Richard Stromberg’s Chicago Photography Classes

Have just completed Photo I and can’t wait to start Photo II. I’ve loved everything about these class and even more than the Nick, Rick and everyone at the school are so welcoming and flexible. It feels more like a family than a school, I would absolutely recommend this school to anyone!!!

I am a complete beginner at DSLR photography. Prior to even buying my camera i attended one of their free Sunday 12:00 sessions to try to figure out if I even wanted to take the plunge. I’m so glad I did. The session covered the basics and afterwards, Rick gave us tips on buying a camera. His advise was not one size fits all, but more about various considerations and features (e.g. mirrorless, most popular brands, where to shop). If you’re at all curious, the free class is fun and low pressure.
I bought a camera and signed up for photo 1. I just finished the class and it was awesome. I went from shooting everything in automatic and having no idea how to change my camera settings, to being comfortable with apeture, ISO, shutter speed, and the use of Adobe lightroom for basic photo editing and organization. Nick was my instructor. The class was very interactive and he took a lot of time to answer questions and review the material. The handouts were also helpful to review on my own. Assignments were fun and I saw a lot of improvement throughout the period of the course. Photo 1 includes 7 weeks of lectures (about 2 — 3 hours per week) and 5 computer based lab courses where you use adobe light room and print out your photos. Printing wasn’t something I even thought I’d be interested in doing and I’m so glad I did! I plan to continue on to take photo 2 because I want to learn more.
The reason this is 5 stars for me really comes down to the fact that the school is a community of people who enjoy photography and want to learn. Everyone has been nice and supportive. This is something I am doing for fun, while others are pursuing it as a career, but I never felt out of place. I learned a lot and it was low pressure and fun.

I have been taking classes for just about 6 months here and really enjoy them. THe instructers are good and the labs are great. The variety of classes offered after taking Photo II is amazing. The only regret I have is not starting sooner so I could have met Richard. I wish we heard some more stories about him. I am so happy to be apart of this great community.

Great community and instructors, you’ll learn how to use your DSLR and process your photos in Lightroom.

The instructors are past or current students, and work strictly off a script. Classes are too large to be comfortable asking questions or having discussion. The lecture classroom is a jumble of office chairs, no tables, no place to put stuff or write out notes except while balancing pages on your lap. The classes weren’t ‘fun’ as described in marketing material, there was no unity among the students. Getting extra help between classes was difficult.
I was looking forward to moving on to more classes, but hesitate strongly against it. Disappointing.

I have been attending RSPCS for almost a full year, experiencing Photo 1 – 3, Drips Drops and Illusions, and their portraiture class. I am continuing classes so long as they have new ones to try and wonderful things to experience.
I went from being a DSLR neanderthal to becoming a regular lab instructor and an aspiring professional photographer. I started at RSPCS as a means of finding a fun hobby from a less then boring summer, and the school gave me so much more then a loving new hobby. It set me on the path of success, creative passion, and a loving community. The teachers care about your creative journey. They encourage you to email them with questions always, regardless of whether you are enrolled in class or in between. The printing equipment and lab technology they have is state of the art and industry standard. You will discover that you don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars for printing and photo editing. You will learn how to do it all yourself. You will learn your camera, and quickly. You will discover a talent within yourself you never thought possible.
Maybe your life won’t change like mine did. At the very least you will become a much better photographer and a thousand times more knowledgeable about your camera. But to those who are looking for little inspiration, it’s a good place to find some. Richard himself built the school on the premise of community, and that photography was something to be shared and enjoyed. There’s nothing pretentious about the school. Its a very warm and engaging environment. And with the recent change in management, I whole heartedly believe his legacy will continue, and the school will continue to excel above and beyond.
If I could give it 10 stars I would.

I started with the free introductory class. It was incredibly informative and probably very rewarding class for someone looking for a future in photography. However; the instruction and classroom environment was a bit more harsh and gruff than what I would hope for from a 101 class where I literally need instructions on how to upload some of my photos. Glad that they offered the free class so now I know.

I began Photo I seven weeks ago and I will say it was bitter sweet leaving today. I have a true understanding of the four factors of exposure and it is as if a light bulb came on. The assignments Richard gives the class helps you learn and grow from your mistakes. I wish I would have found this facility 3 years ago. I will continue to Photo II and have every confidence that I will grow into a great photographer.
Richard I hope more people find you and see the jewel your school really is. Many thanks for the laughs and the stories you provided in your journey through photo journalism. You have a beautiful love for teaching, I wish there were more people like you.
Best regards,
Sandra

It had been ages since I’d taken a photography class — as in the film days. I went to the free seminar in June, and soon after signed up for photo 1. Now I’m in photo 3, and loving it more and more. As another reviewer wrote, this is a very special place. I’ve had different instructors for each class, and all are exceptional, and all are available to help in and outside of the classroom. With their guidance, and peer feedback, my confidence continues to grow and my photos are getting better and better. Lightroom is amazing software and I’m excited to learn a bit about PhotoShop. I’m already looking forward to taking more classes here!

I am writing this review even before attending. As mentioned on their website, I got an email «You are in». I drove from Gurnee to their offices in Chicago to find out that they have cancelled the class. One more person was there who also had a similar experience. There was no email. No phone call. Very unprofessional. We had to call them to find out it is cancelled. Not even a notice outside their office.
Then they send me an email with some money off if I wanted to come again. I will never attend. They wasted my day.

I took a Saturday (one day) and didn’t learn anything I didn’t already know. Also I thought Richard was ageist. I am 59 and in good physical and he made multiple about my age (i.e. «you not retired yet?!»). His comments were ironic in that he appears to be in his 60’s and uses a wheel chair. Wouldn’t recommend his course.

Last night was our final class and it was so bittersweet. I can honestly say that I’ve learned so much in my Photo 1 and Photo 2 classes. The difference in my photography skills from my first photo class until now is remarkable. Not only am I no longer intimidated by my Nikon D7000, but I’ll never use the auto flash function again! I’m comfortable changing the settings of my camera to match the setting of the environment or image that I wish to photograph. I’m also starting to recognize the elements that make a good photograph and am comfortable photographing in a variety of light sources. I’ve also become a lot more comfortable with Lightroom 5 and can edit my pictures to my liking.
I absolutely love the instruction that I’ve received. From Richard’s «tough love» approach to experiential learning, to Nick’s unwavering dedication to ensure that every student understands the concepts presented, I can honestly say that in all of my academic career (which has been lengthy) the two of them have been the best teachers I’ve ever had! I really felt like they enjoyed photography and teaching and genuinely wanted me to experience the joy of photography for myself. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to study at Richard Stromberg’s Chicago Photography Classes and look forward to future opportunities to partake in classes.

If you want to learn about photography, TAKE CLASSES HERE.
When I took my first class at Richard Stromberg’s Chicago Photography Classes, I didn’t know the first thing about how to hold a camera, let alone how to use one. I was never once made to feel intimidated. At RSCPC I was given the encouragement and the support that I needed to persevere. It didn’t take too long to realize that I was actually capable of learning and understanding the concepts behind the craft. At the same time I discovered and began to develop my (previously unbeknownst to me) artistic center.
The classes at RSCPC are structured by professionals who know what you need to learn to become a real photographer. They know which concepts you need to learn, and the order in which you need to learn them in. The homework was always consistent with the lesson being taught.
I have taken Photo 1, 2, 3, Show Class, Detachable Flash and Lighting and Portraiture. Each and every one of my teachers at RSCPC were outstanding in their knowledge, art, and support.
I have since participated with numerous other photography groups who routinely go out and shoot together. I have had and continue to have a lot of fun with photography. I continue to learn by watching and participating with others. They have also made me realize how beneficial it was for me to have taken photography classes first. The knowledge that I’ve gained by studying photography at RSCPC has helped me to understand how the camera and the art all come together. I strongly believe that you should TAKE THE CLASSES HERE FIRST. The material that you will learn in the basic photography classes art RSC will become the solid foundation from which you can grow your interest in photography.

If you want to learn true, hands-​on, learning while doing photography, you will find no better venue than Richard Stromberg’s classes. I started learning about photography and darkroom techniques when I was 12 so I came to Richard’s classes with a fairly decent knowledge base. What I learned from him took me to new heights not only with respect to technical knowledge, but more importantly how to APPLY that knowledge to creating better images starting in the camera and stepping outside my comfort zone with respect to what and how I shoot. Sure, in this digital age there are all sorts of manipulations you can now do with an image once it’s taken, but Richard teaches you how to get it right the first time.
I have returned to Richard time and time again as my go to person for all things photography. He truly is passionate about what he does and the learning process and his methods and teaching style reflect that. The growth and development of his students is why he does what he does.

Richard will show you what it means to be a photographer. A real photographer. An artist. Someone who understands the craft. Not just a point and clicker.
There are few people left in this world that understand true passion. Those that do things for love, not monetary reward, and truly enjoy helping others get better. Those that open themselves to helping people discover the true beauty in photography.
Richard is temperamental, like all those who have standards. He has integrity, and can be difficult. And, I mean that in the best way possible. The way that will help shape you as a person. If you dedicate yourself, you will get more than you can imagine out of his tutelage.

I took all the digital photography classes with Richard and «graduated» from Photo I-​III. I even taught the digital lab classes for a while.
I have taken phtography classes since college and I have to say working with Richard was the time I learned the most about not only my camera and how to really use it, but of my own vision and eye too. He makes class fun, has amazing stories and photographers eye and really gets to know you and your work.
At the end of Photo III we got to have a showcase our work and all my friends and family got to see my photos on the wall. I HIGHLY recommend this school and class to anyone that wants to learn how to really take that «one» picture that will turn them into a photographer forever!

Currently finishing the Photo II course. I love this class. I have learned things I didn’t even know existed on my camera. I am very proud of what I’ve learned, and I would and have been recommending this course to family and friends. It’s worth it if you are interested and have the time for it.
The staff is just wonderful, although Richard might seem a little grumpy at first, he is quite funny. You learn what you need, and not a whole bunch of non-​sense. Everything is straight to the point. I learned a few things with every single assignment.
I love it, and can’t wait to start Photo III :-)

We came to the free camera class, and I suppose it was as I was expected. Richard talked through the four factors of exposure, which you can read about anywhere but it was nice to have someone talk through it.
The class was kind of like a college lecture. At first I thought Richard was a rude, grumpy guy, but that was actually his personality. He’s rather humorous and outwardly anti-​Republican (so if you are Republican, it would probably be a very frustrating class), and says some funny stuff.
Overall, for a free class, I think it was worth the time. He did spend some time selling his 9 month course. Given his tough love teaching style, I think it could be a good class. Just be wary that he says anything he wants and feels like, but I think would expect a lot from his students.
Quote of the class was «Photos with flash have no soul. But I have a soul and the scars to prove it.»

Richard Stromberg’s Chicago Photography Classes are amazing! I began with Photo I nearly two years ago. I didn’t know a thing about photography and didn’t even own a DSLR camera. I called Richard and he got online right away and helped me find the perfect camera for me. Two years later I am a photographer at a reputable portrait studio in the suburbs and I am still in love with the camera I bought for Photo I (my Nikon D-​90).
This School is something very special and I feel lucky to be a part of it. I have taken 4 classes here and now help teach a lab/​Lightroom class. There are dozens of top-​of-​the-​line computers (all equiped with Lightroom and Photoshop) to process photos on and Epson printers for archival printing. If you want hands-​on learning and real world experience, this is where you need to take classes. The classes can be demanding at times (Learning will occur!!!) and I absolutely love the teachers who will push me harder to bring out my best work (Thanks Marcus and LeJean!!!).
All in all, I would suggest classes here to people looking to learn how to use their camera, take better photos of their kids and even begin their career in photography.
Five Stars.

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).