More Info...

Course Catalog — complete list of NYN Photo School courses

Free 6-Day Business Of Photography E-Course Table of Contents — introduction to the business of photography

FAQs — Q&A

Testimonials — what our students say

Enroll — choose a course, tuition options, and enroll!

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Questions? Want to enroll offline? Call Pam and Jeff at 910-947-2587. Pam and I will be happy to discuss your personal situation and any concerns you might have. We answer most of the time, but not after 4-5pm eastern. If you need to leave a message we will call you back.

Not Your Normal School of Photography’s co-founders Pam and Jeff Farr (the above photo was taken by our youngest student — a 10 year old!... yes, we helped set up the lights, but everything else, including setting up the shot, she did for herself!)

BBB Accredited and A+ Rated

Dear Pam and Jeff,
Just a quick note to thank you for your business integrity.You deliver what you promise which is less and less the case anymore. Kind Regards, Stephen O. Meidahl

Certificate of completion

Let the world know you’ve graduated!... get your suitable-for-framing Certificate of Completion when you finish your course!

Hello Jeff and Pam! I just had to comment on the certificate of completion... it is absolutely beautiful! I have 2 large pet shows coming up. This will decorate my booth very well. It is much nicer than I had anticipated and I do appreciate the prompt delivery. — Judy

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Studio Quality Photography “Anywhere, Anytime”

Pam’s dining room “studio” (shown above) — it’s easy to use, sets up fast, and stores easily!

The Not Your Normal Studio Photography Course will show you how to set up your own studio just about anywhere... at home, on location, or in a dedicated room.

Or forget the studio set up entirely — everything you’ll learn about sessions, posing, and people handling will apply no matter where you’re shooting... parties, weddings, around the house and even the great outdoors (some of our students in nice climates only shoot outdoors!).

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

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

WOW!!! Amazing course; definite kudos to you. I was looking for a long time for something to help push me closer to my studio business, but with confidence. I have taken University classes, but would never recommend that over this Not Your Normal School of Photography. I am so glad I found you guys... I will definitely be referring you to all of my photography friends. — Natasha Enns

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

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 [business success course] together. Your course was just the all around “button down” information I need in one complete package. — Thanks, Bonnie

I’ve been a hobbyist in photography for the last twenty years. I’ve taken several courses in photography including one from New York City which I didn’t get much out of. I was a little skeptical of taking “another photography course,” but this was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. I try to make everything I do “simple” and after completing your course, this was the best course in photography I’ve ever taken. The other courses seemed very technical, but your course made it very easy to understand the material. I was able to get going and start taking pictures right away! Sincerely, Bob Day

I recently shot a family reunion of 22 people. The orders were great, but the joy the photos brought to them was most meaningful to me. Everyone I have photographed has been really pleased.
I thought I knew a lot about marketing, but your [business success] course gave me so many new tools and techniques I don’t know if I will ever be able to use them all. I love the photo course, too. There is always something more to be learned. — Marcy Reese

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

I love the way you and Jeff have laid out the material. It succinctly and directly tells me what is important (wheat) and what is not (chaff). I have not wasted a single moment of my time. I don’t feel that way about the NYIP schools. You’ve surpassed their capabilities to focus on what’s crucial to know! Thanks a lot! — Mark S. Tuck

GREAT. It is great the way you include everything needed to get going. I love the way you concentrate on getting the job done and not all the tech stuff. This program does not cause you to become intimidated by all you need to learn. It encourages you to do it and gives you the info so you can in a short time. I never considered doing portraits until I saw your course. Now I love it. — Sherry Huffman

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 already regret ever hearing of NYIP and taking courses at my local college. — Jonnelle Ulbin

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!). Anyhow, I just don’t have time to “be old” anymore and even my wife of 50 years is amazed at my increased energy. My best, Jerry James

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!
For years I dreamed of doing something I love and earning money while I had fun. But never knew how! I took 5 courses, got a little diploma, spent about $1,000 in 2 years! Guess what. I understood my camera better and that was it. Finished, done! I thought it was hopeless. 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! Both of you are great!— Beate Tranbargerer

Dear Pam and Jeff,
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 I became a “night owl” without realizing how fast time passed while. 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

Your course was invaluable. I’ve learned so much and was impressed with the responses received from our customers. 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

Dear Pam + Jeff,
As I have already told you on the phone, I think your course is really terrific! It’s really well put together, super well organized, and overflowing with information, ideas, and techniques. It must have taken a monumental effort! I am equally impressed with your availability and willingness to provide help and support. You really helped me find my lighting system. Without your help I wouldn’t have know where to start working. — Steve Lankford

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. — Ruth Nichols

I’ve completed your Course and I have to comment on the high quality presentation of the material. The organization of the Material and excellent teaching & coaching by Pam are A+ excellent! Jeff’s tips and motivational comments are superb; as well as the priceless “tricks of the trade” marketing guide to build a Performance business.
I feel I’ve made a quantum leap to the next level. — Thanks for everything! Jeff Buttars

I loved your encouragement in the course, newsletters and follow up e-mails and phone calls. I especially like Pam’s specific instructions on how photographic dogs... the “buzz” word was really helpful. — Nicki Bailey

I would just like to say that all the material in the course is the best stuff I have ever seen and I can tell you that I have gone through a lot of stuff over the years.
Thank you for all that you have done and keep up the great work. If the world were made up of more people like you we would all be better off. — Jim McMahon

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 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

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. 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. — Chris Lane

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 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’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

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. — 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 Lorenze

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

Dear Pam and Jeff,
I wanted to thank you for all of your tremendous help and dedication in ensuring that I could learn and APPLY all the information in your course. The course is great at explaining in simple understandable terms how to set up the studio and lighting. But even more importantly, it is GREAT at showing you how to pose and ideas on how to handle people, get them to relax and get great natural pictures.
I couldn't believe my eyes the first time I set up and did the test photos, even. My daughter was in her grubby jeans and a sweatshirt, dirty hair all messed up, and she still looked great in the shots I took. The parents drool and goo over the prints of their children... I love the rave reviews, and know it is as much because of this course as of anything else.... You are my “secret weapon” for great shots. Thank you. You have consistently been available when needed and really care about your students' success. It is much appreciated. — Sincerely, Jeanette Fenton

more testimonials...

~ The Not Your Normal School of Photography
Studio Quality —Digital or Film — Photography Course ~

Learn to take studio-quality photographs worth $997 a session or more — for business or pleasure — in your own home studio, on location, or in a “real” studio if you have one...

I am still thrilled with the course. Having taken courses done by others, I was very skeptical when reading the pitch for this one... and after several visits to the website I broke down and enrolled. Digesting all of the information is still on-going but the boost from doing the course the first time has been, without any reservation, some of the best spent money ever. Family and friends have noticed also, telling me that I have made giant strides, and they love my work. Thanks Jeff and Pam. — David G. Fredrickson

What you DO need to get started... a love of photography, people, and/or pets, and a willingness to learn

What you DON’T need... prior experience, expensive equipment, a large or “dedicated” room

Dear Pam and Jeff, 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. This course is worth every bit of the cost. Again, Thank You! — Bob Miner

This is the most awesome course in photography that I have ever experienced. My business is phenomenal, and your course answered all the technical questions that I could not get any help with. This course is well worth more than the price that you ask. — Melanie Snyder

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

Dear soon-to-be GREAT studio-quality photographer,

I’ll never forget the conversation I once had with Pam, my wife and professional photographer for over 25 years.

She had just completed quite a few sessions and the session packages were ready to be picked up by the clients.

And there were a lot of them. So my brilliant “business brain” suggested that we just ship everything to the clients and be done with it.

Pam looked at me like I was from Mars... “No. I want to see the look on the client’s faces when they open up the package and see the photos. That’s my reward, that’s why I do this, the money is secondary, and there is no way I’m going to give that up!”

And it’s true, I’ve seen the strong emotional responses Pam’s photos have evoked. I’ve seen mothers cry when Pam has “captured that look.” I’ve seen families laugh, smile, and just sit back and look at the photos as if they were seeing themselves for the first time... I really can understand why Pam would never give up that experience — the emotional response to her photos — which is really the whole point of photographing people and pets.

It’s also the point that most photographers — even the seasoned pros — completely miss.

And the reason is, they get hung up on the technical aspects of photography rather than the human aspects of it. As a consequence, I’ve seen plenty of pro work where the lighting and other technicalities are perfect, but the emotional content is missing.

There is actually a very simple reason for this “problem.” Photographers tend to learn a lot about cameras, lights, and other technical things, but very little about the subject they are photographing.

So the subject becomes slave to the technique and the technique becomes the point and purpose of the photograph.

Now, in some types of photography you may be able to get away with that type of thinking — but with people and pets — it’s deadly. With people and pets, the technique must accommodate the subject. It must be able to capture the intangibles of a person. It must be fast, flexible, and automatic — it has to work without you having to “think” about it. You should only be concerned with what goes in here...

And that is the essence of what we teach in the Not Your Normal Studio Quality Photography Course, and how you can get superior results quickly and easily.

You may know about how we taught a 10-year-old to do paying photo sessions, and the simple secret is, she learned the posing and people handling she needed — she “studied the subject” — and we made the technical aspects “push-the-button” easy for her. It’s the same way Pam does it, and the same way our students are able to get pro results fast.

Now, I don’t want you to think that we “glaze over” technical matters or don’t think they’re important. They are — and in the course you will learn what you need to know about those types of things (and plenty more if you choose!) — the technical just needs to be kept in perspective because it is only part of the picture.

Rest assured that learning “studio lighting” alone isn’t going to make you a good people and pet photographer. To get superior results, you need a complete system of photographing which includes proper planning, posing, people handling, and yes, of course, technical matters like lighting, post-session workflow. Plus, you need to know how to present you work in a way that gets a “wow” response.

Just a “side note” here — I’ve become a big fan of coated canvas prints which I talk about “how to” in the photo course. I even reveal my “top secret” jeff-o-coat...

along with other ways to use your photographs, but the important point is to have a complete system that produces final usable (saleable if you’re in business) results.

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It really is a great feeling when someone sees that big, beautiful, canvas print hanging on your wall and asks...

“Wow, who did that???”...and you can say, “I did.”

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Getting to that point, however, takes specific steps — from choosing the right equipment to knowing the best way to print, frame, illuminate, and sign your work. And all the steps must be “present” and working at an acceptable level or the final result will suffer. The good news is, none of if it is particularly difficult once you know what to do and exactly how to do it...

I hope you will take to heart what I have said. Pam and I have taught thousands of students and we know what works and what doesn’t, where the “snags” are including the “brain” issues like confidence and preparation (yes, we cover those those topics in the course, too)... again, the things that lead to true success and superior results often have little to do with lights, cameras, or other technical matters, although they are part of the equation.

The real secret is to get the entire equation right. All the steps that will take you from where you are now — even if that’s “zilch” (we all start somewhere!) — to producing the kind of photos people will gladly pay high fees to get. And that is what you get with the Not Your Normal Studio Quality Photography Course.

Special note on digital photography — yes we will teach you digital photography, however, you can just as easily use film to produce great studio style photographs as we did for many years (you’ll find a film workflow along the digital workflows in the course). Learning digital photography is a good thing, but it is just a part — a small part — of what will make you successful.

By trade, I am a glass artist and writer, so I have access to a lot of information and courses, including some of my own. The depth of information you include in your course is amazing. I come across a lot of instruction that will teach almost everything the student needs to succeed, but holds back some key elements. I guess they do that to avoid “training their competition”. (not a theory I subscribe to) You lay it all out there. If people want to succeed in the business, all they have to do is study what you’ve given to them. Your instruction is clear, without a whole lot of fluff used as fillers, and if your students have questions, you are there to help. It doesn’t get any better. Your course is worth every dollar and more. — Linda Abbot

By the way, if you read many of our testimonials you may notice a “running theme” — details, completeness, clarity, fun, and of course, results. Photo courses, like photographs, have certain qualities that separate the great ones from the rest. Qualities that cause them to go beyond a simple transfer of information and become a fundamental life-changing event...

Pam’s Not Your Normal Studio Quality Photography Course includes the following...

Special note about doing this as a business — The Not Your Normal Studio Quality Photography Course was once available ONLY to professionally-minded photographers and it is still part of our professional course offerings.

That means if you don’t plan on doing this as a business, you’ll still be getting all the pro “secrets” and your photography will be “business ready” should you eventually decide to go that route or be asked to take photos for a fee (many people start in business exactly this way)...

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.

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

And when you are ready to start your business, the Not Your Normal Business Success Course will give you the skills you need to make photography an income generating activity.

And don’t let the “pro” thing worry you either. Remember, we will take you from the beginning, even if you’ve never used a camera before, in fact, some of our best students have started from “zero.”

The Not Your Normal Studio Quality Photography Course has four main parts...

INTRODUCTION

Of course we take a moment to say “Hi” and welcome you to the school, but in this section, you will also learn about the three skill sets required for a superior result.

Most photographers only get good at one set of skills, some at two, very few at all three, yet it takes competency at all three to get “cream of the crop” results.

You will also learn about the 4 steps to mastering a technical skill.

Knowing the steps, and which “level” you are at, will help you get to the mastery you seek and avoid frustration along the way... “learning curves” are much easier to handle when you know, in advance, what the path looks like.

The path to success is also a lot shorter when you apply the skill management techniques we discuss. Failure to recognize and apply these techniques is one of the biggest reasons why photographers do not achieve the success they want and why they stay unrecognized, mediocre, and unpaid.

You, of course, will be different.

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! I can make this work!” 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! I‘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. — Alanna Riley

PART 1 — Equipment and Technique

Perhaps one of the most difficult “techniques” in photography is knowing what you need to know, and what you need to get.

Taken as a whole, photography is a BIG subject with a lot of things you can know and lot of STUFF you can get. Unfortunately, learning things you don’t need to know, as well as doing excessive research, “freezing up” over what equipment to buy, and/or getting stuff you don’t really need wastes time, money, and holds you back from the enjoyment, productivity, and income photography can provide.

Fortunately, in Part One, we sort all that out for you — you’ll get a complete discussion of what equipment you’ll need and why, including the “must have” and the “nice to have.”

You’ll learn about choosing...

Cameras — many photographers agonize choosing a camera, but we will make it very simple for you and you will understand why.

Lenses — some surprises here. What you think may be “good” might not. Again, we’ll tell you exactly why so you can make a good decision.

Studio Lighting — It’s a jungle out there with literally thousands of choices, but we have made this simple for you, too.

Frankly, we learned about this “problem” the hard way. When we saw the progress of some of our very first students come to a grinding halt because they were overwhelmed by all the lighting choices that were available, Pam and I stepped in and seriously beefed up the information on how to choose a lighting system. Plus, we put together our own systems that work seamlessly with what we teach in the course (you’ll find them in the NYN Photo Store).

This way, if you don’t want to think about what to get and whether it will work properly, you don’t have to! You can, of course, put together your own system if you like, and we can help you make choices if needed.

Backdrops — you’ll learn our philosophy on backdrops, what we use, when we use it, and why. You’ll also learn about some tricks and alternatives our students have used for special set ups including permanent installations and ultra portability (we’ve had a few students with highly mobile set ups who work from vans and RVs, and plenty who set up and work in client’s homes).

A Place To Photograph — This is really unlimited... from the great outdoors, to small rooms, to vehicles that roam, you can take studio quality photographs in a variety of places. But there are some technical considerations and some things to be aware of when choosing a place to photograph — it really is part of your “equipment” — and we discuss those issues in this part of the course.

To sum up, you’ll quickly learn how to cut through the techno mess so you will know what to use and where. We’ll zero in on what’s important and what’s not, and while everyone else is hanging out on the photo forums arguing about which piece equipment tests best in the lab, you’ll be out and about taking great photographs and building your business (if business is part of your plan!).

Special note — we will always alert you to “cheap tricks” and workarounds when we can... getting started doesn’t have to be expensive and you don’t need the latest stuff, or even any extra stuff at all. Remember, people have been taking great photographs of people and pets — images that still hold up today — for over 100 years. So if you don’t want to “gear up” you don’t need to. Do what you can with what you have. Stuff breaks anyway. Great images last forever!

I just wanted you to know how much I have enjoyed your course. 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. A lot to handle for one person. I did make some good pictures but also a lot of bad pictures. Now with your lighting I get good pictures. I have more time to get really good pose’s of the subject and not worry about 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

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. 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

“Set It and Forget It” Lighting

Your lighting system won’t do you much good if you don’t know how to use it.

It will also be less than useful if it distracts you from working with your subjects — getting them to react the way you want — or causes you to miss the moment. To get the shots you want, you need a reliable system and a set up that you can “forget about” so you can concentrate on the people and/or pets you’re photographing.

And that is exactly what you will learn in this part of the course...

• How to set up your lights to give you the maximum chance of getting the best shots even with “active” animals and children
• Lighting for white (and colored if you use them) backdrops
• Lighting for black backdrops
• How to adjust your camera settings for use in the studio
• The best way to connect your camera to studio lights
• Getting the right exposure the easy way
• Fine tuning your setup to avoid common lighting problems
• Tips on using backdrops

In most cases once you set up your camera, backdrop, and lights, you won’t need to mess with the setup again. But there are some special situations you need to know about and we cover those, too, for example, how to deal with...

• Double chins
• Scars or blemishes
• Wrinkles
• A good side/bad side
• Hats and glasses

Yes, some of this can be dealt with in Photoshop (and we have plenty of Photoshop techniques for you, too!), but it is good to get the best original you can.

And speaking of Photoshop...

As you may know, we prefer white and black backgrounds for our studio shots. That, however, doesn’t ultimately lock us into any particular background. As you will see in the course, Pam has created quite a few articles and video tutorials for you on using Photoshop to replace the studio backgrounds in various ways.

She will also show you how recreate some classic photographic styles from shots taken in the studio.

In many ways — should you wish to travel down the “photo editing road” — the studio shot is just beginning, the source material for the final image. Pam has even created entirely new poses and scenes from various “body parts.”

All of that, of course, is entirely optional (and time consuming if you’re in business!), but you will find plenty of resources in the course if that is of interest to you.

I have shot 3 sessions of family members for my portfolio (and for practice). I have had 7 different families call to book sessions with me just from seeing my family’s session packages. Another nice FYI — I just went to pick up some reprints at my photo lab and the owner came out to tell me that in his 22 years of photo finishing, I did the best high-key work he’s ever seen. The photos he was referring to were my first 3 “attempts” with my family sessions. Your course rules!!! Pretty cool? Huh? Thank a million times!!! — Cheryl Columbo

The set and forget shooting technique sped up my session at an event last week. Covering speakers and clients was a lot smoother. Second nature shooting is setting in, more innovation is on the rise. Thanks for lighting a grand new pathway. — Bob Campbell

Thanks to your instructions and Pam’s, “Set it and Forget It”, lighting techniques, it is very easy to get professional photographs. — Donald Reed

I’m so glad I took your course and I am recommending it to all my friends in photography. I looked at the New York Photography Institute course and others and yours had the most practical information and tons of useable, real-world tips to make real dollars. (You can use this as another testimonial if you want.) I just talked to a guy at my photo processor shop who says he’s a portrait photographer and when I asked to see some of his work he said he was still working on his lighting setup and getting everything right technically. When I asked him if he was photographing people yet he just muttered something about having everything correctly in place first. Then I whipped out my latest order of photos and showed him my work and he just stared at me with undisguised contempt. — Chris Larson

Digital Editing and Other Extended Techniques

Rest assured you do not need Photoshop or anything “digital” to create studio quality photography — photographers created great studio quality photographs long before digital!

Digital editing, however, does open up a wonderful world of extended capabilities and you will find an entire section dedicated to these techniques included with the online course resources.

Pam & Jeff — Your tip on Face Glow is outstanding! I have used [digital editing] Lighting Effects in the past but never like this. I added a couple images with Face Glow to some Portraits I was working on. 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

PART 2 — Poses and Props

In part two — Props and Poses — you’ll learn the poses, tricks, and techniques Pam uses over and over — they just keep on working — to produce photos people go nuts over.

She’ll even tell you what to say to your subjects, how to put them at ease, and how to get them to do what you want!

This is the heart of the course where Pam teaches you to take the kind of pictures people are willing to pay large fees to get. If I had to pick a “most important” part of the course, this would be it, and these are the kinds of things you won’t learn from other technically focused courses.

In fact, one of the first things you’ll learn is what actions make the difference between being an ordinary and a great photographer. And the answer may surprise you because it has nothing to do with adjusting your camera or lights... the set it and forget it lighting is designed to take care of those kinds of things and “get out of the way” so you can do what REALLY matters.

You’ll also learn the key points to getting natural looking shots that capture emotion. Yes, there are some “tricks” to it, and you will find that this part of the course is actually much more than a discussion of “poses and props” — it’s a complete system of photographing people and pets.

Here are a few of the essential ideas and techniques
you'll learn in the first section of Part Two...

• How to create the right “environment” to photograph in
• How to set up your sessions for the best chance of getting the shots you want
• The 3 keys to getting people to look relaxed
• Capturing emotions and the little tricks that show it in a photograph
• The real objective of posing (it’s not what you think!)
• The 3 things that will cause your clients to love your work — even if your lighting and “technique” isn’t the greatest! (but if they’re missing, no amount of technical mastery will save you!)
• How to know when to “push the button”
• How to practice and achieve a good deal of photographic proficiency without even taking one photograph!

... and much more

After learning the basic “philosophy” of the Not Your Normal Photography system, you’ll be ready to develop your “bag of tricks” in the posing section.

In the posing section, you’ll learn how to start your sessions by using poses that cause people to “loosen up”... you’ll learn how to “break the ice” and begin to bring out the natural beauty in your subjects. You’ll also discover how to turn your session into an “event” where everyone participates and starts having a whole lot of fun...

A system of posing and creating “session flow”

Part two of the course — poses and props — is not just a “bunch of poses” slapped together like some posing guides you can buy. It presents a well thought out system of posing that will show you what to use, when to use it, and how to use it to bring out the best in your subjects.

You’ll also find that the posing is very flexible — meaning that it can be adapted to many situations and your own personal style — and modular. By modular I mean that you can start with a simple pose during a session and then add to it... other people, pets, even parts of other poses.

This is a very handy and efficient way of working in the studio. It keeps the flow and “momentum” going and it keeps everyone enthused and involved so you end up getting the best shots.

Pam will also show you how to increase your “pose efficiency” by pulling multiple, but different, shots from each pose. Pam’s clients are often amazed at what she pulled out of a session because they only saw what was going on in front of the camera!

Reusable and “transparent”

There’s a reason why Pam is able to use the Not Your Normal posing over and over again, even with the same clients over multiple years, and why our students can “make it their own” — it was designed that way.

The primary purpose of the posing is to facilitate interaction between the photographer and the client and to bring out the personality of the subject, not to call undue attention to the pose itself. While the poses are fun, interesting, and different, they are also a bit like snow flakes — no two shots are exactly alike, just like the people and pets that are being photographed..

Hundreds of examples, categorized,
systemized, so you will know what to use when!

The extensive second section of part two dives into the poses themselves.

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. 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

In the posing section you’ll find...

• Hundreds photo examples of families, individuals, children, babies, and adult couples all fully explained, including the how, the why, even the what to say.

Plus, if you’re in business, you’ll learn how to take advantage of the huge undertapped market for pet photography...

• Pet photo examples explained
• 5 almost (we are dealing with pets!!!) sure-fire tricks you can use to get great pet photos
• What to do if the pet is hyper or “wild”
• The two special skills you will absolutely need to be successful at photographing pets

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

Hello Jeff & Pam, We have gotten a great response with focusing on the animal/pet angle. The “People” and family naturally follows but the hook with the animals as family really helps. Not to mention that we are huge animal lovers. Their a little harder since they don’t always cooperate but if you stick with them, the personalities really are great. We have never received anything but great feedback and are getting a lot of referrals from word of mouth. Our quality has really improved over time and is always getting better, Thanks for the wonderful training and continued support and education. Sincerely, Mark & Tammy

When you’re done with Part Two, there will be no mystery as to how you should set up each shot, and at this point, you’ll have all the “parts” (poses) you need to put together a paying photo session should you choose to do this as a business. But “parts” are only “parts,” and unless you know how to put them together into a workable session, your results will be limited. Part Three of the course solves this problem for you...

PART 3 — A Virtual Photo Session

In part three, you’ll discover how to conduct a successful photo session using the technical skills you learned in part one and the posing skills you learned in part two.

Part three is sort of the “glue” that holds it all together. And it is some very important glue... many photographers buy some lights, learn some poses, and then wonder why they aren’t getting the results they want. Quite often they’re missing what you will learn in Part Three...

In part three, Pam will show you how to prepare for, and actually conduct, a complete photo session. This is where the “rubber meets the road” and Pam covers everything from what to say when your clients first walk in the door to how to send them off on an upbeat note. She even shows you what to do, and how to come out “looking good,” when things don’t go as planned!

Special note — even if you’re just doing this for your own family and friends, there are very good reasons (which we discuss in the course) to conduct yourself and set up your sessions like a pro (that is, if you want pro results!)...

In Part Three You’ll learn

• How to plan and prepare for a photo session
• How to conduct yourself during a session
• The three shots you must make sure you get
• A nice “little touch” that’s not essential, but helps break the ice and the clients love it
• How to avoid stupid mistakes and session-killing oversights
• How to get people to do what you want
• How to keep young children from being afraid of your lights
• How to get a session started when everyone is feeling awkward
• How to get people to smile
• How to deal with common and some not-so-common session problems — crying and tantrums, child won’t look at camera, not getting any facial response, what to do when “nothing’s working” and more

The heart of Part Three, however, is the
“virtual” photo session you’ll conduct
with Pam as your guide

In Part Three, you’ll take a typical family through the entire session process — from the day they book a session, through preparation and planning, to and though the session itself.

Pam describes each step in detail as if it were actually happening. It’s the next best thing to doing a real session, and a great way to learn without “gearing up” or getting other people involved.

This way, when you get to doing actual sessions for the first time, it won’t feel like it!

PART 4 — Post Session Workflow and Session Packages

Part four covers what you need to do after the session and shows you how to put together a presentable and saleable product.

There are, of course, many ways to present, use, and sell photos. You will find plenty of ideas on the member web site along with large sections on digital printing, color management, photo editing and manipulation, and much, much, more. When it comes to post session workflow and products, the “possibilities” are truly endless.

But endless won’t do you much good, especially if you’re in business and what you need is solid tested way of working and a session package with proven worth and salability (at least to start out with!).

In Part Four of the course, we will show you how to put together the unique session package that Pam has used for many years.

Pam’s session packages are as unique as her photography and they have been hugely popular with her clients. One nice feature from a professional standpoint is that they eliminate the problem many pro photographers face of having to sell overpriced reprints to make their money. (Having to do that puts you, and the client, in an uncomfortable position.) With Pam’s session package, you’ll never have to pressure anybody for anything, and you’ll still get reprint orders that are like getting paid a bonus for your work!

In Part 4 You’ll Learn...

• Why the traditional session package degrades the value of your services and actually makes clients mad (and causes them to illegally copy your photos!)
• How to use your session package to get even more business
• How to deliver your session package to the client for maximum impact
• What to do after the first sale is completed

In Part Four you will also learn our tested “workflow” — how to efficiently (important if you’re in business!) move your images from “capture” to completed package. We’ll even show you our systems for storing and protecting your images for future use!

The four parts of the course form the core of what we teach. You will, however, find much more on the member site that extends and adds to the course — in photography, there is always more to explore and learn, and the day there isn’t, is the day photography ceases to be fun! In any case, when you have completed the core materials, you have reached a milestone, and deserve to be rewarded!...

Certificate of Completion

You’ve earned it!

Of course Pam and I would like to claim that we took our magic wand and instantly made each one of our students a great people and pet photographer, but the truth is, each one of our students has put in time and effort to get the results they wanted.

And at the end of the process I am very happy to issue the Not Your Normal School of Photography Gold Certificate. This is actually one of my perks and I personally create each certificate. I look forward to issuing yours!

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About the “Living and Breathing” Course
Videos — PDFs — and more Course Features...

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The Not Your Normal Photography Studio Quality Photography Course was once a print-only course, and the full pro course filled nine large manuals and weighed over 30 lbs. It was an armload!...

When the Internet became a viable media, we added a member site and greatly expanded the content of the course online. In those early Internet days, however, connection speeds and computer monitors were not quite up to having an entire course online, especially one that has thousands of photos, so we retained the printed portion.

All that has changed, and as much as I like “print,” the online “tree hugger” versions of the course allow us to offer much more than we ever could in the past and at a lower cost.

They also allow us to continuously update and expand the materials, which is why we call them the “living and breathing” courses.

But do keep in mind that the online Not Your Normal Studio Photography Course is still a course designed to take you from where you are now to being able to produce pro studio style photography and salable products if you choose. This is important. There are many “member” type sites around that ultimately just present you with an incoherent mess of articles and that won’t get you to where you want to be at the speed you want to get there. Yes, you will find plenty of additional articles and extra resources on our site, too, but the core course is step-by-step, and step-by-step will build your confidence and competency quickly and easily. You will probably surprise yourself!

Anywhere, anytime

A nice benefit of the online version of the course is that it allows you to study from anywhere with an Internet connection and there are no huge manuals to lug around (as some of our past students have done!). Plus, you can take it in small chunks as you find time. And with a connected laptop or netbook, you can even refer to the course while you’re doing sessions!

If you like to read offline

When you enroll in the Not Your Normal Studio Photography Course, you will immediately be sent a download link for the latest PDF version of the course. You can print and read this version offline if you like, and use it as a reference for many years to come. Naturally, the PDF doesn’t include all the extended features of the online version, but it is a complete course and a great way to get started.

Bonus Videos

The regular course materials are great at giving you the fundamentals and stepping you though the how-to-do-it details, however, there’s nothing like seeing it actually done. So, along with your course, you will also get access to a 2-hour online video of Pam doing real photo sessions, with actual paying customers.

And I do mean real. This is not a slick, staged, production with hired models or volunteers. This is Pam doing a series of real paid sessions in a client’s home. The video and sound may not be up to “Hollywood” standards, but the more you watch, the more you’ll pick up, and the more comfortable you’ll get with doing sessions yourself. By watching the video, you’ll absorb the valuable details you need to know like a sponge picks up water.

Now here’s the really cool part about the bonus video — not only will you see Pam set up and take the shots, but right after she “presses the button,” we’ve edited in the actual photo that was given to the client so you can see exactly what the result was.

Plus, as an added “special feature” in the video, you’ll get a tour of Pam’s dining room “studio.” This way, you’ll see that you do not need a “special” place to photograph, set up business, and do high-fee photo sessions!

I was watching the video from the course and I must say, Love the shorts Jeff! No really! The info on the video, is priceless as far as I am concerned. from your set up, to location, to working with kiddos and so on. — Chip Wood

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 video. I watched the video 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

I loved your encouragement in the course, newsletters and follow up e-mails and phone calls. Loved the video, too. I especially like Pam’s specific instructions on how photographic dogs... the “buzz” word was really helpful. — Nicki Bailey

More videos...

There are currently close to 100 videos on the site and we are continuously adding more on various subjects from Photoshop techniques to how to assemble a “boom stand.”

NOTYOURNORMALVILLE — The NYN Community

Our students asked for a “community” for many years.

I resisted because I didn’t want to deal with it, but now that I have, it’s been fun. I even got to appoint myself Mayor! Do I look like a Mayor? I hope not.

Anyway, with your enrollment you will have the opportunity to join our enthusiast community and, if you’re also enrolled in the Business Success Course, the pro community.

You’ll get the latest NYN news, blogs, forums, and other goodies in the village. You’ll also get your own “residence,” and will be able to create photo albums to show off your work, and even contribute articles if you like.

NotYourNormalville has been a great addition to the courses and we continue to build and add features to it! I look forward to seeing you in town!

Support

I think you will find the course very complete and easy to follow. A lot of effort has gone into making it that way, and over the years, we have “filled in the gaps” and made improvements as questions came up.

As a consequence, our students tend to not need much, if any, additional “support.”

That said, we do want to make double sure that you have all the information you need to be successful, so you will find several levels of support...

First step is to search the site — there are the equivalent of over 3,000 printed pages on the site, so there’s a good chance you’ll find your answer. Second step is to ask in the forums... we have a lot of smart and talented residents in NotYourNormalville. Third, you can fill out a support form and we will handle your question individually via e-mail, phone, or other type of consultation if necessary.

The course is excellent! I’ve called Pam once or twice regarding the lighting, and she was just as friendly and helpful as she could be! Thanks Pam! I’m taking better photos of my family, friends, and clients than I ever dreamed were possible! — Sandy Chisholm

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Hey, thanks for sticking with me!...

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If you made it all the way here you either did a lot reading or you zoomed down to see what the “cost” is. You’ll find that information, and the links to enroll, just below.

Just one thing you should know about “timely enrollment”...

I didn’t do the classic “bonus thing” — you know, “buy in the next 3 minutes or you lose all this cool stuff” — to encourage enrollments. As a “marketer” I probably should have, but I decided that anyone who needs a “bonus” to push them over the edge, probably isn’t ready to be our student (business students, I will show how to use bonuses, and a whole ton of other “marketing” devices, and yes, they do work!).

Which brings me to what I do need to tell you about why you might not want to wait to enroll — we have closed enrollments in the past, and for various reasons, may do so again at any time. And there will probably come a time (sooner rather than later), when we permanently stop taking new students and just enjoy being a member of our own NotYourNormalville community.

Tuition Fees

Confidence, knowledge, even the nudging found in the course, like the MasterCard television ads, the value is priceless... well, glad it did have a price, I cannot afford priceless. — student

Pam and I thought long and hard about what to charge. If it were even possible to go to a college or take seminars to learn what we teach in the Not Your Normal Studio Quality Photography course, it would cost you thousands in tuition and travel fees.

And from the perspective that the skills you’ll learn in the course have been proven — over and over — to be worth $997 per session and up, a tuition fee in the “thousands” makes sense.

Business students may notice that if they charge what Pam has charged ($997), and do as many sessions in a day as Pam has done (3 per day), they would quickly generate $5,982 in a weekend and that would probably be a reasonable fee for the course ~ but ~ we don’t need to charge anywhere near that amount and we’re not going to...

In the past, this information has never been available for less than $497 and many happy students have paid that much and more. We also recognized that there are two types of students — some people just want to learn a new skill and move on and some like to stick with us on an ongoing basis, get continuous updates, support, interact with like minded photographers, etc.

So here is what we came up with...

You’ll get the downloadable PDF version of the course, plus 6 months access to the online “living and breathing” course materials, the online extras, support, and the community for a one-time tuition fee of only $297. You’ll get the course materials immediately and you’ll get them all (we don’t dribble them out like other “correspondence” courses or offline college classes).

The downloadable PDF is yours to keep for a lifetime. If you would like to continue to have access to updates after the first six months, the ongoing tuition is only $9 per month. Stay as long or short as you like, you may cancel at any time. Of course, we hope we’ll prove our value to you and you’ll stick around, but the choice is yours.

Special Deluxe Version Includes The Highly Useful Swipe Files

The Swipe Files are a working reference for planning and conducting photo sessions and a highly-recommended companion to the studio photography course. You can learn about the Swipe Files here.

In the past, the Swipe Files were only available to pros at $395 for a 4-volume set, or as part of a $997 educational package. However, now you can get this valuable resource as part of the Deluxe Studio Photography Course and it won’t cost you anywhere near the former $395/$997 cost. The Deluxe Studio Photography Course, which includes the entire Studio Photography course plus the 6-volume Swipe File collection, is only $447. Or you can pay in three monthly installments of $167... you’re total cost will be a little more with installment plan, but for many people, they are the more affordable way to go.

You can also try out the Studio Photography at no risk to you — we want you to be completely delighted with your course. If within 90 days, for any reason you are not satisfied with the materials — if you’ve given it a try and haven’t seriously improved your photos skills; if your friends, family, and co workers haven’t shown up at your door demanding that you take photos of their families!!!, if you haven’t gotten the creative satisfaction you seek — just let us know, and you can return the program for a full refund.

So that’s it! Do be aware that these fees have nowhere to go but up, and there is limit to how many students we can take on, so be sure enroll now to lock in current rates and availability ~ and (most important!!!) ~ to immediately begin on a wonderful photographic — and perhaps life changing — adventure!

NYN course gave me the specific details I needed, but more importantly, it gave me the confidence and commitment I needed to proceed. It has definitely changed my life — and I ’d say for the better! — Laura

Pam and I look forward to your enrollment and meeting you in the community!

Photographically yours,

Jeff Farr, director and co-founder
of the Not Your Normal School of Photography
and current Mayor of NotYourNormalville, the NYN community.

Hi Pam and Jeff,

I wanted to thank you for all the course materials. 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 sweat 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 a lot 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

Enroll now in the Not Your Normal Studio Quality Photography Course and begin taking studio quality photos of people and pets — for business or pleasure — in your own home studio, on location, or in a “real” studio if you have one!...

Simply click on the big enroll button or — this enroll link — and you will be taken to our enrollment page where you can select the course and tuition options you want, enter your enrollment information and enroll via our secure server. Upon completion of your enrollment you will be given exact instructions on how to access the course materials, become a resident of the online NotYourNormalville community, and contact us if you have any questions or comments!