NYIP Frequently Asked Questions

We are confident that NYIP offers the right distance education photography classes for you. In the following Q+A, we answer some frequently asked questions about NYIP so you can be sure our courses will meet your highest expectations. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please feel free to email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at 1 800-583-1736.

How do I get started?

It’s easy. Simply fill out our online enrollment application or call us at 1 800-583-1736 to enroll by phone.

How much do NYIP courses cost?

Tuition for each of our courses varies. You can check out the cost of photography classes from NYIP here.

Are NYIP's courses offered online?

Yes. All of NYIP's courses are online. There are no residential classrooms or campuses.

How does the mentorship program work?

All NYIP students get paired with a professional photography mentor. He or she is a working pro and licensed teacher there to guide you and answer all your questions as you work through your the curriculum. You will get personalized feedback on your photo projects and you are free to contact your mentor at any time. Learn more about the NYIP photography mentor program here.

Which NYIP course is right for me?

NYIP offers a variety of different courses for every photographer. Check out our quick and easy guide to choosing the right online photography course.

How has NYIP training worked for others?

The New York Institute of Photography has been helping students develop their photography skills for more than 100 years. There are NYIP graduates who operate their own studio, manage growing businesses, work as staff photographers at papers all over the country, and more. 98% of students surveyed tell us they have achieved the goals they set for themselves when they started the course.

When do NYIP courses start?

Whenever you are ready. NYIP courses are online and you can get started anytime. Simply enroll online and we'll send you an email with the login information you need to get started.

Where are NYIP courses located?

NYIP offers online photography classes, as a result there are no residential classrooms or campuses.

Will I have to quit my job or school?

Absolutely not. We know you're busy with other things. That's why our courses are self-paced. You can learn anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected device. Learn photography on your schedule, in your free time, with no deadlines or due dates.

Do I need prior training or experience in photography?

No you do not. Our courses are designed to take you from wherever you are now to wherever you want to go. We assume no prior training. Our photography classes starts with the basics and gradually builds to more advanced skills and techniques.

Can I take two courses at the same time?

Of course you can. And when you do, you qualify for a 25% discount on all courses. To find out more, call 1 800-583-1736.

Do I get a discount if my friend and I sign up together?

Yes, you both save 25%. To find out more, call 1 800-583-1736.

Can I combine discounts or offer codes?

No. Unless otherwise stated, all discount are off the full price of the course.

How do I contact the school?

You can call or email us anytime. Our Manhattan offices are open from 9am to 6pm, Monday through Friday. Check out all the contact information for NYIP here.

Do I need to have internet access?

Yes. All of NYIP's courses are entirely online. You can take our online photography classes on any internet-connected device - desktops, laptops, tablets or smartphones. Note that you will need access to a computer to upload your photo projects.

How long does it take to finish the course?

It depends on your schedule and how much time you have to devote to the course. We give you up to 18 months to complete the course at no additional charge. The average completion time for all our photography classes ranges from 6-12 months.

Do NYIP courses include business training?

Yes, most of them do. Since over 60% of our students want to earn money with their photography, we cover the business of photography in detail in all of our courses, with the exception of the Fundamentals of Digital Photography, which is our beginner photography course.

What equipment will I need?

To get the most from your NYIP training, we recommend a camera with a manual mode. The majority of our students use DSLRs, but many also work with smaller point and shoot cameras with great success. The key is the ability to adjust the aperture and shutter speed. At a minimum, a basic "kit" lens like an 18-55mm will serve you well for our course. Longer telephoto zoom lenses can also be helpful, but are in no way required. The above mentioned cameras would also be suitable for the Video Making and Storytelling course, as would a dedicated camcorder.

For Photoshop for Photographers - you will need Adobe Photoshop?. ?You will also need a computer to run this software.

It is recommended that you have a computer for processing and submitting your photos. If you have another way of getting you photos onto your tablet or smartphone you can complete the course on your mobile device.

We encourage you to call us if you are not sure you have the right equipment.

Will I be able to get a job as a photographer after completing this course?

NYIP has a proud history of training successful photographers. Every graduate receives an NYIP Certificate of Completion that proves they have the skills to make it as a professional photographer. In addition, if you want to become a photographer, our courses teach you the business skills you need to set rates, find clients and get hired.

Does the school provide internships or job placement?

Because we have students from all over the world, not just in one region, we are not able to offer opportunities like this. However, your student advisor will gladly help you brainstorm about ways to find some in your area.

Is the tuition tax-deductible?

No, students shouldn’t claim their NYIP tuition payments on their federal or state tax returns. Because we do not participate in the United States Department of Education student aid programs, we are not an eligible institution for students to claim or qualify for various tax credits. With this in mind, we do not send students or graduates 1098 forms or any other paperwork needed for filing your yearly return.

Does NYIP offer financial aid or other tuition assistance programs?

Because of the lower cost and shorter length of our courses, they do not meet the requirements for standard financial aid programs. However, NYIP is approved to offer military financial assistance for veterans and spouses. Learn more about NYIP's military tuition assistance programs here.

I don't see my country listed on the enrollment form.

If your country is not listed on the enrollment form, this is because we do not currently accept credit cards from this country. In order to enroll, you must first contact the school and complete a bank transfer. Please contact the school for more information.

How do I log in to my course?

Your email address that you signed up with is your username. After you enroll, you should receive an email with login instructions. To log in, visit https://courses.nyip.edu/.

How do I access the student forum?

Every student has access to the NYIP student forum where you can interact with other students, graduates and NYIP staff members. The forum is located at http://forum.nyip.edu.

Do you accept transfer credits?

We do not accept transfer credit for any of our courses. Students wishing to transfer coursework from here to another institution should check with the receiving institution to understand their policy on transfer credits.