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Graduate Spotlight2009 • 2008 • 2007
Danielle Bardis, Class of 2009
Andy Bardon, Class of 2009
Meagan Beauchemin, Class of 2009
Daniel Bishop, Class of 2009
Kristen Black, Class of 2009
Konrad Brattke, Class of 2009
Matthew Campagna, Class of 2009
Bree Campbell, Class of 2009
Jen Dederich, Class of 2009
Krista Derrickson, Class of 2009
Amy Dieker, Class of 2009
Darryl Dobson, Class of 2009
Kristi Fiske, Class of 2009
Stephanie Goh, Class of 2009
Dane Harris, Class of 2009
Ashley Heyl, Class of 2009
Juanita Hong, Class of 2009
Adam Hribar, Class of 2009
Natalie Jauss, Class of 2009
Leia Jobe, Class of 2009
Leland Marshall, Class of 2009
David McMasters, Class of 2009
Jacquie Puoci, Class of 2009
John Quilhot, Class of 2009
Gudjon Sigurdsson, Class of 2009
Marcus Smith, Class of 2009
John Stevenson, Class of 2009
Tucker Stokes, Class of 2009
Shaunae Teske, Class of 2009
Michael Thomas, Class of 2009
2009 • 2008 • 2007 |
"When I visited Hallmark I knew it was the place for me. With the excellent staff and facilities, Hallmark has given me the opportunity to work and live in Moscow, Russia, which is one of my goals in life. In other words, Hallmark is great for networking and will help you meet amazing people."
"Hallmark Institute of Photography was the perfect place for me to learn and grow as a photographer and an individual. The staff's support and commitment was unwavering and instrumental in making my experience at Hallmark one I will always cherish."
"I made the decision to attend Hallmark after realizing its commitment to excellence. The school provides hands on training by working professionals, intensive training in digital workflow, and the business skills needed to compete in today's market. The experience exceeded my expectations. Surrounded by passionate and motivated peers and staff, I gained the skills I was hoping to, and I now head out into the real world with confidence and technical expertise."
"Not only did Hallmark offer a great education and accessibility to top-notch technology, but also an incredible staff that truly are dedicated to your success. I learned more about photography here than I ever thought possible coming to a ten-month school. All else aside, it is an amazing thing to be surrounded by people that all have the same love for photography as you. After spending my ten months at Hallmark, I look back and realize how much of a changed person I am. I absolutely believe that Hallmark has prepared me to be successful in a career that I love."
"Before coming to Hallmark I knew I wanted to be a commercial photographer but I lacked the confidence, knowledge and skills. With the industry-experienced instructors, top-notch facilities and strong teacher-to-student relationships, I am now producing the quality of work I never thought I could achieve. I believe Hallmark has prepared me well enough to succeed in the competitive industry of commercial photography."
"People and photography have always fascinated me. After graduating from college with a degree in psychology, I knew I had to marry those two passions and pursue photography full time - even if it meant moving from Seattle to Massachusetts. My time here at Hallmark has given me the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in the photographic industry, while challenging me, guiding me, and allowing me to grow into the photographer (and human) I am today.
"Coming to Hallmark has been one of the best decisions I have made in life. I have grown more than I ever thought possible in these 10 short months and it gave me the confidence I needed to succeed in the photography world. Besides the education what I love most about the school is the community; the faculty and your fellow classmates are in it together and help and support each other. I loved every day and every minute here at Hallmark and will miss it but I am leaving knowing that I have made friends for life."
"Hallmark's faculty and facilities are second to none. What once seemed a pipe dream, a career in photography, is now becoming a reality thanks to the training I have received at Hallmark Institute of Photography."
"Growing up on a walnut ranch in central California, I only knew how to live the simple life. I knew I had this passion deep down for photography, but where I come from it really isn't "in the cards" to be a professional photographer. I was convinced that I had to just stick to what I knew and that was that. I was on my way to being an ultrasound technician, when I got a phone call from Hallmark, and realized that passion for photography could become a reality. I had to go for it. To my surprise, I carried my simple ways with me into this new world. Hallmark showed me how to push that passion out and I got to keep my roots after all. Now I'm ready to put my stompin' boots on and roam the world with a camera in my hand."
"I first started coming to open houses at the Hallmark Institute of Photography when I was 16. Upon graduating high school I knew from the start that there was no other learning facility that could compare to Hallmark. Not only was seeing how the facility was run and who the students and staff were, but the results of the program spoke and continue to speak for themselves.
"The decision to pursue photography as a career was a difficult one to make, however the decision to come to Hallmark was the easiest and best choice to get me prepared to fulfill my dream of becoming a photographer. The staff, facilities and fellow students create an incredible environment to learn and grow as a photographer. I not only gained the technical skills and confidence to become a professional photographer, but I also gained a network of amazing people that will always be there to help and push me to be a successful photographer."
"After a short 10 months, Hallmark has allowed me to take my photography from a hobby-status to professional-status. The remarkable faculty made the transition from office employee to photography student smooth and effortless. The facilities, technology and equipment available encouraged me to grow and expand as an artist. Having instructors share their knowledge, experience and creativity invoked the confidence I've needed to make photography my career. Coming to Hallmark was the pivotal decision that my future needed."
"Before coming to Hallmark, I didn't have many technical photography skills or business knowledge, but every day at Hallmark was valuable in equipping me with the skills and knowledge necessary to be a professional photographer. What I appreciate about Hallmark is the dedication of the staff to make sure that as a student, you push yourself to be the best photographer you can. They provide you with as much instruction and encouragement as you need. The experience gained here has given me confidence to start my career strong."
"What an amazing journey the past 10 months, from having a hobby in photography, to knowing that I have the skills to step out into the marketplace and start a career in photography at 45! I am so thankful for the staff at Hallmark who constantly exceeded my expectations and genuinely seemed to care about my success as a student and as a future professional photographer. I will always cherish the relationships I have made at Hallmark."
"Since I was very young, I have always dreamed of becoming a professional photographer. After spending years pursuing other careers, I finally decided to focus solely on photography in order to make that dream a reality. Coming to Hallmark was a life-changing decision and one that I am glad that I have made. I have learned a tremendous amount while here and am excited to put in to practice all the experience, training, and knowledge that I have gained during my 10 months here. I know with all of that behind me, I will be able to live the life of a photographer that I have always wanted."
"No other life experience could have prepared me for my ten months spent at Hallmark. It has been a mixture of exhilaration and exhaustion. I have never worked harder, or been surrounded by so many people sharing the same devotion and ambition for excellence and success.
"It was after receiving a BS in Management from Purdue, and watching the financial industry collapse that I discovered my true passion: photography. With the support of my family, I decided to follow my heart. Hallmark Institute of Photography has given me the skills I need to successfully pursue a career in photography and design. The facilities and equipment are state of the art and committed instructors are there to help guide you down the right path - toward success. The networking opportunities that Hallmark provides are a less advertised, but equally important lesson, not to be missed. Stay relaxed, collaborate with your classmates and enjoy Hallmark! The school converts your dreams of becoming a professional photographer into reality."
"Before enrolling into Hallmark, my biggest issue in trying to become a photographer was not being able to form a style and not having a vision. I knew I wanted to do fashion and beauty photography and it was tough producing work that didn't go together. Now after an intense ten months, Hallmark has helped me form a style and vision that is sophisticated, elegant and most importantly, my own."
"I discovered Hallmark on the internet one week before it started, and it blew me away. I decided at that moment I wanted to attend, so I called the next day. They interviewed me, accepted me, and with visas, money, medical stuff, etc. it took me three weeks to get here. I never regretted it. I learned more than I thought I would, met great friends and got to meet amazing staff. I'm ready for the real world, because I have the tools necessary to survive. I think life is a series of adventures (with everything involved in an adventure) and a whole new one is ahead of me and I'm excited to go through it! Thanks!"
"I discovered my love of photography at a very young age. Little did I know at the time that there was so much more to taking pictures than just pushing a button. My high school publications class sparked my current interest in photography and with the help of my guidance counselor and pub teacher I found Hallmark.
"There are so many things I could say about my experience attending The Hallmark Institute of Photography. I could talk about the incredible facilities with it's top of the line equipment; I could talk about the thorough education that helped prepare me for the 'real world'; or I could talk about how amazing each of the instructors are. But, talking about only one aspect of Hallmark could never describe just how wonderful this school is for those whose heart lies in making their ideas, dreams and goals real through photography."
"I came to Hallmark knowing that I would be receiving the best education in photography that any school had to offer, and would leave with the knowledge I needed to become a professional photographer. Everything I've learned at Hallmark is absolutely invaluable, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. It isn't just a facility that gives you the tools to become a professional photographer; it is a place where your visions can be made into a reality."
"Being one of the many people that came to Hallmark not knowing much about Photography, I have grown extensively. After taking classes in fashion design, painting and other mediums at the Rhode Island School of Design, I discovered my love for photography and Hallmark.
"I have been interested in photography since I took my first film class in college, eventually leading me to change my focus into photography and art. After graduating college I decided to learn the technical aspects of digital photography, and Hallmark was my first choice. At Hallmark, not only did I learn digital photography, I also learned design, marketing, professional lighting, and many other exceptional skills. From my 10 months at Hallmark I am ready to compete in the real world of Photography."
"For me Hallmark was a mind-blowing experience. If you are passionate about photography then Hallmark is definitely the photography boot camp. Fitting two years worth of learning and work into 10 months is a rush. It's completely amazing what you can accomplish and when you cross the finish line the accomplishments you have made are definitely something to be proud of.
"I have grown so much in the past 10 months attending Hallmark. I have gained all the technical and business skills to help me pursue my dreams in photography. The faculty is incredibly helpful and dedicated; and the facility is very up to date on all the newest technology. It has given me the confidence I needed to move into the real world and continue with my portrait and automotive photography."
"After attending a "normal" four-year school, I knew that I needed a big change in order to follow my dream career. Hallmark was the answer: an intensive trade school that could help prepare me for the industry in less than a year. Hallmark did more than that by helping me gain the knowledge, confidence, and relationships to go into photographic industry well prepared."
"I was always surrounded by photography growing up and confidence was something I struggled with all the time. These past 10 months made me realize the advantage of not only learning the skills I need for the real world, but it allowed me to open my eyes to really follow my dream, without any doubts."
"Hallmark Institute of Photography was the perfect place for me due to its 10-month program, the business education and especially the strong focus on the technical. With the help of faculty, fellow students and growing knowledge, Hallmark has given me the confidence to strive for a career in photography."
"I can honestly say that I came to Hallmark not knowing what a f-stop to a shutter speed was and now I have all the skills I need photographically and professionally to go out into the industry with confidence in my work and in myself. Hallmark is an excellent place to get a photographic education - to consider any other photographic institution would be to settle. All it takes to succeed here is hard work, persistence, determination, a positive attitude and the drive to never settle for second best. The team of instructors at Hallmark are legit and a great source of wisdom and guidance! Once the 10-month experience is over you realize you've gained some of the best friends you'll ever have. Good luck to anyone who decides to take the leap of faith and consider Hallmark for their higher education!"
"The transition from sleeping till 3:00pm, skateboarding till 3:00am, not caring about anything, to full time professional photographer was quite an adventure. Hallmark has given me the right pieces of the puzzle to create images that I have been trying to solve for years. So many good memories, friends, knowledge. Without a doubt, so far the best 10 months of my life."
"Attending Hallmark was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. The help and support of instructors helped me improve my own confidence in my abilities and showed me that they truly cared about each and every student's success. I now feel well equipped to a career in photography."
"Without a doubt, Hallmark is the best decision I have ever made.
"Hallmark was the perfect school for me to build my photography and marketing skills. The faculty and student body work so well together to give us the education necessary to be successful. The atmosphere and sense of community here is such an amazing experience and I know I made the right choice of attending."
"I chose to come to Hallmark because I wanted to experience the best photographic education possible; it didn't take me long to realize that I had definitely made the right decision. Shortly after beginning the 10 month program, I was struck by the overwhelming sense of community among both students and faculty. This community pushed me to expect nothing but excellence from myself and helped me to achieve way more than I thought I was capable of. Not only did I gain technical skills, but I gained a love for post-production as well."
"I first became interested in photography two years ago, while shooting skiers at Mammoth Mountain in California. I wanted to see what it was like to photograph people, but realized that I needed professional training. After seeing a poster at my school, I looked up Hallmark. I knew it was the place I needed to go for hands-on vs. textbook training. After 10 months, I have the confidence to begin my career in fashion photography in Europe. I leave for Milan in September."
"I picked Hallmark and I believe it was best decision of my life! I enjoyed the amazing 10 months I spent there. Hallmark taught me to be a strong, independent woman in the photographic world! I learned so much, but mainly I learned how to express myself better in my photographs. Coming to Hallmark helped me find myself and my place in the world. I came from Maine, and by graduation I had planned to move to North Carolina. Through the year I did not narrow my focus to one specific niche of the profession, because my mind was opened to all types of photography. Hallmark made me feel like I know what I'm doing and I really stand confident that I do. The teachers were really awesome and the school has so much to offer. If I could do it again I would for sure. I will miss Hallmark a lot and all my classmates but it's time for me to move into the real world start revealing my name and talent. I say thank you to all the Hallmark staff and my classmates for making this the best learning experience I've ever gone through."
"Hallmark has given me the opportunity to realize my dream of becoming a professional photographer. Throughout the ten months at Hallmark I have acquired the skills necessary to produce product photographs for antique dealers. To make things just a bit sweeter, everything I learned at Hallmark helped me to get published in some of the top climbing magazines in the industry."
"As one of the oldest members of the Class of 2009, less than a month from my 49th birthday on graduation day, I'm also one of the proudest to say that I am a graduate of the Hallmark Institute of Photography. My wife and son stayed home in West Virginia and supported me through one of the most memorable years of my life. While I'm sure many of my friends might have thought I was crazy, I think they also thought it was pretty neat that I would take such a life changing step.
"After touring the Hallmark Institute of Photography, I knew that the school was the right place for me. This was the school that would turn my hobby into my profession. The facilities were top of the line and the staff was amazing, I can't believe how much I learned in just ten months. Attending Hallmark was by far the best decision I have ever made. I have obtained the skill, knowledge, and confidence that I need to start my career in portrait and wedding photography."
"Before I came to Hallmark I would look at magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and think, "I will never be able to take a photograph like those." Even on my first day I thought I would never be good enough and did not have the creativity that everyone thought I had. Though I had a blast through Phase One and Phase Two, I still didn't realize my potential. Portfolio Review was the most stressful day of my life. I was first and my family was late. Tony brought me up on stage and the announcer read that my portfolio was accepted. The judges then told me everything they loved about my photography, and had hardly anything bad to say. Now I have the confidence to be a professional photographer. Hallmark is amazing. It changed my life in so many ways, and the instructors don't even realize how thankful I really am. Hallmark was outstanding!"
"Respect, Dedication, and Perseverance: I've always tried to live with these words in mind, but their meanings came to life during my experience at Hallmark.
"I always knew I wanted a career in art but I never really thought that photography could be one of the choices or something I could make a career out of. Hallmark though, has not only let me realize this but has shown me so many more possibilities and opportunities that are out there.
"After deciding to pursue a new career in photography, I considered various options to prepare me for that new career. I'm married with four children, and it didn't take me long to realize that the Hallmark program provided the ideal opportunity to best prepare me for my new career in the shortest time possible. The Hallmark program has delivered, providing me the technical, business and artistic skills needed to be successful in the work I will begin after Hallmark."
"At the age of 50 I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a professional photographer and turn my hobby into a career. My search for a comprehensive education in professional photography led me to several schools both in Europe and the USA. After extensive comparison, Hallmark Institute of Photography immediately stood out as one of the absolute best schools in terms of intensive curriculum, state-of-the art facilities and faculty of dedicated professionals.
"The first time I visited the Hallmark webpage I knew Hallmark is where I belonged. After years of ignoring my dreams, not following my passion I finally searched for it and Hallmark was there to guide me. With the combination of photography and business classes in a 10-month program, who could really pass up this opportunity? I came with some knowledge and I'm leaving with so much more than I never imagined. The facilities are unlike anywhere else with the staff to match. With their constant dedication to our growth, I couldn't think of a better program to teach, expand and guide developing photographers than Hallmark. We truly became a family at Hallmark, one that will remain with me forever."
"The Hallmark experience was valuable to me because it gave me the opportunity to be around other creative and like-minded people. Surrounded by so many other motivated and artistic minds it pushed me to be the best photographer that I could be. It also didn't hurt that the school provided first class equipment to experiment with as well as instruction from first class teachers that truly care about your future as a photographer."
"Attending Hallmark was the best possible course of action that I could have taken. The intense, action-packed ten months spent in Turners Falls gave me the skills necessary to enter the photographic industry. I appreciate all of the skills that I acquired at Hallmark and the instructors that I acquired them from."
"I chose Hallmark because in the ten months that I was there I learned the skills and techniques that would have taken me years to learn if I had kept being an assistant. Hallmark has given me the skill set and the knowledge to go out and know that I can succeed in the competitive field of professional photography."
"After graduating college I spent two years working a job I was not passionate about. I knew I needed to take a risk, to obtain the training necessary to follow my dream of being a professional photographer. I researched many schools and felt that Hallmark was the only school with the ability to offer me the education I needed to pursue a career in photography.
"Hallmark has paved the way for my career in photography. I entered the program with no knowledge of how anything worked and just a love for photography. After leaving this ten-month program I am now confident to go out into the world and be equipped with the same knowledge and skills as the rest of the people in the photo industry. The faculty and staff build a helpful environment in order for us to learn and ask questions. With their guidance it is possible to do anything. Because of Hallmark I now feel ready to enter the real world and
take my place among the many other photographers."
"Before coming to Hallmark I had studied photography for five years, it was a passion of mine through high school. Never did I believe back then I could potentially make a career out of it. My instructors from high school encouraged me to pursue my passion. After completing all of the classes they had to offer and creating my own class I decided to start teaching myself more advanced techniques.
"After High School I spent a few years attending several different institutions, trying to find the right fit for me. A friend mentioned Hallmark. Within my first few weeks at Hallmark, I realized it was where I needed to be.
"After spending roughly 10 years in the television and film industry, I decided it was time for a change and a return to the world of photography. I began researching schools throughout the country, and discovered Hallmark. It was the schools hands-on approach to photography, design and advanced technology that brought me from New Orleans to the northeast.
"To make a living doing what you love is rare for lots of people. I have been trying to make a career in photography for nearly 8 years. It wasn't until I came to Hallmark that photography has truly become my life, and I can honestly say, I love my life.
"When I realized I wanted to become a photographic professional, I made the choice to attend Hallmark Institute of Photography and I haven't regretted it once. With top of the line equipment, the most up-to-date technology, and the dedicated faculty from all areas of the industry, there was no better way to jump-start my career into the world of photography. Technical skills, marketing abilities, and confidence are just a few of the encouraging and countless things I have gained from Hallmark."