Events

Class of 2009 Graduation

Friday, June 19th

Join the faculty, staff, and alumni of Hallmark, as well as distinguished members of the photographic profession, in honoring the accomplishments of the Class of 2009 in a casual yet professional outdoor setting.

This event is open to the general public. If you are interested in attending, please contact us.

Final Portfolio Review

Thursday, May 21st – Friday, June 12th

The Year-end Portfolio Review process is the culmination of a student's 10-month professional photography training at Hallmark. During the Portfolio Review process, the review panel will critically analyze each individual student portfolio to determine whether or not it possesses the necessary technical and artistic skills to qualify the student for employment in field of professional photography and imaging. Each student will receive in-depth commentary from the panelists as to the areas of strength and weakness represented in his or her portfolio. Upon successful completion of the year-end portfolio process, the student qualifies for a Certificate of Completion from Hallmark.

An announcement identifying the members of the 2009 Portfolio Review Panel is forthcoming.

This event is open only to family members of the Class of 2009, alumni, members of the photographic profession, and applicants and enrollees of the Class of 2010.

Arts and Blooms

Saturday, May 16th – Sunday, May 17th
The Arts and Blooms Artist Studio Walking Tours (10 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day) is the final event of the Crabapple Blossom Festival in Turners Falls. Free self-guided Turners Falls Historical Walking Tour booklets, Geological Walking Tour Booklets, and lists of area attractions will be available at the Carnegie Library and the Great Falls Discovery Center. The Carnegie Library is open on Monday- Wednesday, 1 - 8 p.m., Thursday, 1 - 5 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. For information call the Carnegie Library, 863-3214.
More information: http://www.turnersfallsriverculture.org/culture_history/crabapplefestival/

Guest Speaker: Greg Heisler

Monday, May 11th
As he has done for many years, Greg will close out the 2009 speaker series with his outstanding imagery, insights and legendary presence. His extraordinary imagery includes pictures of many of the people who are major players in our extraordinary society. Greg is one the foremost image makers in the world, and we are delighted to have him join the class of 2009 for this last and very memorable guest lecture event.
More information: http://gregoryheisler.com/

Guest Speaker: Vincent Versace

Monday, May 4th
Vincent is an award winning photographer, educator, author, digital artist and photoshop expert who will share his unique art and digital insights and techniques with the class of 2009. His book, Welcome to Oz:A Cinematic Approach to Digital Still Photography with Photoshop, is a best seller and must for the advanced thinking creative professional.
More information: http://versacephotography.com/

Guest Speaker: Rick Souders

Monday, April 27th
Hallmark is pleased to welcome back Rick Souders, commercial photographer specializing in food photography in Denver, CO. Rick share his award winning commercial photographic techniques, and also share his communication skills and philosophy highlighted in his popular book, "The Art and Attitude of Commercial Photography". Rick's inspirational presentation is an essential peek into what it takes to succeed in today's imaging world, without learning by making common mistakes in business.
More information: http://soudersstudios.com/

Student Open House

Sunday, April 26th
This annual event -- created and run entirely by the resident class -- showcases the student body's creative work, technical skills, and bright future. Visitors will be able to tour our 50,000 square foot Educational Center and meet the Class of 2009. The day's offerings include live portrait and commercial photographic sessions, an indoor car shoot, and technical demonstrations in our industry-envied Design Lab and Imaging Theater.
More information: http://student.hallmark.edu/openhouse/

Guest Speaker: Parish Kohanim

Friday, April 24th
Friday morning's guest speaker has worked for over 25 years in the commercial photographic business in San Francisco, New York and now Atlanta, Georgia. Parish brings a vision and style to Hallmark that will be enjoyed by all. Working with ad agencies and design firms, he has had the likes of AT&T, Sony, De Beers Diamonds, Kimberly Clark and Coco Cola as clients (to name just a few) during his illustrious career as a photographer.
More information: http://parishkohanim.com/

Guest Speaker: Al Satterwhite

Monday, April 20th
In 1969 after a year as the Governor of Florida's personal photographer, he quit to start a career as a freelance magazine photographer with Camera Five, an agency in NYC. Over the next 10 years he worked on assignment for almost every major magazine. Some of his commercial clients include American Express, Coca Cola, Dole, DuPont, Eastman Kodak, Johnson Outboards, Kent Int'l, Molson, Nikon, Oldsmobile, Polaroid, R J Reynolds, Saab, Sony, Tuborg, Universal Studios & Westinghouse - to name a few. He has won many national and international awards. Al is considered an authority on color and design, and has four (4) published books of his work on this subject.
More information: http://alsatterwhite.com/

Guest Speaker: Barbara Bordnick

Monday, April 20th
Barabara Bordnick began her amazing fashion, portrait and commercial career in Copenhagen and Paris. At a time when women were a small number of shooters in this field, Barbara set the stage for the many female fashion and commercial photographers to follow. You will be inspired and impressed by Barbara's experiences, knowledge and sensitivity in this high profile and sought after segment of our market.
More information: http://barbarabordnick.com/

Guest Speaker: Douglas Dubler III

Monday, April 13th
Douglas Dubler has been a fashion, beauty and fine art photographer for over 30 years, who seamlessly uses his craft and creativity to produce images in editorial, advertising and fine art photography. His commercial clients include Coty, Max Factor, Revlon, Redken, Avon, Charles of the Ritz, Sally Hansen, and Clairol. His mastery of light makes him one of the most prolific photographers working in our field today.
More information: http://douglasdubler3.com/

Guest Speaker, Beth Reynolds

Monday, April 13th
Documentary photography walks a fine line between empathy and exploitation, between what to shoot and what not to shoot. Beth, a master at walking this fine line, will share her amazing insights and imagery with the class. Her use of photography to help others stands as a masterful achievement in a world of mostly commercial imaging. Her presentation will leave the class emotionally inspired.
More information: http://photodocumentarypress.com/

Guest Speakers: Alison Pierce & Bleu Cotton

Wednesday, April 8th
Alison Cotton is a '95 Hallmark Graduate. After graduating from Hallmark, partnering with her husband Bleu, Alison has a very successful wedding business in Costa Mesa, CA. They will share with the class what it takes to operate an award winning photographic business that sets an incomparable standard for anyone working in our exciting field. Their success, from hard work, top-notch talent and determination will be an inspiration to all.
More information: http://bleucotton.com/

Open House for Careers in Photography

Sunday, April 5th
If you have been dreaming about a career in photography but just don't know how to get started, this is it! Join us for our exciting Careers in Photography Open House where you will experience the Unique Educational Training System that has turned those with a genuine interest into professionals in only 10 months. We have the system. You provide the ambition and determination. Sounds incredible? Learn for yourself on Sunday, April 5th. Call us now at 413.863.2478 (or send e-mail) to tell us you will join us.

Guest Speaker: Catherine Hall

Monday, March 30th
Catherine Hall is a San Francisco based photojournalist, corporate, editorial and wedding photographer. Catherine enjoys creating imagery with all people, from a bride in the Hamptons to Tibetan Monks in the Indian Himalayas. She is a sought-after lecturer at all of the imaging conventions around the nation and will be here to share her outstanding imagery, creative marketing ideas and unlimited enthusiasm with our class.
More information: http://catherinehall.net/

Guest Speaker: Stephen Johnson

Monday, March 30th
Stephen Johnson is a photographer, designer and teacher. His photographic work has concentrated on landscape projects - exploring wild, endangered spaces, and human altered lands, while focusing on soft color and abstract design. He has also worked on refining the new tools of digital photography with the hope of empowering individual artists to use these tools to express their ideas. A very early adopter of digital imaging, Stephen will share his journey through the years with this exciting medium.
More information: http://sjphoto.com/

Guest Speaker: Steve Schapiro

Monday, March 23rd
Steve Schapiro is currently contributing photographer for American RadioWorks. Schapiro has traveled throughout America photographing and recording people and issues during the turbulent decade of the 1960s. His first essays, which documented narcotic addiction in East Harlem and the migrant workers of Arkansas, gave Schapiro considerable attention and earned him prestigious assignments for the thriving picture/news magazines Life, Look, Time and Newsweek. His timeless imagery of Bobbi Kennedy, Mohammad Ali and other icons keeps these influential leaders in our society's imaging lexicon.

Guest Speaker: Bill Diodato

Monday, March 9th
Bill Diodato graduated from Hallmark in 1987. After completing his education, Bill moved to NYC where he has cultivated an impressive list of clients to include companies like Avon, Victorias Secret, Clinique and Clairol, to name just a few. Bills unique prowess of combining beauty and style, while exploring the fine line between art and commercial photography, has made him one of the most successful and sought after young photographers working in the ultra-competitive New York Commercial Market. He will be sharing a full day with the class, to include an informative morning lecture and an exciting afternoon live shoot.
More information: http://billdiodato.com/

Open House for Careers in Photography

Sunday, March 8th
If you have been dreaming about a career in photography but just don't know how to get started, this is it! Join us for our exciting Careers in Photography Open House where you will experience the Unique Educational Training System that has turned those with a genuine interest into professionals in only 10 months. We have the system. You provide the ambition and determination. Sounds incredible? Learn for yourself on Sunday, March 8th. Call us now at 413.863.2478 (or send e-mail) to tell us you will join us.

Guest Speaker: Eric Meola

Monday, March 2nd
Master of color photography Eric Meola will be visiting Hallmark to share his masterful images and insights with the class of 2009. It will be Eric's first visit. Eric's enormous B&W work and book documenting Bruce Springsteen and latest color book on India will be a part of his exciting presentation. We are honored and pleased to have this master photographer here to share his time, vision and imagery with the students of Hallmark Institute.
More information: http://ericmeola.com/

Guest Speaker: Jensen Walker

Monday, March 2nd
Monday afternoon, Dallas photographer Jensen Walker will share his imagery and career with the class of 2009. After graduating from journalism school, Jensen began his career in Dallas, Texas, assisting, freelancing and building his client base. Only in his early 30s, this high energy and passionate photographer is a great example of what it takes to be successful in our industry.
More information: http://jensenwalker.com/

Guest Speaker: David Trust

Monday, February 23rd
David Trust, CEO of the Professional Photographers of America, will be presenting his sought after lecture and guidance on Branding for the Professional. In addition to heading up the largest professional photographic organization in the world, the PPA, he takes time to travel around the country sharing his expertise in one of the most important tasks for an aspiring photographer, branding. This insightful lecture will guide the Hallmark student to new and very useful professional heights.
More information: http://ppa.com

Guest Speaker: David Wells

Wednesday, February 18th
David H. Wells is a freelance photographer based in Providence, Rhode Island. An editorial, commercial and location photographer working across New England, he focuses on photo-essays for publication and exhibition. He is an award-winning, digitally capable photographer, producing images for local, national and international clientele including Life Magazine, National Geographic Publications, the New York Times Magazine and the Philadelphia Inquirer Sunday Magazine, to name a few. His photo-essays have focused on globalization in India and Bangladesh, the pesticide poisoning of farm workers in California, the lives of South Asian immigrants in America, the challenges facing fishermen in New England as well as the complex relationship between Israelis and Palestinians. He has done work for numerous corporations including Consolidated Natural Gas and DuPont.
More information: http://davidwells.com

Guest Speaker, Douglas Kirkland

Tuesday, February 17th
Hallmark is pleased and honored to welcome back World Renowned Photographer Douglas Kirkland (lucky for Hallmark, he has become a regular contributor to our Guest Lecture Series). Douglas started his career at Look and Life Magazines in the 60's and 70's "golden age" of photojournalism. Some of his books include Light Years, Legends, Body Stories, An Evening With Marilyn and the best selling James Cameron's Titanic. Douglas has exhibited his work around the world and when he is not traveling the globe on assignment with his wife and business partner Francoise, he is at his home and studio in the Hollywood Hills.
More information: http://douglaskirkland.com/

Guest Speaker: Rick Sammon

Thursday, February 12th
Photographer, writer, and educator, Rick Sammon has published 27 books, including informative technical books and entertaining picture books. His latest book, "Rick Sammon's Complete Guide to Digital Photography": 107 Lessons on Taking, Making, Editing, Storing, Printing, and Sharing Better Digital Images. He is a writer for numerous photographic magazines. Rick also is the host on the DIY TV network of the Digital Photography Workshop, and host of the Canon Photo Safari on the Outdoor Life Network. In addition to traveling around the world photographing, Rick teaches workshops and conducts numerous educational programs around the world. When asked about his photo specialty, Rick says, "My specialty is not specializing."
More information: http://ricksammon.com

Guest Speaker: Bobbi Lane

Tuesday, February 10th
Hallmark is pleased to welcome Bobbi Lane, commercial photographer specializing in creative portraits, travel and stock. Lane's multi-faceted approach to photography incorporates over 30 years of technical experience with innovative artistic interpretation. Bobbi is the Chair of the Education Committee for the APA and will be presenting their important presentation SEP (Successful Emerging Photographer) to the 2009 class. Bobbi is located in Connecticut with her partner, Dave Miles, and her two cats, Carmen and Squeak.
More information: http://bobbilane.com/

Guest Speaker: Bill Sumner

Tuesday, February 10th
Photographer Bill Sumner is returning a second time as a Guest Lecturer for Hallmark. It is interesting to note that when Bobbi Lane started her photographic career, Bill was the first photographer that she assisted. Bill helped launch Bobbi's photographic career. Bill has been a commercial photographer for over 25 years. Bill is one of those professionals that is known in the industry as an imaging expert and problem solver. Nothing excites Bill more than tackling a commercial project full of challenges and devising unique and ingenious ways to create a visual masterpiece. Bill will share his lifelong successful career with the class, inspiring all with his knowledge and experiences. Bill Started his career in NYC and after practicing his craft around the country, last he relocated to cold but beautiful Vermont to continue his career.
More information: http://billsumner.com

Guest Speaker: John Reuter

Thursday, February 5th
John Reuter, Digital and silver halide artist, digital instructor and Director of the Polaroid 20x24 studio will be here to share with the class of 2009 new digital imagery and the magic of the slowly disappearing silver halide medium of capture. Instant silver halide photography and its flagship, the Polaroid 20x24 instant system, is like nothing that has ever existed before, and if it ever disappears, can never be replaced. The magic of silver halide instant imagery has been the basis for countless fine art and numerous commercial work that resides in collections and museums around the world. John is one of the few masters of both these technologies who has bridged both these two worlds, as a teacher as well as an artist.
More information: http://johnreuter.com/

Guest Speaker: Vincent Laforet

Tuesday, February 3rd
Vincent is a Pulitzer Prize winning National Contract Photographer for the New York Times. Just over 30, he has been published around the world in major publications including Vanity Fair, Time, Newsweek, Life, National Geographic, New York Times Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Stern and Paris Match. Vincent's work has been recognized in the Pictures of the Year Competition, The Overseas Press Club, The National Headliners Awards, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 2002 he and four other photographers were awarded the Pulitzer Prize in feature Photography for their overseas post-9/11 coverage. Vincent is a guest speaker around the world at colleges and universities and is an adjunct professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.
More information: http://vincentlaforet.com

Guest Speaker: Selina Maitreya

Thursday, January 29th
Selina Maitreya, owner and founder of Port Authority, has been helping creative professionals to succeed for almost three decades, by seeing the business and the art with a holistic and realistic point of view. She will be sharing her extraordinary experience and insights to help Hallmark's future photographers overcome their challenges and reach their ultimate potential.
More information: http://1portauthority.com/

Guest Speaker: Judy Herrmann

Wednesday, January 28th
Olympus Visionary Judy Herrmann will be sharing her imagery and insight with the class of 2009. Since 1994, Judy has been producing cutting edge digital still life and people imagery for advertising. Judy currently serves as the president of the ASMP. In addition to showing her outstanding imagery, she will be addressing what it takes to be a successful photographer in our very competitive imaging world.
More information: http://HSstudio.com

Guest Speaker: Lou Manna

Wednesday, January 28th
Lou Manna is a very successful and award winning NYC food and commercial photographer whose imagery has appeared in over 30 cookbooks, many advertisements and other publications around the nation. His inspiring commercial imagery and personality are sought by many clients and lecture venues around the country.
More information: http://loumanna.com

Guest Speakers: Justin and Mary Marantz

Tuesday, January 20th
Justin & Mary Marantz are new contributors to our guest lecture series. They are internationally traveled destination photographers, who call New England home. Justin is a 2003 graduate of the highly-acclaimed Rochester Institute of Technology, and Mary is a 2006 graduate of the Yale Law School. They travel all around the country sharing how they have created a very successful photography business, and will show the class what it takes to market, promote and run a successful business in this very competitive field.
More information: http://justinmarantz.com/

Guest Speaker: Andy Marcus

Tuesday, January 20th
Hallmark is pleased to welcome Andy Marcus, renowned New York City wedding photographer, to Hallmark. Andy Marcus turned a small, almost 70 year old family-owned studio founded by his father, Fred Marcus, into a multi-million-dollar business serving the biggest celebrities in New York and the surrounding area. Today, Fred Marcus Photography serves 400 to 500 weddings each year and has a full-time staff of professionals who specialize in photography and graphic design. Eddie Murphy, Donald Trump, William Baldwin, Mary Tyler Moore and Art Garfunkel are a short list of some of Andy's clientele. This phenomenal wedding business is a stunning example for any aspiring wedding photographer.
More information: http://fredmarcus.com/

Guest Speaker: Jay Maisel

Monday, January 12th
Hallmark is honored to have the legendary Jay Maisel kick off the 2009 Guest Lecture Series. With 40 plus years' experience shooting memorable color images all over the world, Jay brings his knowledge, images, and stories for a memorable morning at Hallmark. Jay's life is filled with unforgettable imagery, many imaging awards and a love of teaching and sharing with budding photographers. His unending enthusiasm that began over four decades ago still permeates his being today. The Hallmark class of 2009 will remember Jay, his images and his words for years to come.
More information: http://jaymaisel.com/

Guest Speaker: David Turner

Monday, January 12th
David Turner, staff photographer at Hearst Publications, will spend time to share his amazing imagery with the class of 2009. Many of you will be freelancing throughout your careers, and David will share his wealth of knowledge on the subject. The class will be delighted to meet one of the most talented and accessible photographers in this segment of the imaging market.
More information: http://www.davidturnerphotography.com/

Open House for Careers in Photography

Sunday, December 7th, 2008
If you have been dreaming about a career in photography but just don't know how to get started, this is it! Join us for our exciting Careers in Photography Open House where you will experience the Unique Educational Training System that has turned those with a genuine interest into professionals in only 10 months. We have the system. You provide the ambition and determination. Sounds incredible? Learn for yourself on Sunday, December 7th, starting at 12:30PM. Call us now at 413.863.2478 (or send e-mail) to tell us you will join us.

Alumni Roundtable

Tuesday, November 25th, 2008
Just prior to the resident class leaving for their Thanksgiving Recess, a short school week ends with plenty of food for thought with our annual Alumni Roundtable event. A panel of Hallmark alumni from recent years are invited back to Turners Falls for an inspiring day of engaging and enlightening discussion. Students will have the opportunity to ask lots of questions and get a new take on what working life will be like after Hallmark. The business portions of the curriculum start to become more vivid now as students mull over their own plans for June 2009.

Hallmark's Class of 2009 to Invade PhotoPlus Expo

Friday, October 24th, 2008
An exciting annual event for all of us at Hallmark Institute of Photography, hosted by the MAC Group. The entire class and staff will travel to NYC to attend and participate in the world's most important trade show and conference for commercial photographers: PhotoPlus Expo. Be prepared for a fun-filled day to, from, and in NYC with the whole gang!
More information: http://photoplusexpo.com/

Hallmark Alumni Gathering at PhotoPlus Expo

Thursday, October 23rd – Sunday, October 26th, 2008
On Thursday, October 23rd, 2008, Hallmark Institute of Photography will host a gathering of Alumni in New York at Sun West, one of the city's premier studios for fashion, film and photography. This highly anticipated event will take place from 6:00 - 9:00pm, following the first day of the PhotoPlus Expo. In addition to alumni, some of Hallmark's guest speakers, industry leaders and renowned photographer friends will join us for an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, "shop-talk" and fun. Alumni who wish to attend should RSVP by October 17th, 2008 to Kirsten Snow and make arrangements to be at Sun West, 450 West 31st Street, Tenth Floor, New York, NY on the evening of October 23rd.

Open House for Careers in Photography

Sunday, October 19th, 2008
If you have been dreaming about a career in photography but just don't know how to get started, this is it! Join us for our exciting Careers in Photography Open House where you will experience the Unique Educational Training System that has turned those with a genuine interest into professionals in only 10 months. We have the system. You provide the ambition and determination. Sounds incredible? Learn for yourself on Sunday, October 19th, starting at 12:30PM. Call us now at 413.863.2478 (or send e-mail) to tell us you will join us.

Class of 2009 Welcome

Wednesday, September 3rd – Friday, September 5th, 2008

Our 2008-2009 training program officially begins with our 3-day Orientation taking place at our industry-envied, fully equipped, 50,000 square foot Educational Center.

Wednesday, September 3rd
Our Orientation program commences with Registration followed by a formal presentation that will include faculty and staff introductions, along with familiarization with our facilities. Then come some fun surprises to break the ice, help the students get to know each other, and make everyone feel at home. We'll also introduce our new class to some of the highlights we have planned for them during their 10-month journey. Our afternoon session will undoubtedly be filled with inspiration as World-Renowned Documentary Photographer, Mary Ellen Mark, arrives at Hallmark to kick off our prominent Guest Lecturer Series, to share her imagery and passion from her illustrious career.

Thursday, September 4th
Today's morning session focuses on information designed to produce an educational environment and spirit of mutual respect, cooperation and integrity throughout our 10-month training program. The afternoon session features a presentation by Certified Speaking Professional, Eric Chester. As a former teacher and a coach, and author of nine books, Eric has been an invited motivational speaker to more than 1,500 schools where his presentations have made a positive impact on the lives of over 2 million students.

Friday, September 5th
Our final day of Orientation begins with an introduction into the unique educational training process that leads our students to success in the photography and imaging arts field. Our Orientation Week comes to a close with what promises to be an action-packed presentation by Highly Acclaimed Contemporary Lifestyle Photographer, Gary Land.