Ok, first of all I am not a novice. I love photography and know far beyond the basics (not the best at it by far though).
I decided to actually try a course in photography and found the New York Institute of Photography. For the price it seemed ideal. I researched it and did find a lot of reviews that were very negative about the course. I also found plenty that stated it was better now since they "updated" their materials. Let me me start off by saying their version of "updating" their materials was to take what they once issued on cassette tapes was transferred to CD. What was once on VHS was transferred to DVD. Not a true update.
Ok, so on to the text, mainly an outdated version of any beginners photography book you can find for $40 online.
Mind you I am taking their "Complete Course in Professional Photography". Maybe their other courses are better? I completed their first Unit in less than 4 hours, a unit that is suppose to take 2 months or more.
No offense meant but even though they are an "accredited" school it doesn't say much. I am beginning to believe the positive reviews really were posted by the faculty (as I have seen many others seem to believe as well).
I am posting this on here in hopes that no one else fall for their scam as I and plenty of others have. I am just thankful that I paid no out of pocket costs or I would be LIVID.
I am going to continue the course as per MyCAA requirements I HAVE to. So, in turn if anyone would like I will post updates on this thread, who knows maybe it might get better?
Long distance or in person? I have met people who took six-week course at a pretty new school of photography in NY, PhotoUno, and liked it. I'm signed up for a one- night class later this month.
I wouldn't go as far as saying its a scam, but it isn't worth what they are charging either. You can find more helpful photography books, articles and video tips (Youtube anyone?) online for free.
I've not taken this course but I'm really curious about it. It seems like you already know the basics so the first lesson was probably a breeze for you-just guessing. With regards to the course media, the basics of photography haven't changed but if their guides are stale (1990s) could see why you are not impressed. Perhaps it will get more complicated as your progress? I think with courses like this you're really paying for the consultation and reviews of the photos you take. Often I've taken photos I thought were spot on and once given to a pro for feedback I find I did a lot of things wrong- mainly lighting and composition. I'm currently reading Michael Freeman's "the photographer' s eye" and I'm amazed with the amount of visual psychology that can be applied to a photo. Its mind blowing to me. If this course gets into that it might be worth the $900 which really isn't too expensive if it helps you get better in photography.
@brianl I have been warned by a few others taking the course that the photos are seldom actually given a review. More like a glance and a few words. I'm not certain if this is true and I hope it is not. I am going to continue the course and I will post my project pictures and the responses I get from the instructors....
@catdudzinski I did a quick look up regarding responses from nyip and the advice is if you get an instructor who doesn't communicate call and discuss with a counselor. I feel the feedback from a valid instructor is key with distance learning classes. I truely hope this works out for you...following.
@brianl Yes I have heard that as well and the two students that are here at JBLM with me said they have both attempted to do so and were told they were receiving ample feedback. As I have stated I am going to continue the course and post the pictures as well as their responses. If I run into any issues I will post those as well.
Ok so I got them to send ALL of the units out so I can just do them and get them out of the way. I did the test for the first unit the day after I received it and passed no problem. The photos are another story. Since I am having to log exactly HOW I take the photos it is taking me a bit to get them done but it is only 3 and I should have them done by the end of the weekend...hmmm I was thinking, One of the pictures is for the sense of motion of speed.. I wonder what they would say if I did it with light painting? lol The student advisor was VERY helpful when I called to get my materials...
Cat - did you finish? Did you graduate from the program? Was it worth it? I'm considering the NYIP or The Photography Institute for my online learning in 2013...what did you think? What did you learn?
My name is Chiara and I live in Denmark. First of all, I want to thank Cat for starting this trade, previous reviews where so old!!
I just want to say that I actually was a student of the NYIP, I took the Complete Course in Professional Photography. I can confirm that the materials you get are way too outdated. It doesn't matter that (as somebody says) the photography fundamentals are the same as 40 years ago. Outdated materials does not help learning. Things have changed and learning 80% about shooting with film when you only use digital, is not really helpful.
Said so, I got to tell you that I actually completed the course and graduated and I work as a photographer (most weddings and advertising). And I love it! But I also must say that if it worked for me, it's only because I really made a big effort to keep going even if disappointed, and did a lot of research on my own.
@ Thomas, you asked "was it worth?". I can only say, it was worth to me, since I live on the other side of the world, there're no online courses where I live, and I didn't have the time to take a course because of my work and so on, and I found this option easy.
But I can also say that, if at that time I knew what I know now, I would NOT have choosen the NYIP. Unless they've updated the whole thing recently, (which I don't know) you have two options: take the course and then be prepared that you will have to do a lot of research (internet etc) by yourself to fill the blanks (lots) left from the material you receive, or...choose another school.
It also depends on whether you want to take a course to make a living out of photography or just to take better amateur pictures. I made my choice, I got disappointed already after the first lesson, but I kept studying and researching on my own. I graduated, I work as a photographer.
Please anybody, feel free to ask, if there's anything else you need to know. And @Cat, good luck whatever you're doing now :) hope you found the best solution for you :)
I graduated from the New York Institute of Photography about 14-15 yrs ago. I got the certificate to prove it:)! When I took it it was more for 35mm shots. I enjoyed( the coarse at the time. It did go into some digital at the time and did have vhs tapes which i still have. However having said that the cost at the time was affordable and manageable. I did learn but did not do much with it at the time. I am now getting back into photography with strictly digital. I think the basics still apply as far as aperatures and what not. Starting your own business so with that being said I think it would depend on what you want out of your photography. My experience was a good one it was convenient for me and being some one who does not like the classroom it was ideal. I did finish way before I needed to be. So... it was a good experience for me. :)
Cat..it has been a few months since you originally posted. Has your opinion changed for better, worse or pretty much the same? I'd love to hear from you.
Sorry been away for a while. Ok, so I completed the course. In my personal opinion? A complete and utter waste of money. Their material is too far outdated and you can honestly leanr more stuff just by hitting YouTube or going on sites like http://www.millerslab.com/ and http://www.creativelive.com/ . The other thing is, pretty much anyone passes. You download the tests, do those then get back online and just copy your answers. I sent in photographs towards the end that I knew were utter crap just to see what they would say. Guess what? They still praised my work... Ya, I would never recommend them to anyone!
I just read this review, I'm kinda glad I did. I contacted NYI for their photography online course. and was pretty much getting ready to sign up for it. now I might have changed my mind after this. as I am completely new to the photography world and am looking for a good online course as I am starting right from the beginning. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good online course? I am a mom of 2 with a full time job already so I need something online and at my own pace
@pre77yki77y Are you still looking for good photography instruction? I recommend CreativeLive.com, which has live feeds all day that you can view for FREE.
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My name is Chiara and I live in Denmark. First of all, I want to thank Cat for starting this trade, previous reviews where so old!!
I just want to say that I actually was a student of the NYIP, I took the Complete Course in Professional Photography. I can confirm that the materials you get are way too outdated. It doesn't matter that (as somebody says) the photography fundamentals are the same as 40 years ago. Outdated materials does not help learning. Things have changed and learning 80% about shooting with film when you only use digital, is not really helpful.
Said so, I got to tell you that I actually completed the course and graduated and I work as a photographer (most weddings and advertising). And I love it! But I also must say that if it worked for me, it's only because I really made a big effort to keep going even if disappointed, and did a lot of research on my own.
@ Thomas, you asked "was it worth?". I can only say, it was worth to me, since I live on the other side of the world, there're no online courses where I live, and I didn't have the time to take a course because of my work and so on, and I found this option easy.
But I can also say that, if at that time I knew what I know now, I would NOT have choosen the NYIP. Unless they've updated the whole thing recently, (which I don't know) you have two options: take the course and then be prepared that you will have to do a lot of research (internet etc) by yourself to fill the blanks (lots) left from the material you receive, or...choose another school.
It also depends on whether you want to take a course to make a living out of photography or just to take better amateur pictures. I made my choice, I got disappointed already after the first lesson, but I kept studying and researching on my own. I graduated, I work as a photographer.
Please anybody, feel free to ask, if there's anything else you need to know. And @Cat, good luck whatever you're doing now :) hope you found the best solution for you :)
Chiara (chiaragerevasi@yahoo.com)
please let me know
thanks