NYIP vs Photography Institute

New York Institute of Photography (www.nyip.com) vs. Photography Institute

(www.thephotographyinstitute.com)

I can't choose between these two. NYIP might be more recognized and more

prestigious, but Photography Institute seems to be more modern and up to date.

Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about either of them?

Nothing bad to say about NYIP except that I wish the lessons they send on CD came with voice narratives. It is easier to learn that way. I don't much about Photography Institute.

I took the Professional Photography course from NYIP several years ago and loved it. Some of the material did seem a little dated, but if you want to learn the critical skills of photography and how to apply them, NYIP is the way to go. After all, they've been around since 1910, so they must be doing something right.....

Any other advantages of taking such a course or getting diploma?

I am more specific for a serious photographer or hobbyist.

I just enrolled in NYIP - still waiting for the materials and my new camera (my big presents to me finally!) NYIP mentioned that they had recently updated their program - I'm guessing to move it into the digital age more. So maybe it's not as outdated anymore. I'll let yall know when I get my first package :)

Colleen

When NYIP stops sending cassette tapes, they'll be modernized. That's one reason I'm not taking their course.

Well, Wolfeye, you're in luck. I emailed NYIP with the question, and they advise that the course currently ships with DVDs and audio CDs. It has also been upgraded to include "the latest in digital technology". Time to send in that application......

Wooot! I just got my first package in the mail. The welcome letter says "You're among the first to experience NYIP's revised edition of the Complete Course in Professional Photography." They're actually mid-revising from what the letter says, they sent out this first unit that's been revised, and will send out further ones as they're ready. They said it may take a little longer to get the next unit, but it will be completely revised when I do get it. They've actually even requested I/we let them know if we find any typo's or come across anything that's not clear with the new materials.

 

So, I have to second what William said... time to send in the application!

 

Cheers,

Colleen

Hey Ausra,

i'm in the same boat as you. i'm looking at both those schools and am kinda leaning towards the photography institute just because they focus on freelance. but i still haven't made up my mind.

let me know what you decide and how you like it.

thanks.

jedly

Jedly, I chose NYIP with an idea that I can take a shorter PI course anytime later, if I think I need it. I already got my first unit and I am not disappointed at all. They cover a lot of things, talk about everything from a wide perspective, so you might get all the information about freelancing as well. And you can always ask them, if you have questions.

I was a little concerned that with PI there is too much information to observe in too short period of time. That's if you're working like me.

Let me know what you decide!

Ausra

I took the basic digital course and the books were just ok, the cd really did not follow the text very well. The two videos that came with it were out dated and did not even feature digital cameras, they used film cameras, but I suppose the techniques are the same.The most fustrating thing was it takes forever to get the critique feedback from the instructor up to 6 weeks!!

I've read lots of reviews on NYIP and am seriously considering taking their Complete

Course in Professional Photography. My other alternative is to quit my day job and

take a two-year program at a local community college...not sure how I feel about

that in this economy.

 

I received NYIP's catalog packet in mid-April, along with a $150 discount coupon if I

paid in full up front. Today (May 6) I received a follow-up postcard that required me

to contact them for information about a "special limited-time bonus offer." Long story

short, I called and the offer is for $350 off the paid in full up front amount so the

course would only be $648. The offer still includes the free camera bag and

monopod and they confirmed that even if I did pay up front and decided later not to

continue, I could get a pro-rated refund based on how much material I had already

received.

 

I don't know if the NYIP course will give me all the business info I need to feel

confident starting my own photo business (their course does address business

aspects), but I am confident I will learn a lot and be a much better photographer after

completing it. Btw, both times I spoke with someone, they were polite and answered

my questions completely and directly without any sales pitch. I'm feeling pretty good

about this.

I'm halfway through the NYIP program and I AM disappointed. The written materials are nothing you can't find in a bookstore -- but that's what I expected. I'm a university educator myself and I know that in subjects like photography, the real education comes in the exchange between instructor and student, where the student develops his/her skills. At NYIP this exchange is minimal: you send in your "photo projects" of between 3 and 6 images, wait (and wait and wait and wait), and receive an audio tape of your instructor's responses. Mine were perfunctory. "You're cropped too tight" -- what the *#&$ does THAT mean? As a student you have NO OPPORTUNITY to discuss images in a back-and-forth fashion with ANYONE.

 

Unless of course you count the "student advisors" -- you email them to a standard address (studentadvisor@nyip.com) and get a response from whoever's in the office that day, if you're lucky. They will not look at electronic images, no matter how you submit them; they will only look at printed photographs sent through the mail.

 

I'm VERY disappointed in NYIP. I only wish I hadn't already received all of my materials already -- I can't even ask for a partial refund. So I will finish the course and stuff the diploma in a drawer, because it's nothing to be proud of.

Jane, I'm sorry your experience with NYIP has been disappointing for you. Of course, you can find the text material in any bookstore. You could say the same about the information in a history textbook. It just happens to be organized better for the workflow of the course.

 

You are also right about the importance of interaction between instructor and student, but surely you recognize that there are inescapable limitations on this factor in any distance learning course, compared to a classroom environment. (I do know the difference. I taught in a community college in San Diego for ten years.) It has been four years since I completed the pro photography course, but if I remember correctly, there was a means of contacting your instructor directly for follow-up questions on lessons. Why not try that, and ask him what the *#&$ that means. :-)

 

I did have a similar experience with one instructor who's abrasive personality discouraged me from seeking follow-up contact on his comments. I contacted my student advisor and explained my concerns, and was immediately given a different instructor. My email contacts with my student advisor were always positive, regardless of whether my question was technical or administrative.

 

In any case, don't just give up and go away mad. If you're unhappy, let NYIP know about your concerns. You can make the course work better for you. If you're a university educator, you should know how to do that, right?

 

Good luck......

I've taught distance education courses, and there *is* the technology for immediate back and forth discussion. There has been for at least ten years! I know you're familiar with chat rooms and instant messaging ...

 

I've tried addressing my concerns with NYIP and it's like talking to myself. I've emailed everybody from the customer service folks to Chuck Delaney himself, and gotten zero response. I'm sure they've written me off as a shrew.

 

I really LIKE my instructor -- and if there's a way to do followup questions and answers other than just including them with the next photo project (three months later), I have no idea what it is. What the student advisor Jerry Rice told me was that any back and forth was to be done with an advisor -- and then he and his cohorts don't respond to my questions.

 

Why don't I phone? Because the 800 number is reserved for SALES, if you're an actual student you have to pay for the call. Sounds kinda backwards, doesn't it? I've already given them almost a thousand bucks. I'm not giving them any more.

I was tempted to start this with an LOL: Jerry Rice was the instructor I was having a problem with. I wonder if you can get a new advisor?

Hello, I'm a Londoner and just wondering if NYIP is distance learning only or can I go there and take a course? Is it

the most reputable school in NY for photography? I am interested in black and white analogue photography, lith

printing, experimental, historical processess and reportage...thanks, and sorry for crashing your post!

<p>I am about a third of the way through the NYIP program and really have no complaints. I've pretty much gotten what I expected. True the course materials are a little dated, but still applicable and they have included updates with each unit. In addition to the course materials, I received some accessories when I signed up. The umbrella is definitely cheap, but the pop-up photo tent and a reflector set are pretty decent. <br>

I understand that for many people NYIP's format may not be the best option. I do feel that I would learn MUCH more in a classroom setting, but for the money I think it's a good deal. There is no substitute for practice and you won't be a professional just by completing the course, but as an introduction, it serves well.</p>

<p>I finished the complete course in March 2009 and I have no complaints. I feel Jane may have expected to much from a correspondence course that is priced under 1000 dollars. The reason I took this course is because 1) the cost was within my budget 2) I can work the course around my schedule, I work and have a family 3) the materials, though dated, are exceptable. The NYIP information even stated that the materials are a bit dated but the education of photography hasn't changed. I think if Jane wanted a photography education like that found at a university, she should have enrolled in an university. This is by no means a college course. If you require student / teacher interaction on a week to week basis, then go to a standard college. If you can work by yourself and are motivated to learn, NYIP will foot the bill. My photography has improved greatly and I have opened a photography business.</p>

<p>I have the same confusing questing.. Which one is a better one to go through? I'm completely disregarding the pricing, I do know that the PI will give a diploma for Freelance. Is that sufficent or should I try and get my degree in photography at a local college? I really don't want to do classes with teacher and student... But I do want the right piece of paper saying I'm qualified</p>

<p>I have the same confusing questing.. Which one is a better one to go through? I'm completely disregarding the pricing, I do know that the PI will give a diploma for Freelance. Is that sufficent or should I try and get my degree in photography at a local college? I really don't want to do classes with teacher and student... But I do want the right piece of paper saying I'm qualified.</p>

<p>Jane needs help! eeek :(</p>

<p>Hi, I have pretty much the same question. I do like the outline the PI has up on their website. It seems very informative, but I like the idea of how the NYIP teaches their course. What I do find frustrating however, is the lack of direct course outline on NYIP's wesite. How do I know what material they cover? That is partly what I would like to base my decision off of. I'm not totally sold on NYIP but I can't find many reviews on PI's course. Any help would be much appreciate! Even a quick overview of the course offered by NYIP!<br>

Thanks<br>

Nikki</p>

<p>Hi Nikki, I am in the same boat as you- looking at PI and think it looks good, but a little skeptical, did you end up enrolling? What were your impressions? Is there anybody else who has enrolled? I'm looking for some feedback. Thanks</p>

<p>Hi Everyone, just a quick note that i decided to enrol with PI as I was really impressed with the way they answered my initial questions.<br /><br />So far so good, i just thought i'd let Nikki and the others know about my initial experience.<br>

Thanks, David<br /><br /></p>

<p>I'm also in the same boat as you lot. I've spent the last several days researching both courses, and reading reviews and while I was originally leaning toward NYIP, I now prefer PI's outline. I found this Flickr group that's put the PI course in perspective for me, also - By the looks of it, PI is quicker on the turnaround time, everything is done online but there is a heavier focus on theory with less photo assignments, while NYIP includes more photo assignments despite the wait times and potentially dated material. <br>

Needless to say, I have yet to make up my mind! Anyone enroll in either recently that can provide updated feedback??</p>