thank you guys enough. — Bob Richards
Dear Pam and Jeff.
As the days go on and I press forward with my business great things keep happening to me. As my family photography business keeps picking up (thanks to you) so has my extracurricular activities. I recently started selling my “fine art/landscape” photography and it already has gotten quite a response selling to important high status people such as business owners, club owners, and members of the mayor’s office and council.
As a direct result of these dealings I was recommended to a very nice lady who was starting a new magazine... “Glimpse” magazine. She told me that my photography was highly recommended to her and she would really like me to come and shoot for her.
Being that I didn’t rule this type of work out when I started my business, I figured I would give it a shot and see what happens. Low and behold everything came out wonderful and I am so proud of myself. The relevancy of you guys hearing about my success and receiving a copy of the magazine will become obvious when you page through the magazine and notice your unique style of photography, which you have so wonderfully taught to so many people, all over the magazine.
Most of the pictures in this magazine I took including the cover, back cover, band pictures, editor’s head shot, the pictures in and behind the table of contents, bio shots of the high school students, fashion shots of the students, field hockey, and the makeover shots.
You guys are truly a god-send to everyone in the Not Your Normal School of photography family. One day I hope to come down there and give you both a big hug and a handshake. Appreciatively, Joshua Barry
Without Pam and Jeff I would still be a starving artist with no direction. Thank you Pam Jeff — you are the BEST!! — Paula Stancliff
Hello Jeff and Pam,
I received the latest newsletter
yesterday, and I just wanted to drop you a line and say “thanks!”
As always there are little gems of info, and I find myself saying over and over to my wife Virginie that both of you, and what you are making available, is “gold”. The ongoing research and constant findings that you share are really appreciated!
Best Regards, Rob Healey
Dear Pam & Jeff,
I retired from coaching and teaching in the public school system after 30 years. I had planned my retirement and stepped into the real estate business. The idea being I would be an independent contractor and have control of my time. However, I found that the real estate business is very time demanding even more so than coaching and teaching. Then I found your ad in one of my photo magazines and was intrigued enough to inquire about your school and course.
Being a former educator, I would like to complement you both on the way you have set up your courses. I have only taken the basic course and found it to be excellent. I have taken photo courses in the past but this is the first one that melds photography and marketing into a simple organized method to build a business.
Pam you did a great job of setting up the photography portion of the course. It is simple enough for the least trained photographer to understand, but in depth enough that it can maintain the interest of the most experienced photographer. Photography has been my hobby since I got my first camera from my folks when I graduated high school in 1963. I have photographed weddings, team and family portraits as well as doing some freelance over the years. But I was able to get a wealth of knowledge out of your course.
Jeff, thanks for the marketing. I have not spent a lot of time studying marketing during my lifetime so your part of the course was extremely enlightening. If I had found your formula for marketing earlier, I might not have messed with real estate sales upon retiring and gone straight into the photography business.
Your formula is so dear, being an old math teacher, I can probably change some variables and use it to build a photo business that will help me do the things I want during my retirement years. — Ron Mouser
I got the basic course around the first of October, and I must tell you, this is a great course. This course has MEAT that can help anyone regardless of their Business or Photographic ability. I am glad I ordered the course, because I was a little reluctant at first but knew I needed some help in marketing if I was going to advance to the next level, and be able to make money with my photography. Your course is the ticket for me. Thanks — Rod McMahon
BTW, Jeff, I have broken the “price barrier”! My minimum package is $599. But my last customer bought $1,115. All this is possible because of you and Pam! I follow your lessons. I gave them value worth much more than that, so they bought! I’m so happy! I’ve always wanted to work for that price range but didn’t know how till I learned from you. The first time I got it, I couldn’t believe it was happening! — Ray Rapeepat
I bought the “Not so Normal” photography course a few months ago and I have just had my second paying session. I had done a few with friends to get over the jitters and it worked as you said it would. I am so very happy that I ordered the the course. I gave the info to a friend and she is now one of your customers also. You have done a great job on the course. Good luck in all you do. — Linda Kupstars
Hi Pam— and greetings from sunny Florida,
l’m a new member and have just completed the photography course. Boy, that is a lot of information... but I am excited. It seems that the "natural look" is what people want. And they seem to be willing to pay for it. Now, I am ready to move forward into people and pet photography in my home. LOOK OUT PHOTOGRAPHY WORLD, HERE I COME!!
My daughter had her senior pictures done last year and hated them so I tried to do some for her. We ended up taking over 60 poses but 4 of those she absolutely loved and I scanned them and put her name and Sr 2004 at the bottom of the picture and she gave those out as her senior pictures. This was a lot less expensive than what the "professional" wanted and my pictures were a lot better. She had 3 friends that loved her pictures so much they asked me to do their senior pictures. They ended up not ordering the professional's either. It was also a lot of fun for the girls to pick and choose the type of letters they wanted and color they wanted for their lettering. Maybe I am on to something here...who knows. (you have given me so many thoughts I am trying to sort through all of them.
Anyway, I am looking forward to starting my business with people and pets and maybe getting this “business” making enough money I won't have to work my “regular” job anymore.
Again, thanks for all the information and please send the lighting system information packet.
Talk to you again in the photography world. — Valena Stubiuant
Hi Pam and Jeff,
To begin, I do a lot of writing, and a lot of reading. A lot. Lately, it’s mostly about photography. Your materials far exceeded my expectations. I am currently slogging through the NYIP materials, and find them boring and not well written, but your material comes alive. Well done! — Dave Hartcom
I don’t have time to research, I rely on Jeff for product evaluations, ideas, and what’s new for a good portion of my info each month. Keep up the newsletter!...I love the setup of NYN — a professional group with a very friendly and genuine approach to doing business. I’ve always tried to think of my clients as friends, and the NYN course helps to get that “feeling” across to others just starting out in business — what a great foundation for success! — Lisa Kruss
Wow! Excellent advice; excellent marketing information. I appreciate the technical information provided in the monthly newsletters and the web site. It cuts down on the experimentation taking me directly to a successful business with fewer missteps.
Marketing ideas. I look forward to the newsletters because the messages conveyed energize and encourages me. Jump starts my imagination.
Compared to other courses, your has more practical information, more reality information. A person can get started without expensive equipment.— Martha Abell
Your session kits are great. Beautiful presentation for clients. I’m getting WOW’s. In fact, after my last session, the wife contacted me fro another session doing boudoir as a present for her husband. — Steve Millman
Dear Pam and Jeff:
My interest in photography goes back to my early childhood. The first pictures I remember taking were in elementary school. I ask my teacher if the class could sit on the outdoor steps to the school and I took the “class portrait.”
In high school I was the yearbook photographer. I did some “pictures for hire” in high school, and really enjoyed taking pictures for myself as well as others. Later I began to shoot weddings, too.
So, I have had a long time (about 40 years....) to get familiar with a camera. But, you know, you can always learn something new. And, in all the time I have been taking pictures, I have never used “studio” lighting. I have used everything from flashbulbs to modern electronic flash, and I have used some “continuous” lighting (fancy floodlights by Smith-Victor), but after reading your material, this is the first time I have considered a “studio” approach to lighting. I have always liked the effect of studio strobes, but just never investigated using them. Your course paved the way directly to the end of my “learning” path for “studio” lighting. Even though I like learning and “taking courses,” I was not interested in some long, drawn-out course in lighting. (I could have bought a book on that )
Your (deluxe) course in posing and marketing was the new tool I really needed. Your course is super. The outline and organization allows me to quickly review any topic, and the number of posing examples is amazing. Your marketing information is right-on. I look forward to many years of enjoyment AND profit from using the ideas in your material. Furthermore, your newsletter is excellent. It is one of the few that I will renew.
Thank you for taking the time to put this information into a “user-friendly” course (and for NOT putting it in multimedia [CD] format). This is the type of thing that really needs to be in print. (And that is weird of me to say, since I am also in the electronic publishing business). — Sincerely, Ricky Burke
Your course material was both a pleasure and an inspiration to read! We’ve made some really great photos using Pam’s lighting techniques and poses. — Dennis Girrard
The Not Your Normal photography course has given me all the details and direction in beginning my own photography course. The knowledge I gained and the back-up from Pam and Jeff (along with their continued contact) from this course has given my the courage and confidence I needed to move forward with my dream! Thank you! — Heather Brown
I just wanted you to know how much I have enjoyed your course-Not Your Normal Photography.
Right from the start I saw improvements in my portrait photography. I think what I like most is the set it and forget it lighting-this has been most useful.
Before your course I was using up to six lights on my portraits because I thought it was necessary in order to make good portraits. I saw a video of one of the really great photographers doing a portrait session and he said you may use one or two lights but I use up to six lights — and so I started to used six lights also amber gels for hair lights-background lights kicker lights, etc. A lot to handle for one person. I did make some good pictures but also a lot of bad picture.
Now with your lighting I get roll after roll of good pictures. I have more time to get really good pose’ s of the subject and not worry about lighting. And if it really is necessary I can always add more lighting.
Your course is very good from the basics to marketing-everyday I learn more and more about marketing and how to keep people coming back sale after sale. —Sincerely William Raline
I would like to thank you for making Not Your Normal Photography and Marketing course available. It’s a boon to non-marketing types like myself. I have been in and out of photography for many years and never seen anything like your superior course, it has everything one needs to launch a successful photography business! The swipe sheets are worth their weight in gold. This is material I’ll refer to for many years to come. — Tom Robey
Your course is extremely well thought out, informative. All of the ingredients for a successful operation are there — just add motivation and you can’t lose. The combination of the “how to” aspect of Pam’s Not Your Normal Photography and Jeff’s proven marketing skills is an extraordinary compendium worth three times the tuition fee. — Best to you both, Scott
I am most pleased to tell you that you have an outstanding program for someone interested in getting into photography for profit.
Your program is extremely good in respect to being very detailed and complete regarding the information needed. The amount of information you supply is almost overwhelming when you look over the 8 very large manuals you provide. Anyone with some basic knowledge of photography can take your course and get a good business going. Not only do you give a student information on the “how to” of photographing subjects, you also include very detailed information regarding building and running a business.
Your program is ideal for photographers from beginners to advanced. I have never seen a program that provides such a mass of detailed information.” — Most sincerely, Al Shepard
Having graduated from a Photo School 2 years ago, your posing and lighting techniques are a lot easier than what was taught. — Bill Ferguson
Although I haven’t had the time or the opportunity to do commercial photographic work thus far, I have used Pam’s fabulous posing suggestions for important family and friend posing sessions. (My wife [second marriage] and I each have a daughter being married this year.) Thanks loads! — Dave Cooper P.S. Love your “News up-dates”
Dear Pam and Jeff, I am so pleased with your “Not Your Normal photography” course. Also the video was so informative as to what goes on in your business. I was impressed by the clearly written text pictures and format.
Your course allows me to express myself creatively as to who I am!! Thank you so much for the trial and error you went through to offer this course. — Satisfied client, Curt Murphy
My wife and I purchased the deluxe edition Not Your Normal photography Course last October. What an education I received! I am nothing but impressed! The course is well written and easy to understand. Most of all it is complete. The course covers everything from discussions on equipment to diagrams on how to set it up and then fine tune the equipment for beautiful and perfect results. The posing guides and “Swipe Files” are worth the price of the course alone. No one has anything as good as these guides. The marketing plan is targeted and doesn’t cost a fortune to implement. There are built in controls so you won’t be overwhelmed handling responses. Just follow the step by step instructions and they will lead you to success. — Earl Fritz
Your course has given me the courage to go out and take photographs of family and strangers. Your course gives amateurs the courage they need to do photo sessions. You let people know you don’t need a fancy studio or really expensive cameras to do a great photo session. And just like you do with you photo sessions, the course comes with more than you expect. Keep up the great work! — Scotty Baugh
Any time I’ve called or written with any questions Pam and/or Jeff have been very straight forward and more than willing to help. The enjoy going the “extra mile.” Their enthusiasm is contagious and they believe in the capabilities and possibilities of their students. — Mike Connolly
Pam & Jeff, Thought I would drop you a time to tell you how much I have learned from your course. I haven’t open my studio yet but will in the next few weeks. It was hard to figure out exactly how to go about it before I received your course, but it takes you every step of the way and answered all my questions
It also gave me a lot of ideas about what I want and don’t want. Also you both have been so nice whenever I call for information an didn’t make me feel dumb for asking. Thank you so much. — Barbara Deville
Great job of putting this information together. I’m very glad to have invested in this information. — James
Your course is what you promised. There is a minimum of technical material and it’s user friendly. It is a course about photography as an art more so than a technical course. I like the newsletter and support and advice on selecting equipment. There are other courses available and in my opinion some are good but your’s is more informative on starting a business. I wouldn’t want to start a business without your course. Your course offers 2 critical elements for success; a unique niche in photography and support from quality mentors. I looked up photographer in the Dictionary of Occupational Outlook Handbook. It gave the brightest outlook for photographers who are self-employed and of course that depends on how much business they do. I’m convinced that if your course doesn’t help someone suited as a photographer nothing will. — Gary League
This course is really a great value. Not only the main course, but every newsletter has been filled with useful info. — Kelly Schulze
You guys are great! I ordered you course about 2 years ago and really loved it. I’ve been a wedding photographer for 12 yrs. and wanted to make the change to portraits. I’m so glad to read your newsletters — Jeff you have such a way with words, along with a great marketing concept.
I often think of you both, especially when I see photos of your place. Pam, as much as I’ve loved my props, I’m taking your advice — simple backgrounds are more classic.” — Dawn Nicoli
Just want you both to know I have greatly enjoyed taking your photography course. All the information I have received from this course has helped me make unlimited amounts of money. You have made everything so clear and easy. I wish I could have taken your course a few years ago. I know a lot of others feel the same way. Out of all the information I have received from your course the poses you taught me are the greatest. I use them in all my photo shoots. Families have a great time with them. I think what really makes your business and what causes so many to respond is your kindness and willingness to help others. — Thanks! Jerry Burnette
Dear Jeff & Pam,
Here is a much over due THANK YOU! I can’t thank you enough for going the extra mile for me, you didn’t have to but you did anyway. When I first contacted you I was uncertain that your course would really work for me. It didn’t take long for me to be able to see that you were two regular people running a great business who are interested in seeing other people succeed, and you’re there to help them do exactly what you do.
Just imagine phoning a successful portrait studio, and asking the photographer if you could get together with him and have him tell you everything he did to get his business going, if he could show you everything he does and how he does it so you could follow his plan and start yourself up a business just like his, tell him you’ll even give him a few hundred $$ in return — NOT LIKELY!
Yet this is what you have for me. You have cut out all the struggling, the mistakes, and that long road most people take before they attain the success. You have made it possible for me and others to start at the top. You’ve let me come into your lives an ad see exactly what you are doing. You have made every detail of your working successful portrait business available to me, and you have made it possible for me to duplicate everything you do in a very short amount of time. In fact, two days after looking through the course materials, I shot a roll of film of my family. The 1 hour developer had my pictures out on the counter when I came in, he wanted to know who took them and let me know how much he liked them. I had a hard time not acting shocked that I had actually taken such professional looking photos as I stood there with him. I now run a successful & unique photo business in my small town, right from my home.
I’ve been able to communicate with you both by mail, phone, & fax, you have been there for me every time I’ve needed a little extra help. I’ve come to view you both as mentors & fellow photographer friends. The support & knowledge I have received from you is invaluable. Thank you for sharing! — Dena Rosvold
Pam & Jeff, I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you for sharing your advertising& promotional ideas with me. I really am a pretty fair photographer but I have really struggled getting a business going. After taking your “Not Your Normal Photography” course I have realized my trouble was not with my photography skills, but rather it was my feeble promotion of these skills that was holding me back. Thank you, very much for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with me. I first thought your course was a “little pricey,” but I now realize that it only took about 2-1/2 sessions to pay for it. The neat thing is that your methods really work and all I need to do is work the plan and the plan will keep on paying off. I thank the LORD for your sharing this information with me. — Robert
I am writing you to let you know how much I enjoyed your course and have learned a lot from you and Pam about how to start and run a business and to have the time and money to enjoy life to its fullness. — Charles Tison
I’ve taken the NYI course, RCC course and others. Your course is the most outstanding course I’ve ever seen or taken. The other courses just focus on technical things like hair lighting, and yours give a complete blueprint for success.
Although I’ve only had the course a week, I’ve read it through 3 times. My business flourished overnight!
I tried the poses in my next session. The people said it was the most relaxed session they ever had and I noticed people were having fun again having their pictures taken. Then, the very next day, I got a referral from them. And one lady cancelled her Olan Mills session when she saw her friend’s photos.
Thanks to your course, I’ve also given myself a raise and increased my prices!— Dave Huffines
The course is so extreme - nicely done, well thought out and so informative. I know I will be referring to this course for years. I only received it yesterday and have gotten through the first two binders, but I already regret ever hearing of NYIP and taking courses at my local college. — Jonnelle Ulbin
Pam & Jeff, Thank you for your help!
After completion of your course I had the confidence to turn my hobby into a career. My first assignment, or should I say session, was a total success. I received $475.00 fro the session, and have so far booked eight more sessions because of it. I got the new sessions from people that viewed that 1st package that I sold. I made an extra copy of each photo to use as my portfolio. Everyone that saw it loved it! So that’s nine sessions total, and I haven’t even advertised yet. — Thanks again, Terry Riciano
I absolutely love this photography course. It has caused me to focus and specialize on basically one area of photography instead of being a “Jack of all trades, master of none! Thanks for taking the time to come up with a course like this. Please keep up the good work and stay in touch! — Jerry Piazza
Thank you for your photography course. The information contained in the course supplied me the knowledge to establish a business with the freedom and income I’ve been looking for. You marketing program, for me, proved to be the essential part in establishing a good client base. — Sincerely, Sharon
I have been in business for 30 years and have studied with all kinds of photographers. Your stuff is great and well thought out. — Joe
Words are hard to come by in showing my appreciation for what you and Pam have accomplished in the past year in helping me get my business off to a great start.
I continually refer to your course and newsletters when looking for inspiration and answers about running my business. You know, there are ups and downs in this business and not everything goes as planned. But when I have a “down day” I simply sit back and re-evaluate what didn’t work and why it didn’t work. The answers of “why it didn’t work” is always in the course and newsletters.
BTW, I just booked two rabbit shows (didn’t know those bunnies sell for big bucks!) and a large cat show (cats from all over the USA) where I will be the only photographer. These people saw my photos and contacted me to do these shows. This is in addition to my family sessions already booked this fall PLUS senior high school packages. I just turned 70 years young and I credit your course and your untiring efforts to make me successful in spite of my many “Senior moments” (those of you who are retired know what I mean!).
My 48 year old daughter is my assistant and sets up all the family poses using the Swipe Files from your course. All I have to do is press the shutter! Anyhow, I just don’t have time to “be old” anymore and even my wife of 50 years is amazed at my increased energy. That “little ad” of yours that I saw in one of the photo magazines sure changed my life for the better. Thanks and continued success to you and Pam.
My best,
Jerry James
I just wanted to thank you both again. Because of your course my business has completely changed, for the better. I now have a greater “perceived value” of my work, and that has given me the confidence to succeed!
By the way, I recently had my first session and it was a great success. I met a really nice family and made almost $300 profit. (Normally my portrait profits were only around $100). I truly can’t thank you guys enough! The newsletters are great, I continue learning from them as well! —Terri Roach
Hi Pam and Jeff, I am a 23 year old college student. Your course has been loaded with great information. I paid for the NYN course with my school loan money and I don’t regret it at all. Your course teaches me the things that I need to know to have a great photography business. It teaches me the things that my college courses don’t. With this course I will be a better business woman. Thank you guys for offering the NYN course. Sometimes I wonder how you do it all. You must have little elves helping you there on The Farrm. Thank you.” — Jessica Wood
I received the lighting kit ordered from you. Many thanks. It got to me in time for the Halloween party and all went well. ($585 in 1.5 hours, not bad, plus a list of potential clients)”...
I got three photo sessions from the Halloween Party I photographed. After the party, three people requested my InfoPak and booked sessions! The first session was delivered last night — a man, two kids and a dog. He just kept saying, “Oh Chris, these are great.”
Doing photography this way is exactly as you guys promote it to be. The kids are laughing in many photos and very natural in all the photos. No awkward posing. I was timid whether I could photograph the dog well or not. However, after getting to know the dog (and I’m no dog person, believe me), it was easy and she came out great. In fact, the customer asked for reprints of a photo, with the dog wearing a Santa hat, so he could send them out as Christmas cards (the hat came off, but looks good lying by the paws in the all white backdrop). Who comes first in that family?
All parts of the session were fun, but the best was last night, hearing him say how great the photos were. I left with my money and everyone was happy. I can’t wait for Saturday for the other two. — Chris Lane
I have been involved in photography since I was a teenager. I took classes in high school and college and took photos for school newspapers/yearbooks. I loved it but never thought I could earn a living at it until now.
Your course is very specific to the actual work, without all the technical (& unnecessary detail) of photo texts. I also like the poses & how flexible they are. One of my personal obstacles years ago was my own frustration with rigid poses. I felt that if the pose wasn’t perfect — exact angle, hand placement, etc. then it was wrong — my professor would say it was wrong so I never thought I could be good enough to do it professionally. I now realize this had more to do with how I was taught in college, & how I let that affect me.— Jenni Linder
I don’t think I would have started a studio without your course. It was my dream, but I didn’t know how to get started. I took two semesters of photography school. You have taught me so much more. You have told me everything I need to know about the equipment, the lights, the props. I know just what to do. — Julie Wilderman
I enrolled in the NY Institute of Photography and never finished it. It was was dry and boring. You offer the things we need to get our businesses off the ground. — Kathy White
Your course offered a great deal of help on starting a successful photography company. Within weeks of receiving your course, I put several of your ideas into action and set up a series of photo shoots that netted me over $1,000. — Kassandra Beyer
I almost feel guilty when I’m doing photography, because I feel I’m having toooooo much fun. Course is very complete. There is NO comparison!!! None whatsoever — price or information. I wish I had gotten your first and I would have saved myself a lot of time and money. — Carol M. Maynard
I am amazed at how exciting this course has been for me. You have packed so many tools to use in this course. At first I thought I would be overwhelmed, but I found myself not being able to put it down! Many nights I would retire for bed, then find myself getting back up to read the material again. Jeff, you have a gift for writing, and Pam you have a gift of making art!
Just an update of where I am...I am ready to start charging for my time! I will be doing the mailouts within a couple of weeks and I have 4 stores that are willing to display my work. I’ve even had a large pet store asking me to set up for Holiday/Seasonal work (or do that on a full time basis) in a corner of his store. I walked in a showed the G.M. some of my work and he offered me the job on the spot. Jeff, as I told you before, I’ve never picked up any camera equipment prior to this course...I must be doing something right! A young retired R.N. goes professional photographer. Wow! — Thanks for everything, Judy Gifford
Jeff and Pam, I finished my course a few weeks ago. Awesome!!! I love having the opportunity for a turn key situation. I have booked the first few sessions and am finishing up my marketing material. As soon as I get finished with the first sessions and work out the details with print management at Millers I will be able to turn on the marketing machine. Cool! The marketing info has been most helpful to me.
Anyway, thanks a million, the service you provide has been top notch and the info worth every penny!!!! — Tim O'Neill
Thank you! We are just about ready to launch our photography business! I am so excited. We have done several “practice” sessions with family members and their family and everyone is please with the results. The photo developer even made us sign some sort of form because when he developed the shots they looked so professional he thought we stole them! What more of a compliment can we get? Thanks again for your support! — Stacey Carlson
Dear Jeff & Pam, I was skeptical at first. 'Just another hyped- up home based business', or so I thought. I've spent thousands over the last 18 years trying my hand at various "businesses". Not one, nada, zip... have delivered on a business model and marketing plan so complete, until I discovered yours. I now see myself turning my love of photography into a profitable venture. Thank you! — Phil Gagnon
I really enjoyed taking the course. Every time I picked up one of your books, I couldn’t stop reading them. It became somewhat of an addiction that I couldn’t let do of. It was like an emotional charge of excitement. I don’t think that I have been so excited about anything else as I have with this course. Again thanks of working with me on continuing, and finishing your course. — John Thompson
You are always there for us when we need help, thank you! — Lyudmila and David Wilson
Dear Pam and Jeff,
In September of 2002,1 decided to buy myself a birthday present. I bought your Deluxe Package Photography course. Although this was a pricey indulgence, I did it with my husband's blessing (and as it has turned out. God's blessing too!) I have kicked around me “own my own business” idea for several years now, but my problem was which of my creative talents to use? I finally chose photography because it was something I could teach my daughter as she grows (she’'s 7). I wanted her to grow up knowing hard work, nurturing something she loves and (best of all) reaping the rewards of her efforts. What I didn't count on was the fun and enthusiasm I have found in this creative outlet and very decent $$$! What I bought from you was knowledge from your mistakes, tidbits from other course members, but most importantly a slug of self-confidence! I actually invested in me! I felt obligated and motivated to make this work because of the money I had spent on the course.
The newsletters are really wonderful too! They seem to always come when I begin to run out of steam. They are packed with time sensitive information, creative ideas and technical support. Even my photographically illiterate husband gets excited when they arrive! (I wonder if he muses I'll make it big so he can retire early?)
I really admire the fact that you two have hashed out what matters to you as a team and have gone at it with full force. There comes a time that hard working people can't work harder, they must work SMARTER. This is where is it obvious you guys have mapped out a nice balance of work and play. What does success matter if you are miserable? I am including a quote from Sister Teresa -I think you'll find it words to live by...although it appears you already are! — Thanks for everything! Laura McNeely
THE FINAL ANALYSIS by Sister Teresa
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone may destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best that you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is all between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
*** update
Word of mouth is spreading like wildfire — everyone has been very happy with my unique style and have complimented the fact that they laughed and really had fun!...It is a well thought through and organized course. The refreshing part is there are thought provoking sections as well as “do it this way if you don’t have a clue” sections. It is a dose of self confidence in a box!...The only way it could be better is if Pam and Jeff moved in with you for 30 days!...I have wanted to own my own business for years. I wanted to raise my daughter in an atmosphere I could control and teach her business and people skills. (As a dental hygienist, this was impossible). NYN course gave me the specific details I needed, but more importantly, it gave me the confidence and commitment I needed to proceed. The newsletters continue to give me the ideas and benefits of tried accomplishments of many. It has definitely changed my life — and I ’d say for the better! — Laura
Hi Jeff
WOW!!!! I've almost finished the entire course first time. I started highlighting in yellow to help going back the second time. The pages are almost all yellow. Tons of good stuff. I've started lists as to what I need to do.
One for marketing-fishing-farming etc. I have lined up a couple of practice photo sessions. Old folks, kids, cats moms and dads, kids etc. I’m studying the swipe files for poses to use. I have the kids working on gathering some props. Oldest granddaughter is helping with forms etc.
Marketing-Just started mentioning to people that I'm a photographer. “What interesting responses” and they have all been good. I've told them that I specialize in natural family portraits. The biggest response has been “I need to have that done” Of course my response has been. “Would you like me to send you one of my information packs” The answer has been the same each time.“Yes.”
I drive a jeep Wrangler and had Photographer written in Vinyl across the top of the Windshield and on the sides Corby Davis Photography with the phone number on the side. (Took your advice and will use the name Corby Davis Photography or Corbys Natural Photography.) I’ve been asked by parents to photograph there kids at little league games, hockey, pet owner with golden lab. I love the outdoors and will probably include some of that in my really fun side of photography. I'm really going to try and shoot for the higher end customer. $895 Sessions. Can’t get to the top if you don't shoot for it.
I could go on for another ten paragraphs. The point is I wanted to let you know that I’m excited and wish I would have found this 20 years ago. It’s not just the information in your course it's how you have written it. When I was half way I started feeling like you and Pam were friends.— Thanks, Corby Davis - Photographer
Definitely more personal and updated than NYIP (and cheaper). Working for a midwife for 7 years got me started in pregnancy photography which naturally led to babies, kids and families. I always had fun with my clients and they we very happy with their photos. The only problem was my lack of confidence when it came to charging them. I knew my pictures were worth more than I was charging but somehow every time the money issue came up I’d cringe and quote some ridiculously low price. After reading through your entire course I just started “faking it” and charging what other photographers charged. Now I am gaining confidence and making money and my clients seem even happier than before. Thank you so much! — Whitney O'Friel
When I first came across your ad, I was interested in what you had to offer because I was trying to better my photo skills. When I received your info packet It was chocked full of information but I couldn’t afford the price of your course so I placed the packet on my living room stand next to my magazines. For some reason something kept drawing me back to that envelope so I again picked it up and reread it in it’s entirety. I finally convinced myself to go for it and I can honestly to this day tell you I am glad I did.
Out of all the courses I’ve taken in the past this course out beats them all 100%. It’s loaded with so much information and on top of that Pam and Jeff make themselves available to help you and let you know your not in it alone your pretty much on auto pilot with their marketing manual. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have definitely motivated me and even jumped start my photo biz.
By the way, your right, it’s not the technical skills that matters it’s your marketing. — Cameron Richards
I would spend everything I’ve spent on various courses over the years for the Not Your Normal School of Photography and still think it was a bargain — and believe me, that’s thousands of dollars. This is the most awesome assembly of information I’ve ever seen. Not sure if it’s because Jeff and Pam have written as if they’re talking to you, or if my mind was open to receive the information, or a combination of both. But it was worth every penny and lots more. Speaking of Pam and Jeff — I’ve spoken to both of them on the phone and they are real people with real personalities. They mean what they say about “giving back” and having the good fortune to do so. Sharing, caring people. They tell it like it is — and like it isn’t — and save you a bundle of time, energy and money in the process by preventing you from making mistakes they’ve already made and learned from.— Maria Morse
In 20 years of ordering educational courses and business offers, the photographic course offered by the Farrs is the only one that I have received that is as complete and informative “as advertised.” I would highly recommend this course to anyone considering photography as a profession — or simply to anyone who would just like to take better photographs. — Lana Lorenzen
I am really enjoying the course, I am just finishing Part 3&4 “Conducting Sessions Etc.” It is like a good novel, I have a hard time putting it down at night! — John Bryan
Hi Pam & Jeff, Well, Shutter Button is a tentative name, but survey says it’s lookin’ good. We’ll see how it goes. Pam THANK YOU 1,000,000 times for saving me lot’s of money on the lights! They all work great as you can see by the photo. That first session was FUN!
The grandparents were there and half way through Grandma patted me on the back after it took a long time to get the toddler just-right and said “You are so good”! WOW what a feeling and the first session! Granpa was saying “I ain’t havin’ my picture took”, then next thing we knew (he saw how much fun we were having) he had gone home, put on a nice shirt and we got some good shots of them too!
So, I have learned that this NYN thing is WAY more than just making money. It’s more about how happy we can make people when we bring them together and provide such a personal package for them! Pam I begged them not to pay me because it was the first time, but Granpa said he would kick my ass if I didn’t take $50, and if you saw this guy, you would take it too! So I did.
OK Jeff? it’s your turn. As far as marketing goes, the family I shot first, when I gave the dad the photos (he also works where I do) he was so proud he showed them all over at work. Within an hour I was getting DO ME, DO ME! That shows me the power of photography as advertisement! So now I have 6 families waiting on me! That’s another thing I like about this NYN thing, they are waiting on me! I’m going to work out a special deal (until a certain date) with the companies employees where I can make a little profit and get some great experience. Then it’s going to be high end from there.
THANK YOU both for the wonderful course you have put together. It has definitely changed the course of my life in the right direction! I’ve spent 25 years (about like old Abe) looking for the way and THIS IS IT! Keep up the good work and keep that great newsletter coming!— Thank You, Tom Harper
Hi Pam and Jeff, I received the letters and frames you sent. Wow! you must have been in a good mood. Thanks so much for the past letters, I’ll love catching up on all the news and tips. You guys are great. Who would think that quiet shy Bob could shoot a wedding, or run a session in my home using my planning sheet for the session. It went like clock work. And come on, $400 an hour, I trained for 4 years to be a cardiac nurse, and I make $19 an hour doing that. Lets do the math, which should I stay with, and which one do I love doing. I know it will take time to build a client base, but I feel like we are on our way.
Thanks so much, you guys keep lifting us up out here in the trenches. You make me believe I can really do this. — Bob Richards
I just love your newsletter and look forward to every issue. It’s funny, witty, informative and down to earth nuts and bolts how to do it. Thanks for the constant motivation. — Glenn Golden
I am excited about the Not Your Normal photography course. Every aspect of the business is described in detail. I plan to retire from my “day job” at the school board. Pam and Jeff, you’ve been so helpful. I am quite certain if I have further questions you will be right there to help me. —Norma Engel
Looks like I’m on a good start. Thanks again for your help. Your books are really easy to understand and down to earth and you didn’t make me feel like an idiot through your letters and phone call. —Greg Theis
I learned more from Pam’s photo course in one day, than from all the “techies” I’ve talked to in the last ten years.— Michael Gill
Thank you so much for sending me the newsletters. If you remember I am the forty-five year old man who made custom furniture and owned my own ready to finish furniture store, but unfortunately due to changes in the market and increased competition from large chain stores I was “forced out.” I am finishing up the Automatic Marketing Section as I write. I have begun a portfolio using a black background and my first pics were “stellar.” All the men at the Walgreens 1 hr. photo where I took them to be processed were crazy about them. Again, thanks and count me in as one of your most satisfied members. — Brad Kurtz
I am very impressed by your Photo Course. I have been shooting since 1989 and am excited about using the Not Your Normal Style of posing. This is something I can do in my small studio. My area of operation has always been a hindrance in the past. I already have many props to use. I’m a little late getting started as I still work part time. I’m confident that this course will push me over into full time photography. — Kelly Schulze
Dear Pam and Jeff,
I bought the Deluxe Photography Course from you. I wanted to give you a quick update on my progress.
I started shooting family and friends to build a portfolio. As more and more people saw my work, I was able to begin charging a larger fee for my services.
Everyone loved the work—how natural everyone looked. I was able to do work with new borns, young children, teenagers, adults, seniors, and pets. I was elated when I was finally doing enough work that 1 could afford to buy my supplies in bulk.
I was able to have my work seen by a local book publisher. A project that he had in production had run into a snag. A cookbook needed a color photographic insert and the author in Atlanta could not afford the fees that were common for food photography. Though I had not done any food photography, I used the same techniques that I learned in your course and spent two days in Atlanta shooting food. The project was a success and the shots look great in the book.
Now for the best part. Due to the proof that I could take a good picture, I was able to put together a book deal for a book on pet photography. I have enclosed a copy of the book which came out today as a thank you for your course. When ever I set up my studio (about once a month) I have people asking if I will have time to do a session with them. When the studio is not set up people ask me when I will be setting up again so they can have their own session. This is working out just the way you have it written in your course.
So I learned all of the parts in the course that Pam talks about.
I certainly think your course is worth every penny you charge. Thanks for making your success available to others.
Sincerely, Bill Jayne
Hi Pam and Jeff, Just wanted to let you know how much I like your course. The “swipe” files are just what I need for inspiration, but the “general information” sheets make it absolutely TOP NOTCH! I have more confidence in my work thank to you folks. Again great work. — Ed Contempo
Your course is like a road map. It show you where you are and how to get to your desired destination. This is a trip worth taking. Thank you! — John Hedden
The Not Your Normal Photography course is great. It gets you ready to go out and start working tomorrow. Pam and Jeff are wonderful and willing to help you out in any way they can. — Clay Russell
Dear Jeff & Pam,
WOW! I’m very impressed with the photo course as well as the marketing ideas you offer. I’m still in the, process of absorbing the information but am confident about getting started.
I retired three years ago after a long ministry and professorship in a seminary on the west coast. Photography has been my primary hobby for many years. Your ideas open a way to work from time to time to earn the money to make trips which we would enjoy. We have a perfect spot for setting up the studio and look forward to it.
Thank you both for sharing yourselves in such a profound way. You have a wonderful gift for communicating so clearly.
Cordially, Taylor Williams Th.D. Pastor-Teacher Emeritus
Thank you so much for putting together this wonderful course. I’ve had it only for a short time but every chance I get I’m buried in it with joy — despite the usual business of preparing for the Christmas Holidays. So much of what your cover has been in my thoughts but didn’t quite know how to pursue especially in the marketing end of the business. Just allowing yourselves to be open to passing on to me this important info is a real blessing! Yesterday I gathered the 15–20 important 800 numbers and fax #s and made contact with these companies for catalogues and samples (mats). It would have taken months to gather the info you provided and the people I called were all pleasant despite being 2 weeks before Christmas.
I am so excited, can’t wait for the new year when I’ll have all my ducks in a row, Merry Christmas Pam and Jeff! — Bill and Sylvie-Anne Petrilla
Dear Pam and Jeff,
I would personally like to thank you for providing me with the opportunity to explore my entrepreneurial spirit as a photographer. The system is definitely worth the asking price and has good integrity within its format. The knowledge I obtained alone from the marketing materials is already paying off because in this business you definitely have to be a “big fish in a small pond.” Your system has also given me peace of mind too because I’m leaving the military soon and this proves there is life and more outside of the corps. Thank you for giving me the chance to help me help myself. — Respectfully, Fred Smith
I was very leery about ordering the ‘Not Your Normal Photography’ course in the beginning, but now I am glad I did. It’s been an invaluable resource! And the best part is that besides the manuals / material you get Pam and Jeff! They’ve both been great help. They always know me when I call and are always friendly, too — you never get the feeling that you’re interrupting something.
One of the “things” I’ve liked the most is the fact that, just like Pam, I’ve had no formal training. So when it came to setting up a light system, something I knew nothing about, Pam helped me find what I needed for what I was willing to spend, and the manual practically set it up for me with step by step instructions. And when may order was incorrect, Pam went the extra mile to get my replacements her in time for a big job I had planned. Than again for all your help!— Lynna Miller
I just wanted to say “thank you.” The course has become a “way in” for me. I have been a professional photographer for several years with a large company, but until I discovered the Not Your Normal school, I had no real plan on how to break out and have my own studio. It has taken me almost a year but I am on my own now, the displays are out, the InfoPaks are being sent and the popcorn is really starting to pop!
Thanks again for your solid support, even though I don’t call that much, I know you’re there. —Yours sincerely, Nic Aloiso
Pam and Jeff, taking the Not Your Normal Photography course was the greatest gift I ever gave to myself. It is not only educational, it is inspirational. It was like having the two of you sitting in my living room. I believe the master sent me the best teachers. I don’t think there is a better course available. I may never get rich being a photographer, but I will have a lot of fun trying and enjoying what you do is what really matters.
The greatest thing of all is being a member of your means having a network of friends to help you the rest of your life. Thanks — Nikki Vitt
I just wanted to let you both know how good of a job you did with the materials. I must admit to being impressed with both your attention to detail and the quality of your approach.— Bob Parsons
Bought the course for my daughter and me. She is working at a local restaurant and just had a new baby.
Was I ever surprised at the detail you guys went into to make sure we will have everything we need to succeed.
We were both totally pleased and hopefully get the system into gear as soon as her baby and her have a couple of months to adjust to their new life.
The marketing part of the course is dead on. Being in business for 22 years, I understand marketing and its importance. Thanks Pam and Jeff for a job well done!— Oscar
If it were not for Pam and Jeff’s school of Not Your Normal Photography, I don’t think I would have been able to achieve my dream of working from home around my children’s schedule. The course helped me to accelerate my skills and “open” my own studio from home. It also gave me confidence in myself and my work as a newcomer to break through my own insecurities. Pam and Jeff, thank you so much for helping make dream a reality!” — Angelique
I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and find it to be the most complete set of information I have ever run across. I took some pictures at Thanksgiving of my sisters children using Pam’s posing techniques. When I presented the pictures to my sister and mother, they were both speechless. They had never seen pictures like these from other photographers. I am convinced that I am indeed on the right course of action and I have you and Pam to thank for it. Thanks for making the course so complete and in depth. If aspiring photographers would just take the course and apply the principles (and take action), they could change their lives just as I an doing. — Thomas J. Tobin
I am so thrilled with my lighting. I took pictures over the weekend and took them in today for developing. I used the same white muslin backdrop I have always been using and I cannot believe the difference. Before my pictures were coming out with a gray background, now they are pure white. I have attached a picture of myself and my daughter to show you. I am so happy and so glad I have found you guys. Thank you so much for all your help. — Christina Moyer
Jeff & Pam, I just finished a “cluster” of 3 families. So that’s sort of a “heads up” for Deluxe Kits.
Also, I haven’t had a chance to tell you two how much I appreciate the course. We do extremely well in our clinic, but I wanted something to do on weekends (like I don’t have enough to do) so I decided to take the course.
You guys really do have some effort in this thing! I used to own a studio (what a drag THAT was!) but the course has allowed me to venture into photography again for fun (and profit). I can honestly say that anyone can make this work if they want to. It’s fun, profitable and very easy. So thanks a million for the fun and your continuing help and newsletters. — Blessings, Hugh and Andrea Smith
Pam and Jeff,
My name is Yvonne Young. I took your basic course and loved it! I had gone to school 8 months for photography, and come out of there having no idea what to do or where to start, so I decided to take your “basic” course after getting the yellow book. And I learned so much more and am now doing photos (even without my lighting) using mostly the black background. Looks so good and have gotten a lot of comments. I love your guys!
Your course is a complete and informative and is a wonderful guide for anyone getting starting out in the photography field. — Robert L. Wolff
Pam and Jeff,
Your not your normal photography course has been a God send. Your down to earth marketing ideas are great. After 24 years in a part time family photography business and after many seminars, courses and much money spent, your course has been just what I needed to make photography less work and more fun. Thank you!— Sincerely, Gene P.S. I am 71 (I may be one of your oldest members). Born March 22, 1931.
As always, your newsletter was inspiring from a marketing perspective. More importantly, this issue touched me from a “human” perspective. Thanks for reinforcing the way photography can touch the spirit in people. I too feel family photography is important and significant work. Wishing you the best. — John Zueli
I can’t say thank you enough for all your hard work that goes in to the course and newsletters. I’m a creative person, but sometimes I get caught in a mental fog. Your course and newsletters have awakened me! Now I have such a creative overload. I’m constantly thinking of new things to try and I’m always searching for ways to save time and money. Just when things start calming down for me, your monthly newsletter sparks ideas and gives me another boost. I look forward to reading your articles and updates. Thank you so much! — Angelique
Dear Jeff and Pam,
I did want to write and tell you how much I enjoyed your course.
I have never been a salesman. I have had about five different selling jobs in which I was unsuccessful. But I can see in your course a way of selling without actually having to sell. It is a “low-pressure” method of making sales for people who aren’t “salesmen.”
The job I have now as photographer for Olan Mills church directory division is very time consuming and I’m out of town all the time, so things are going more slowly than I wanted. (I’m writing this in a motel room). Because this job takes so much time, I don’t have a life outside of Olan Mills.
One of the most exciting aspects of the course is the Swipe File. I’ve used a few of the poses in the churches where I photograph and the people really love the “NYN” style of photography as opposed to the cookie cutter studio poses. The swipe file alone is worth the price of the course!
I am almost to the point where I can start the marketing process in earnest and am looking forward to it. I am going to start on a part-time basis at first, but when I get it off the ground, I’ll be able to go full time and get my life back! — Skip Yetter
I want to thank you for providing me with your great business opportunity. This is a wonderful program. You have covered every aspect in planning, building and executing a highly successful business enterprise in portrait photography. I fully believe that anyone with the right attitude can do this successfully — CAN! Your comprehensive guidance has left nothing out of place. It’s clearly evident that if you simply follow directions you can easily build a growing business and a wonderful career. Thanks again! — Tim Ennis
I just wanted to let you both know how good of a job you did with the materials. I must admit to being impressed with both your attention to detail and the quality of your approach.” — Bob Parsons
Your program is ideal for photographers from beginners to advanced. I have never seen a program that provides such a mass of detailed information. Anyone with some basic knowledge of photography can take your course and get a good business going. —Al
I just want you to know that because of your progressive system and no-nonsense approach, I have absolute goals now, that I found very difficult to establish heretofore. It is so clear now, where before it was total confusion. I am totally fascinated with your work... — Scott
First off, I truly enjoyed the newsletter. Lots of good material and information. In fact, the part about finding a room for shooting the “prom thing” got me going on a place for shooting regular photos. You see, I had just about given up on the whole program because I just don’t have the space required for shooting families, and the few inquiries I had made regarding meeting rooms proved to be too expensive.
After reading the piece in the newsletter I renewed my search for a “studio” and just last week I came across an office building that rents space for seminars on a day by day basis! Problem solved. More reasonably priced than hotel meeting rooms also!
There have been some other setbacks — equipment problems, etc., but it looks like we can start moving into some definite shooting work with the space problem solved. I’ll let you know how we’re progressing as progress is made.
Thanks for an encouraging newsletter. — Stan Hess
Jeff,
I’m in Switzerland now. And I brought both the marketing courses and photo courses along with me. I scanned the swipe files before coming but did not bring them along because of bulk. I also didn’t bring the video tape because they can’t be played in the machines over here. I was able to read through everything in it’s entirety. I decided I was too chicken follow your instructions to “stop now and go book a session” because most of the people around me on the plane spoke German and I couldn’t see practically how to do it... But, in the spirit of the instruction, within 1 hour of landing in Zurich, I set up with my client that I will be doing his family this Sunday evening. And yes, I can see a few problems to be overcome:
1. I didn’t bring even the flash on top of my camera, but we are going to try to use his canon flash on my nikon equipment. I’ll have to hand calculate the f stops, but I did know how to do that 15 years ago, so I may do OK.
2. I don’t have any white or black backdrops, but I’m thinking I may be able to make do with a couple bed sheets and careful camera angles.
3. Only one person in the group speaks English and I don’t speak German. Other than that, I’ve worked out the planned order of photos I’m probably going to use, and the problems won’t stop me from 1. Taking the photos and 2. Getting my first international reference 3. Getting my first photos into my “Natural Photography portfolio”
4. Arranging to set up a series of exclusive bookings in Switzerland for the next time I am here. (I come every 6 to 14 months) and
5. Charging at least $795CHF (about $530 USD) for the sessions.
Now, you remember, you graciously agreed to extend the 90 day limit on returning the course. With that in mind, and knowing, having read the course, how much you like to get testimonials, I offer the following, and you can quote me in whole or in summary. (You can also quote anything above if you wish.)...
Having read through your materials in the past 36 hours I have concluded that the marketing information alone was worth the full price of the course. I hereby waive the 90 day return policy. I have received my money’s worth in full even if I never decide to use it for photography. But having said that, there was still the extra value of the photography section. Although I have to balance whether I want to build a company on this model or start another computer company (in the field I have been successful before) I am going to give this very interesting idea serious thought. Either way, I will be using the marketing information in my existing companies and in future companies ( I have successfully built and sold a couple companies in my life. One was one of the “top 100 software companies in Canada” when I sold it in early 1995. I am well on my way to getting 2 additional companies ready to sell). Thank you very much, I wish you both the best as you pass this valuable information on to other people at such a reasonable price. — Regards, Peter Horwood
Just wanted to say “Thanx” for your wonderful course. Not only have I learned a lot about photography “I really needed guidance on lighting,” but your marketing manuals are fantastic. I feel like I’m really well equipped now to get started on my dream career of photography. I feel your course is giving me my freedom to work the hours I want and at the same time do exactly what I want. — Thanx Again, Jill Woerth
Enjoyed the newsletter very much.
Jeff, the course was just what I needed to see in “black & white” to put it all together. I had a lot of ideas rolling around in my head, but it took your help for me to put everything in the proper order, “my game plan,” to get things in motion.
Keep up the good work! I’m looking forward to doing business with you for a long time. — Reuben Clark
Thank you for your quick response. I am serious your courses are absolutely the best. I took a course with a local photo store and learned absolutely nothing. It was mainly directed at shooting as many rolls of film as possible for the store to developer.
Last year I signed up for the NYI (New York Institute of Photography) course. I learned a great deal, but also found an awful lot of fill in and contradictory information from one lesson to another.
Enough said about the others. Your courses are tops, learned more within a week than from all the others. Keep up the good work.— Ove Konsted
I would never have attempted setting up a studio without your program and my photos are impressively good with this set up. I get rave reviews. Pam — you’re just GREAT! Thanks for all your help. You both have been very willing and available to answer questions. You even helped me once when I got panicked just before a shoot. You care — and it really helps to know you’re there. — Jeannette Fenton
Jeff and Pam,
You folks are just too real and honest. Pam even returns phone calls in person! The course is worth its weight in gold! Even if I never make a dime, just shooting pictures of friends and family is reward enough. Your photo course is the best investment in education I ever made and you can quote me! — Don Marselle
Pam and Jeff's Photography Course is by far the most complete and comprehensive course I’ve ever seen. They really nail the business side of this industry and give you the formula for success; it's up to you to use it!— Mary
I am not a technical person and your style of set up and shooting has been an incredible encouragement to someone like me. I really appreciate that your explanations are always step by step and simplified, otherwise I would be lost....NYI (New York Institute of Photography) taught me the basics of the camera, your program launches me from there to put into action what I have learned...I’m motivated to move forward after I read your newsletter.” — Debbie Mangiafridda
Hello!
My name is Candy, and I haven't yet had the opportunity to sit down and thank you for your course. It has completely changed the way I view photography.
I believe that every tiny detail of every day happens for a reason. So today when I checked my mail and received this months AWESOME news letter, I knew it was meant to be! Your March article titled "the only Vote that counts......and "More lessons from the primaries" was soooo what I needed to hear! And the Steiger/Brando quote was great!
I had my first FOR REAL session 3 weeks ago. The family of 3 showed up half an hour early, one of my lights broke, and their 2 year old was being absolutely obnoxious! So consequently, I had my very first FULL BLOWN panic attack. But somehow my FEAR triggered energy that produced the best photos I have ever taken. (even better than those of my own children)
The 2-yr-old daughter of my clients took her clothes off and absolutely REFUSED to put them back on. The session was done in my home, and she wanted to be everywhere else except on the backdrop. My kids were gone, so I pulled out some baby books and old teddy bears from their rooms and layed them on the backdrop as bait. This little girl (Madison was her name) went and sat down in nothing but her ruffled underwear and looked at books, and occasionally smiled at her parents to acknowledge they were still there. GENUIS! I shot an entire roll of her in under garments, and then with the parents sat behind her. I know it sounds like a weird photo scenario, but they came out so unique and candid, that the parents have set
up another session to include the rest of their extended family!
My whole point in telling you all this is to point out that FEAR is the only thing that keeps me going in this.... and yet, it's the one thing that has allowed me to succeed. It seems to be my biggest motivator.
I must admit that spending a $1,000 on your course was a huge risk. I felt a lot of FEAR that I may get nothing from it. But now I wonder how I would be doing this without your course. You guys have helped me out so much, and I look forward to your newsletters. I know so many legalistic photographers, but you guys are the REAL DEAL! — Thank you Candy Washburne
Well, I finally found time to study all nine manuals and picked-up quite a few things that are helping to increase my profits. You and Pam really put a lot of effort into your materials. The monthly newsletters aren’t too shabby either! — Paul Prough
Good Morning! God bless the both of you!
Your course is better than described ... and definitely more than I could of hoped for.
Thank you for pulling this program together for now I see that I can do the work I enjoy and live the life I’ve always wanted. I have already read through all the materials (every single word!) and will start my second read thru tomorrow.
Thanks again for all the hard work the both of you have done for the “rest of us.” — Margaret Osowski
The lights are remarkably easy to use with great results. This spring I’ll be ready to go full bore, thanks to your very complete course. I have been very successfully in my landscaping business and think I can duplicate that success very quickly in photography. Your have taken the trial and error out of it. — Matt Caulder
Your course is worth every bit of the money and more. I’m having so much fun with the Swipe File examples — my customers love the unique poses! If the course was nothing more than the Swipe Files, if would still be worth the money.— Thanks again, Sherry
I can’t believe the amount of time and work you and Jeff have put into this course, not to mention the follow-ups! Fantastic. And much appreciated. — Scott
Thank you for your awesome package! I have learned a lot from the program. It is well written, easy to understand, and has a lot of detail and solid information in the package.
I’m getting a slow start, as my family comes first, and with 6 kids I am definitely busy. But I’ve been practicing and getting comfortable with my camera and gaining some good experience.
I work part time at a photo lab where we print panoramic class pictures and do custom enlargements. I have had the opportunity to see other photographers work, and many times I don’t like what I see, or conclude that I could do better than they. So, I’ve been practicing. I have had some beautiful results in outdoor/natural settings, and have landed several small jobs because of it, like to have customers come to me, not the other way around.
My boss is very generous and allows me to use the equipment, paper and chemicals for cost only whenever I want. (I will use another lab for developing and printing 4x6’s but will do my own enlargements). He does family and group photos as well, but is in his own niche. I feel I can offer higher quality of service and hope I can find a different market than he caters to.
He has given me a lot of technical help and encourages me to branch out, and I finally feel that it’s time to take the next step. I haven’t set up my pricing schedule yet, but will as soon as I determine what my costs will be for all the supplies needed. I may start out with a smaller package and work my way up.
I am confident that as I work at building my business, I will stand from the rest by using the ideas and techniques in your program. I appreciate all the continued support you give in the newsletters, it helps to keep me motivated. I am ready to take the plunge, and will update you in a few months with my accomplishments.
Thank you again for the great information. — Julie Saunders
Your trade secrets have been of great benefit to me. — God Bless You Jerry Burnette
Hey Pam + Jeff,
This course is really awesome! One heck of an accomplishment putting it together. I am devouring every word of it. Haven’t gotten to the video yet. I have no doubt this is going to work for me. I have a party to do this weekend and I will start using some of the techniques form the books right away.
Gotta go, my shutter finger is getting itchy. Thanks a bunch. — Steve Lankford
Your course was invaluable. I’ve learned so much and was impressed with the responses received from our customers viewing this new style of photographing. I am a wedding photographer also and you should see the excitement as never before.
My profits have increased dramatically. I am very pleased. — Thanks for your help, Matt Tomcsanyi
The course is everything I expected and more! In fact, I’m using some of the photo marketing ideas in my massage business!! That was a bonus I didn’t expect. Thanks!!! — Zayne
Dear Pam & Jeff,
Just a few words about your “Not Your Normal School of Photography” course.
I have been “into” photography since my Jr. High School days, back in the early ’60’s. I have taken two correspondence courses from two different “Name” schools as well as attending some of those seminars and a professional school of photography in the past. But it wasn’t until I took your course that I was hearing “Now THAT’S Me” from my subjects. I have heard this from several people that I have photographed since taking your course.
Those other courses my have taught the technical aspect of photography, but your course goes beyond that. Your course also teaches the technique to make people feel comfortable & relaxed to the point that it’s easy to capture the “real” person. Their personality, not just their looks, so to speak.
In the past, my photography was mostly for my personal enjoyment. But since my success after taking your course, I am being asked, more & more, by others to have me take their portraits. They come to me. I haven’t promoted myself at all.
I am now in the process of having my “hobby” support itself. Thanks to you & your course, I can now afford better equipment and to travel to take photos of places & things that were never possible in the past.
All this & extra money in my pocket, to boot.
As you can probably tell, I think your course is great & highly recommend it to anyone interested in people and/or pet photography.
Sincerely yours, Thomas Stafford
Dear Pam and Jeff:
I am a longtime editor and photographer. Your course is unusually comprehensive, practical and easy to understand. I love what you have to say and how Jeff says it. — David Kennedy, Writer and Photographer
Hi Pam and Jeff!
Thanks for your newsletter, it could not have come at a better time. I am getting ready to do it!!! For years I dreamed of doing something I love and earning money while I had fun. But never knew how! I am German and came to the U.S. in 1981! The land of opportunities...I am getting ready to find out. I took 5 courses, got a little diploma, spent about $1,000 in 2 years! Guess what. I understood my camera better (by the way it is a Nikon 8008s) and that was it. Finished, done! I thought it was hopeless. I was too embarrassed to ask anyone all these silly questions I had about starting out on my own. And then there was you! I immediately felt like there was someone who was willing to be my mentor. Your down to earth approach is exactly what I needed to get me where I am now! I will be ready and fully equipped to do my first session. It will be a free session, but I can’t wait.
Both of you are great!— Beate Tranbargerer
It has been many years since I have picked up a 35mm camera — at one time I owned 3 Nikons, F, FG and FM, but since I couldn’t really make any money of a living at photography, I just gave up on the hobby and sold my equipment. I never really stopped thinking about cameras (even though I’m not very good at it) and every time a new Nikon model came out I got excited. Recently (last year) I decided to subscribe to Photo magazines and even more recently I responded to your ad.
When I received your booklet, I thought “wow...that’s a lot of money. After all, I don’t even have a camera.” But I figured what the heck, I’m not getting any younger (I’m 50). Maybe I can get a camera and maybe make a couple of dollars. Anyway, I just got your course, and I have to tell you — it’s really complete.
I still work full time, so my goals are to study your course, do some Holiday Portraits, some senior Portraits next year, work at this part time for a couple of years, then hopefully gear up (or down) to do the photo business full time. You’ve given me some hope & way to make a living (part or full time) doing something I know I love. — Pete Damian
P.S. You should know that I have spent $1,000s of Dollars looking into businesses. Waste of time — this looks like the one that works!!
Just a great course, easy to understand, easy to implement. The material is well presented and yet it is folksy and down to earth. Excellent technical detail without being overwhelming. Love the fact you are available by phone. An excellent enterprise for anyone who loves taking pictures and loves people. Thanks! — B.C. May
Dear Pam and Jeff, I have finally read through all your literature and found it most awesome. I can relate to almost all of it. Jeff, you sure have a way of explaining in detail and so easy to understand! After reading your course I’m much more confident I can make this work! I’m so glad I wrote to you for info on your course. It has really inspired me to do what I knew I could do all along. You explained it so well. Pam, when I saw your tape you reminded me of myself! It was great! Your love of your work really shows. I’ll keep in touch... — Linda Boyd
Just wanted to drop a little note to say THANK YOU a million times...I’m really glad you are doing this photo course because I think you will be improving many people’s lives greatly...as for myself, I feel very focused right now (for the first time in a long time) and really excited about what I am doing...there have been quite a few life factors involved but YOU had a big part in it. —Rob Chapman
I did 5 sessions in two weeks, the shots turned out great. I think the Swipe File was a good investment. I really like the program. I think you did a great job. — Ted
Hi Pam and Jeff,
I found your course to be very easy and you two have to be very good to talk to me when I have called you even at times when I should not have called you. Thank you very much just for that alone. To keep it short and to the point, your course is easy to understand. I like the part you work when you want. I can see this working anywhere in the USA. The marketing plan is exceptional and easy. — Thanks Scott Schaffer
Hello Jeff and Pam!
I cannot tell you how excited I am about your photography course; I can't seem to put it down for a minute and...I dread having to run errands that take me away from such a passion as this has become for me!
In reading your introduction book, I have found that we have so much in common. I am a big city girl that has just moved to a large ranch and enjoying life to the fullest.
Your newsletters enable me to get to know you both as great people with wonderful personalities, and a heart of gold. I am looking forward to speaking with you via phone/fax/e-mails as needed to get this business off to a full start!
Looking forward to working with you two! — Judy Gifford
I got my first paid session. It went well. As a matter of fact, the first paid customer referred the second. I love the newsletters. I look forward to them every month. It is very informative and motivating. I am not very artistic. The course helped me with that. — John Ferrar
I tried to write sooner, but I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time. Since got your package, I’ve been getting photo jobs without even thinking about it. And, I’m making more money per job. — Kip Roof
An idea for getting started with little or no money even without any photos to start with. Approach children specialty shops and using a box with a poster offering free photos (two of their choice) in exchange for use as portfolio. I presented a full package and allowed them their choice of two matted photos free....well guess what! about 90% bought the extra photos with some purchasing the whole photo shoot at a cost of $595. — Sharon Belcher
I admit I was apprehensive about spending $500 on a photography course, and telling my pregnant wife was no picnic either. However, I am now 2 months in with several sessions (many family) and a wedding under my belt (which I greatly enjoyed. So I can confidently say that I couldn’t have gotten to this point without the NYN photography course. The many poses displayed throughout the course pointed me in the right direction. I was self-employed for many years and have been out of it for many years, however I am fairly certain that I have found my next career. Keep up the good work. —Bob Watts
Howdy!
I thought I'd let you know that I just completed my first “real” sitting. Although I did it for free, I ran it like I was getting paid $500! I chose someone who knows LOTS of folks and told them that if they liked the outcome, then I would expect them to tell their friends. Well, when my wife and I delivered their session package we were amazed at the response! The wife just started crying and was truly overwhelmed with emotions. I shot the pics Sunday evening, and delivered the session package yesterday afternoon.
When she ask “how much” I would charge people, I told her that since I was just starting to do this type of photography and needed to build my portfolio, that I would do a limited number (no more than 5) sittings for $175, but after that they were going to cost $295. By last night, I had 3 families schedule sittings!! PAID sittings!
Here's the deal - I am using a metal building (gym) behind my house — right next to our Barn to shoot the pics — I've told them all that A) I shoot in a barn not a fancy studio and B) I’m only doing a limited number of sittings and only on Sunday evenings. It’s crazy! When I tell them about the limited sittings only on Sunday’s they schedule RIGHT THEN.
I was a little hesitant about the cost of your course, but it’s definitely given me the tools necessary to drive a little side income with something I truly love doing! Thanks much! — Scott Barnes
Hi Pam and Jeff,
I wanted to thank you for all the course materials, the website and especially the monthly newsletters. It truly is a fountain of information and more importantly motivation. I would be light years behind where I am today. I may not be your over night success but I am having fun along the way. Just to get you up to speed, I spoke to Pam over a year ago about lighting systems. At the time I did not have the money for this but in the spirit of “get out there and start shooting and don’t sweet the small stuff” I DID!
I set up a less than ideal studio in our spare bedroom. The room was about 14' by 10' and I had the backdrop rigged up unsafely (more about that later). For backdrop lighting, I set up a couple of 500 watt work lights to blast the backdrop. Again not ideal, the heat was almost unbearable and it took allot of trial and error to get exposure set properly. I did some sessions for friends and family. The photos were not great but were good enough; good enough to get inquires from their friends and family to book sessions. Why??? Probably because I saved them the $50 dollars they would have spent at the gym to lose as many pounds as they did with the lighting system I had. Just kidding! — John
Dear Pam and Jeff,
Your “Not Your Normal” Photography Course presents a wealth of knowledge to anyone interested in the photography business.
I started with the Basic Course and upgraded to the Advanced Package when I saw the immediate value and quality of your material. You can believe me when I say that I have never enjoyed learning as much as when reading through your lively text. Your entertaining style makes it easy to read and understand and I must admit, “Not Your Normal” manuals are very difficult to put down. I became a “night owl” without realizing how fast time passed while I was submerged in your books.
I am presently conducting rehearsal sessions with friends and relatives. The “WOW” factor is surely there and this is just the beginning. The information provided by you is priceless!
I hope you will use my testimonial to show others the value of your course.
Sincerely, Joel M. Krane
Your course is packed with very numerous fine details interspersed within easily read and entertaining text. A lot of other books assume that either you already know about these details or they are unimportant in the larger scheme of things. — Louie Labayen
To Whom It May Concern:
Jeff and Pam’s School of Not Your Normal Photography is absolute cutting edge technology in the world of “at-home” businesses!
I have investigated several business opportunities or instructional schools over the last 5 years or so, (Some of which are well known, nationally advertised photography or business schools) and to date I have never seen or experienced anything close to what NYN School of Photography offers!
Their unique style of family and pet photography is refreshingly new and innovative in a world of “cookie-cutter” traditional style of photographic knowledge or expertise, practiced by many portrait studios. What’s equally refreshing and innovative is the “state-of-the-art” marketing techniques I’ve studied (and applied) that comes complete in their basic course manuals.
Their course explains, in very plain-spoken terms, all the information necessary to family and pet photography in your home, without the technical “rabble-babble” that you typically receive from those “instructional schools.”
The amount I have invested is small compared to the overwhelming value packed into the basic course. For me, it will reap many rewards, both personally and financially. This is a business that offers greater satisfaction beyond dollars and cents! — Exhilaratingly yours, Chris Funnell
I am nearly booked up through November and am booking sessions for December. I have learned a lot since selling my bass boat and maxing out my credit card. You gave me the confidence that I could do this type of photography, I am so thankful. Again, thank you both so much for making this form of photography accessible to the public, I am dearly grateful. Take excellent care. — Daryl Hemmings
