Online Schools

[z06photo]

I suppose this is a product that many have experience with and can offer suggestions.

I have looked into the New York Institute and seem impressed, however, I thought I would ask opinions of the forum as to what schools might be reccomended and what y'all have experince with.

TIA.

 

[JerryPH]

NYIP seems popular, but if you talk to those who paid the money, many think it a waste.

I do not have any experience with NYIP, but I do have personal experience with a NYIP "graduate"... he has trouble discerning the difference between aperture and ISO, but he does go around from event to event toting his NYIP "badge" as if it was a press pass. I hope its more a personal issue than an educational one... because that would be just sad.

I visit several forums and see this question fairly often... its about a 50-50 split of happy vs unhappy students. For me, that alone is a ratio a little too high on the negative side.

 

[z06photo]

hmmm...doesn't sound promising. 50/50 definitely doesn't seem to be a good track record.

any other opinions, or any suggestions to alternatives that some have found worth it?

 

[Syndac]

I just checked out their site and got turned off instantly by the fact that their FAQ says the only way to get pricing info is to provide all your personal information so they can mail you a catalogue. All I was looking for is a simple price.

Either way, I don't really see the point in home based photography courses when all they're going to do is load you with the same reading material that's already plastered all over the internet for free. "We critique your photos and help you improve" - so does everyone here in this forum.

 

[Overread]

I am inclined to agree with Syndac - if you are motivated and enthusiastic then online you can learn a heck of a lot about photography and get feedback on your works as well - a tip is to join one or two big forums (like here) where you have a broad range of people, interests and photographers - that was as you surf through the site you can pick up tips on a whole range of different situations and also get inspiration as to new things you can try.
Then also join a few specialist forums - say you have an interest in birds or portrates - a specialist forum will often collect together very good (if its a good forum ) photographers in their field and that will not only get you to know some good and knowlidgable people, but also it sets you a standard bar - a high one, but not unachivable.
I think if you are going to pay for lessons its best to aim for real world tuition - so as you are their with the teacher and can benefit from direct input and advice - you can also think of ghosting pros and such as well.

An course will have the advantage of pushing you and getting you to go past your boundaries and into new things

 

[Kryg]

Well I started taking their course, but became disappointed in the course when I started listing to their CD. They spend a lot of time telling of their life and little to none on the course subject. I sent them and email requesting some assistance on part one of the projects and got no replay. I have learned more in forms, web sites, and real life, shooting for a media outlet, then in there course.