New York Institute of Photography

The New York Institute of Photography (NYIP) is an online photography school. Its about page says it "has been helping students develop their photography skills for more than 100 years", and its mission is "to help aspiring photographers reach their goals, whatever that may be, through access to world-class photography training designed to fit any budget." It is a learner product: you enroll in a self-paced photography course, study the lessons online, and send your photos to a professional photographer for feedback. The homepage sums up the idea as "The world is your classroom", and its pitch covers three kinds of student: those who want to start a new career, those who want to earn money part time, and those who want to take a hobby to the next level.

The photography courses

NYIP's catalog is short and focused. The Professional Photography Course is marked as the most popular, and teaches you to "take control of your camera, break free from auto mode, and see the world like a professional photographer." It is the program for anyone aiming to work as a photographer or to earn money from photography. Fundamentals of Digital Photography is the entry point: a beginner course "meant to help you master your digital camera so you can turn your good pictures into great photographs."

The site also lists a graphic design course, but its course page explains that it is offered by NYIP's sister school, the New York Institute of Art and Design, and sends readers to that school's site for the details. For NYIP itself, the two photography courses are the product.

What every student gets

The about page lists what comes with every enrollment in an NYIP photography course: expertly prepared course materials, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; access to a team of advisors by phone or email; one-to-one feedback from a professional photographer; training on how to make money with your photography; up to 18 months to complete the course at your own pace; 14 days to review the course risk free; and a photography certificate from NYIP upon graduation.

That last item is what the learner receives at the end: a certificate from NYIP. The homepage adds that "All course materials prepared by professional photographers", and the about page ends with a plain promise: "We promise to make you a better photographer."

Feedback from a professional photographer

Personal feedback is the center of the NYIP model. The homepage video says the school "combines online education with invaluable personal contact": students get the convenience of studying online plus "the benefit of a personal mentor who is a professional photographer." You submit photos online and, according to the homepage, "receive feedback from a professional photographer in hours." The school promises that you will "experience an improvement in your skills after the very first lesson", and a homepage heading puts it as "Improve Your Photos After Just One Lesson."

The video calls this "the most personalized online education available" and goes on to describe NYIP as "the number one online photography school in the world"; both are the school's own descriptions of itself.

Pace and access

There is no timetable. The about page says NYIP's online classes let you "learn photography in your free time, at your own pace, on any device", and the courses page says you can learn "anytime, anywhere, at your own pace." With up to 18 months to finish a course, a student can work steadily through it or fit it around a job and family over a longer stretch. Because the course includes training on how to make money with your photography, the business side is part of the program rather than an extra.

Community, gallery and articles

From the moment you enroll, the video says, you become a member of a community of students and mentors who share your interests and goals. All NYIP photography students get access to a student forum where they "share their work, discuss the courses and learn from and offer advice to other students." The school points to its "global reach", which brings together photographers from all over the world, and runs a student photo gallery featuring "select examples of great student work."

Outside the courses, NYIP publishes photography articles with tips, tricks and techniques from the NYIP team, along with a newsletter, student success stories, career guides and a news and press section.

Trial, savings and credentials

The homepage offers "14 days to try NYIP risk-free": you can try the photography certificate programs for up to 2 weeks and, "if it's not right for you for any reason, simply let us know and we'll refund every penny." The homepage also promotes savings of up to $290 and describes its courses as "Quality online classes for a fraction of the cost of traditional schools." The tuition itself is not on these pages.

On credentials, the homepage says NYIP is "Fully-accredited by the BBB", meaning the Better Business Bureau, and the courses page describes its classes as "accredited and affordable". The about section has pages on military benefits, NYIP badges, licensing, graduation and famous alumni.

Partners and discounts

NYIP "partners with several schools and companies around the world" to bring photography education to students everywhere, through partner schools and international licenses. Its industry partner program works with manufacturers, retailers and service providers to bring discounts and benefits to NYIP students, and the school notes that these offers may change at any time under the partner companies' own policies.

Support and accessibility

Advisors answer enrollment questions from 9am to 8pm Eastern time, Monday to Friday, and enrolled students reach their advisors by phone or email. The school's administrative offices are in Lehi, Utah. On accessibility, NYIP says it is "dedicated to working towards meeting the needs of our students with disabilities" and is extending the accessibility and usability of its portals and course content, with a page on serving students with visual, hearing or manual dexterity disabilities.

Who it suits

NYIP suits learners who want structured photography training with a professional looking at their pictures. A beginner with a new digital camera fits the Fundamentals course, while someone who wants to leave auto mode behind, work toward paid photography or start a career fits the Professional Photography Course, with its training on making money from photography. The 18-month window suits students fitting study around work or family, and the 14-day risk-free review lets a student try the course before committing. Learners who want live, scheduled classes will find NYIP fully self-paced, with feedback arriving on submitted photos rather than in a classroom.