I considered the NYIP route, but a google search found very mixed reviews on this and other groups. In my younger days I took an NRI course in Locksmithing. I took it just for fun and learned a lot about locks and safes, but found that the library had most of the info available...although those lock pics were a lot of fun!

I was told at a phot shop about a pro photographers assoc. in Chicago that offered classes, but can't seem to find any info. Anyone in this area have a suggestion?

-Yes. Do a search on the Winona International School of Professional Photography. You should find workshops close to you on all of the topics you mentioned. They are expensive, but good. I was doing a search yesterday and came across some in Chicago, but haven't got the time to do it for you this morning.

-PPA, Professional Photographers of America offers Classes, but so does Columbia College right downtown. Excellent facilities, great staff and the best digital/wet labs I've seen. I started there. It was worth the money. The Art Institute has classes also. They also have one of the best equipped studios I've worked in. You could learn tons about portraiture photography.