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Why Our Classes Are Different

Don't let the big windows and high ceilings elsewhere, fool you! It's What Happens In The Classroom That Counts!

Why do you get more for your money here? What is value? Is it all just about price? Well . . . Not Quite!

We don't follow the "health club" business model. You know the one. They take your money up front, and if you don't stick with it, that's your problem. With Photo I, our first class is Free. Always. And if you don't like the experience, No Salesperson Will Call. We don't fill our classrooms with as many people as the room will hold. No "coach" seating here, (three abreast, aisle in the middle). We include Photographic Thinking in all of our classes (no extra charge LOL). No slide shows of other peoples work either, our classes are about your work. The only person that ever learned anything from a slide show is the person that produced the slide show.

It's too easy to get lost in a large class. It's just human nature for an "artsy" teacher to gravitate to the brightest light in the room. It takes teaching experience and attention to detail to be sure everyone in the room "gets it." For more than 30 years, our ratio of 1 teacher for every 5 students in our Labs, has been the most effective teaching model in Chicago and the Midwest. You are not just another body to help us meet our monthly nut. We pay close attention to each student, and if you're having trouble "getting it," we'll spend as much time with you as necessary.

Our computer facilities are spacious, four feet of space for each work station, no cramming! No flimsy laptops, only large widescreen monitors. Stop by to tour our facilities: two computer labs, with 30 computers (PCs and iMacs); a film darkroom; ten "best in class" archival Epson Printers (three mural size), a Lighting Studio; large classrooms, with padded arm chairs on wheels; and in Withinsight Hall, our "WithInSight Gallery" where we have student shows twice a year. We provide all Photo I students with their own 50-sheet box of archival paper for their prints, with notebooks and handouts, at no additional charge. We have ample Free parking seven days a week. Photo II & III students have 24-hour, seven-days-a-week access to our facilities.

You see, this is a community of people focused on learning and teaching Photography. No elitism, no attitude, no rules or restrictions that get in the way of learning. No "membership" fee. Our students & staff have no restrictions on which paper surface they use, Matt, Glossy or even Fine Art. Finishing classes with Richard & his teachers will give you real skills to use on your journey of lifelong learning. Attend classes once a week with Richard and his colleagues, along with a weekly lab session, and in less than nine months you'll be ready to participate in one of our group shows. Our "WithInSight Gallery" is not for others, our Gallery is for showcasing and selling our students work and the work of the Teachers and Photographers in our community. Our WithInSight Gallery is open 24 hours a day to the general public, just call 312-671-7717.

We don't have rigid hours. We stay as late as we need to after class and we open each day hours before the classes begin. In Chicago each Photo I class is taught by the same teacher so if, "life gets in the way", and you cannot make your scheduled class, you may attend any other class in the same week and not fall behind. Every student gets extra time if they need it. Richard is available to students seven days a week, at times that are convenient for you. Everyone gets Richard's cell phone number and you may call or text him 24 hours a day. Richard even has someone answering his phone when he's teaching. All prospective students are encouraged to attend our free 90-minute workshop, offered each weekend, before they sign up for classes. Our first Photo I class is free, regardless. No salesperson will call.

Throughout all of our Programs, (our vintage teacher) Life Long Chicagoan, Richard Stromberg, uses his 45 years of photography (photojournalist) and teaching experience for the benefit of his students. Which camera to buy? Where is the best price? Which are the best lenses? Which are the best-used cameras and lenses, and how much should they cost? Do you really think you'll get your money's worth on Lincoln Avenue or Downtown?

For decades, Richard has established the most recognized photography programs in Chicago and the Midwest, in both Film and Digital, attracting more than 25,000 students. Over five decades, each of his students have spent a minimum of 40 hours each, in his class and/or darkroom and/or computer Lab. The simple math reveals that Richard has provided more than a million hours of photography instruction to those 25,000. So Richard and his fellow teachers don't need to impress you. They're here to teach you, to help you learn and grow and find your own unique artistic center.

Richard Stromberg's Chicago Photography classes.
No Certificates, No Powerpoint's, No DVD's and No Hyperbole
Our guarantee: Laughter will be Heard & Learning will Occur ;-)

At Richard Stromberg's Chicago Photography Classes, our only accent is on learning! We won't try to sell you a "membership," or caps and t-shirts with our logo. We won't ask you for contributions, or charge you to attend a Show Opening party and no meaningless certificates. We will teach and work with you, in a safe and nurturing community, where you will learn something every time you walk through the door.

We include Photographic Thinking in all of our classes (no extra charge LOL).