My name is Gary Griffin and I live in Merrillville, IN about 40-50 miles east of Chicago. We moved here last year from St.Louis with our jobs. My better half and I both work in auto assembly industry. I had been attending school in St. Louis and was hoping to do the same here, but I haven't found a school that will really work out for me. Anyway, for the most part I shoot 35mm but I also have a Holga which I really want to use this year. I am in the process of getting a darkroom together and putting it to some good use. I have already been given alot of very good info from folks here, and hopefully I can return the favor.
My name is Gary Griffin and I live in Merrillville, IN about 40-50 miles east of Chicago. We moved here last year from St.Louis with our jobs. My better half and I both work in auto assembly industry. I had been attending school in St. Louis and was hoping to do the same here, but I haven't found a school that will really work out for me. Anyway, for the most part I shoot 35mm but I also have a Holga which I really want to use this year. I am in the process of getting a darkroom together and putting it to some good use. I have already been given alot of very good info from folks here, and hopefully I can return the favor.
Well, how about that! I just went by there this past week as I took a trip to Kalamazoo, MI to see some family! And, I have family in Ft. Wayne which takes me right through there!
Welcome to APUG, Gary!
That's my old stomping grounds. I'm from a tiny little town called Union Mills (my brother and sister still live there and my other brother lives in LaPorte). My wife is from Valparaiso (where her dad still lives).
What type of schooling are you looking for? I'm a graduate of both Purdue North Central and Purdue Calumet. Both are within commuting distance of Merrilville. It's been a while since I graduated (1983 from North Central and 1987 from Calumet), but I believe both schools have grown considerably in both enrollment and course/degree offerings.
Welcome Gary. My wife and I moved here a year ago, and I'm just setting up my darkroom. We moved here from California to be near my wifes family. I'm also working in medium format, as well as 35, all B&W. I'm gearing up to doing a "people in Bloomington" shoot, after I get used to some new (used) gear, and working in the darkroom. So, good luck to you, Russell Smith.
Sorry you had to move north; as you know, winter here near St. Louis isn't much fun, but winter near Chicago (and downwind from Lake Michigan) has to be a lot worse. Hope you like to do snow and ice shots.
Gary,
I live in Crown Point. There is a photography program at IU northwest in Gary. If you want/can commute, Columbia in Chicago has a good program as well. If you like I can email you and we can chat. There are a few of us with hypo smell wandering around the "region". Welcome.
Matt