I've seen ads for the NY Inst. of Photography, and have read a article on the course in Petersens Photography magazine. Is this course a good one to chose? Do any of you know of a another choice that would be better?

I'm looking for a corespondence course (should learn to spell, too). Can't afford to pay for a course AND move to a another city to attend a school.

Any advice on this subject would be a great help. To get help from the government to pay for some, it should be in Canada, but it doesn't really matter to me.

I can not help with NY institute of photography. But, I do think that taking a class is a great idea. I would try and find a beginning B&W class. Learning to shoot, develop, and print your own work is invaluable.

Shooting B&W, developing, and printing the work is relatively inexpensive. I shot a roll or more per day while in class (35mm & Medium format). If I had to pay the processing costs for color I would never have shot so much. But shooting daily is a great way to really improve your skills.

Problems with "thru the mail" courses include that lack if interaction with other photographers, no darkroom facilities, critiques of work can not happen very quickly, and one must be very self motivated.

I'd try and find a community collage, or some other course in your area. Do not assume that because a class is offered at the local Elementary school, or a community collage, that the course is not worth while. The best photo instructor I've ever worked with is based on Northern Virginia Community collage, and his course offerings were excellant. But that is impossible to judge without taking a course.

I'd use a mail order course as a last resort, or to suppliment local classes.