3 people found this review helpful
CHICAGO PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER NFP
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Featured Review
March 26, 2012
3 people found this review helpful
I went here first around five, six years ago and was met by the founder and director at the time and he was extremely rude to me. He knew me and my work and purposely went out of his way to try humiliate me. I have been around the block a few times, I wasn't going to intimidated. Then I heard he was terminated. I decided to give the place another chance. Since then I have been back numerous times, from openings to benefits. I was soon asked to be an instructor there and have been since. I find CPC to be a wonderful and supportive community of people who care about the world of photography. They are a committed bunch and I will always be part of this community.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
April 6, 2013
The volunteers care but the board?
Found better classes for the money and nicer people elsewhere.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
No
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
None
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Badly
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
March 21, 2012
5 people found this review helpful
Board seems too interested in drinking wine and spending $ on food. Better places to spend money and their time.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
No
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A little
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Okay
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
1 person found this review helpful
December 1, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
What a mess. Spend your $ elsewhere. Do not think the people at the top care about the students or even teachers. Large turnover in staff? Wonder why?
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
No
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
None
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
November 30, 2012
The Board of the cpc has defaulted on their obligation to the investors of the building they occupy. This group of people (the investors) came together for the sole prepose of providing a home for cpc. Because of their default, 27 people are about to louse their $350.000 investment. I believe in the past 5 years there is no person that started classes at cpc that have acquired the skills necessary to be able exhibit in a show. cpc says they are a school but they have not had a student show (of their own students) since I left as program director 6 years ago. Their gallery only exhibits the work established photographers. They use the gallery as a draw for their classes with the implication that after someone attends their classes they will learn enough to also be part of a show. Maybe, but because cpc does not have "student shows" it's not likely that they will be able to exhibit there. I started teaching photography in 1969 when I with others started the Jane Addams Center/ Hull House Photography Program (JAC/HH). cpc clams they are the same program that started at JAC/HH in 1969. They are not. The JAC/HH photography program only exhibited the work of their students.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Badly
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A little
Will you recommend this organization to others?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
November 2, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I was seeking community outreach that fed my love of art. Volunteering for the Chicago Photography Center was the perfect way to do this. As volunteers we meet with adults who live in supported housing or shelters. As a group, we venture through different city scenes while sharing photography lessons and discussions. It creates a new avenue of expression for the students and such an rewarding dialogue for everybody. It's been such a positive experience and I'll definitely continue my involvement.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Some
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Likely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 1, 2012
I signed up for a photography class and in the process got a life changing experience. The instructors are mind blowing to say the least and push me the way I need to be pushed. Every instructor is 5 star and in the industry as Columbia College professors or professionals photographers of Chicago's biggest media publications. CPC is perfect for if you just want to learn how to take good photos, but it also has the capacity to push someone to greatness. The students they are producing are high caliber and gifted. They are exhibiting and starting sucessful businesses. I have to say my favorite things is the atmospere. Instead of having a competitive atmosphere it is one where everyone encourages each other and it is not elitist. Everyone helps everyone else grow and the amount of friendships fostered out of this places makes it an uplifting experience to simply be part of.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 30, 2012
CPC has fostered my personal and technical growth as a photographer. I have learned invaluable lessons in the practice of photography from gifted and esteemed instructors. There is a strong sense of community among staff, volunteers, students, and visitors. I have friends in other cities and states who are envious of my access to CPC as a resource. It is so rare to find a place that offers such a comprehensive set of programs for photography. I especially appreciate their outreach to youth in Chicago. We need more positive opportunities for creativity for our young people. CPC is a prime example of the impact that is possible through mentoring. There are few such organizations, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to benefit from their many programs.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 20, 2012
The Chicago Photography Center is a great organization that has helped inspire me to take my photography to levels I never thought I could achieve. The instructors are passionate and knowledgeable, and are true professionals working in many of the fields of photography (product, photojournalism, editorial, etc). I'm very happy that I found out about this place, and can't wait to see what they do next!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Revamp the computer lab with Macs and make sure the entire system is calibrated to make sure photo paper isn't wasted.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 19, 2012
Chicago Photography Center teaches excellent classes in a wide variety of photographic subjects and has a gallery that shows both local and international artists, for the enrichment of its students and the public. Many students choose to take the entire curriculum in the certificate program and the expertise of the instructors assists them in their chosen areas of photography, providing confidence to compete in the marketplace.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
March 23, 2012
As the founder and owner of a fine art photography gallery that attracted clients from around the globe, and a professional fine art photographer who has had solo exhibitions in France, Italy, India and the US, I have to say that CPC, although a young organization, is on the right track. Their classes are comprehensive, taught by professionals in the field, and the lectures and exhibitions are topnotch. I think that given time, with the wonderful energy that goes into every endeavor, will grow into a strong, vibrant center for the photographic community.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
May 24, 2011
4 people found this review helpful
Chicago Photography Center is the best place in Chicago to learn a variety of photography techniques, in both traditional film and digital formats for those who don't want to enroll in a whole College program. The center has constant events, critiques, lectures, guest artists, exhibitions and competitions which makes it a true photographic community.
Constant innovations and improvements show that
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
By curating student work as well as well-known professional photographers' work, I am very impressed with many of the students who study at CPC.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Keep doing what we are doing, and add better lighting for the gallery.
October 19, 2012
I am a certificate program student at the Chicago Photography Center, and through classes and events at the center, I have developed a much richer understanding of photography of all kinds, and made wonderful contacts and friends. The Chicago Photography Center is a profoundly generous community, and I'm happy to call it home.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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