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Just a few of the comments we've received from photographers around the world.

Ron's work is appreciated and praised around the world. Even in Iran... We have no idea what this says... but we'll bet it's good! http://digitalcamera.akkasee.com/archives/2004_01.php

3-7-04

My name is Brady Campbell and I am from Post Falls, Idaho.  Out of the one million photography sites I have looked up, yours is the first that inspired me.  I have been a professional photographer for 4 years now and am always looking for new ideas. If it wouldn't be a problem, I would like to talk to you briefly about your lighting, and how much of it is digitally created.  I feel that my strengths lie in photoshop, but would love to have your input.  If you want to check out my website, it is www.bigpixr.com.

Something we stumbled onto in Fred Miranda's photo forums...

Shawn,

Thanks for the kind words and the links. This guy, however, Ron Kramer, is I think the best HS seniors photographer I've seen to date: http://www.houseofphotography.com. Check him out...

Emanuel

Neiconi Photography - Birmingham Alabama
http://www.neiconiphotography.com

2-15-2004 - (anonymous)
I am a professional photographer and studio owner in Minneapolis. All I can say is WOW. I have studied work from photographers around the world, and I have never seen anything this consistently amazing. You live in Michigan? Don't even think about going to another studio around mine.

08-26-03
Posted on Zuga Pro portrait photographers forum by Roger Braniff

Here is a portrait from a senior session I shot last week. Most were done outdoors but this was my inside studio seamless set up. As most do on this forum, I truly admire the style that Ron Kramer displays here and have made attempts to become as creative. He gets some of the Best Lookin’ kids you ever saw. This is my version of the Cheerleader setup. (photo removed)

Reply to Rogers post above: 

I know what you mean about wanting to shoot like Kramer, I too would like to "READ HIS BOOK" or have him mentor me...

_________________
Desmond Lewis Smith
www.dumasphotography.com

08-05-03 From Zuga pro portraiture forums about Ron's work:

It is obvious that light is what paints the subject. But look at his entire portrait. It is not only the lighting position, how many reflectors, hair light, etc... look at what I believe really makes his portraits. Look at the background and props and how it compliments the subjects clothing, skin tones etc.

He also uses a variety of props, etc. to compliment and add punch to the entire portrait. He has stated and I truly believe he is more of a "portrait artist" than a photographer.

If you were put on the spot to take the best portrait possible of someone that just walks in your studio, how would you proceed? Would you worry about light placement, how many reflectors, etc.??

He has an enormous amount of backgrounds, props, and IDEAS that make his portraits stand out.

I believe that if someone walked in his studio without his advise of which colors of their outfit to wear he could use what he has available in backgrounds, etc. to compliment his subject.

I know that to have that much variety of backgrounds, etc. is costly but that is why his appointment book is surely full. Instead of taking a subject and dropping them in a limited studio environment, he takes the subject and builds around them using an art that we all could improve on.

I believe there is no top secret method that he uses in lighting that he doesn't care to share. I believe that he has learned what most of us hasn't... to be creative in building a portrait around his subject and to compliment it with the art of matching and building the environment around his subject and to capture that with a precise exposure.

I believe there is a basic rule that we have forgotten. "A camera doesn't make the picture, its in the photographers eye"

>Paul Lane

4/26/03

I am also a Senior portrait photographer in Riverside, Ca. I am extremely impressed with the quality of photos that you display. Your posing and expressions reveal that you truly make your subjects relaxed. However what impresses me the most is the layers of light that you have painted seemingly effortlessly upon your subject. Keep up with the fantastic work. A fan in California.

Rick B.

(msg posted in a public portraiture forum)

Thank you for helping the rest of us get better. Just posting the images gives us something to strive for.
 
Because you are one of the best means that everyone wants to know how you do it. The longer I am in this business, the fewer people's work I admire. I still learn from the seminars and conventions, but it's more marketing and business stuff than photography. Keep up inspiring us. - Big Mike

4/21/03  (comment sent in email)

Loved your work seen on Gary Fong's web site. Love how you maintained your detail. I use JTL lights and have Lowell soft boxes for video light. I learned a lot from your photos because I know a great photo when I see one. I do very high end weddings in the $150,000 to $200,000 wedding cost range and I don't see any photos like yours coming from the $10,000 photographers.

Michael James

4/1/03

Ron, I would like to be kept up to date on your possible seminars or teaching. I am in the Wixom-Novi area, and would really like you to consider me as a student in the future. I personally have not seen any better imaging, on any forum, than what you consistently produce. Respectfully, Don Ling

When I came across your site, I was in amazed. I've been reading and surfing the net A LOT for information on becoming better at shooting portraits... but nothing can compare to your work.... the color, the clarity... the art.


Dave, portrait photographer in PA.

Hi Ron, by chance doing a search in the forum, I recently came across your photo of a ballerina you posted a while back.  I have looked at this shot many times studying your approach to the lighting, the set and the background. I must say it is perhaps the best portrait I've seen on line and one of the best I've ever seen anywhere. . I do portrait photography and I live in Japan. I'll keep a look out for more of your photos in the future in the forum. Thanks,

Danny Louviere, Japan

Very beautiful work, Ron (as usual). You should know that we all appreciate your great contributions to the forum. It is artists like you who elevate photography on a grand scale.

Gary Bernstein, CA
(one of the worlds leading photographers, Elizabeth Taylor and other stars personal photographer)

This message is for Ron Kramer:

Ron,

I just wanted to say that I originally saw your work in an online forum. I can't recall which one it was as I was browsing through so many in my search for an upgrade to my digital camera. I then found your Local Safari article in Digital Outback which led me to your site. In any case, my purpose for writing is simply to tell you how appreciative I am of your photos. I have yet to encounter another site which combined such a stunning studio, beautiful subjects, and a great eye behind the camera. The lighting used in your work defies what other may believe can be done in digital photography. I don't want to ramble on (as I could), but merely thank you for sharing your work with others. Personally, I am in the earliest phases of learning but am hopeful that with time, practice, and the ability to view work such as yours that my creativity and personal style will in some way equal the quality and commitment of yours.

Very Best Regards,  Douglas Tomlinson
Houston, TX

Hi Ron,

I just stopped by your website to see your work.  The quality is absolutely superb and I had to let you know that the design of your website reflects that wonderfully.  I am very seldom blown away by another photographer's work.  The quality out there is 99% assembly line, click-and-shoot, yet the photographers doing it are selling themselves as the greatest artists ever to grace the back end of a camera.  The passion you have for photography is clearly visible in your work.  I hope you charge a fortune.  You deserve it.

Best Wishes, Bob Lamb
Another Michigan photographer

Thanks for all your patience and marvelous advice, I really appreciate it. You are easily one of the best photographers in the world...continued success.

Larry & Karen Mowry

A friend of the family use to own a studio in the area but he sold it a few years ago. When we needed senior pictures we asked him who he would recommend. He said without hesitation...  

THE HOUSE OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Hello Ron,

Just a quick note to say thank you for all your contributions to the portrait forum. I am an aspiring portrait photographer and learn more from your posts and critiques than from anything else. If you could package some of your knowledge in a book I would buy it sight unseen. If you ever get the opportunity to do a book, please consider it.

Thanks again,
Robert Miller

I'm a photographer working in Houston and I was crusing the net when I stumbled upon your site. I was really struck by the enhancements you do where the skin (especially on the children) looks like porcelain. I've been trying to explain to my lab and anyone that will listen that I want a finish just like what you're doing. It's so pretty and soft, but it's still crisp enough to have a ton of detail. I've been trying to make it happen with filters but it isn't the same. I know it's Xmas time and you're swamped, but if you have a few moments I would truly appreciate any direction you can give me.

Thanks so much,

(A photographer in TX. who asked to stay anonymous)

Your posts on the forum are great Ron. They are so filled with knowledge and so straight to the point that it is a pleasure to read them. I get a lot out of them.

You manage to capture people so elegantly. Getting a subject to sit still and give their nicest side ( i.e.: smile, look, emotion etc.)  is the hardest thing in the world to do. You make it look effortless. It's obvious by your posts and documents that this isn't 'simple' by any means, but your results make it appear so. They are truly astounding.

I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge so freely. I can't understand how you find the time

Thanks

Ron,

It sounds like you shun this type of thing, but might you consider an interview? I'd like to feature you and your studio on our website, maybe submit it to some of the trade pubs? After Senior season, perhaps?

Thanks for considering it.

Joseph Jaminet (aka Sundown)
Webmaster
ProfessionalPhotography.com

Your images are beautiful (like you haven't heard that before) but I am wondering how you get them so sharp and crisp on your web site. Mine certainly are not that way. I'm going to monitor your site and study it. You do a great job, sorry you don't give instruction but can certainly understand your having priorities. Nice work!

Dwayne Zimmerman
Flashback Memories Photography (Salem, OR)

hello my name is john crowe, im from atlanta....ive seen your work posted on some of the web forums, and highly admire it...GREAT WORK!!....i was wondering, do you, or would u be interested in giving some lessons if i was to fly up...ide be really interested....thanks

Ron,

I'm a portrait/wedding shooter in Topeka, KS for the last 15 years and am moving over to digital (Canon D30). I've been to your website and read you posts at Galbraith's site... wonderful! I especially love your retouching technique... would you mind sharing with me how it's done?  I would love to hear how you work or point me to sites where I can learn more. Thanks for your time, I know you are busy...

Bruce L. Snell

You have the best designed web site I have viewed so far. I am a photographic artist in Florida and just wanted to compliment you on your nice photography and web design.

Victoria

I've looked through tons of Loan books and zillions of websites and I've never seen images that look like this. I almost hate to ask (because I've never had anyone just answer a straight question in this field) but here's it goes...so what type of lighting set-up produces this type of image? and are you shooting with a regular portrait type medium format camera (Hasselblad, Mamiya) with a digital back?

Anonymous again.

Your local Safari is fantastic -- taught me a lot about shallow DOF and what the D30 can do.  Pondria has also shown me dramatic shallow DOF in her works with the D30. Your art is great--best I've found on the web. This type of thing will have broad appeal to a lot of folks.  Great work!

Bob

Ron
Beautiful work! What are you doing to get the wonderful luminous flesh?  The quality of the flesh is amazing.

Mike Harrold.

I like your overall feel to the portraits. Do you work a lot on the images in Photoshop? What gives your shots the "glow" they have, accepting your subjects look pretty healthy to begin with!

Quentin

These are seniors, right?

well, i'd like to move wherever you live, because i sure don't remember any seniors in my high school looking like that...these have got to be the cleanest all together yuppiest looking seniors i've ever seen these shots are also like nothing i remember having in my yearbook beautiful shots... i'm putting together a few "senior" type shots myself, and modeling them after what i have seen from you...

Pasha

Ron, have you seriously considered teaching lighting classes after your busy season is over. I know you work like the dickens for a couple of months and then maybe you'd have time. I know a lot of people would probably travel hundreds of miles to learn the lighting technique that you have applied to your photographs so aptly. Give it some thought! A mind is a terrible thing to waste.....so are lighting techniques.
JCN

Great images. Only difference between yours and Leon is he signed in the bottom right.
You can as Leon said "see the light" and your work is excellant. The great teachers love to see others take their ideas and go farther. I believe you have.

Joe Starkey
Abliene, TX

Ron:
I really admire you're style. On some of these studio shots you share with our group could you sometimes shoot an image showing the set-up...the mainlight, bellypan, etc?
Thanks for sharing your inspiring work.
Scott

Ron,

Thanks for sharing all the technical details about your shots. You are a large inspiration to better my work. Don't hesitate to share, it keeps those of us with less experience striving to do better.

Best regards,
Paul

Ron, the senior images of your daughter look fantastic. I especially like the texture on the black & white. Please tell us what it is.
Barry Rittenberg. Slidell, LA

Ron, I have admired your portraits . Well what can i say i have just come across the animal portraits .I just love the framing and lighting, BRILLIANT!

Roy Ottoway

Ron ,

Please tell us how you add your signature to each image . Its probably simple but it looks SOOOOO classy ! . Congrats on the images - absolutely first class.

Andy C. Scottland.

Ron,

I'm equally impressed every time I see your work.
It's just absolutely fabulous. The first one is really
interesting in that such a high fill ratio creates
definition without getting overly dramatic -- a fine
line between flat and overdone. It's easy to see
why people stop by your studio to find out more.

I'm curious what you use for outdoor on-location
lighting? Looks like the one with the couple on the
beach in the sunset has a main light with a gold
umbrella (or soft box?) just to the left out of view,
and a small (white?) fill on or next to the camera?

Jan Brittenson

I am very impressed with your images. I have been using the D30 since last Nov. and I enjoy it very much. Your images are absolutely beautiful. I am impressed with the quality of the digital images from the D30, but.. much more impressed with your abilities with lighting and posing. Thanks for sharing!

Alan Davis M. Photog

I am just amazed with the quality of your photos. I just opened up my own studio in close to St. Louis MO. What advise can you give to someone just starting out. Can you share your secrete on what give your photos the luminous glow about them? Do you do a lot of work in Photoshop? Have you ever thought about giving a seminar on your photography? Your web site is one of the best I have ever seen. Can you refer me to the designer?

Richard Kohm

Digital Image Studios

Hi Guys

I'm in the process of scanning prints for my web page and need some coaching. I have tried different scanners and different size prints 4x5 8x10's but can't seem to get the beautiful prints you have on your web page. Could you help me out as in scanners settings what size prints you scan, or are you using a neg scanner. All my prints are from assembled equipment. Any information to help would be appreciated. Keep up the great portraiture.

Thanx in advance for the help.

Kim Elsasser

Ron,

Wow! As always... incredibly impeccable work.

Thanks,
John E. 
San Diego, CA..

Ron, if you ever write a book on portraiture, I'll buy the first copy!

Paul Ferrara
Columbus, OH.

Ron,

I have never posted on the forum, or any other site that I see you visit
and share your photo thoughts, but I am compelled to say "Thank You" for
sharing as you do. I am learning from you, I mean really learning...not
cookie cutter techniques, although they do have their place. Your
explanations of things are "freeing" me in a way, allowing me to practice
and learn to see photography "with my own eyes and heart", rather than
through the rigid "rules" of others.
Please continue to share on the forum, or let me know what other board you frequent so I can continue to
learn from you.

Joe B.

Simply put.....YOU ARE AMAZING! You should write a book with hundreds of samples with very detail setup instructions. I would buy the book in a heart beat. I can't wait to see the 2004 pictures are posted. 

Montie Wren
Rookie League Photo

I know your a very busy person so I'll keep this short.  I've been a Professional Photographer for the past twenty-five years, and I just keep going back to your web page.  Your lighting on location is just stunning.  Would I be over the line to ask you what your technique is for lighting your subjects?  You don't need to be told that your work is outstanding.  Thanks for any information you might send my way.  A professional Photographer from California

Dear Ron,

I have just seen one of your pictures on the forum "the couple", and I'm really knocked out by it. Can I ask you how you made this? I am a professional photographer in Austria, Europe and have been digital since December last year, but I am learning new things everyday. I think your picture is really fantastic and gives me a lot of inspiration.

Best regards, John E. Palmer ABIPP

Ron,

   I was wondering if you would be willing and able to set some time aside for me to visit with you and pick your brain.  I am extremely impressed with your work.  I am willing to travel from Pennsylvania.  I am sure that you are very busy.  So if I don't receive a reply, I understand.

Sincerely, (name removed, by request)

***

Quotes & clips from "Pro Forums" 
(International pro photography message boards)
 where Ron teaches, critiques others work...  and shares his expertise 
with other pro photographers around the world."

We stumbled on someone talking about us on DPREVIEW photography forums:

Gaetan J. posted...

I will find you a link to a photosig page where a truly remarkable photographer exhibits some of his work. You wont want to use the classical stuff once you see his stuff. I don't have it with me right now but tonight I will try to find it and add the link here...

_Later he posted...

Tech vs artist

There are only a few Photographers that have crossed the river of “technician” Vs “artist”. Myself of course included. Let me name two. Michael Campbell (CA) and Ron Kramer (MI). Both are very loved. 

Chick, AL.

small clip out of Bill Dooling's post on Zuga.net:

I think the works of Gary Peters, Ron Kramer (MI), Michael Campbell (CA) have given new life to photography, they have something different to say and are saying it well.

Marian (from MA) posted:

Which brings us to the question. Are we PHOTOGRAPHERS or Photoshop Artists? (There's an entire seperate forum for Photoshop Retouchers for those who want to do that. )
Ron Kramer (those of you who have seen his work) says that he doesn't have time to rework pictures and he "gets it right" the first time on film. We should all strive for that. (film or digital)

In reply to Ron helping other pro portraiture photographers in the forum,
Jim Cullen / Australia writes:

Ron, you are amazing!
 
We have a term over here called "living legends" or legendary, they are people that give to the community their time, knowledge and experience and their flare be it artistry or other.
 
You'd qualify for this title, your living and you're a legend, legendary.
 
thank you.

Reply after Ron Kramer's negative, but honest critique... of another photographers image:
 
Pro photographer: William Cobb on February 9 2003, 12:13PM posts:

Ron K's critique was rather caustic, but he happens to be one of the top HS Senior shooters in the US ...

Forum message from Scott Meyer to Tim Young: Feb 28th 2003

Ron's work blows away every photographer in my town (125,000 people / 25 photographers) and some are very successful.

Tim Young replies to Scott:

Ron's style is by far the best I've seen as well. He knows how to flatter the subjects with light and even though I've been doing this for a while, (15 years) I am always open to improvement. 

As much as I love and respect Monte,
(one of the most famous wedding / portrait  photographers in the world)

There is more to portraits then Monte teaches.

Much more.

Just look at what Ron Kramer does.

Akira, ME
April, 2002

In response to "who is your hero ?"...
__________________________

J.J. Allen - author of my "bible" on portraiture and one of Monte's contemporaries. After buying his book we became close friends and still swap a couple of emails a day.

Monte - For providing zuga, of course, and for putting the time into that he does. And for demonstrating that you should never quit trying to learn new things.

Ron Kramer - makes the exceptional seem routine. Geez, I'd love to be able to take portraits like his. Maybe someday.

Paul Ferrara, Columbus OH

Making Equipment?

I saw the discussion on softbox vs umbrella. I've seen the web site of Ron Kramer from Grand Rapids Michigan. I asked him what his lighting was. His images are awesome. He told me he uses a large softbox something like a 4' or 5' one I believe he said. So, I'm wondering why I can't make one?

Dwayne Zimmerman

__

It ain't the lack of a softbox that's keeping you or me from making pictures that look as good as Ron Kramer  or Monte. You have the "full Monte," right? Do your pictures look like Monte's?

Paul Ferrara

RE: Ron's recent shared portrait: 

The image is as near perfect as it could be.  The creator will always find a flaw in his own work.  I am amazed to a point that this is all I can think about,  I cant get Ron's shots out of my mind.  Every stinking shot he does to me is a loan collection shot, at least a 98 out of a 100 every time.  I have spent the last 8 years trying to learn from a photographer in NJ how to do wedding and studio photography but after seeing Ron's work I feel like I am back at the beginning again.  I just want to lean how to get that shadow detail and make those eyes pop.  Sorry Ron,  I dont give up until I've achieved what I'm after  but I do want to learn your style and technique.

Joel  

3-19-03 (stumbled upon in Dpreview.com forums)

Shot some test pictures, then I ran in and downloaded them into the computer for a quick look. At first...I was a bit disappointed. Not awful, considering the frenzy with which I shot, but not Ansel Adams, Ron Kramer or other mentor photographers either

4-20-03 (stumbled upon in Dpreview.com forums)

Can't tell if you're using one or not but this would certainly be painful to look at in bright sun. The white surface would be best. Check out some of Ron Kramer's threads in the PRINT ROOM of the zuga.net forum. He is the master of outdoor portraits. All of his shots are done with the subject in the shade using a 7x3 foot white panel as a reflector. Hope this helps.

danny

4-20-03 (stumbled upon in Dpreview.com forums)

Rich,
I can tell you are a good photographer. But a great glamour photog is much harder feat to accomplish. My favorite photogs are:  Ron Kramer (way too under-rated), Andy Hyatt, Peter Read Miller, Heinz Kluetmeier, Walter Ioss Jr, John Biever, heck....the entire Sports Illustrated staff....

Carlos Salcedo

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We thank you all for your kind comments! 
Please - keep them coming.