New York Institute of Photography?

Has anyone taken the photography class from New York Institute of Photography? I got the info from them and was wondering if anyone has had experience with them , or any other course, and what you thought. I would like to take some photography classes to improve my photos and like the idea of the flexibility of a course like this one, instead of having to drive to and from a local college. Any info or experiences from any one would be greatly appreciated.

wideglide said:

Has anyone taken the photography class from New York Institute of
Photography? I got the info from them and was wondering if anyone
has had experience with them , or any other course, and what you
thought. I would like to take some photography classes to improve
my photos and like the idea of the flexibility of a course like
this one, instead of having to drive to and from a local college.
Any info or experiences from any one would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

While I've not taken this course, (actually, I'm thinking about it). I have taken several "mail order" courses for fun and profit. So I think I do have a perspective on this type of learning. And how successful they are really depends on how you like to learn.

If you are the kind of person who likes a structured learning environment, this type of course is likely good for you. Also, I suspect if you feel that the technical side is where you really need help, this type of course is probably good for you as well.

On the otherhand, if you are the type who learns by following your interests; studying this or that for a bit and then dropping it for something else, you might feel constrained by this type of course as it is likely to have a pretty rigid methodology.

While I've never taken this particular course, if you are looking for ways to break free of social and psychological constraints to improve your art, you might be better off enrolling at the nearest comunity college. It's hard to teach that sort of thing via the postal service and the internet. And when it come to ART, it's hard to beat being in a room full of enthusiastic people full of various experiences and ideas.

There's no such thing as bad education, its just finding the type of education to meet your needs (and knowing what your needs are!)

--
Stop the Insanity!
Diet and Exercise Kills!

Hi everyone,

You may have already seen them, but if not, the online photo courses offered at BetterPhoto.com are also excellent. These classes run 4 or 8 weeks and you interact directly with published, professional photographers. These classes are a lot of fun and you will learn a lot in a really short time.
Thanks!
Kerry

I took the course and completed it and I recommend it whole-heartedly. It is very comprehensive in scope, although the non-digital course (Professional Photography) is a little dated. The information is still applicable, but the photos are often from the 70s and 80s.

Now that I have completed the Professional Photography course, I have begun the Digital course, and that is up to date (as much as anything can be in the fast paced digital imaging arena these days), but it focuses more on using Photoshop than actual good practices for photography. That is not to say that you will not learn about good technical skills--you will.

You are given an audio cassette and a lesson book for each lesson. Then you do a photo project assignment--usually 3 or 4 photos and take a written quiz. You send the photos into the school and your assigned instructor reviews them and sends his comments to you on cassette. It's all very friendly, and you can move at your own pace, but you have to finish in 3 years, or you are not eligible for a diploma.

Betterphoto.com offers some great classes, too, but they are more specific in nature, so you would have to pick your own curriculum. NYIP has everything set-up from beginner to pro by the time you are finished. with tapes and CDs that you can listen to in the car. Also NYIP has advisors available by phone or e-mail to answer specific questions you may have.

I took the course because I don't live near enough to any college or technical school to physically attend classes. Hands down, I am a much better photographer now that I have taken this course.

wideglide said:

Has anyone taken the photography class from New York Institute of
Photography? I got the info from them and was wondering if anyone
has had experience with them , or any other course, and what you
thought. I would like to take some photography classes to improve
my photos and like the idea of the flexibility of a course like
this one, instead of having to drive to and from a local college.
Any info or experiences from any one would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

--
Cheers Then!
Judy
http://www.vividvisionsphoto.com

I am taking the course and i finished couple of assignments. I think the course is great and very helpfull with the fundamentals of the photography.
It will also help you in different techniques used in portriature etc etc.

They are going to send you books, video and audio cassette. You have to read and follow the course. YOu are asked to do a simple quiz and photo project. The comments of the project will comeback on a Tape.

So it is interesting and good way to start a course at your own pace.

-Balaji

Thanks to everyone for the info. I think I have decided to go for the Digital Course. I think it will better suit my needs right now. Thanks again!

Hi Everybody,

Just a note to let you know that BetterPhoto.com has posted its Spring schedule of online photography courses. With weekly lessons, assignments, critiques, and discussions, you'll have the motivation to get out and shoot regularly - with great feedback from a published, professional photographer!
Thanks!

Thanks Judy,

I did a search and actually came upon your thread. Good info along with a couple hundred more responses. I'd say a good 90% of respondents had a favorable view. I'm going for it! Thanks again, Jeff
--
'At the end of the day, perception rules.'
http://alienimages.smugmug.com/

what is the cost of the NYIP and better photo courses?

I am currently enrolled in NYIP. I was SO excited about the course. I have found that they have competely crushed my spirit. I have totally completed Units one and two. They have not given me any positive feed backs at all. The best I get from them is 'Stay with it'.

My first red flag was when I called to see how I was to proceed on to unit 2. I was referred to about 3 people before anyone would help me. I got the impression that I was interrupting their busy work schedule.

It seems to take them FOREVER to send the next unit and the tape with your review on it.

I put a sticky note on my test for unit 3 asking why it took so long for them to review my picutes and send the tape. I got a very nasty and curt letter from Jerry Rice. He is such a rude person.

I am at the point where I really do not care if I finish the class or not. Since it is costing me $1000.00 I guess I will send in the test. I do not plan to send anymore pictures for them to review. They continue to tell me to 'Stay with it'.

A lot of their material refers to FILM. I do digital. That was one of my questions before signing up. I was told that this class did not deal with FILM a lot - that is another lie!

ever think they are being honest with the photos you are sending them maybe they arent that good in a "professionals" eye. Did you expect they to just fall all over what you submitted and butter your ego with compliment after compliment. They are in the business to make a better photographer out of you not babysit you so your feeling get hurt. why dont you submit a photo with your response so we can see what a pro you are. if you were a pro you would of spent a grand on the class by spending and signing up you oblivously knew you wernt that good. Keeping it real man......

motownmadmann said:

ever think they are being honest with the photos you are sending them
maybe they arent that good in a "professionals" eye.

Click to expand...

The teachers need to give suggestions to for the student to improve the shot.

Did you expect

motownmadmann said:

they to just fall all over what you submitted and butter your ego
with compliment after compliment. They are in the business to make a
better photographer out of you not babysit you so your feeling get
hurt. why dont you submit a photo with your response so we can see
what a pro you are.

Click to expand...

This person is a student, not a pro.

if you were a pro you would of spent a grand on

motownmadmann said:

the class by spending and signing up you oblivously knew you wernt
that good. Keeping it real man......

Click to expand...

--

photoman

First you need to understand what it is you are hoping to get from them.

If you are looking to get into the BUSINESS of photography, I would suggest an alternate direction. Perhaps the Hallmark insitute of Photography? I've heard they're good at teaching the business side of things. If you're just looking to learn how to take better photos in general, then just read these forums, and keep flipping through the photography magazines at your local bookstore...you'll quickly get a sense for what makes a compelling image.If you're looking to get into photography as a part timer shooting paid gigs on your weekends, then you may even be interested in http://www.PTphotographer.com . It's a new site, but has more and more people coming on board. The idea is to have an environment where professionals established in the business actually ENCOURAGE the new wave of talent to offer their services. Good luck in your quest.

It's too bad that your experience with NYIP has been so negative. I really enjoyed the course, and found it to be very helpful in sharpening my photo skills. Until this course, the only formal training I had for photography was a semester in beginning photography while in college in 1982. This course really helped clear up things regarding the use of flash, f/stops, and composition.

I noticed that you are just in lessons one and two. Things get more interesting as you progress through the course, I assure you.

If you don't mind, I have added some comments to your specific remarks. Please see below:

marshae said:

I am currently enrolled in NYIP. I was SO excited about the course. I
have found that they have competely crushed my spirit. I have totally
completed Units one and two. They have not given me any positive feed
backs at all. The best I get from them is 'Stay with it'.

Click to expand...

Did they provide you with any feedback? Or did you just get "stay with it?"

When I took the course, I was given specific instructions on items on which I should focus to improve. I found their direction to be helpful.

marshae said:

My first red flag was when I called to see how I was to proceed on to
unit 2. I was referred to about 3 people before anyone would help me.
I got the impression that I was interrupting their busy work schedule.

Click to expand...

Trying to reach an instructor by phone can be difficult. I had gotten the impression that they had too few instructors to go around, but I never felt brushed off when I did reach an instructor, and I was given all the time I needed to get my questions answered. Are you calling the right number? There is one number to call about billing and non-instructional topics and another to call specifically to reach an instructor.

marshae said:

It seems to take them FOREVER to send the next unit and the tape with
your review on it.

Click to expand...

I found that the units were sent rather quickly. Sometimes even before I was finished with the one I was working on.

marshae said:

I put a sticky note on my test for unit 3 asking why it took so long
for them to review my picutes and send the tape. I got a very nasty
and curt letter from Jerry Rice. He is such a rude person.

Click to expand...

I'm surprised about Jerry Rice's response to you. He has been courteous and helpful when I have contacted him. Perhaps a nicely worded letter directly to Jerry about your concerns may help him understand your difficulties so they can better help you in your coursework.

marshae said:

I am at the point where I really do not care if I finish the class or
not. Since it is costing me $1000.00 I guess I will send in the test.
I do not plan to send anymore pictures for them to review. They
continue to tell me to 'Stay with it'.

Click to expand...

You would be doing yourself a disservice if you don't send any more photos for review. Again, I suggest you send a letter to Chuck Delaney or Jerry Rice explaining in a courteous, non-confrontational manner that you have been disappointed with the course. They are in the business of teaching people, and it is not in their best interests to alienate their students--who won't take additional courses from them if they are not satisfied.

However, you should also be realistic about your abilities and where you need to improve your skills. As a student, you should be prepared to receive plenty of criticism, and remember that it is intended to be constructive. Follow directions carefully, and if necessary ask additional questions. It may help to find someone locally who could mentor you at the same time.

marshae said:

A lot of their material refers to FILM. I do digital. That was one of
my questions before signing up. I was told that this class did not
deal with FILM a lot - that is another lie!

Click to expand...

If you have only seen the first two lessons, how do you know how much of their material refers to film as opposed to digital? Yes, the pro course covers film topics. There are still pros shooting film. I believe they do offer a digital course. I'm curious why you didn't sign up for that one if you didn't want to cover film topics? The fact is, shutter speed, f/stops, film sensitivity, use of strobe (flash) all work the same whether your capture method is film or digital. I was using only digital when I took the course, and I didn't find the film references bothersome or limiting. I did pay attention to the fact that digital acts like slide film, and I made my settings accordingly.

I do hope you stick with it. Photography is a wonderful hobby and profession. Good luck.
--
Cheers Then!
Judy

Improving your photos :

1. Get a book on basic photography techniques.

2. Taker loads of photos.

3. Pick your best.

4. Post them where we can see them.

5. Ask us for C&C and suggestions.

After a while you'll be able to do your own C&C and know what works and what what doesn't work for you and you can tell us to go jump in the lake. Hey, you'll be able to tell us what's wrong with our photos.

There is no other way.

--
StephenG

Pentax K100D
Fuji S5200
Fuji E900
PCLinuxOS

If you have money to spend go take classes at the International Center of Photography ( http://www.icp.org ) or if you're on a budget check out Photo Manhattan ( http://www.photomanhattan.com ). Bother offer great courses and instructors.

A very bright, technically oriented friend (an engineering prof) recently took the NYIP first course and loved it. She is now taking another NYIP course!

I can't think of a better recommendation. Her photography is superb.

I am taking the digital short course. I am very pleased w/ the materal and the price. I was not looking for nor do I need a distance school to offer praise or critism of my work. I wanted a basic background course w/ basic information on which I can expand. BetterPhotos.com offered a nice intro course for the same price that I paid for the digital course. As far as I am concerned, the more information I can acquire, the better my work will be. FYI: Purchase Photography for Idiots. Honestly, it is a great text. Good Luck.

What is the cost for the course ?
--
p,

http://www.pbase.com/patnapolio

my user id [is in the subject line] at gmail dot com
--
Perspective is Everything