Anyone heard of "Not Your Normal Photography School"

[bwolford]

Has anyone purchased this course? This seems to be focused more on the business of photography and how to create the business rather than "how to be a great photographer." It does appear to have content about the basics of portraiture, lighting, etc, but there seems to be an emphasis on the business. More so than I've seen in other "online" courses.

So, if you have personal knowledge of the course and materials, chime in. What can you tell me (us) about the course? Was it helpful? Did it contribute to you getting started? What are it's strengths and weaknesses?

Thank you.

[Dchemist]

I have never heard of it... for others in the same boat here is the link: http://www.nynphotoschool.com/

[airfrogusmc]

I was reading a interview a few years back with Jack Bruce. He was saying in the past few years he had seen a change in his fan mail. He said he used to get allot of mail asking how to become a great musician and the mail he was getting more of lately was how can I be a star. I think it comes down to what you want to be. A really good photographer or ? You can be a really good photographer and be very successful. In fact I think you would probably have a better chance at longevity in the field if you go for learning all you can about the craft. The trend though seems to be how much money can I make instead of how good can I become. Thats not to say you don't need a good head for business. But I would put my stock into being the best photographer I can be and finding my own style. Something thats going to seperate me from everyone else. Its worked for me.

[Louis solomon]

Most new businesses fail because the owner has limited knowledge/skill/experience on how to run a business. Anyone can learn how to master technology and technique. You can be the best photographer in the world but if you don't understand how to run a business, market yourself and deal with people you'll never make it.

[airfrogusmc]

The best way to learn to run a photography business is to work for someone thats has a successful photography business. Learn all you can about technique and polish you own style and vision. My business is all about repeat business as most photographers are. Recommendations, word of mouth and you're only as good as your last job. Screw enough of them up and you can just shut your doors cause the word will get around. Best is to learn and make all the mistakes on someone elses nickel and have everything worked out before your reputation is on the line.

[amfoto1]

Hi,

Yes, I bought the NYNPS instruction program about 5 years ago.

It's pretty good. I found it useful and am still using some aspects of it now. For example, it included a relatively quick and simple approach using to studio lighting. This eliminated some of the "mystery" of lighting and gave me the courage to give it a try.

It is mostly a business and marketing plan for family portrait services. Those who compiled and wrote the program are nice folks who have a thriving family portrait business, essentially proving their model can work. The program is not "slick", may even be a little "home grown", but that's part of what makes it good. The model they present might also be adapted for use in pet photography business or other specializations.

On the other hand, it's not cheap. Plus, if you worked at it and didn't need the guidance on some of the technical aspects and were willing to make a few mistakes along the way, you could probably come up with a similar plan on your own. Another consideration, if you have well established competition locally - in the family portrait business or any other similar specialization that you might be considering - it may be a pretty steep uphill battle to get a business going following this or any other model.

I don't regret buying the program. I think it helped me avoid some common pitfalls. It's easily paid for the investment by now. There is ongoing "support" for a year, if I recall correctly. There is also a a student blog online. If it's still the same as it was when I bought, after the first year, access to these can be renewed for an annual cost.

I was heading down another path at the time, so didn't maintain my membership. However, my business has been changing and I might pull out the program for a review.

Alan Myers

[bwolford]

Those of you with experience with the program that commented, thank you! I appreciate the other comments too, but I was looking for those with experience.

[photosytes]

Just interested to know what else you've heard about the program? I also looked at it and was afraid it might be a "too good to be true" type of program. Have you decided one way or another? I've also been looking into the NoBSphotosuccess.com site. I'm looking not only for some insight for where to start but also the confidence to ask to be paid for my work.

[JFasick]

We bought the course. It had lots of good material (particularly marketing stuff). We have since retired from the business, and are wondering what to do with the reams of information from this course. Anyone interested?

[photosytes]

When did you purchase it? How much would you charge for all the material? Did you also buy the swipe files?

[JFasick]

We bought it in 2005 (I believe). We purchased everything, including swipe files and Advanced Marketing materials. Send me a private message if you want to know more, please.

[photosytes]

PM'd

[JFasick]

Sorry I didn't update this earlier. This course is no longer available. Thanks to all who asked!

[lisamkr]

I also purchase the course around 2003 and found it extremely valuable.

[bp808]

I am interested in purchasing a copy of this course. If anyone has one, please send me a message.

Thank you,

[Alleh]

"Free e-book — The Secret Of Making $2,970.00 In One Week Photographing People and Pets — and 6 day e-course — How To Achieve Success In Your Own Profitable Photography Business."

Look like money well wasted. It reminds me of the guy that screams at you from the TV about getting free government money. It won’t have any more benefit than reading books and that would purely depend on what books as some are really good.

If you want classes of some type go with photography seminars that are put on by leaders in the industry. For lighting try David Hobby's workshops (www.strobist.com) and there is another major business seminar I think ASMP puts on but you will have to google search for it. http://www.d-65.com/ the D-65 workshops with Seth Resnick are also pretty good.

[smg831]

I am interested in purchasing a copy of this course. If anyone has one, please send me a message.

Thank you,

Did you ever get the Not Your Normal Photography copy? I have one if you (or anyone else) are still interested...

[Karl Johnston]

"Free e-book — The Secret Of Making $2,970.00 In One Week Photographing People and Pets — and 6 day e-course — How To Achieve Success In Your Own Profitable Photography Business."

Look like money well wasted. It reminds me of the guy that screams at you from the TV about getting free government money. It won’t have any more benefit than reading books and that would purely depend on what books as some are really good.


The voice of reason has spoken

[tgoedeke]

[quote=lisamkr;6418926]I also purchase the course around 2003 and found it extremely valuable. If anyone is interested in purchasing this course from me at a discount, please email me. I have about a dozen printed binders of material.[/quote



Do you still want to sell the course?"

Best,

Tom Goedeke
704-791-4739
tgoedeke@vnet.net

[10102668]

anyone want this still? I have the deluxe version and selling them for a real cheap price. PM please

[tgoedeke]

anyone want this still? I have the deluxe version and selling them for a real cheap price. PM please


How much? Can you make a photo of the set? Tom G.

[Lowner]

Running a successful business is different from being a good photographer. The two are only distantly related in a photography business.

I know of some superb 'togs who have struggled and failed in the business of photography while other distinctly mediocre types have made good livings.

I remember meeting a "photojournalist" on an F1 weekend. She was using a simple point and shoot, with no fancy lenses and shot everything from her seat in the grandstand. Yet she insisted she earned a living wage from this. Her "secret", at least according to her, was that she wrote the piece and used the very simple images to support her own writing. The articles were all pre-sold ahead of the event and the editors must have been happy because there she was. A photographer she most definitely was not, yet............!

[10102668]

here's the photo of my set, I'm selling for only $200
http://www.yhwphotography.com/wayne/temp/nyn1.JPG

[kickmaster]

I have a set too, but will not "low ball the last post." I found the information to be informative, but have no further use for the contents.

[toddward2]

I have taken the course and found it extremely valuable. If you are willing to work, you can make a good living. If you think it is an easy way to riches, don't bother to buy it. For those that want to buy from someone that wants to ell their course at a discount you will miss out on the ability to chat with the authors and to participate in the continuing education.

[smg831]

I bought the complete Not Your Normal Photography course about a year + ago. It has been pretty helpful to me and I am interested in letting it go if anyone is interested just email me.

[josh5k]

Considering that I paid 179$ for a kelby training subscription, I find it difficult to digest 899$ for any other online course :-/ ... Will have to learn the hard way apparently.

[toddward2]

I took the course and have found it beneficial. Now they have a weekly newsletter that arrives via email that is also helpful. I covers the business of photography, marketing and taking the portraits themselves.

[El626]

If somebody interested, I'd like to sell business course

[maggihug]

I am interested in purchasing Not Your Normal School of Photography course. Please e-mail me at mhughes7@cogeco.ca if you have one for sale.

[maggihug]

If somebody interested, I'd like to sell business course
I am interested. Please contact me at mhughes7@cogeco.ca:

[kickmaster]

I have the entire course, and would consider selling it.

[maggihug]

If somebody interested, I'd like to sell business course

I'M Interested. If it's sold could you please let me know?
Otherwise e-mail me at mhugeshes7@cogeoc.ca

Thanks

[maggihug]

I have the entire course, and would consider selling it.

I am definitely interested. Please e-mail me at mhughes7@cogeco.ca. If you don't mind leaving your phone number, I'll call you to make arrangements to complete the sale..

Thanks