The RSCPC's first exhibit will be on display through November 8. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and have a look! 

The show, and one photographer in particular (Richard Katz, whose "Antelope Canyon" is shown at right), received a very favorable review in the October 7 issue of NewCity Magazine. 

by Katie Flessner

More than 200 people braved the pouring rain to attend the complementary preview party for RSCPC's first gallery show on Friday, October 1. More than 300 attended throughout Saturday and Sunday as the opening and party continued until Sunday night. And yes, the rumors are true--Richard wore his tuxedo for the occasion.

Streams of visitors continued throughout the weekend as part of the Ravenswood Art Walk, despite unpleasant and unpredictable weather. Many pieces sold, but more importantly, everyone learned something valuable through the process.

The show would not have been possible without volunteers from the RSCPC community who contributed food, drink and their valuable time. Also instrumental was the amazing LeJean Easley, Photo III and Show Class instructor for RSCPC, who coordinated the event. Her experience, talent and guidance enabled each of the participating photographers to produce their absolute best work. Below, show participants reflect on their experience and share what they learned.



"The show process really helped me fine tune my images to prepare them for display. I now feel confident that if I were to produce a show on my own, I would have all the skills and techniques necessary to make it a success. The preparation is rigorous and time intensive, but the satisfaction of seeing your hard work framed on a wall on opening night makes it all worth it."
 
"I highly recommend the show class at Chicago Photography Classes. I learned a lot about Photoshop, Lightroom, & printing techniques from our weekly group critique and discussion and LeJean's (our instructor's) guidance."
 


"The weeks spent learning about show preparation and display were really a challenge--fun, but a challenge.  This was the first time that a show deadline loomed in the future and it grew more ominous as the date approached and I procrastinated working on the photos for the show.  Once I dove into the work, however, I found it both educational and satisfying. Figuring out how to better display the photos using the various programs required thought and opening the help screens to learn various techniques. Having gained the knowledge, the ability to apply the new information and produce improved photo prints was immensely satisfying. I would recommend show participation to those who want to bring together everything learned in Photo I, II, and III into a focused practice, plus the additional opportunity to improve a photographer's skill set."
 
"This being my first show, I expected to learn all aspects of preparing my prints for a show, using everything I've learned in previous classes and then some. Beyond the work on the prints, I was pleased to also learn how to dry mount, mat, frame and hang for a show. As much as each photographer worked on their individual work, there was a sense of community. We wanted the best for each other, challenging and helping one another get the best results, offering everything from honest criticism to helpful Photoshop hints. When the show was up, not only did one have a sense of accomplishment as an individual, but we felt good as a group. The most unexpected discovery for me though was how I looked at the art. It was nice that each photographer brought a different collection of photographs to the show, be it beautiful rock formations, birds, city or waterfront scenes, or people. I have passed by many street corners or park benches without ever taking a picture of them--or if I did, I would not have considered them for a show. But, there they are hanging on the wall, and they look great. Art is everywhere. As Richard teaches, anyone can take beautiful vacation photos, but walk around your block and then you're a real photographer."

"This was my first show. I learned that putting one (or six) of your own photos on a wall and calling them "art" is a frightening and exhilarating experience. Frightening in that you worry that other people won't agree (or that they won't even come). And exhilarating when they do come, and tell you that they love your photos! I hope this was just the first of many shows to come. And my heartfelt thanks to Richard, to my fellow show participants, and, of course, to LeJean, for helping to make it all possible!"




"The progression from Photo I to exhibiting in my first show was an incredibly rich learning experience. The work was intensive, and often frustrating, but in the end it was all worth it. The experience of seeing people react to your work is quite a thrill. The most rewarding part for me was talking to the people who came to view the work and hearing their interpretations. It was very satisfying to hear people comment on the finer details of my photographs and to realize that the time I spent on the details didn't go unnoticed. I also learned a lot from my fellow show participants, and from LeJean especially.  Everyone brought a different set of skills to the table which allowed us all to learn from one another."
 
"Since this was my second show with Richard my perspective may be a little different. I definitely was much more confident in my work for this show. I thought our group worked very well together and were very supportive of each other. I find it helpful to have everyone review your work and make comments on ways to improve. Many times other group members notice things that I have overlooked or that I saw differently and this process helps me to produce my best work. As far as the show goes I was very happy with the number of people who visited, especially Sunday afternoon. It seemed to me that the people who visited were overall impressed with our show.  I heard several people comment favorably on the photographs. I thought the show was a major success."