Jeffrey Sisto

major :: editorial photography / minor :: portraiture & wedding photography

I came to NESOP with a Bachelor’s Degree from Bates College and a Basic Still Photography Diploma I earned in the Marines. I knew I wanted to be a professional photographer. I’d had some training, but I needed a more well-rounded education. Because I am married with children, learning the business of photography was essential. NESOP offered the comprehensive technical, artistic and business education I was seeking. 

I found the program intense, challenging and rewarding. The two years gave me the time to achieve a deep educational experience and understanding of what I wanted to do with my photography, what I wanted my images to communicate and who I was as a photographer. My exposure to and understanding of photography has increased exponentially. 

NESOP is successful because the faculty, students and staff take an interest in you personally. So much of who you are shows up in your photography, and the people here care about that.

As a Veteran, I came to NESOP with a unique world view, shaped by intense experiences and powerful influences on my character. Most Veterans have “real-world” experience—be it peace-keeping, anti-terrorism, combat operations or training to be in the Armed Forces. 
I believe this experience gives them maturity, discipline, perseverance and resilience—
necessary qualities for success in a challenging program like NESOP’s. I had a lot to say, and my NESOP education has helped me channel it and express it visually. I was always being pushed beyond my comfort zone to make better images. It’s amazing how much you learn here. And, you don’t do it alone. There’s always someone there for you. Your NESOP resources are everywhere.

Graham Ingallina

major :: black & white photography / minor :: architectural photography

After experimenting with different degree programs, I decided to follow my passion and pursue photography. I knew that I wanted to work in fine art—black & white, and I wanted to work with film. I also knew that I might work with architectural photography. At NESOP, you can do both. Unlike at other schools, you’re able to choose a major and minor. You’re able to work with film at NESOP, and for me, that’s essential. So is the location—I want to be in Boston. There are more resources here, and you never run out of things to shoot. 

NESOP provides such a well-rounded, complete photographic education. The program is strictly photography. While I don’t have an undergraduate degree, I do have college experience, and I didn’t need two years of liberal arts classes. I came 
here because I wanted to jump right in and focus on photography.

In the first year, you build your technical skills. NESOP gives you the time to explore your artistic and career options; and based on your explorations, pursue what’s right for you. During the second year, you develop and refine your vision. To an artist, vision is critical. You don’t want to make the same image every time you shoot; yet, you do want to develop your own unique, identifiable style. The length of the Professional Photography Program allows you to mature as an artist and professional and develop your own identity as an image maker. You also need that time to understand the way you work and develop an efficient workflow. You develop tangible skills, learn about Yourself and how you work, and then learn to work efficiently as a professional while offering something unique as a photographer.

NESOP is not like traditional colleges. You make two professional portfolios here—a Major and a Minor. According to my research, no other school does this. The faculty is extremely accessible and approachable. They make your dreams tangible. NESOP has high standards and you have to meet them to succeed in the program. I found the pace and expectations of the program to be intensely challenging and rewarding. Now, I shoot architectural photography for a living and continue to produce fine art work for exhibition. I love my career!

Jocelyn Gabriel

major :: visual journalism / minor :: documentary photography

I’d always carried my camera with me and loved taking pictures. Photography was my dream job. Then, I found NESOP and realized it was possible to make a career doing what I loved. I attended three different colleges before earning my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Queensland in Australia. The experience at NESOP is totally different. This really is a community. Students know you. Faculty knows you. Administration and staff knows you. And they all care about you as a person and your success as 
a photographer.

The two-year program is just the right balance of time, commitment and focus. The way the program is structured, you have to keep learning, retain what you’ve learned and build on it to progress. It’s so focused. From day one, you’re expected to be a professional, to produce, to contribute.

I was getting professional assignments as a student, and I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I’m standing with photographers who have been shooting for the Globe and news outlets for years.’ I had press credentials. I was on the floor at Celtics games. I was in the Patriots locker room. My images were getting published. On the second day of photojournalism class, we were out shooting the Red Sox rally, and my photograph made the front page of Boston Now. This helped me build my confidence and résumé.

There’s a lot of support at NESOP—it’s like a second home. There’s an open-door policy from the top down. Everyone is willing to talk to you regardless of their position, the day or time. They’re all really interested in you and your work. Until I came to NESOP, I’d never had teachers that legitimately wanted me to do as well as them. They help you find opportunities in your field. The majority of the internships I’ve participated in or freelancing work I’ve secured has been supplied by the career and alumni services office and my instructors. At NESOP, the opportunities to work and to network are there—you just have to take advantage of them.