Thinking of ordering course...

[coffee]

I took the short course with NYIP, and it was ok. I learned a lot of very basic stuff that I couldn't grasp on my own. But I had to ask myself if it was worth 350.00. Now I have to ask myself if thier 700.00 professional course willl be worth it cause I want to continue studing photography.So a few questions...

1. Is this course strickly online? It looks like on the order page or there about there is a software like looking box. Does material get sent to you or all done online. I didn't like the way NYIP did things by having to send back to them assignments and test. Takes up way too much time.

2. How does this course compare to the NYIP professional course? I hope someone here can make the comparison. maybe now but I can hope.

3. How long does this course take members to completing. I know it's going to be different for everyone, but I want a course that's going to take some time, and have a lot of substance.

Thanks for any replies. I willl reply back.

[LensBaby]

I started NYIP...and HATED IT. I thought it was a very big waste of time and money. I only did the first lesson (i even paid for more) I didn't bother sending anything else in and took a loss. Now I can tell you this course is A W E S O M E! It is an online course, but there are actual real people on here to chat with and share photos with! Not just some cassette tape to listen to. It is worth every penny. The people on this forum are so friendly that it actually makes it FUN ! You will not be disappointed....well you might be disappointed that you have already spent that money on NYIP! Peter is also AWESOME! I really enjoy this course, and spend most of my free time on here. Hope this helps.
Susan

[coffee]

That's good info thanks. Can you also tell me how in depth the course is, and how long it might take the average bear.

I haven't yet paid or signed up for the NYIP professional course. One thing I just remembered is that course helps the want to be professional. I think it goes a long way to talk about the buisiness end of it. Does this course do that?

Thanks again

[dkippen]

Coffee -

Welcome to the group. I have heard about and looked at the NYIP course, but price wise was too rich for me, so I signed up with this one. So far, just from the forums, I have learned a lot.

I don't know about the professional/business part as I'm just doing this for fun, but I know that what I've done so far has helped me be a better photographer. As far as how long?? I believe we have 1 year from signing up to complete the course.

In either case, I don't think you can go wrong.

[LensBaby]

With this course you do not have to rush. As far as the business aspect of it..I don't know about that. Maybe Admin can answer that for you. The business part of the NYIP course that they sent to me was a book with web sites and addresses for freelance photographers. The press card is a joke, and most people will not accept it. (I don't know if you were sent a press card or not with your other course).I can tell you this..my first critique from this school was very professional, and very detailed. I never did get that from NYIP. This is something that you can take your time with. You also have other students to learn with which makes it fun. I hope I answered your questions!
Susan

[etaguba]

Thank goodness I read this topic, I was thinking about that school too but been emailing them about the course and when the person said about mailing info back to them and get a response and also some material has audio tape? A bit old info lol.. :)

Thanks,
Ed

[jerryph]

I think that if someone already has the basics under their arm, that this course would be a bit of repitition. It is geared for the beginner and if you have the basics, then I would pass... however if you are a starting 'Tog, its a very good course.

[Snappers]

Just to add to the above, I believe that you have more than just 1 year to complete the course, I think it is about 10 if you need it. The best aspect of the course is to have this forum with like minded people to share your comments with and help each other with their advice and recommendations.

I have found this course very worth while but then I am a beginner as far as digital photograhpy is involved. If you look at WWW.PROUDPHOTOGRAPHY.COM towards the bottom of the page it gives you the outline of the syllabus. As far as I am aware, it does not cover the business aspect of photography.

[laura]

Coffee: I'm only on section 4, but from the sylabus outline i doesn't look like the business aspect is covered.

However, you could try www.photolearn.co.uk and download the Professional Photography Manual for £19.95.
For an extra £20.00 you can have this one plus 10 other tutuorials.

There is a lot of information in them - although some is duplicated in more than 1 tutuorial, as you can also buy them seperatly for £5.00 each.

I haven't read all of mine yet.

The Professional Photography Manual is all about working as a photographer. It is an english website, but I cannot imagine the details will be to far of what you do in America!

They do have previews on the website of the tutuorials so you can 'try before you buy'!

Just a suggestion.

[Snappers]

Thanks for the link Laura, I'll have a look at that one myself although I am a long way off starting my own photography business yet!

[laura]

Thanks for the link Laura, I'll have a look at that one myself although I am a long way off starting my own photography business yet!

Me too. But I think its good to know where your heading... I'd love to turn a hobby into a job - rather than working for someone elses dream!!

[Snappers]

Indeed :D

[LensBaby]

My husbands hobby was building things, and he turned that into a general contracting business (yes he DOES all of the work also) AND he loves it! He loves getting up and going to work. This has been his profession his whole life. Some people can take their hobby and turn it into a profession, and never regret one day of it, and others it ruins the craft for them, once it becomes a JOB.

[laura]

I'm sure it can become a chore for some people... But like Snappers/Andy says you've got to 'keep having fun'!!

[jerryph]

Some people can take their hobby and turn it into a profession, and never regret one day of it, and others it ruins the craft for them, once it becomes a JOB.

This is me in both examples.

I grew into computer consultation and instruction becuase it started out as a hobby and became my profession. I genuinely feel that I have a gift of being able to take complex computer-based topics and explain them in layman's terms in a classroom and also apply this technology in the real world to the advantage of my clients.

Photography for me, I don't feel I would ever want to do professionally. I feel it would become something that would destroy my passion and become mechanical and lose it's interest for me.

I would like to learn as much as a pro and get as good as or better than a pro, just not do it as a pro full time. maybe use it as an income supplement here and there, though... becuase like music, if you perform for yourself, you really aren't performing. Knowing how it works in the real world does add charm for me. Thats why I agree and love to ghost a professional at weddings. :)

[Snappers]

When you Ghost at weddings is this by request of the happy couple or at the request of the photographer?

[jerryph]

I made all arrangements with the photographer initially. He contacted me all the times in the past.

The B&G know about and met me as I attended the contract signing dinner (invited by the photographer). In essence, I am like working for the professional photographer with a simple mandate of getting angles and pics that he cannot normally get while at an event and he is very open and sharing about his photography techniques, thoughts, ideas and even business concepts.

This latest one is slated to happen in June and will be my 4th time I ghost.

[LensBaby]

Jerry - I agree ...I would not want to do photography as a full time business. I plan to use mine for my husbands business, and also just for family member and friends. I do NOT want to do this as a full time job. I already have too much on my plate as it is.

[Snappers]

Jerry, Sounds great. I would love to get involved with a local photographer like that. It's a great way to get some very good experience.

[laura]

I think what attracts me to turning a hobby in to a profession is that I would have a job I would enjoy, and that I would look forward to going to every day!!
But I do understand that there is that risk of loosing the enjoyment in it.
Maybe I just need a new job....haha!!!!

[jerryph]

I think what attracts me to turning a hobby in to a profession is that I would have a job I would enjoy, and that I would look forward to going to every day!!
But I do understand that there is that risk of loosing the enjoyment in it.
Maybe I just need a new job....haha!!!!

I already have a job that I really enjoy and more importantly, is challenging to me on a daily basis. Though photography is more of a passion to me than a hobby (then again all my hooies turn into passions... lol), I just like it for what it does for me inside more than outside. :)