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Richard Stromberg's Chicago Photography Classes
Categories: Education Adult Education Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Education Specialty Schools Art Schools Adult Education, Art Galleries, Art Schools [Edit]
4001 N Ravenswood Ave1st Fl
Chicago, IL 60613
Neighborhood: Lakeview
(312) 671-7717
- Nearest Transit:
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Irving Park-Brown (Brown Line)
Montrose-Brown (Brown Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 6 pm - 10 pm
Sat 10 am - 4 pm
Sun 11 am - 4 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
$40 for $80 Certificate
Katarina X. said: "Boyfriend's father has done some truly remarkable work for charity. When it was printed in the paper, I knew we had to get it properly saved... And…" read more »
17 reviews for Richard Stromberg's Chicago Photography Classes
17 reviews in English
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Review from Kathryn S.
Chicago, IL
11/9/2011
I recently completed Photo I and can say that I definitely know my camera better and have more confidence using it. Richard Stromberg is a veteran to the world of Photography and has a wealth of knowledge to share. He pushes you to try harder and will help you look at photography in different ways than before. He will also be sure to make you laugh. I am now enrolled in Photo II and feel ecstatic to be a part of this community of learning.
Comment from Richard S. of Richard Stromberg's Chicago Photography Classes 11/10/2011
Thank You for your kind words. ;-) More » -
Review from Dee C.
5/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I bought the Saturday evening class for Richard Stromberg photography was not impressed.
I have to say I did not learn anything at all. You may ask why the 2 stars then...and I guess I will tell you. They had great cheese and crackers, oh and wine! Yes, yes...i guess I am rating this for the food and not for the photography. I have had my DSLR camera for about half a year and have been using it frequently, but I do not know much besides the basics. I was hoping to learn a little more than I had already know, but the girl next to me and I found the class useless and good just to meet others that are confused about the techniques of a DSLR camera. He did hand out SLR cameras to those who did not have them.
He insisted I use his because he didn't know some of the canon questions I had, but then how will I ever know? I wish I had better things to say than this, but I don't. I was hoping to learn something, but felt like I had wasted a Saturday night on this. Good thing I went to eat Ethipoian food after this to vent.
I found Richard to be very unorganized and slightly short tempered. For goodness sakes, this is not a college class. He constanly wanted our attention even if we were testing out our camera. I found more humor in his anger than to listen up and follow his directions. I felt like he was going on tangent ends of nonsense that I didn't understand. I think every class must be different.
I am glad I had cought a youswoop and had not paid full price overall, but great cheese, crackers, and wine (oh and some great people I met).Comment from Richard S. of Richard Stromberg's Chicago Photography Classes 5/12/2011
It is true, people that are arrogant and self centered do… More » -
Review from Stuart G.
Chicago, IL
3/5/2011
I attended the bootcamp 1-day session. I learned something from the class, so I don't feel that my money was entirely wasted. But it is a bit of a discombobulated operation. In the midst of class, Richard answered the phone (several times)--and his staff frequently interrupted. Instead of focusing on what we came to learn, we also got handouts and commentaries on RIchard's well-documented (by himself--and he wants you to read it on his website) history in Chicago photography, as well as on politics and other matters. The afternoon session (photography software) was even more of a mess, with computers not set up and not working, and weak instruction.
Richard is obviously talented and has a lot to offer students. With just a bit of focus, this course could have been much better. -
Review from Michael M.
Joliet, IL
Updated - 6/1/2011
Update #2!
After several workshops, countless books, and multiple classes in my local area, I now understand how valuable Richard and his school are.
If you heed no other item than the following, ensure you heed this....
Photography is about hard work above all else!!! It not about Photoshop or Lightroom, or camera gear, or lenses (although they all matter to a degree).
At the time, I didn't understand nor appreciate what Richard meant in his first class where he said "you're goin to work your a$$ off" but now, I do. Not only do I push myself as hard as I can, I realize that being mentored by someone who is knowledgeable, willing to share, and is going to push you to your limits is invaluable.
For those of you in Richard's local area, and interested in photography, I would highly recommend that you take his courses. You will enjoy your life, your hobby | your work so much more than you normally would have.
Cheers Richard & your crew.
I've also recommended2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/31/2010
To follow up, I've decided to take more formalized coursework closer to my area. Because I live in… Read more »
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Review from John M.
Evanston, IL
3/8/2011
I attended the 1 day boot camp last Saturday and found the class pretty useful. Going in, I realized this 1 class was not going to transform me into the next photojournalist of the year...but really I just wanted a bit more practical discussion around the technical aspects of photography. Regarding Stromberg, he is certainly a character, but I found him entertaining and informative.
The computer lab portion of the class started off a bit rocky, as everyone uploaded their pix. When you have ten people with varying degrees of computer literacy and using new software, the process is going to take a bit of time. Ron, the instructor, was incredibly patient and helped to get everyone up and running. By 5pm, most people were on their way out the door, but Ron was happy to stay around to help me and another student work on tweaking photos until 6:30.
Overall, a helpful class that gave me the knowledge base I wanted....but realize going in, you're not going to become a stellar photographer in just one class. -
Review from John W.
Chicago, IL
1/30/2011
The date-night class was one part introductary course, one part performance monologue. Once I figured out what was going on, I had a blast.
The first hour was a meet and greet with plenty of food and wine. This probably could have been half as long, as everyone was anxious to get into the course.
As the class was a gift for my wife, I hoped to coast by, maybe have an extra glass of wine, and keep an eye on the basketball game I was missing. Not a chance. Our instructor demanded attention (and note taking).
The lecture content was very rudimentary, I assume it's the first lesson from a much longer course. But he lectures like a libertarian Andy Rooney, full of disdain for just about everyone. It was fun to watch him get wound up.
It seemed like the most informative part was when he opened it up to questions (hint: you're doing everything wrong), and then spoke about how to buy equipment intelligently.
Overall, this is a talented artist with a personal style he deeply wants to pass on to his students. Once I stopped expecting a polished lecture, I had a blast. -
Review from Sonia R.
Chicago, IL
10/18/2009
I am so excited to have found this place!
I am a full time business owner who really needs a new hobby to save my sanity! So I decided to get back into photography. I dabbled with it in HS and now 20 years later, I find that I still love it.
Richard was very easy going and I loved his sense of humor. He is an OLD SCHOOL type of teacher. He is a patient teacher but he is serious and expects you to be as well. Which I think is amazing. He isn't going to baby you, he gives it to you straight and I love that about him.
Edited to add:
Now that i have taken the class I wish I would have gotten a bit more for my $400. I hear Photo 2 is MUCH better. Not sure if I plan to invest another $400 for it. I may however.
I think Richard should run the school and have others teach for him. He has an amazing concept and there obviously is a need. -
Review from Kristin J.
Chicago, IL
9/24/2009
I'd never owned a "nice" camera before, but always wanted to take professional classes. After attending Richard's first free class, I really liked the friendly and open environment and signed up for Photo I. It was a phenomenal class where you learn photography basics of exposure, capturing motion, aperture, etc. Each week you build upon what you've already learned, and on the last assignment you really get a sense for how much you actually learned over the last 8 weeks. Richard takes the time to answer everyone's questions thoughtfully, and you get a great base to start editing photos in Lightroom.
Photo II is a great next step after Photo I. You learn more about ways to manipulate your camera to get the shots with white balance and difficult exposure situations, composition, color and editing and more. If you take Photo I, absolutely take Photo II to really get a full understanding of what your camera can really do. They have other classes and boot camps offered, but I highly recommend this place for anyone who wants to learn how to take amazing photos. AND THE BEST THING: you get the best teachers at half the cost of other places! I can take 2 classes here for what 1 class is elsewhere. Sign up or at attend the free class to see if you like it, but I am positive you will! -
Review from Kristin P.
Elgin, IL
4/11/2009
I really enjoyed my time in Richards classes. His approach is to teach you the basics and then encourage you to push your creativity to the limits. He literally lives and breathes photography and art, and it shows in everything he does. From the community of local photographers that he inspires, to the encouragement and constructive criticism he dishes out, he's one of a kind and I will always appreciate the knowledge and experience he helped me achieve.
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Review from jen p.
Chicago, IL
4/11/2009 3 photos
Richard Stromberg is the reason that I am regarded as that friend to give the camera too when my other friends want a good picture to come out. His vast knowledge and experience in the field of photography shines through in his passions for teaching his students. This is not just a day job for this man, it is the reason he wakes up every morning. Since I met him over a year ago, he has been nothing but gracious with me--and always willing to help me whenever he can. The countless volunteers who walked out on the CPC after he was fired from there are a true testament to the worth and value of having Richard as a teacher in our community. If you are looking for classes on how to learn photography, check out Richard Stromberg's Photo Classes. The eight week course meets twice a week, and is broken up into classroom time and lab time. The lab is run by really smart and tech savvy people who make learning software like Adobe Lightroom a breeze when it comes to digitally developing your photographs. Do yourself a favor and take some classes. And afterwards, walk over to the threadless warehouse next door and pick up a cool t-shirt!
Friends don't let friends take classes from anyone other than Richard Stromberg... -
Review from Allison C.
Chicago, IL
5/14/2010
My hubby bought me a Nikon D90 (per Richard's direction) and enrolled me in Photo I class as my birthday gift last fall. Ten months later, not only am I proficient with a DSLR camera, but I am also a part of a fantastic community. I have taken 3 classes (Photo I, II, and III) and volunteer on a weekly basis in the photo lab. I have learned from the instructors, as well as, shared triumphs and lessons learned with my peers. If you want to be a part of an ego-free, laid-back, and encouraging environment, where you will learn a ton, this is the place for you.
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Review from Mercedes S.
Chicago, IL
6/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have previously taken Digital I and II and Photo I with Richard and I have loved his method of teaching. I will be returning to his classroom in July for some more lesson from someone who knows what he is talking about. Richard, I'll be seeing you soon. I highly recommend the instuctor and the school.
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Review from Mindy V.
Charlotte, NC
9/14/2010
I don't know what is going on with these reviews, they either seem way mean and childish or glowing. Something fishy going on there! I personally did not like RIchards style of teaching. He is a very nice guy that has done some cool charity work and has tons of talent and experience, but I personally don't learn alot from hearing alot about his experiences traveling the world. I wanted more of the technical side of photography, I have no trouble exploring the artistic side on my own, just want the technical stuff that would take me from an ok photographer to getting sharper, more consistent shots. He does kinda go on and on about things that were not of interest to me. If you are interested in potificating on the morals of photography, the relationships with subjects, the cool places that he has been and what someone else thinks is art you will like this. Many of my classmates did. Just not my thing.
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Review from Kenny K.
Chicago, IL
4/11/2009
I definitely recommend Photo I for people interested in photography. It helps to have a solid foundation. The assignments are fun and challenging. Labs are always interesting because the instructors show how easy it is to use Lightroom.
I found Richard's teaching style of telling anecdotes was genuine and humorous. Learning occurs after every class and shooting assignments.
I really enjoyed my 8 weeks in Photo I, my classmates were great and so were the instructors. I will be taking Photo II and Flash in the following months. -
Review from Thomas M.
Chicago, IL
7/20/2009
I took one of Richard's classes several years ago. I learned everything I needed to know to get an image on film and develop it in the darkroom. While I've moved on to digital since then, the basics I learned in the class have served me well, giving me strong fundamentals to fix problems and take better photos.
Richard's teaching style is pretty particular (definitely not my favorite), but you can't beat his offer to try out the first class free and see if it works with you. You'll learn a ton and at a very reasonable price. -
Review from James S.
Chicago, IL
12/17/2009
After taking a Photo I course here, I just have to say how happy I was with the course. I really learned a lot more than I ever expected in 7 weeks.. Very well-rounded curriculum, touching on camera basics, photography basics as well as learning Lightroom software and printing.. talking about each other's work, and learning about the psychological relationship between photographer and subject.. it just goes on and on. Great one-on-one time, Richard is always available to answer your questions. I learned so much about my camera in this first course as well.
Very happy with course... highly recommend!! -
Review from Katie F.
Chicago, IL
5/26/2009
Richard's Chicago Photography Classes is a young, but quickly-growing community of students, teachers and volunteers who are all focused on one thing - helping one another become better photographers. There is no doubt that taking courses here will improve your skills. In fact, you will probably surprise yourself at what you are capable of. Richard's courses are designed to be challenging, and will require a significant time committment and effort. However, the hard work pays off in spades. You will have an endless amount of resources at your disposal to help you through the learning process, including a team of dedicated instructors and volunteers (not to mention fellow-students) who are always willing to offer valuable advice and feedback. It is this community aspect that makes Richard's school such an effective learning environment. Teaching photography is Richard's life-mission, and his level of committment, wisdom and experience cannot be matched anywhere else.
