Sunday, June 14, 2009

Is NYIP A Scam?

I received my first unit from the New York Institute of Photography a few weeks back. There is never enough time to blog about it or to do my lessons. Finally I figured out I can do my reading during the 45 minutes the kids are in Karate class twice a week. I have made it through three lessons and got all the questions right on a test! I remember stuff from all those photo classes I took. There is another test I need to mail to my teacher along with my photos from my photo assignments.

As far as I can see it is not a scam. I looked into other correspondence photo schools and as soon as I got their info in the mail, I was getting that scammed feeling. NYIP has recently updated their lessons geared to digital. In the blogs I have read that was the one drawback to NYIP. The lessons seem very up to date, but if you are still using film - the lessons are for you too.

The lessons are informative and are geared towards a seasoned amateur like me or someone who is just starting out with a simple camera. NYIP stresses there is no need to go out and buy all the latest photo gadgets. They emphasis that it is the photographer - not the equipment that makes good photography and I totally agree. The equipment helps, but if you do not have the eye - that will not make a good photo. I have a digital SLR and I love it, but I have taken some great photos with my cheapo $20 digital camera that has tape holding the double AA batteries in.

Lesson One is "Eye of the Photographer", Lesson Two is "The Camera", Lesson Three is "The Lens", Lesson Four is "How to Use Your Camera". I have CDs and DVD to go along with these lessons too, but have not found to time to play them yet - I will. Check back! =)

Blooming In Bayport


There is a group in Bayport called Neighbors and Gardeners of Bayport & Blue Point that was started in 1995. It is a garden club and everyone with all levels of gardening experience are welcomed. Last week this group held their annual garden tour. Someone I know had their garden on the tour and I went to her house to take photos for The Gazette (hopefully they'll use them). Whatever you think people who belong to a garden look like - it's true - all the ladies with their big straw hats with flowers on them. They were great bunch and so nice.

The Neighbors and Gardeners of Bayport & Blue Point are also responsible for the beautification project, which is those huge blooming planters on the street corners of Bayport and Blue Point. They also do plantings at Corey Beach, Bayport Beach, Nicholas Road and Meadowcroft. Membership to the club is very reasonable at $15 a year. There is a different program each month with presentations, live demonstrations and field trips.

To join or more info on this group - call Jody at 631-363-8713