I want to ask, if anyone knows a good distance learning photography course. I really do not want to go to college or university for this, but do it from home. New York Institute of Photography was mentioned in one blog at Dreamstime, but it does not seems really challenging, what I heard in other forums. Are there good courses for those who never took a course or class in photography but actually have done a lot of photography as we microstock photographers?
What is the best way to improve your skills?
Is going through a book better than takeing a course in our case?
Maybe someone also can recommend some good selfstudy books, for people who are a bit more serious in photography then the normal hobby photographer.

Thank you!

The iStock minilypse that I went to recently was an excellent learning experience as well, and I got a bunch of shots to boot (that can only be sold on iStock)

Is that a regulation of their 'stockalypses' ... that you can only sell shots taken on them through iStock?

I signed up for the NYIP course about 18 months ago and first was really excited about the whole idea and the prospect of being part of a learning community. 

Having said that, it is falling short of expectations. 
The materials are good and I learned a lot by going through the booklets BUT the whole course was developed for an internet-free world and that just doesn't work well anymore (at least for me).  Who really listens to tapes anymore?  I had to scramble to find a tape recorder somewhere in the garage.  In many instances the material seems a bit dated, the pictures clearly depict the style and fashion of decades gone by - which wouldn't be a problem if it was just some, but looking at the booklets I feel stuck in the 70s.  There is a heavy focus on film and a little booklet on digital which doesn't begin to scratch the surface.  Good photography can be had in film and digital but digital is what most people do these days and so a little less focus on developing color film and more on digital tools would be helpful.

The assignments are fun and the feedback very personal (you have your own adviser who sends you a tape with his/her comments).  I enjoy that part a lot but since there are no real deadlines I am always thinking: I'll do it tomorrow, next week - you get the idea (okay, my problem).

Leaves me with the learning community which isn't as active and interactive as I had hoped (haven't checked in a while, though).  the webpage feels very static, sort of first generation brochure webpage rather than fun, creative, interactive.  The best school I ever attended (not photography) was the best for many reasons, an important one being that I learned as much from my classmates as I learned from my professors - or at least very close.

I understand that this doesn't answer your question in a positive way but hopefully helps you somewhat with your decision making process.

Tina

Hi Bateleur:

No suggestions taken from you email at all. All ligit questions in my opinion.

The fee was minimal (mainly to cover a fabulous lunch, name tags, organizational supplies,  photocopies, and I believe the cost to refill the makeup artists kits, who supplied their time for free - very cool).

iStock subsidized part of the event, (including swag), hence, the exclusivity of the photos. 

I sell on all the top sites, but would highly recommend attendance. It was a fabulous learning experience, everyone was really nice, a fun day and I got over 30 model shots out of it.

If any other sites were to hold one (which I would attend as well), and subsidize the costs, I think they deserve exclusivity of the results for their investment.

You should go to one in your area - I had a blast! I was terrified to go at first, but thought - what the heck? So glad I did and will jump to go to any of these type of events now.

Regards
Penny

Hurro...

If you're not much good at online classes, look into your local photography clubs, most decent clubs run short courses, and have people willing to help out for free, or very little.

I agree with Grizzly, in that a lot of general photography courses will probably be a waste of money unless you are a rank beginner.  Given that you're already doing OK with stock, I imagine you really don't need to be told what a shutter is...