News

Gregory Heisler, Hallmark's Artist-in-Residence, Shoots Another Sports Illustrated Cover

Following the announcement of one of the most talked about sports events of the year, Hallmark Institute of Photography's Artist-in-Residence, Gregory Heisler, was chosen by Sports Illustrated to photograph the cover featuring LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh appearing together for the first time as members of the Miami Heat.

This is Heisler's second Sports Illustrated cover in recent months. It comes on the heels of his cover on the 2009 Sportsman of the Year issue featuring Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees.

Another Hallmark connection on the LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh cover shoot is photo assistant and digital technician, Claudio Beier - a 2005 Hallmark graduate. Claudio was brought in for this important shoot by Splashlight Studios in Miami.

Relay For Life

32 Hallmark students and one alumnus volunteered for the Franklin County Relay For Life event June 10-11, 2010. Photographers took free team portraits and each member of the team received a free color 5x7. A moving group survivor portrait was also created and each survivor received a free color 8x10. Students covered all aspects of this emotional 24-hour event, photographing around the clock, totaling 768 hours of volunteer time. This is the third year Hallmark students have provided event and portrait photography for Relay For Life.

Two Hallmark instructors present "The Dynamic Landscape"

Hallmark instructors Michael Zide and Peter Chilton are giving a presentation at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment in nearby Amherst on the subject of landscape photography and personal vision: "The Dynamic Landscape: Creating Powerful Photographs."

The event is Thursday, May 20, 7:30pm.

The Hitchcock Center's website notes that one goal of the presentation is to highlight "the decision-making process which leads to successful photography." The Center is one of the leading science and environmental education organizations in western Massachusetts.

Pre-registration is required; please call the Hitchcock Center at 413-256-6006.
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Hallmark To Host United States/Russia Photography School Summit

Hallmark Institute of Photography announced today that during the week of May 10, 2010, the school is set to host the first-ever photography school summit between the United States and Russia. The Academy of Photography, located in Moscow, Russia has chosen to explore collaborative educational programs with Hallmark because of its highly acclaimed reputation worldwide within the photographic industry.

The mission of the two photography schools is similar in that both are dedicated to training future image-makers for careers in the professional imaging world. While Hallmark attracts students from all over the world to its single campus location in Turners Falls, Massachusetts, The Academy of Photography enrolls students only from Russia, however, this is throughout its five affiliate schools with locations in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tomsk, Stavropol and Petrozavodsk. "This is very exciting! Both the United States and Russia have a long-standing imaging heritage in diverse, yet very similar creative cultures. This could be a monumental experience for all involved. Students, educators and industry representatives alike will benefit from the sharing of artistic ability and finely crafted works of art as well as innovative curriculum ideas and trends for the future of the industry. I am honored Hallmark has been chosen to host this historical event and I imagine it to be one of the finest educational collaborative efforts ever," says Hallmark President, George J. Rosa III.

The agenda for the summit includes discussions revolving around student and alumni visits and exchange opportunities between schools, a guest speaker series, a joint United States/Russia photographic exhibition, and other creative and commercial concepts. "I'm very much excited to finally visit Hallmark, a school that is highly regarded in Russia. It is my hope that we can begin a long-lasting relationship, in which Hallmark and The Academy can use the universal language of photography to build a greater and stronger understanding and friendship amongst imaging students, educators and professionals in both countries," states an exuberant Academy President, Andrei Maristov.

Students and Staff Raise Money to Fight Cancer

On June 11th and 12th, Hallmark students and staff will participate in the annual Franklin County Relay For Life to benefit the American Cancer Society. Not only has Hallmark been a major sponsor of this event for the past four years, but it has become a source of pride for those students who volunteer each year in an effort to give back to the community that has become their home away from home while attending Hallmark. A core group of approximately 25 students will capture thousands of images, from the moment the cancer survivors take the opening lap at 5:30 pm on Friday evening until the closing ceremony at 3:00 pm on Saturday afternoon. In addition, the students will photograph each and every team in group photographs in a makeshift studio set up in one of the buildings on the local fairgrounds where the event takes place.

For a $5.00 donation, anyone can decorate a paper-bag Luminaria, writing a poem or personal thoughts in memory of a loved one who has succumbed to cancer or in honor of someone still fighting the disease. Over 7,000 Luminarias will glow throughout the night as Relay participants, including Hallmark's team, the Hallmark Hipsters, walk laps all night and into the next day. In the past two years, the Hallmark Hipsters have proudly been the top fundraising team out of nearly 100 teams participating. In both years, the Hipsters were the only team to achieve Platinum Level, raising over $15,000. The event is always extremely rewarding for all those involved.

Spotlight on Hallmark Students' Community Service

Hallmark ensures that its students don't leave with just photographic skills and a solid business plan but also with a budding social conscience. Hallmark has a history of being active in the community; now it's part of the curriculum. Students volunteer to be part of projects that range in duration and style of photography. In addition to gaining invaluable real-life experience, they are giving back to the community. For more on students' work with organizations like the United Way, Dakin Humane Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Riverculture, see our new Community Service page.

Instructor Michael Zide is MAC-On-Campus Featured Educator

Hallmark Institute of Photography instructor Michael Zide is being featured on the website of MAC-On-Campus, the educational support program of the well-known MAC Group. They are inaugurating their new "Featured Educator" feature with a profile of Zide. The profile covers his views, experiences, and photographic visions, and includes a gallery of 31 landscape images.
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