Do you thinkt his would be worth it? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**bluepea** · 03-01-2006, 12:13 PM

Now that's I've purchased my new camera (which, as of yet, hasn't arrived, which may warrant a phone call

), I'm thinking, just to help with some stuff I don't know and to improve the things I do that it would be good to take photography courses. Searching online, I found New York Institute of Photography and did a little research. To me, taking out the sales related shi-at, it seems pretty cool. The lesson plans seem well laid out, the cost isn't too bad, the risk is minimal and it seems pretty reputable. I understand it's non acredited and since it's for profit, they have all those stupid sales gimmicks.

I studied photography in high school and learned the basics. I study photographs like I do maps and take in everything about them, what I find good, what I find bad, etc. I've had a knack for it for a very long time, with my father in law (was only Jake's dad at that time

) telling my father to buy me a good camera cuz "she has the eye," at like, 16. He didn't, so I had to wait many years! But, I think there is always more to learn and perfect and think this might be a good way to do it.

Ever skeptical Jake is on the fence. Thought I'd try for more opinions.

**LostFarmboy** · 03-01-2006, 12:51 PM

I'm a photography fan too, so i say if you can afford it then go for it!!

**beergal** · 03-01-2006, 01:09 PM

if you can afford it definately go for it jamie. I really wanna do something like this as well maybe in the summer after uni. I have a sony dsc w7 and for the life of me i dont know how to use it properly which is a shame because my greatgrandfather was a professional phtographer and i have some fantastic photo's at home from the early 1920's that im going to frame when i get my own place

**The Monsignor** · 03-02-2006, 09:52 AM

Paint me skeptical...

Though it's probably a really good course, they don't seem to have mentioned anything like live proctors (people to review your work and suggest improvement) and depending on the type of photos you wish to take, a school (that you attend) can provide some exposure to equipment, models, and technique that you don't really have access to...

Since they have developed a pretty good pile of materials, I imagine the cost is not cheap, either.

If you're the type that can learn out of a book, with no outside help, then this type of course may be what you're looking for...

on the other hand, if you can do that, there's an awful lot of material available out there to learn from, from various sources, so you may get a broader perspective by putting your own together...

In the end, the plan sounds awesome, but I'd probably not choose that course to follow it...

**bluepea** · 03-02-2006, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Though it's probably a really good course, they don't seem to have mentioned anything like live proctors

There site isn't the easiest to navigate, but I found *somewhere* that it's laid out in thiry lesson plans. You read the material, watch a video, listen to a cassette (or some combination) and then the end of the lesson is you send in a photograph using the techniques they "taught." A "board" (not sure exactly what that entails) reviews your photograph and your professor or whatever audiotapes commentary, suggestions, etc and sends that with your next lesson.

If you pay in full, it's about $700 or like $30/month for 27 months. If you decide to quit and you're doing the monthly plan, you're not obligated to continue paying.

I know it may sound silly, but one thing I like about this is you get a certificate. I know it may be worth jack, but just to be able to say to perhaps a future employer (Elle magazine?

haha) that I completed a course and have a certificate from New York Institute of Photography.

**kingcrazylegs** · 03-02-2006, 07:16 PM

Only one way to find out...

**The Monsignor** · 03-02-2006, 11:45 PM

My other question is what end result are you shooting for here?

Improving your photography, mostly for personal benefit?

Actual employment prospects in photography?

Exploring your artistic side, and developing techniques to do so?

Making your hobby (potentially) pay for itself, and in the process developing a portfolio?

If you're looking at this from a purely employment standpoint, though it looks promising, I wouldn't pin my hopes on this alone, and it's very likely to be a long road...

if it's anything else? go for it....

**omisan** · 03-03-2006, 01:24 AM

If you're looking at this for future employment purposes, I can tell you that no reasonable employer will look for a certificate from any school, unless it's a big-name institution. What they'll primarily want to see is your portfolio and how you capture stuff on film – or a CCD as is so often the case these days.

My recommendation is spending far less on a community college intermediate photography course to re-learn all the academic concepts of photography - then start taking tons of photos on your own, and perhaps bolstering that with more art-oriented photo classes, until you've developed a sense of style and a portfolio to call your very own. On the cheap!

As a self-taught designer for over 10 years now, I've learned that diplomas and certifications might help to get your foot in the door sometimes, but more often than not, hiring decisions are based on the work you've done.

I just got offered a big-money one-day photo gig based upon some of my travel photos, not because of years of technical mastery (believe me, I have none of that, as I'm an amateur hack) but simply on style. Haven't negotiated pay yet, but let's say the other photog in the running charges $10k/day. I'd be happy with even 1/4 of that!

**MeTurk** · 03-03-2006, 02:10 AM

I don't know, I did a bit of photography in collage and I didn't learn anything I didn't already know (other than the darkroom stuff) All you really need to know is what all the dials and shutterspeeds do to the picture then it's just a matter of practice. Even if you do go to collage it's still a matter of practice to learn what different settings do in different situations. Cammera work is all about a good eye and experience.

I think it's a waste of money you'd learn just as much from joining a club of experienced ametures or reading a photography magizine. Any job you apply for will pay more attention to your portfolio than a piece of paper, if your good your good.

**d_fresh** · 03-03-2006, 04:15 AM

I'm kind of with omi on this one. if it's feedback you're looking for I can give you links to a few good critique sites I use myself....and some online lessons.
I could see taking a course if you've hit a wall with your photography and want to go further, but right off the bat....naw, experimentation is the best educator, imo.

**bluepea** · 03-03-2006, 03:13 PM

Thanks guys, you make some good points.

I've always loved photography as a hobby, but will be building a professional portfolio over the spring/summer. I'm not seriously thinking I'm going to be working for Elle magazine (a girl can dream, can't she?), but I wouldn't mind if photography took a career path for me.

I think I'll just stick to doing in the old fashioned way. I've got enough classes (I'm in school full time) as it is. My school does offer photog. classes, but I just don't want to have to take a beginner course. I guess that's something I'll have to discuss with the program directors.

Quote:

I just got offered a big-money one-day photo gig based upon some of my travel photos, not because of years of technical mastery (believe me, I have none of that, as I'm an amateur hack) but simply on style. Haven't negotiated pay yet, but let's say the other photog in the running charges $10k/day. I'd be happy with even 1/4 of that!

That's awesome! Congrats!

chasing a dream · 03-18-2006, 10:21 AM

If you can afford to do it, then I don't see how it can hurt. Any improvement is a good thing, right?