New England School of Photography or Center for Digital Imaging Arts

I am currently looking at Photography Schools as well as BFA programs. Does

anyone have any opinion on The New England School of photography (Boston) or

the Center for Digital Imagin ARts at Boston University (WAltham).

The BFA programs I am looking at are Mass Art(Boston), School of Museum of Fine

Art(Boston). Art Institute at Lesley University(Boston) New England Institute

of Art(Brookline),

UArts (Phile), School of Visual Arts (NYC)

This is for my son, graduating HS in June 08.

Thanks in advance

You should have tours of each and find out what they offer and what their focus is. NESOP is more oriented towards basic photography skills and developing as a photographer, whereas CDIA is more oriented towards teaching basic digital skills. This is my impression based on anecdotal evidence. It may not be 100% valid. I have seen a couple come out of CDIA who didn't learn that much. NESOP is right near my office, so I do talk to the students there occasionally as they hang out in Kenmore Square smoking. They are an artsy bunch. I don't know about the other Boston programs.

Thanks for your response. Although photography is not my skill, it seems that developing as a photographer is better than learning digital skills.Thanks again

Luisa,

I was in the same place as your son 5 years ago. I ended up going to Salem State College,

got a BA in Art with a concentration in Photography. I learned a lot while at Salem and grew

up during the experience at college. Much of my training was in darkroom practices and

studio shooting. While I enjoyed what I learned and my course of study, the training doesn't

apply to the job I have in the field now. I recently attended an open house at the Center for

Digital Imaging Arts and was impressed by the program. The 9 month day program has a lot

to offer and teaches you how to work more effectively as a photographer in the digital era. I

think the Center is worth a second look.

Please be very prudent when selecting a school. Money is sometimes a factor and it can easily be wasted with empty promises. Photography is a super competitive field .I have direct feedback from a student who attended waltham (center for digital art) and paid 20,000. A sum not justified by the program in her opinion. If your son needs to make a living with photography learn about the business of photography . I have so many photographer friends who never picked up a book. They just know how to make money with it. Also if you choose a degree these classes will distract you from intense study of your photography. Altough you will be more well rounded . An expensive rounding out ! Deadlines for assignments are also creativity killers. 4 years ( or however long it takes to acquire enough creditsto earn a BA ) costs on the low end 80,000 plus interest, if you need to borrow the money sallie mae (usary) will be happy to take it off your hands for the following 10-15-20 years repay. Dont forget to look at your payback sums as you sign the papers for financial aid (bank loans). Paid on the job experience (not internships or "work study" ie: volunteer ) is always a baptism by fire and may be a true test of your desires . If your more inclined to do art then what does any of this matter ?. Payments on college loans are due upon graduation but thats o.k. you will have that nice high 5 figure job when you get out, right ? or wrong? Try the help wanted ads now and see whats available just for research purposes. Hope this is a little help. I also look at the classes for the program and interview the profs . What EXACTLY are you going to take away from ALL the classes you take. Do you really need to take everything they are selling?

Hi Luisa:

 

It is interesting to read the comments about cdia teaching "basic digital skills". Digital is

not an alternative to photography as silver halide (film) is not an alternative to

photography. While it is very true that cdia is focused on digital technology, students are

immersed in learning the art, technique, and business of photography. The fact is, if you

asked me to find you a job shooting with traditional film cameras, I could not help you.

The world has already gone digital with the majority of employable or contractual jobs in

photography. So, cdia's design is actually more beneficial to you than spending a

significant amount of time & money in antiquated technology.

 

In short, those of us who are professional photographers look back and realize how much

of our personal growth was done on our own. You have "your" talent within you and others

can help you bring it out, but ultimately you will continue to develop your voice, your

style, your passion on your own. Wether you go to CDIA, NESOP, HIP or any other specialty

photography school, you will receive a good education and will eventually become the

photographer you want to become.

 

So what's the difference? Time, cost, philosophy, faculty experience, location. CDIA is 9

months, $21,000, they focus on real-world training, and the faculty is . . . you decide.

http://www.cdiabu.com/photography/faculty.php AND their certificate comes from one of

the most reputable universities in the country.

Hi Luisa, I went to NESOP 25 years ago and it has not changed much. You should go there

if you never have to make any money with your camera. Lots of people over the years have

gone there to do the Artsy-Fartsy B+W thing. Let me just say that CDIA is a great school. I

love the people who offer their opinion on both schools and first of all don't have a clue

about photography or about the schools. The reason I say that is look at their work. If

their work is lame don't even consider their opinion. "You are only as cool as your images

in the world of photography". You can quote me on that.

Yes, I know I have a very strong opinion but only about the photography world. I have

been making my living as a shooter for 20 years now and I have worked very hard to get

here.

The reason I say CDIA is a great school is because I mean it. I taught at Hallmark for 2

years and that place is a laugh in the photography world. I thought I could make a

difference there but the owner of the school is such a "clown pimp". I know wrap your

head around those two words together. Its true! But that's just one man's opinion. I have

been teaching at CDIA for 2 years now and I know that you would have a great experience

there. Real-world training is what we are all about. By the way I do not get anything from

writing this about CDIA. I 'm very passionate about what I do. I offer you to come and sit in

my class for a couple of hours and will prove that to you. Thank you for your time.

With all due respect to Tim, who is a fantastic photographer, and Bill, my comments and that of the others were not offering any opinions on which school is "better". I do NOT know from firsthand experience about CDIA or NESOP other than what's been reported to me by friends and acquaintances who have gone to both over the course of 20 years (at least with NESOP). NESOP is clearly more artsy and still has classes on traditional black/white silver halide photography and classes on medium and large format cameras (which are, despite assertions, not extinct). It's arguably more collegial and academic and holistic in design and a two year program. CDIA is obviously focused on digital and business, is more practical, and is a one year program (9 month) and cheaper.

 

To be honest, I'm surprised Boston University (where I have been faculty, not in photography or arts, for nearly 20 years) didn't partner with NESOP because of their proximity and the fact BU owns quite a bit of Kenmore Square.

 

Anecdotally, I do work with high school students and am impressed that NESOP offers a summer workshop program for high school students.

 

Anyway, everyone should do their own research and make decisions for themselves.

I do appreciate all your answers and the passion in your opinion. Photography scares me as a "major", it is limited and too narrow of a field. After all is done, I have learned that if he goes to an art school- i.e. RISD, it is so focused in the arts that if he decides to change to education you basically must change schools and majors- not a big thrill there. If he goes to a university he won't have that problem but he won't be as infused with the art community. I have a nephew that went to Hallmark, did well, works as a commercial photographer, he states theres always a difference of opinion between film and digital photographers. I really like the MAssArt program and SMFA, but I am not ruling out the university system that may offer other opportunites such as ART Education or Art Therapy. Thank you for all your help. Any opinions about SMFA or MassArt would be great.

Honestly, Luisa, I think high school graduates are, for the most part, too young to pigeonhole themselves in a particular career. So, this would be my argument against CDIA, NESOP, or any of the other schools if you want a well-rounded education with multiple options post graduation. Speaking just of Boston University, I know that your son could couple degrees between the College of Fine Arts and the School of Education. He could major in education and get his arts teaching certification (or elementary or middle school teacher cert) and minor or double major in the CFA Visual Arts program and be part of the culture of both education and arts. I suppose this is true of other universities as well, but my experience is with Boston University. If he likes the city environment, then BU is a good choice, plus with so much art in our city there are good opportunities. He could, for example, work for the Daily Free Press newspaper and gain a lot of valuable experience in shooting events and sports. BU also has the Photographic Resource Center, which could serve as a resource. I'm not sure what their relationship is with CFA (if any). With a BA degree, he can be pre-law or pre-med. Write me offline if you want further info about BU.

This may be too late for you, but here are some thoughts: I recently went to NESOP as a

full-time student and previously as a workshop student.

NESOP is a very intense program and will teach your son endless amounts about

everything technical, film or digital. There is a lot of pressure for deadlines, but critique is

the reward. I was an older student at this school, whereas most students were your son's

age. first off, he will need to buy a digital camera (SLR) and a laptop from the start. So, if

he's all set with these items, he's got a financial head start.

There are several different tracks to take the second year of the program, fine art or

commercial-related. The facilities are great, lots of darkrooms, use of equipment, high

end

monitors equipped with the latest software and Epson printers. There are issues with this

school, like any other, but all in all, I think it is a rich experience. HOWEVER, if your son is

sure about continuing as an artist, a BFA would serve him better. NESOP is a bit too-

narrow-minded to begin with. From my experience and talking to other students and

professors, Mass Art is the school of choice! Hope this is helpful.