A Few of Our Reviews from Yelpers
Haute H.
Skokie, IL
1/14/2010
Where to start, well I started taking Richard's classes when I was a
photography minor in college 7 years and let's just say that almost
everything I know about taking a picture comes from this man. You will
not have a more knowledgable, experienced photo instructor without an
ego more on your side than Richard. A genuine teacher and person who
loves what he does and wants you to reach whatever photography goal
you may have. For amateurs and professionals alike, I think this is
the best photo program in the city. Your photos thank you.
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!!
Dana S.
Chicago, IL
11/12/2009
I started taking classes at CPC when Richard was still there. I walked into the school one day and had an interest in photography, I had no idea what an SLR camera was and Richard was there and offered to show me some books that I could look at since I couldn't afford the classes, nor an SLR camera. I left there thinking, wow...he actually cared about me learning something about photography!
Some time went by and I decided to call him and ask him what camera I should get before signing up because he had given me his phone number, which was another reason I felt comfortable at this school. I am now over a year into taking classes with him and have followed him to his new school on Irving Park and Ravenswood. I am working as a photographer and his school has given me the confidence I needed to start working in this field. Richard and his staff of teachers, volunteers, etc... care about what you learn which to me is so important. It is hard to find teachers especially in photography that actually care about your work and your success and failures. I highly recommend taking classes at Richard's school. They are nothing but the best when it comes to learning Photography.
I am currently taking On Camera Flash which is a challenge but, that is what I love about his classes, they are challenging, but they make you think and learn and that is what it is all about!!!! The teachers and his staff are absolutely AMAZING!!!
M.L.
Wilmette, IL
10/19/2009
This is the BEST place to learn photography! Richard knows more about photography and has more passion about teaching others than anyone I know. The best part for beginners is the free 90-minute workshop he offers a few times a month, and the fact that the first session of the photo 1 class is free – giving you a really good idea of his teaching style before you commit.
Richard's photo 1 class is a great value. The 8 week class includes a 2-hour lecture (where assignments are given) and a 3-hour lab where you learn how to edit and print your photos using Adobe Lightroom. Richard also helps you identify the equipment you need to take the best photos (i.e. a 50mm lens is a great start!) and provides each student with a full pack of professional quality photo paper.
Richard offers additional classes for those who want to learn more – including flash, macro, portraiture, etc. – all taught by experts in their field. If you want to learn photography in a fun, supportive environment, there's really no other place to go!.
Jim F.
Cook, IL
10/17/2009
I found this class dragging on far too long in very cramped space. Not so much photography as talking endlessly about nothing important. The photography could have been covered in less than half the time. I signed up because it was billed as the cheapest in town and I found out afterwards that it is nothing like the cheapest. I feel like I have been defrauded. I had to buy a compulsory new lens, which I now have no use for, and expensive paper which added another $150 to the price.
The 'psychology' lectures just seemed to go on forever with nothing interesting to learn about photography.
The restrooms are five floors down (yes five floors!). They should have found a better facility for a classroom than this. Chicago is huge so why get stuffed into a tiny space miles away from a restroom?
The volunteers were good at their jobs and there were a couple of pretty ladies taking the class which gets it an extra star.
Comment from Richard S. of Richard Stromberg's Chicago Photography Classes
He is welcome to go elsewhere. Each student attends a 90 minute workshop and 1st class, FREE. Enough time to judge classes before spending money. An inability to know why the lens was needed tells me he did not pay attention. I will buy his Lens & review his notes. There are 5 bathrooms on the 5th Fl. All students get FREE paper at their first lab. Regular on time attendance is required. He never talked to me. My # is 312-671-7717 These classes are for learning not meeting girls. Fraud is a serious charge, I have lawyers. Take down your reckless review. You have waisted my Time.
Comment from Jim F.
This is the nasty, threatening email I just got from Richard Stromberg in response to my review. I think it speaks volumes.
"Your review on yelp and teach street is inaccurate and libels my name and business. You were given two opportunities in free classes to asses weather or not the class met your needs. Withdraw you nasty reviews or face a law suite for libel. I will buy the 50 mm f1.8 lens from you. All students were given free paper, if you did not get yours then you were either not present in class or not paying attention. Other class members will testify to your conduct and class attendance The bathrooms are across the hall and open 24 hours a day. The entire curriculum is published on the web site and you were informed of the curriculum at the first class. Take your anger out on someone else. If you are late for class and miss the opening remarks than you will not know what's going on. That is not my fault. At no time did you complain to me that you were having trouble. Your inability to communicate is not my fault. Withdraw your reviews or face the consequences."
And a further piece of abuse from the "professional" today. This says more about Stromberg himself than a thousand reviews could. I have never entered into any dialog with this "professional". These are unsolicited, threatening emails to me purely in response to my review.
"I would like you to send me the name and phone number and e-mail address of your mother or legal guardian so I can discuss with them your problem with truth telling. I also think someone should contact NASA to let them know that the universe now rotates around you. The will want to attach a GPS transmitter to your ankle so they can keep their calculations current for there space ships. The GPS will also keep the rest of us in the world informed where you are so we can keep our doors locked. Grow Up Pal I with draw my offer to buy back your lens."
Terri R.
Chicago, IL
10/15/2009
I've taken Photo I with Richard and and I'm currently enrolled in Photo II. In college I took photography classes (35mm film) and after 15yrs. decided to pickup the camera again, this time a DSLR.
Having completed Photo I, I can absolutely say that I learned far more from Richard and my lab instructors than I did in college. Students are given technical information to build a strong foundation, while simultaneously encouraged to think through solving challenges on their own. The assignments really push budding photographers to stretch themselves creatively and technically. I also learned to work with photo editing software in the photo lab, which isn't always intuitive so I really appreciated the instruction in this area.
Even if you have a photography background, you will still learn something new. Also, it's really nice to meet the community of photographers who've developed around Richard. I love seeing what more advanced students and the instructors are shooting and hearing about their experiences.
Richard (and all of the instructors) bring an enthusiasm and love for photography that is truly refreshing and inspiring.
Tammy S.
Chicago, IL
10/3/2009
I have just taken Richard Stromberg's boot camp. It was wonderful. I highly recommend it. The only problem is, you'll want to continue to take more of his classes. If you are serious about photography or just want to take better photos, it is highly recommended that you connect with Richard Stromberg. It is very educational and non-judgemental!
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 clas ses 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!
Kelli T.
Chicago, IL
9/21/2009
Best Bargain in Town
Looking for a photo class? Look no further. Richard Stromberg's Photo 1 course was the best thing I did with my summer. As an amateur photographer someday hoping to go pro, I've spent the past few years trying to learn my way around my camera. I've bought a shelf's worth of books, purchased and watched DVD tutorials, sat in on free workshops, and taken a course at The New School in New York. And while all of that learning was certainly of value, I'm amazed at how much time and money I could've saved if I'd just gone directly to Richard.
Photo 1 is an 8-week course that covers the foundations of digital photography. You learn the principles of exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, light available), and how to manipulate each to your design. Weekly assignments are given, each revolving around a different theme (motion, depth of field, perspective, etc.) I was amazed at how fun and addictive the assignments became. I learned so much in such a small period of time, that I often found myself shooting well over the allotted number of pictures each week.
My experience as a photo student has run the gamut. I've done the big lecture classes, the small one-on-one teachings, the online courses, and the self-guided readings. None of these compared to Richard Stromberg's Photo Classes. They're the perfect size (less than 20 students), his teaching style is fun and interactive, and you'll be amazed at how much you learn so quickly. It's truly a photography community... open, welcoming, no pretense. Particularly helpful for those of us intimidated by the typical "photo school" attitude. You begin to form a bond with your fellow students, critiquing and championing each other's work. Everyone comes for a different reason: to learn a new camera, to become the family photographer, to chart a new career, to pick up the weekend hobby. Whatever the goal, we all share a common denominator: to take better pictures. And you will.
I titled this review "Best Bargain in Town," and even that may be an understatement. At $400 for an 8-week course that meets twice a week for three hours each... that comes to $8.33 an hour. And the first class is free. I just spent more than that on lunch at Subway. And the receipt doesn't look quite as pretty framed on my wall.
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.
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.