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Graduate Spotlight2010 • 2009 • 2008
Kristen Ardoin, Class of 2010
Jenn Bakos, Class of 2010
Katie Boynton, Class of 2010
Alyssa Claflin, Class of 2010
Lindsay Cocco, Class of 2010
David Dashiell, Class of 2010
David Ducane, Class of 2010
Jason Esposito, Class of 2010
Bailey Hancock, Class of 2010
Blu Hartkopp, Class of 2010
Joshua Huling, Class of 2010
Alex Minkin, Class of 2010
Julia Noack, Class of 2010
Justin Nunnink, Class of 2010
Sean Peragine, Class of 2010
Julia Rodriguez, Class of 2010
Jillian Rollins, Class of 2010
Xiomara Romero, Class of 2010
Hilary Rosa, Class of 2010
Vanessa Tierney, Class of 2010
Liz Wagner, Class of 2010 2010 • 2009 • 2008 |
"Best decision of my life. Hallmark was not only a place with the best equipment, best instructors, and curriculum, but a "home". The knowledge and caring of the instructors and staff were well more than any could have asked for. My year here was above all else a great success in fulfilling my dream to become a professional photographer. The faculty and staff were amazing with the effort and care they put into teaching us, helping us one-on-one, staying late after school hours, and even the amazing Gregory Heisler staying over night with us during our crucial phase four. Couldn't ask for a better staff, and curriculum. Hallmark was over all the best education decision I could have made. I feel confident in my photography, and being able to "make-it" in the field now and have Hallmark's staff and June 2010 class to thank for that."
"When I first discovered Hallmark, I read every part of the website and read the catalogue from cover to cover. I wanted to make sure that this school was right for me, and it was. Attending Hallmark was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I now feel confident in my work and have the skills it takes to pursue my passion for photography as a career. I've learned and grown so much in the past ten months as a photographer and as a person. It was a great experience from start to finish. I was amazed from the start by the fantastic guest speakers at orientation, the wonderful faculty and staff and the access to top of the line equipment and facilities. Hallmark is truly a unique and perfect place for anyone who wants to become a professional photographer."
"Hallmark Institute of Photography's staff and faculty consist of individuals who go above and beyond to make sure students are getting the education they strive for. The outstanding facilities and equipment are a dream come true to work with, as well. Hallmark helped me grow as a person and a photographer in so many ways that I couldn't imagine going to any other school. I am completely satisfied with all I am taking away from Hallmark during my experience."
"My time at Hallmark changed me not only into a stronger photographer but a stronger person. The experience was one like no other; learning from professionals in a state of the art facility. After spending just 10 months at Hallmark I feel as though I have the proper knowledge to go out on my own and face the 'real world.'"
"Fresh out of high school, I dove head first into the world of photography, starting with ten extraordinary months at Hallmark. Each fascinating class I sat through, each remarkable person I met, each memorable photograph I made has affected my past, my present and most importantly my future."
"What has impressed me most at Hallmark is the dedication and accessibility of the faculty. Unlike my university experience, where professors had limited office hours and were often hard to find, Hallmark has an open door policy that encourages students to seek help and advice from teachers as much as they need to. The faculty members are all accomplished professionals in their respective fields and give unstintingly of their time and expertise. The benefit of this access is incalculable and I think is the best reason to choose Hallmark for your education."
"Hallmark is the only school of it's kind. I am honored to have been a student here, and I got to learn from some of the most influential photographers in the industry. I couldn't be happier with my decision to come here. Although, how could I not want to come after taking a tour of the school and seeing that we would get to use some of the best equipment in the industry? I will forever be a believer in the Hallmark program."
"I came to hallmark from a motion picture background hoping to change my direction from cinematography to professional photography. What I got was a fantastic education, a solid foundation of all photographic fields, a beautiful facility, and friendships that will last a lifetime."
"Coming to Hallmark has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life, giving me a solid foundation on which to build my photography career. Everyday provided new and challenging opportunities to develop a strong set of skills necessary to compete in today's job market. They have provided everything: quality professional equipment, a fun and knowledgeable staff of instructors who are truly wonderful (magical, even), a course curriculum covering all aspects relating to photography, challenging assignments, encouragement and support, all in a state of the art facility that is nothing less than impressive. All I needed to provide was a strong desire to succeed. I highly recommend to anyone interested in taking their love for photography to the next level, to consider one of the best schools in the industry, Hallmark Institute of Photography. It's an unforgettable experience."
"I'd been running my own part time portrait studio for almost two years when I stumbled across Hallmark's website. I was immediately impressed with the work I saw and quickly realized that Hallmark was the place I needed to be to up my game and step ahead of the hundreds of other photographers in my area.
"Coming to Hallmark was the best decision I have ever made. Not only has Hallmark improved my photography; it has also improved me as a person. I could talk for days about how great the equipment and the facilities are (seriously, I could.) But what sets Hallmark apart for me, is the instructors, being taught by some of the best working photographers around in many different areas in the field of photography was amazing. There was never a day at Hallmark where I did not improve in some way because of the great instructors."
"Coming to Hallmark after graduating college wasn't something I had planned on, but it was definitely the right place to be. I spent ten months honing my skills and getting access to the best instructors, as well as a number of incredible photographers from all fields. Hallmark gave me a chance to get noticed before I even left school, and that's already proven itself invaluable as I start my career ahead of the game"
"Hallmark's ten-month program was perfect for me. Since pursuing photography was a career change for me, and I already had two degrees under my belt, I was not interested in going back to school for another two to four years. I also loved Hallmark's unique focus on the business and marketing side of the industry, which I think is invaluable in today's marketplace. The pace of the curriculum is intense, but the instructors make sure you have the tools you need to succeed as you go, and the community of students is amazing- bouncing ideas off of each other and assisting each other along the way. Everyone at Hallmark is so dedicated to teaching and learning the craft of photography, and the atmosphere is charged with excitement and creativity. The hours I put in over the last ten months have been crazy, but they convinced me that I made the right decision in pursuing my passion for photography, since I always wanted to work more than I wanted to do anything else! My Hallmark experience has been amazing. I know that my skills and abilities as a photographer have increased incredibly in a short amount of time, but just as important are the relationships I have formed with students and faculty, who I know will be dear friends and mentors for the rest of my career."
"What can I say about my time here at Hallmark? I came into this program having only used an automatic 35mm film camera and left knowing how to use top of the line digital equipment. What has really made my time here at Hallmark worth it, hands down, have been the people. The teachers have dedicated a lot of their time to answer our questions, assist us with any issues we are having, teach us about photography and business and really just be mentors to each and every one of us. It has also been a true pleasure working side by side with my fellow students, who are the greatest artists I have ever got to collaborate with. I have enjoyed my time here and now feel confident enough to go out into the world and make my mark."
"Though as a boy I grew up drawing, painting, writing, and discovering ways to express myself creatively, about this time last year I was studying finance and working a typical low-level cubicle job that I didn't enjoy and didn't challenge me. As my photography hobby increasingly began to dominate my thoughts I started doing some research and, through a friend of an alumni, I found Hallmark. I can say now that for me, leaving all of that behind and attending Hallmark to pursue my passion has been the most gratifying experience of my life. The facilities and equipment are top-notch, the staff is highly knowledgeable, Im leaving with a portfolio beyond what I thought I would achieve, and I've met lifelong friends. "
"To use the word 'intense' in relation to Hallmark is an understatement. From day one I lived and breathed photography, as did everyone else around me. Being in that environment pushed me to work harder than I ever imagined. Every day I wondered if I was pushing myself too much or not enough. The instructors were there to advise me every step of the way and, when I felt things were not working out, they never hesitated to offer help and guidance. The facilities were everything I needed and more. I had everything on hand for my all day shoots in the studios and, when I needed something extra, I could count on a crew of students and instructors to come make my vision a reality. I know now how to plan a project. I know now how to plan a business. I know now that I'm ready to face any challenge in the photography world and I owe it to my time at Hallmark."
"Hallmark is by far the best decision I have ever made. I took photography classes at a traditional college before attending hallmark, but it simply wasn't enough. I needed to learn more. I knew the education I was going to get would be paramount but I never expected everything else. The never ceasing undivided attention that each instructor gave to me and the long lasting mentoring I now have with them is a bonus."
"Right after I graduated from high school, I visited Hallmark. Right there and then I knew it was the perfect school for me. The wonderful staff and facilities they make available for you to work with makes coming to Hallmark the best decision I have made in my life. I have learned more than I have thought possible in these ten short, but valuable months.
"It was a warm summer evening and I was photographing the sunset on the beach when I thought to myself, 'I wish I could just do this everyday.' And then I thought, 'Well, why can't I?' My life changed at that moment. I decided, after 13 years, to leave my corporate career and pursue my dream of being a professional photographer. After researching and visiting several photography schools around the US, including Hallmark, I decided that Hallmark was the best program. 
"When I first visited Hallmark I knew it was the school I had to go to in order to learn from the best and be the best photographer I could be. After completing the intensive 10 month program Hallmark offers, I am now ready to be in almost any photography position and know how to work all of the equipment. From being a digital tech to assisting and studio managing, Hallmark prepares you to jump right into the market and be comparable if not better than others out there. Without Hallmark I would not have been able to learn so much and make such amazing connections!"
"Hallmark taught me all the necessary skills to make a living in photography. The instructors are second to none. Working with professionals who have been in the career and know the field so well has helped me to achieve my own goals through learning from their experiences. Hallmark was a great place to learn the many fields of photography and to start my own career."