About Light of Elm Ridge
Just a regular person with an irregular obsession with blinking lights.
The Short Version
Hi! I'm the person behind Light of Elm Ridge. What started as "I bet I could do that" after watching a neighbor's light show has turned into a full-blown obsession that my family tolerates with varying degrees of enthusiasm.
I've made every mistake in the book—fried controllers, tripped breakers on opening night, spent way too much money on things I didn't need, and not enough on things I did. Through it all, I've learned a ton, and now I want to help others skip some of those painful (and expensive) lessons.
This site exists because the light show community helped me when I was starting out, and I want to pay that forward. Whether you're grabbing a free sequence, buying something to support the work, or just here to watch videos—welcome!
"I just wanted to put up some lights. Now I have spreadsheets for my spreadsheets and strong opinions about pixel spacing." — Me, probably
The Journey
The Beginning
Started with a single string of LEDs and a dream. Also a lot of YouTube tutorials.
First Real Display
Upgraded to pixels. Neighbors started asking questions. Some were even positive.
Going Big
Hit 5,000 pixels. Learned what 'power injection' means the hard way.
The Expansion
Added mega tree, arches, and moving heads. Electricity bill entered the chat.
Community Recognition
Featured in local news. Started getting requests to share sequences.
Light of Elm Ridge
Launched this site to share what we've learned. You're here now!
Services
Beyond the sequences and videos, I offer some hands-on help if you need it. No job too small, no question too basic.
Custom Sequencing
Got a song stuck in your head? We'll bring it to life with a sequence built specifically for your display.
Starting at $150
Sequence Mapping
Already bought a sequence that doesn't quite fit? We'll map it to your specific layout.
Starting at $50
Display Consultation
Planning your first display or upgrading? Let's chat about what'll work best for your space and budget.
$50/hour
xLights Training
One-on-one sessions to get you comfortable with xLights. No question is too basic.
$40/hour
How It Works
- Reach out via email with what you need
- We'll chat about scope, timeline, and pricing
- 50% deposit to get started (for custom work)
- We do the thing, with check-ins along the way
- Final delivery and remaining payment
Fair warning: I have a day job, so turnaround times can vary. Complex custom sequences during October/November are basically impossible—plan ahead!
What I Believe In
Community Over Competition
There's room for everyone in this hobby. I share what I know because others did the same for me.
Quality Matters
I won't sell something I wouldn't use in my own show. Every sequence gets the same attention to detail.
Keep It Fun
This is supposed to be enjoyable. If we can't laugh at our mistakes and celebrate our wins, what's the point?
Honest Advice
I'll tell you what I actually think, not just what you want to hear. Sometimes that means "you don't need that" or "start smaller."
Quick FAQs
Where is Elm Ridge?
Elm Ridge is the street where I live! The display address is shared closer to show season for those who want to visit in person.
Do you do commercial displays?
I have in the past! Reach out with details and we can discuss. Fair warning: commercial work takes priority booking and has different pricing.
What software/hardware do you use?
xLights for sequencing, Falcon controllers for pixel pushing, and a whole lot of spreadsheets for planning. Details in the Behind the Scenes content!