In my next five entry's I'll be writing and sharing what we did on a day to day basis (if I can remember it all). I'll only be covering the five days we actually shot and not the opening reception or closing reception (food was pretty good and free!) You'll hear my opinions highs and lows of the six day course with Norman Mcgrath.

The Chicago River looking East.

Ok, first off I'm a member of ASMP (American society of media Photographers) and they send me notifications from time to time of events happening in and around Chicago. This includes deals you can get as a member. A $200 discount was one of the deals and one big reason (other than it was hosted in Chicago) why I chose to attend the workshop.

So, I'm a guy that got a good deal of photography work though an on-line portfolio and using a computer to show work in client meetings. The first thing we did on Monday was look over people's portfolio's, some on-line, others from a usb drive and most were printed images. I can't even tell you the lack of response to anyone that showed digital slides from not only Norman, but the rest of the group (there were 11 of us). Norman would spend 10 minuets or less critiquing peoples work that was on-line and a few of those who brought printed work, up to an hour. It was ridiculous in my mind and it should have been made clear to everyone in the class to bring a printed portfolio if you want Norman to give feedback. Norman went on and on over a few peoples work that it took nearly three days to see everyone's work. We typically viewed portfolios in the morning and looked at what other people shot then by lunch went out to shoot.

So its still Monday and My Landscape portfolio (I was going to use my usb drive) and my architectural portfolio (I was going to use my website) had not been seen. At this point and after all the negative feedback from those who showed work digitally, I was starting to get nervous.

We had a guide that came in from the Archicatural foundation of Chicago to give us a guided tour of the city. I have to admit, I was not excited about this as I've done these tours and I've spent many hours walking around the city taking photos. Besides, who wants to walk around for more than 5 hours with a group of 12? No matter, we pressed on and I made the best of it. Grabbing a conversation about photography here and there with Norman and other classmates on composing a particular shot or some of the challenges of other shots. I took a shot on the river of Norman and another down the river that I quite liked. The shots of the day are above and below.

One of many unique bridge houses over the river

Marina City & reflection from a dry reflection pool.

The Chicago Cultural Center