Education

Features of Zoom Lenses

2008-03-31T08:17:00.000+07:00

If you are a photographer or just someone that loves taking pictures using your camera, specifically the single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, you must know what zooms are for. Zoom lenses are added to your basic camera unit to be able to focus on a subject correctly. It is similar to filters that you also add on your camera for specific special effects.

During the past, you would see a photographer carrying his huge camera case which contained about half a dozen different lenses. Each of these lenses has a fixed focal length and can only be used for a certain type of focus shot. If the photographer wants to take a shot on something from a different angle, he would need to change lenses. That takes a lot of time and possible loss of the good view for the shot.

Having all these lenses and carrying them every time you have a shoot can be a big burden, not to mention, expensive. Thanks to our ever improving technology, zoom lenses were introduced. With zoom lenses, you can have a single lens that covers the same range that three or more fixed focal length lenses. This definitely lets the photographer change angle or focus instantaneously as compared to the old lenses.

Mid-range zoom lenses are versatile since they can cover normal, wide-angle and telephoto focal lengths with just a single lens. Telephoto zoom lenses are great for portraits, scenic, travel, candid and sports photos. Long zooms are useful for wildlife and sports photography.

Features of Zoom Lenses

Here are just some of the features of most zoom lenses available:

1. Macro focusing. This feature allows the lens to focus at a close range. To determine how close a lens is able to focus, a reproduction ratio is specified in the lens. A 1:4 reproduction ratio means that a lens can focus an object such that if the diameter of the object is 4 inches, it will measure just 1 inch in the picture itself.

2. One-touch zoom control. Most of the zoom lenses have just a single ring that controls the focus and zoom at the same time.

3. Lens aperture. There are zoom lenses that have only one maximum aperture, while others have two, for example f2.8-4.0. The f-number changes as the zoom changes.

Tips in buying zoom lenses

If you are planning to buy a zoom lens, the first thing you have to consider is the focal length range. For you to know what correct focal length range to buy, you must identify your purpose for the lens. If you think you will use it mostly for travel and vacations, a mid-range zoom would suffice. However, if you are planning to use it for sports and portraits, a telephoto zoom is a better choice.

The size and weight of the lens is also a consideration. In general, a bigger and heavier lens is usually faster. One that has wide zooming range can also be larger.

Lens speed is important if you are intending to use the lens for indoor photography. A faster lens allows more light which makes it easier to shoot in subdued lighting.

If you are using a lot of filters, it is best to consider the size of the zoom so it can accommodate as much filter. If you want close-up photos, you must also consider the specifications of the camera with regard to macro focusing. If you are after flexibility, it is best to have a zoom with continuous macro focusing than a limited one.

Of course, just like any other product, price is also a consideration. The better the features of the zoom lens, the more expensive they will be.

Zoom lenses are really a good investment if you are thinking of making photography a business. Even if you don’t, and you are just someone who loves taking pictures, having zoom lenses is still a good choice. You can take great shots at different angles and distances.

So if you are thinking of getting one, decide first on how you intend to use the lens so you can make the right choice. As you become more and more into this hobby or profession, then you can buy different types of zooms. Carrying just one or two zoom lenses is not a bad idea.

Thanks for reading

The Things That You Have To Consider When Buying A Camera

2008-03-29T07:52:00.001+07:00

Photography is a much loved hobby around the world. Many people would want to get their hands on a camera and start shooting away, or get some supplies to be able to build their own darkrooms and develop the films themselves.

Photography is a fulfilling hobby, however, there are many equipments out there which can be sources of confusion especially for beginners. The mere number of equipments can stir up one’s head.

What better way to guide a photography student than to give tips on how to buy a camera, which is of course, the most basic equipment in photography. This article tries to give some basic tips regarding the things that you have to consider when buying a camera.

1. What do I need?
If you want to buy a camera, you must first ask yourself- “what am I going to use it for?” there are many different kinds of cameras out there and they are used for different purposes. What we would recommend, especially for beginners, is to get a good, sturdy point-and-shoot camera. These cameras are very handy and can be used in any occasion.

Well, the most intriguing pictures are the ones which capture unique events from unique angles. You may not be able to bring a more intricate piece of equipment when exciting things happen, but a point-and-shoot camera is always carried by photographers. There also are many other features that you might want to look at or avoid in choosing cameras such as stands and shutter features.

2. Research
A photography enthusiast needs to be able to know about what he wants to do when taking pictures. Reading different materials such as photography magazines (example: Apogee Photo or Popular Photography” can give you updated and fresh information about photography in general and photography equipments.

3. Know your budget
Getting the best pictures doesn’t mean that you have to buy the latest and the most expensive model on the market. It all depends on who is taking the photograph and the equipment is just a tool. More features mean more expenses. A buyer must be able to assess what features he needs to be able to get comfortable with a camera. It’s really a waste of money if you buy a top-of-the-line camera and don't know how to use half of its features.

These are just some basic tips on how you can start assessing what camera to buy. You must look into the details of a certain camera and assess the features and prices.

Author: Aditya Kusuma

The Things That You Have To Consider When Buying A Camera

2008-03-29T07:52:00.000+07:00

Photography is a fulfilling hobby, however, there are many equipments out there which can be sources of confusion especially for beginners. The mere number of equipments can stir up one’s head.

These are just some basic tips on how you can start assessing what camera to buy. You must look into the details of a certain camera and assess the features and prices.

Author: Aditya Kusuma

Tips on Exercise Good Travel Photography

2008-03-28T07:43:00.001+07:00

Traveling is one of life's greatest pleasures. Capturing those precious and exciting moments is even more pleasurable, especially if it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip. For the photo enthusiast, taking pictures of everything in sight is as important as going to these places.

So how can you exercise good travel photography? Here are some tips:

1. Choosing the right variety of camera
Purchasing the perfect camera can be as hard as deciding where to go on a vacation. A primary consideration for travel photography is whether to get a single lens reflex camera or a SLR, or a point-and-shoot type. They each have their own benefits and disadvantages.

In SLR, lenses can be interchanged. A photographer can view exactly what the lens is seeing because of its reflex viewing system. Point-and-shoot, meanwhile, have viewfinders that adjust the view of the image automatically. They are easier to use than the SLR, but its viewing range is a bit limited.

2. Selecting the right kind of film
The dilemma in choosing the right kind of film can be solved by determining the output desired and the traveling conditions in which the pictures will be taken. You need to choose between a color negative or a color side if you want to take colored pictures. The benefit of using a color negative is that it tends to be forgiving of corrections in color or errors of exposure. Professional photographers, however, go for slide films because almost all commercial reproducing is produced from transparencies.

3. Researching for the trip
Knowing the right information about the place your visiting is as important as shooting the pictures. Planning the trip in detail enables the photographer to improve on the quality and quantity of opportunities where he can take great pictures. It is essential to read before a trip. Browse through materials such as travel guides, magazines, maps and newspapers. Also, try to talk to someone who has actually been their. The information that they can give will be very valuable.

4. The right way in creating a travel journal
The pictures taken during a trip should tell a story, and should not be just a jumble of random pictures. It should chronicle the trip from start to finish. It is important to track the dates that the pictures were taken.

One should not turn down the experience of travel, just the same, as one should not forget to capture precious images from that trip. Perfect planning and having a keen eye for a good image can be the key to achieving everything.

Author: Aditya Kusuma

LOW TRUST SOCIETY

2008-03-27T08:41:00.000+07:00

By: Rhenald Kasali

I checked my students’ examination just now. When I will hand over their final grade, I have to see the examination news board that signs up their name and their signature. For heaven’s sake, no one of their name can be recognized from their signature. This moment reminds me of unique experience that I experienced almost seven years ago. It was when I began my doctoral studies in United States.

I arrived just few days and my advisor suggested me to open bank account in whatever bank in that city. I agreed it because living in America would be difficult if we did not have check book. Almost all transactions were done via post. They were electric payment, telephone, water, credit card claim, buying book, paying task, got traffic ticket, and paying for school. Everything used check. Without check, living in America was felt very difficult.

After having bank account and began to buy with check, I still found difficulty. The problem is bank teller called me because it is difficult to read my signature. I tried to convince that it was my own signature and I signed again in front of that bank teller. He still regretted it and said that it was not a signature. If it was not a signature then what is it?

“It is doodle!” he said and smiled. Since that time, I tried to make a new signature; it was a signature whose name was easily identified. Therefore, since that time I was used to have two kinds of signature. I called one of them local signature (which was said doodle) and another one was American signature. If you have ever attended my seminar and ask me to sign the book you buying, you must remember that I always say that it is an American signature: easily identified and red. There is also reader who asks both of my signatures and sometimes I allow it. The local signature is usually only used for bank matters and signing students’ grade transcript.

In one of seminars, I ever ask the attendees to sign in a paper and ask the next attendees to recognize their name. In fact, it is only few of them who can recognize a name from the signature. When asked why they make signature such a doodle, all answer like a choir: “in order to make it difficult to be imitated by other people.” Why all of us do the same thing? It is easy to answer.

Since we are a child, we have been taught by our parents and teachers not to trust easily to other people. “Make signature that is difficult to be imitated in order that it cannot be imitated by other people.” We follow it and spirits of distrust have adhered inside of our mind unconsciously. “Trust,” said Francis Fukuyama is, “the social virtues and the creation of prosperity.” Feeling of trust is a union society that is important to create prosperity. If there is no trust feeling, it must be no business. How come we have a business with people that we do not trust? That trust also will determine organization building of Sibling Company. Lower we trust other people, higher we involve our siblings, alumnus companions, the same tribe, etc. being involved in our business. We are closed for other people. The effect is our potential to become great will be blocked.

Another experience that I got in America might be able to explain how different the trust feeling was. When went to home town, after finished my study, I did moving sale for goods that still had high enough price. For example, there was three years electric dish washer and the price was still high enough, but it was sold with very cheap price. The buyers, of course, were our neighbors who were young families or foreign student from abroad. If the buyers came from countries such as Russia, Yugoslavia, Czech, Turk, Portugal, Brazil, Iraq, Pakistan, India, or Africa, usually the transaction was not smooth. They did not trust with the machine quality (was it still good) and the price offered generally. They tinkered with the machine, spent time for hours, offered questions, and then bargained a half from the offered price. The process was exactly the same when you bargained the price of a pair of shoes in Senen market or other markets in Indonesia. Finally, the result could be guessed: there was no transaction. It will be different if the buyers come from countries which may be called as high trust society such as USA, England, Finland, even Japan which have prosperity above the average. They only ask three things: why it is sold, are there any damage, and how much the price is. If they like, they do not bargain, just buy it. In their mind, if the goods are damaged, they will return them immediately. They believe that other people can be trusted, if they lie, they will be arrested by the police, judged, and punished.

Readers, what is the effect doing business in a low trust society? Hopefully, you can get the point, do not transact directly. Always begin with trust among your business partners. Without it, you just do non sense effort. I miss one thing, someday, our children will create sign that their name can be red by other people.

Tips on Taking Pictures with a Digital Camera

2008-03-25T07:52:00.000+07:00

Planning to get your hands on a digital camera but not sure if you can make the transition from your old camera that uses film to one that utilizes a memory card? If you are afraid of things that are complicated, then don't worry. Although digital cameras may be advanced, that doesn't necessarily mean that they are not user friendly. Here are some tips that can help you in taking pictures with a digital camera.

Enhance the color tones of your picture
There are times when you think that your shots have a cold or clammy aura. This is because digital cameras have default settings for white balance at auto. This is ok for most shots but if you want to increase the reds and the yellows of your shots, adjust the auto setting to cloudy. This makes your pictures appear warmer as well as richer.

Macro Mode
Activating the close up mode on your camera, usually called the macro mode, will make your shots have sharper details. This is very easy to use in digital cameras unlike in the conventional ones. To use your camera's macro mode, look for the icon that depicts the macro mode or "close up". Normally, the icon is that of a flower. Go as close to the object as your camera will allow. It is important to remember that you have a rather shallow field depth, thus it is important to focus on the subject's part that you consider to be the most significant.

Invest on file storage
Having a memory card that is capable of storing a large amount of picture files is important. This gives you the freedom to take more pictures. The higher the resolution of your camera which normally ranges from 2 mega pixels to up to 6 or more mega pixels, the higher the memory size of you card should be. With an ample sized memory card, you don't have to pass the opportunity to take a shot. No more worries of having a full memory card whenever that perfect shot appears.

Always use high resolution
Your digital camera has many resolution settings. Always take pictures using the highest possible setting. Although higher resolution means more memory used up, it isn't a problem if you have already acquired a good sized memory card. You will never know when the best shot you'll ever take in your whole life may pop up, why take it in poor resolution?

These tips will help you with your new digital camera. Never hesitate to take as many pictures as you can! Remember you have enough memory, why worry?

Use of Depth of Field Lenses Wisely

2008-03-24T08:40:00.001+07:00

There is a certain way that experienced photographers take such stunning pictures, portraits and photographs where the subject being shot is focused in a clear and perfect manner while the background is sort of a blur.

The following are the steps to take those amazing picture-perfect shots.

The technical

First things first, it is best that the camera being used has a plate for imaging that is large. Also, a lens that is considered fast should also be used. “Fast” in photography language means a lens that has an aperture that is larger than f2.8.

When the aperture of a camera is large, the image or picture that will be produced has a depth of field that is shallow. In photography language, this basically means that the area that is behind as well as front of the subject being taken is a blur.

As much as possible, the shoulder and the head of the subject should fill the whole frame. Also, if the subject is a person, don't forget to focus on the subject’s eyes.

The technique

Practice really does make perfect. There is no such thing as a perfect job done only once. It takes perseverance as well as patience. When shooting pictures, try to take a series of shots using a lens that has a wide opening and a stop on at least one or two.

Focus on various areas such as the ear, nose, hair using varying apertures for such. When the pictures come out, you then have many different options to choose from.

To be able to create a depth of field that is shallow, the best thing you should do is use a long lens – preferably a telephoto – and have it set on the zoom that at its maximum. Then, try to stand as close to the subject as possible.

However, for subjects that are in motion, for example a car. The camera must then be moved the same way the subject is moving. Or simply put, the subject must be followed. The best film to be used for such a shot are ISO 400 films. Also, don't forget to set the camera at an ISO setting that is similarly fast.

The body of the camera, especially when taking such moving picture shots, must be steady. Make sure to focus on the subject as you see it through the lens of the viewfinder. Using such a technique ensures that the subject being focused on is clear and crisp while the background is a beautiful blur. Such a picture helps highlight the movement being done by the subject therefore making it seemingly jump from the picture.

Photo effects

Believe it or not, there is also an easy and stress free way to create a similar photo effect without doing the techniques mentioned. This has become possible through the magic of software. Photoshop has a “blur” function, which blurs the picture’s background in a uniform manner independently as well as authentically the way an actual photograph may be done by a technically-savvy photographer. The software blur is and looks artificial while the real blur is more organic in feel.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the technology of software is advancing so that there is a CS2 version of Photoshop that enables anyone to create a blur that is considered as “smart.” This function takes into consideration the picture’s depth of field. This basically means that the function applies a lot of blurring effects to the pixels that appears more distant and applies a lot less blurring to the pixels that appear nearer. Believe it or not, such a function is adjustable that anyone could achieve any effect desired.

All in all, depth of field is a fairly easy concept to understand especially to those serious in learning the art and craft of photography. All it takes is a lot of patience, perseverance and a heart that is willing to learn as well as a mind that is open to making mistakes and gradually correcting them along the way towards creating a picture perfect shot.

Enjoy the Hobby of Capturing Wonderful Pictures

2008-03-17T08:14:00.001+07:00

Photography is considered as one of the rare hobbies that you can easily learn. Some may think that there's a trick in taking great shots. However, there are certain elements that you need to consider in order enjoying the hobby of capturing wonderful pictures.

With the exception of video cameras, there is nothing greater than capturing precious moments in photographs. They preserve those moments you are part of. You may enjoy those memories captured with your family, friends, and events and you can even share it with them.

To enjoy this hobby, you need to first learn the skills and techniques of photography. You can undertake training in technical skills to master the art of capturing photographs. You also need to consider acquiring different materials you will need to enjoy this wonderful hobby. Here are some beginner tips for learning photography.

1. Get to know what interests you. Focus yourself on a particular topic so that you can fully understand your chosen subject. It is important to have full knowledge on the subjects you want to photograph.

2. You may invest in a self-focusing SLR with the newest features with all the whistles and bells. You may also get an automatic focus camera that can read details on every captured subject.

3. If you choose to venture into nature photography, it is important to consider the location of shots. Make sure to that sunlight will not affect any of your shots. Position yourself behind the sun so that it will be use for lighting to create clearer shots.

4. Practice taking photos in your home or in your backyard. You can capture images that are not within your subject. Sometimes you may even create great shots on unexpected and unplanned moments.

5. It is advised to take photos steadily using a tripod. You can produce great images when you use the right angles. It is very important to pay attention to the size, shape and position of the subject

6. When there is no available sunlight on the subject, you must have artificial lighting to support the brightness and color of the photograph. Although the camera has a flash, it is sometimes insufficient in supplying the needed light in creating a clear image.

These are only some guides for you to enjoy photography as a hobby. You may enjoy capturing images as long as you have the right materials and good technical skills. Many believe that beginners taking photography as a hobby can end up professional photographers.

Different Kinds of Filters for a Camera

2008-03-08T16:09:00.000+07:00

If you are a professional photographer, you must have a set of filters in your camera equipment. Even if you are just an amateur, you probably have one or two filters. What are filters? Why do photographers buy different filters? How do they work?

Camera filters are transparent optical elements that change light properties entering the camera to improve the recorded image. Filters affect the different properties of an image such as sharpness, contrast, color, highlight flare, and light intensity. It can alter one or a combination of these properties, and can also create various special effects.

Camera filters are connected to the front of the lens. Aside from its features, it also protects the lens from elements such as salt air. Some cameras need lens adapters to be able to use filters.

Filters work the same whether you use them on a digital camera or film. There are just a few differences to be considered. Filters that can reduce excess contrast such as polarizers are helpful in a digital camera because digital is more inclined to blow out highlights. Digital cameras are also known to be less sensitive to ultraviolet light, thus, ordinary UV filters may not be needed. Also, infrared filters are easier to use in digital cameras.

Some Filter Types
There are different kinds of filters for a camera and each has its own purpose.

- Ultraviolet filters. As the name implies, this type of filter absorbs ultraviolet light. Cameras, especially ones that use film, have high sensitivity to the invisible light known as ultraviolet light. This is common in making outdoor shots, especially in highly elevated places where there is only a thin layer of atmosphere that absorbs the ultraviolet light.

Without UV filters, viewing far images can be difficult because UV causes a haze that diminishes details with farther distance. UV filters are available in various absorption levels measured by the percentage of transmission at 400 nanometers. A filter that transmits 0% is ideal for long distance and aerial shots. For normal situations, a UV filter with 29% transmission is generally good enough.

- Infra-Red filters. These filters are used to reduce visible light. Filters that can totally absorb visible light and transmit only infrared lights are useful for situations like recording heat effects and aerial haze penetration.

- Natural density (ND) filters. ND filters are used when light intensity is high and proper exposure needs to be attained or when a specific lens opening is required for sharpness purposes. This type of filter evenly absorbs light throughout the visible range which alters the exposure effectively without the need to change lens opening or do color shifts.

- Polarizing filters. Polar filters or polarizers enhance contrast, color and reflection control. It has a different optical principle compared to other filter types. Polarizing filters allows light to pass through in just one vibratory direction. Different alignment can produce different effects to the image. If the filter is aligned perpendicularly to the polarized reflected glare, the result would create stronger colors because true-colored reflection will pass through.

Polarizers are increasingly being used for outdoor shots to improve contrast and color saturation. A blue sky can be darkened by a polarizing filter, but it has to be blue in the first place.

Polarizers can also minimize and control reflections from water or glass surfaces. To get the best results, an angle of 33 degrees incident to the surface is advisable. The effect can be seen by viewing through while the polarizer is rotated. An object in water can appear as an object out of water without having the reflection.

Optical filters can be a good investment for those who want to make a living out of photography. It allows for different kinds of shots with special effects. It also makes an image look more alive by the different features and effects these filters have to offer.

But even when taking pictures just as a hobby, having some of these filters will be necessary to get the image of clarity desired. Taking a shot without a filter is indeed different from a shot with one.

There are just some considerations that need to be thought about before buying filters. Different types of filters are obviously for different purposes. It is best to determine what the main purpose is and what type of situation is commonly encountered.

As Lending Tightens, Education Could Suffer

2008-02-19T16:43:00.002+07:00

By Jonathan D. Glater

Major commercial education companies are scrambling to ensure a steady stream of college-level students despite the credit squeeze, with some preparing to offer student loans themselves.

The move shows how dependent this sector of education is on student loans and how vulnerable the industry could become if credit woes continue to make it harder for lenders to raise capital.

Commercial colleges largely offer practical education in fields like business, computers, health care and culinary arts, often catering to low-income students and students already in the work place.

Seeking to reassure investors, Corinthian Colleges Inc., one of the nation’s largest chains, recently said it was exploring “alternatives to help students fund their educational programs,” including expanding its own lending program and finding new lenders.

The Career Education Corporation, another large chain, has announced a similar effort.

ITT Educational Services Inc. recently announced a deal with three major banks to preserve students loans through the rest of the year.

And Universal Technical Institute Inc., which offers programs in fields like automotive, diesel and motorcycle repair, said it could lose tuition revenue if students default on subprime loans from an outside lender. About 3 percent of the company’s revenue now comes from such loans.

The credit concerns come on top of other changes disrupting the student loan industry.

Congress has moved to reduce subsidy payments to student lenders making federally guaranteed loans. Investors have shown little interest in buying securities backed by student loans, leading a Michigan state agency to suspend a private loan program for students.

And loan companies — most particularly Sallie Mae, the nation’s largest student lender — are tightening standards for private loans for students who have poor credit or attend institutions with low graduation rates. Private loans are not guaranteed by the federal government and can carry rates as high as credit cards.

“It’s akin to death by a thousand cuts,” said Gary Santo, a managing director at Fitch RatingsNew York who follows the student loan business. in

So far, problems have yet to be felt by most students. But some in the lending industry have begun to warn that there may be fewer borrowing options, even for traditional students, in the fall, at least for private loans, which students turn to when they have exhausted federal borrowing and grant aid.

Members of Congress in letters to the Bush administration Friday also raised concerns.

“A crisis is looming in which students and families may not have access to student loans,” said Ben Kiser, a spokesman for Nelnet, a large lender based in Lincoln, Neb.

Financial aid administrators at some nonprofit colleges countered that they see no imminent crisis and said not only that many companies offer federally backed loans but that the federal government is a lender itself, through its direct loan program.

They said lenders, which fought hard against changes in the student loan program, have been too quick to say cuts in subsidies will reduce availability of loans.

“They cried wolf a lot,” said Eileen K. O’Leary, assistant vice president for finance at Stonehill College in Easton, Mass., and a past chairwoman of the National Direct Student Loan Coalition, an alliance of colleges that participate in the direct loan program that was intended to make borrowing less costly by having the government provide loans directly to students.

“Will there be wholesale students not going to school?” she asked, “No, because federal money is still there.”

In some ways this should be a boom time for commercial colleges, with rising unemployment sending people back to school and falling interest rates translating, in theory, into cheaper student loans. But lenders, fearful of bad credit, are not cutting rates and have said they may not lend at all to students seen as high risks.

That makes commercial career colleges particularly vulnerable because they often draw low-income students with spotty education histories and they often charge considerably more than public two-year colleges.

“The for-profits typically have higher priced programs,” acknowledged Kimberly J. McWaters, president and chief executive of Universal Technical Institute.

The limits on federal borrowing mean students often must turn to private loans.

“We’ve got to be innovative and work together with students to give them access to cheaper money,” Ms. McWaters said. “Most of us have balance sheets that allow us to do so.”

till, lending to students is a risk for commercial institutions because such a step exposes them to losses from defaults. While executives at the companies say they have the assets to back or make loans, they also acknowledge the risk.

In a regulatory filing last month, Corinthian warned investors that “increasing the amount our new students pay in cash and instituting stricter underwriting guidelines may slow our rate of enrollment growth. In addition, expanding our own lending program and guaranteeing third-party lenders against default may increase bad debt from current levels and decrease liquidity.”

Investors are showing concerns about the sector. Since November shares of Career Education have fallen by about 50 percent, to close at $17.33 on Friday, when the company also announced that it was closing two colleges and seven campuses of its Gibbs division, including the Katharine Gibbs School in New York, after failing to find a buyer for those operations.

Shares of Corinthian, which traded for more than $17 in December, closed Friday at $7.72. Shares of ITT Educational closed at $70.85 Friday, but were more than $130 in November. Universal Technical Institute shares have fallen by about a third since November, closing Friday at $15.31.

Many commercial educational programs are privately held and have not disclosed the impact that tightened credit markets may have on their business or what steps they are taking to make sure that students continue to enroll.

“The publicly traded schools are actually the best of the bunch,” said Trace A. Urdan, senior research analyst at Signal Hill Capital Group, which does not own shares in companies covered by its research.

Not everyone believes that retrenchment in commercial education would be bad. “High-risk borrowers with low academic achievement who are pursuing post-secondary training should not go to expensive, low-quality proprietary schools,” said Michael Dannenberg, director for education policy at the New America Foundation in Washington. “They would be better off going to community colleges, which are lower cost and open enrollment, for the most part.”

Not all commercial institutions are equally at risk. Some charge tuition low enough that it can be covered just by federal loans and so will be better able to ride out a credit crunch. CapellaUniversity, for example, got less than 1 percent of its revenue from private loans in 2007; the University of Phoenix, one of the biggest players in the industry, gets just 4 percent.

“We are not really seeing any impact on our business,” said Stephen G. Shank, chief executive of Capella.

Source:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/19/business/19colleges.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=us

As Lending Tightens, Education Could Suffer

2008-02-19T16:43:00.001+07:00