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What's Happening at Hallmark, Week by Week


Week Thirty-Six

Week Thirty-SixHallmark’s Guest Lecture Series continued last week when Colin Finlay spoke to the June & October 2013 classes about his career as a documentary photographer. For Almost twenty-five years, Finlay has documented the human condition with compassion, empathy and dignity. He has covered war and conflict, disappearing traditions, the environment in both its glory and its devastation, genocide, famine, religious pilgrimage, and global cultures.

Week Thirty-Six Highlights

  • Guest Speaker Rick Souders

    Week Thirty-Six kicks off when Denver-based food photographer Rick Souders returns to Hallmark. In addition to sharing his impeccable photography, Rick, along with a team of professionals, will demonstrate a live shoot and show our students the art and magic of food photography. His award-winning photography can be seen worldwide in food and beverage advertising campaigns, print, packaging and annual reports in over 60 different countries.

  • Career Business Plans
  • Self Portraits
  • Orientation for February 2014 Class

Week Thirty-Six Video



Week Thirty-Five

Week Thirty-FiveThe June 2013 Class is back on location this week at The Daily Hampshire Gazette in Northampton, Massachusetts. Pictured, students create a unique environmental portrait of student Jon with the help of instructors Gregory Heisler and David Turner.

Week Thirty-Five Highlights

  • Week Thirty-Five

    Week Thirty-Five kicks off with a variety of classes for both the June & October 2013 classes. Students from the June group will have classes on Design, Wedding Photography, and Video. Meanwhile, the October class will have a Photo Review and classes focusing on Imaging Workflow and Web Site Design.

  • Guest Speaker - Colin Finlay
  • Art Historical Reference Assignment
  • On Location - Greenfield, MA


Week Thirty-Four

Week Thirty-FourThis week students are working with instructor Michael Zide on techniques for photographing weddings. The hands on class explores lighting and posing both brides and grooms for unique wedding portraits. Pictured, student Aniruddh captures a bridal portrait of fellow classmate Deegan with some help from Michael Zide and fellow classmates Na-Na and Ralph.

Week Thirty-Four Highlights

  • October Class Returns

    Students from the October 2013 class return from their spring break this week and jump right back into a variety of classes on workflow, visual style, and marketing analysis.

  • Event Photography with Matthew Cavanaugh
  • Web Site Design
  • Guest Speaker Andy Biggs
  • Open House - May 4th


Week Thirty-Three

Week Thirty-ThreeStudents from the June 2013 are busy on location capturing the photographs that will be featured in their Phase IV Final Portfolio. Pictured, student Hiro creates a fashion inspired portrait at a local farm with the help of fellow classmate Melinda.

Week Thirty-Three Highlights

  • Phase IV Final Portfolio

    While the October 2013 group is on their spring break this week, students from the June 2013 class are busy capturing the photographs that will be featured in their Phase IV Final Portfolio. Instructors will meet with students one-on-one this week to review the progress they have made thus far in Phase IV.

  • On Location: Strathmore Paper Mill
  • Portrait Studio
  • Photo Critique


Week Thirty-Two

Week Thirty-TwoHallmark's Guest Lecture Series continued this week when Parish Kohanim spoke to Hallmark students on Friday. A renowned commercial photographer, Parish is now devoting his efforts to his first love, fine art photography. Parish exposes the beauty in all things that surround us in our everyday lives—landscapes, florals, the human form—and challenges others to do so as well.

Week Thirty-Two Highlights

  • Salesmanship

    Week Thirty-Two kicks off with a class on Salesmanship. Students from the June 2013 class will be learning selling techniques as well as proper business practices to prepare them for opening their own business or working independently upon graduation.

  • Employee Relations
  • In the Commercial Studio
  • Location Lecture - Colrain, MA
  • Spring Break for October Class


Week Thirty-One

Week Thirty-OneLast Friday, Hallmark's Guest Lecture Series continued with freelance commercial photographer, Gary Land. Gary's signature environmental portrait style has landed him iconic campaigns for clients such as Nike, Adidas, and Coca Cola, as well as many more.

Week Thirty-One Highlights

  • Guest Speaker Matthew Cavanaugh

    Week Thirty-One kicks off with guest lecturer, Matthew Cavanaugh. Matthew is an award-winning photographer with 18 years of professional experience. Formerly based in Washington, DC, Matthew spent years covering the White House and documenting historic events - including the election and inauguration of President Barack Obama.

  • Intro to Video
  • Phase IV Portfolios
  • Guest Speaker Ambria Cone
  • Guest Speaker Parish Kohanim


Week Thirty

Week ThirtyA critique was held to reveiw the Phase III Additional Personal Submissions submitted by our June 2013 Class. Pictured, instructor David Turner critiques a photograph captured by current student Andrea.

Week Thirty Highlights

  • Location Lighting

    Students from the June 2013 class begin the week on location with a portrait shoot in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The class will be on location with instructors Greg Heisler and David Turner shooting portraits of one another using both strobe and ambient light.

  • Family Portraits
  • Guest Speaker Sam Abell
  • Guest Speaker Gary Land


Week Twenty-Nine

Week Twenty-NineWe may have gotten a few more inches of snow this week but that's not stopping us from celebrating the first day of Spring! Pictured, students from the October 2013 class ring in the Vernal Equinox with a sweet celebration in the Commercial Studio.

Week Twenty-Nine Highlights

  • Claire Rosen Workshop

    Week Twenty Nine kicks off with a 3-day workshop with guest lecturer Claire Rosen. Claire Rosen is a photographer and video artist who blends a fine-art sensibility with commercial work to create whimsical imagery inspired by fairy tales, fables, and other children’s stories. She brings her extraordinary talents to Hallmark with a 3-day intensive workshop called The Constructed Image. The workshop covers the elements involved in creating conceptual imagery with a focus on making images that are about something rather than of something.

  • Photo Critique
  • Design & Marketing
  • Portrait & Commercial Lectures


Week Twenty-Eight

Week Twenty-EightStudents from the June 2013 Class are printing the final photographs that will complete their Phase III Additional Personal Submissions. Pictured, instructor Braden Chattman works with a group of students on a few final edits before hitting print.

Week Twenty-Eight Highlights

  • Spring Break

    This week is Spring Break for our June 2013 Class. We’d like to wish everyone a fun and safe break and safe travels to those returning home.

  • Creating Light
  • In the Commercial Studio
  • Aerial Photography


Week Twenty-Seven

Week Twenty-SevenStudents from the June 2013 class are busy working on their Phase III Additional Personal Submissions. They will produce six photographs of their choice that reflect the type of work they will pursue upon graduation. Pictured, students Zach & Christian work together to put the final touches on a casino inspired still life.

Week Twenty-Seven Highlights

  • Guest Speaker: Zachary Stephens

    Week Twenty-Seven kicks off with the continuing of Hallmark’s Guest Lecture Series. First, the current hallmark classes will hear from 2000 Hallmark graduate, Zachary Stephens, who will discuss his career including his work as a staff and freelance photographer for several newspapers and magazines. His work appears regularly in the Brattleboro Reformer and has been featured in The New York Times, Vermont Life Magazine, The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, USA Today and more.

  • Guest Speaker: Ron Wyatt
  • Professional Lighting Classes
  • Additional Personal Submissions


Week Twenty-Six

Week Twenty-SixStudents from the June 2013 group are learning different techniques for making unique high-key portraits and commercial product photographs. Pictured, student Hiro uses some of these techniques to make a portrait of fellow classmate Jillian.

Week Twenty-Six Highlights

  • Lighting Lecture

    Week Twenty-Six kicks off with a lighting lecture as the students from the June 2013 class will learn techniques for using small and large silver umbrellas and the dramatic effect they have on portraiture.

  • Video Production
  • Phase I Final Portfolio
  • Website Design


Week Twenty-Five

Week Twenty-FiveStudents are working hard to complete the last few photographs that will make up their Phase III Final Portfolio. Pictured, current student Kelsey works with instructor Rich Barnes on her dance photography.

Week Twenty-Five Highlights

  • Phase III Portfolio Critique

    Week Twenty-Five starts off with Phase III Critique for the June 2013 class. Students submitted their Phase III Final Portfolios on Monday morning and they will gather together in the Auditorium with the instructors to review the sixteen photographs they captured.

  • Phase I Final Portfolio Assignment
  • On Location: Northfield, MA
  • Photography Lectures
  • Open House


Week Twenty-Four

Week Twenty-FourStudents from the October 2013 class were back out on location this week at the Amherst College Natural History Museum. Pictured, student Sarah captures an environmental portrait of fellow classmate Megan.

Week Twenty-Four Highlights

  • Photo Critique

    Week Twenty-Four kicks off with a Photo Critique for the October 2013 class. Instructors and students will come together to discuss the recent photo trips and assignments, and review the work that has been created.

  • Phase III Final Portfolio
  • On Location: Shelburne Falls
  • Equipment Classes


Week Twenty-Three

Week Twenty-ThreeStudents are hands on working together during a fashion photography class focusing on Commercial Catalog photography. Pictured, current student Andrea photographs classmate Sienna with some help from instructor David Turner.

Week Twenty-Three Highlights

  • Guest Speakers

    Week Twenty-Three at Hallmark kicks off with back-to-back guest speakers. On Monday morning students will meet Steve Sint when he speaks about his career in professional photography. Steve has over forty years of experience photographing weddings and portraits and has had his work featured in a number of major magazines. In the afternoon Jon Ortner will speak to students about his work, which has taken him from New York City to Southeast Asia and a number of destinations in between. His landscape and architectural photography has been featured in numerous books including his own, “Where Every Breath Is A Prayer.”

  • Justin & Mary
  • Location Trips & Fashion Photography
  • Business Classes

Week Twenty-Three Video



Week Twenty Two

Week Twenty TwoStudents are learning techniques to light portraits on location using a speed lights. Pictured, a group of students from the June 2013 class test out their speed lights by lighting their portrait model from all angles.

Week Twenty Two Highlights

  • Video Classes & Practicals

    Week Twenty Two kicks off with more Video classes for the June 2013 group while October 2013 class will have a photo practical to measure how comfortable they are with the new equipment and techniques they have learned in the first few weeks.

  • Portrait Lectures
  • Career Business Plan
  • Photo History


Week Twenty One

Week Twenty OneStudents traveled with instructor Michael Zide to the Art Museum at Mount Holyoke College where they had an opportunity to view original artwork and meet the gallery curator. Pictured, students from the June 2013 class take a look at some original photographic prints from the college's permanent collection.

Week Twenty One Highlights

  • Guest Speaker Lindsay Adler

    Week Twenty One begins with guest speaker Lindsay Adler. Lindsay is an accomplished fashion and portrait photographer based in New York City and will speak to both the June & October 2013 classes about her work and experiences. Lindsay’s presentation kicks off a week full of guest lecturers.

  • Photojournalism
  • Video
  • Portrait Lecture
  • On Location - Northampton, MA

Week Twenty One Video



Week Twenty

Week TwentyA few inches of snow was not enough to stop the October 2013 class from hitting the streets of Greenfield, Massachusetts for their first on location assignment. Pictured, students take aim with instructors Tony Downer and Dick D'Alessandro.

Week Twenty Highlights

  • Editorial Photography

    Week Twenty begins with a variety of classes for the June 2013 group including Editorial Photography, Imaging Workflow, and Equipment Planning.

  • Photo Critique
  • Location Trips
  • Portrait & Commercial Studios
  • New Classes

Week Twenty Video



Week Nineteen

Week NineteenHallmark welcomes the October 2013 class this week for their orientation. Pictured, intructor Tony Downer has some fun posing with new student Victoria while instructor Rich Barnes takes their portrait.

Week Nineteen Highlights

  • Photo Practicals

    Week Nineteen kicks off with practicals to measure each individual student’s skill level in using all of equipment in the school and ensure they are ready to take on Phase III.

  • Phase III Assignment
  • Welcome October Class of 2013
  • Location Trip


Week Eighteen

Week EighteenStudents Emma and Katie make some alterations to a mirror in preperation for a self-portrait. A self-portrait is one of four photographs part of the Phase II FInal Portfolio that students will complete and submit this week.

Week Eighteen Highlights

  • Phase II Final Assignment

    Students return from winter recess and receive their Phase II Final Assignment. Students will have this week to complete a collection of 4 photographs for their Phase II Final Portfolio including portraits made in the studio and on location, an environmental still life, and a self-portrait.

  • Photo Critique
  • Portrait & Commercial Lectures
  • Phase II Final Review


WInter Recess

WInter RecessStudents were on location last week for their Editorial Portrait assignment. This portrait was made by current student Andrea.

WInter Recess Highlights

  • Happy New Year!

    This week is Winter Recess. Hallmark would like to wish all of our students a safe and fun trip home and Happy New Year to all of our current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Hallmark.



Week Fifteen

Week FifteenStudents work together in their Visual Communication class. Pictured from left to right, Yunelson, Jon, Marco, Katie and Gillian create photographs that would be used for a marketing project.

Week Fifteen Highlights

  • Portrait & Commercial Assignments

    Week 15 begins with Portrait and Commercial lectures to introduce new assignments. In the portrait studios students will be photographing professional PR portraits as well as alternative portraits. In the commercial studios students will receive their first food photography assignment.

  • Public Speaking Assignment
  • On Location
  • Photo Review


Week Fourteen

Week FourteenStudents are introduced to speed lights and how to take them on location to create interesting environmental portrraits. Pictured, Sienna, Kelsey and Tara work together to make a portrait using a speed light and a reflector.

Week Fourteen Highlights

  • Photo Critique

    Week fourteen begins with a photo critique in the auditorium. The June 2013 class will get a chance to see some of the photographs fellow classmates have been making recently while a group of instructors review and critique the work.

  • In the Portrait Studio
  • In the Commercial Studio
  • Imaging Workflow


Week Thirteen

Week ThirteenStudents are introduced to the technique of balancing strobe light with ambient light. Pictured, Brahm, Danielle and Yunelson work with artist in residence, Gregory Heisler, to make a dramatic environmental portrait during the annual location shoot at the Northampton Airport.

Week Thirteen Highlights

  • In the Studios

    Week 13 begins with lectures in both the portrait and commercial studios. In the portrait lecture students will be introduced to various light modifiers while in the commercial lecture students will learn the delicate lighting techniques for photographing reflective silverware.

  • Location Studio
  • Character Portraits
  • Art Historical Reference


Week Twelve

Week TwelveHallmark Alumni are introduced to the current June 2013 class during our annual Hallmark Alumni Roundtable event. The six former graduates will speak about their experiences during and after Hallmark as well as provide tips and advice for the current class.

Week Twelve Highlights

  • Family & Group Portraits

    This week students return from Thanksgiving break and jump right back into the portrait and commercial studios. In the portrait studios students will be learning the basics of small and large group portraits and will begin their first family portrait assignment.

  • Product Photography
  • Aerial Photo Shoot
  • Using Window Light


Week Eleven

Week ElevenHallmark faculty and staff host students from St. Lucy's Home School Adventure Group. The young future photographers took a tour of the Hallmark facilities, learned about cameras and lights, and then spent some time photographing each other in our portrait studios. Pictured, two students from the Adventure group have fun taking portraits of one another with a little help from instructor Tony Downer.

Week Eleven Highlights

  • Design & Self Promotion

    This week students kick the week off with design classes. They will be working on the final elements of their self promotion pieces before they send them to print.

  • Pricing in the Industry
  • Annual Alumni Roundtable


Week Ten

Week TenJon, Zach, and Beau from our June 2013 class are working together to prepare for an on location shoot. Students are taking what they have learned about metering light and proper white balance and using it to make successful environmental portraits.

Week Ten Highlights

  • The History of Photography

    The week is kicked off with a presentation from instructor Michael Zide about the history of photography. Students examine some of the trends and techniques throughout the progression of photography from pictoralism to the use of modern day technology.

  • In the Studios
  • Lighting on Location
  • Aerial Photography


Week Nine

Week NineInstructor Michael Zide showcases the book he created of his fine art prints for Moab's new Lasal double sided satine paper, at Moab's booth during the Photo Expo in New York City last week.

Week Nine Highlights

  • Phase II Begins with Studio Photography

    Phase II begins this week, and this means new information and lectures in all of the key areas such as Portrait, Commercial and Location Lighting. Students will be introduced to studio photography and spend time learning the nuance's of lighting both portraits and products/tabletop items in the controlled environments of the Portrait and Commercial Studios. 

  • Careers in Photography
  • Digital Imaging Workflow and Asset Management
  • Photo Review: Recapping the Week


Week Eight

Week EightCongratulations to the October Graduating Class of 2012!  Pictured with the graduates are several members of the faculty and staff and Graduation Keynote Speaker, Monte Isom.

Week Eight Highlights

  • Trick or Treat: Part 1

    The week starts off with something more scary than Halloween, as Hurricane Sandy puts everything on hold at the begining of the week.

  • June 2013 Graduates - Phase I Ending
  • Portrait and Commercial Studios
  • Trick or Treat: Part 2
  • Lookout NYC: Hallmark is Invading for PhotoPlus


Week Seven

Week SevenInstructor Chat Sirichanvimol (seated, right) explains a camera technique to current student Ralph, during a field trip to the village of Shelburne Falls, MA. In the background, students work on shooting their color assignment.

Week Seven Highlights

  • Graduation for October 2012 Class - Phase IV Ends

    For our October 2012 graduates the end of this week is bittersweet. After ten long months of shooting, editing, printing, endless critique and lots of late nights, they receive their Certificates of Completion at an intimate graduation ceremony and banquet held in their honor. While it's difficult to say goodbye to those you are used to seeing every day, we wish them endless success as they enter the photography industry as professionals!

  • June 2013 Graduates - Phase I Ending Soon
  • On Location: Northfield Mountain Project
  • Guest Lecturer Monte Isom
  • Lookout NYC: Hallmark is Invading for PhotoPlus


Week Six

Week SixStudents from our soon-to-be graduated October class spend a final Location Studio with Artist-in-Residence Gregory Heisler at a nearby paper mill. 

Week Six Highlights

  • Final Portfolio Review for Our October Graduating Class

    Finally, after ten long months of blood, sweat and tears, our October graduates submit their Final Year-end Portfolios for review. Panelists Sam Abell, Barbara Bordnick and Grant Peterson are scheduled to score and review students work. Sam has been a National Geographic photographer for over 40 years; Barbara made her mark as one of very few women to chart the course for women in fashion photography and Grant is a commercial still life photographer whose use of light, color, design and printing has influenced generations of photographers.

  • Professional Networking: One Lifeline for Photographers
  • Printing Digital Photographs
  • Field Trip: Shelburne Falls
  • Special Guest Lecturers: Jack Reznicki and Edward Greenberg


Week Five

Week FiveAffiliated with Sports Illustrated for over twenty years, Boston based sports photographer Damian Strohmeyer shares his work with Hallmark's students, as well as some tips to getting the tough shots like this one behind him of Celtics forward Paul Pierce.

Week Five Highlights

  • Photo History and Critique

    We still manage to pack a lot in to a holiday shortened week. After observing Columbus Day on Monday, students from our June 2013 class jump right into Tuesday with a class in Photo History as well as a critique of their work from last week's motion assignments.

  • Business Classes for Photographers
  • Field Trip: Amherst, Massachusetts
  • October Graduates — So Close!


Week Four

Week FourWhat happens when you let Hallmark students loose in Northampton, MA with their Canon 5D Mark III's? They are all smiles as you can see from this photo. Left - right are current students Carolyn, Alyssa, Maycee, Javin, Sydney, Karissa and Kelly.

Week Four Highlights

  • Communication Skills for Photographers: Make the Sale

    This week students from the June 2013 class continue to present their 5-minute autobiographical speeches in Business Communications.

  • Stock Photography: Making Money From the Craft
  • Editorial Photography and Fashion Photography
  • October Graduates Eye the Finish Line
  • Special Guest Lecturer: Damian Strohmeyer


Week Three

Week ThreeIn preparation for the Final Year-end Porfolio Review, current student Kenzy, an October 2012 graduate, listens to Artist-in-Residence Gregory Heisler as he critiques some of the images she plans to submit in her final body of work. Instructor Dick D'Alessandro and Director of Education Lisa Robinson also participate in these mid-Phase IV Review meetings.

Week Three Highlights

  • Students Get Feedback From Instructors

    This week is packed full of fun learning opportunities for both our October 2012 and June 2013 graduates. As has been routine these first few weeks, our June 2013 graduates begin the week with a critique of their images from the last week's field trip to Brattleboro, VT.

  • Learning About Lenses
  • Field Trip: Northampton, Massachusetts
  • Special Event for All Students


Week Two

Week TwoA new student from the June Class of 2013 checks out the features on the brand new Canon 5D Mark III. Each student is issued their own camera to use throughout the 10-month professional photography program at Hallmark.

Week Two Highlights

  • Photography Field Trip to Brattleboro, VT

    After a Photo Critique to go over assignments from last week, and an additional Photo Lecture, students from our Class of June 2013 take their newly issued Canon 5D Mark III's and their newfound technical knowledge to nearby Brattleboro, Vermont for a shooting field trip. Brattleboro is an eclectic little city where the coffee houses and boutiques are just as likely to be visited by local farmers as by trendy hipsters. Set amid what was once a factory town on the Connecticut and West Rivers, it is the perfect backdrop for students to complete their assignments on Tone and Contrast.

  • Final Professional Photography Portfolios


Week One

Week OneFast friends are already being made on Day 3 of Orientation for the June Class of 2013. Here, current students Bear, Brahm, Yunelson, Emma and Zach (back to front) have some fun in the lobby of Hallmark's Educational Center.

Week One Highlights

  • First Classes for Future Professional Photographers

    Our new students, the June Class of 2013, begin classes this week sitting in on initial Photo Lectures that go over the basics of the equipment that will be "attached" to them for the next ten months. Early in the week, each student is issued his/her Canon 5D Mark III and Light Meter for use throughout the program. They will put their newfound knowledge to the test as they travel with a group of instructors to nearby Old Deerfield for the first of many shooting field trips.

  • Learning More Than Just Photography
  • Eye on the Prize: Work Increasing on Final Portfolios


Orientation

OrientationInstructor David Turner, as part of his Public Relations class, assists current student Jen, as they prepare images to hang for the upcoming exhibit at The Gallery at Hallmark in downtown Turners Falls. Jen is part of the current October Class of 2012 which will hold an opening reception next week to welcome the new June Class of 2013.

Orientation Highlights

  • Welcome Class of 2013!

    This is a big week at Hallmark as our new June 2013 graduates begin their Hallmark career with a three-day orientation. While attending Orientation Workshops each of the three mornings, new students will get to know one another, instructors, the facilities and members of our Class of October 2012. The afternoons are loaded with some of the biggest names in photography as we welcome back Artist-in-Residence, Gregory Heisler, fashion photographer Barbara Bordnick, and Clay Patrick McBride.

  • Day One: Artist-in-Residence Gregory Heisler
  • Day Two: fashion photographer Barbara Bordnick
  • Day Three: Clay Patrick McBride

Orientation Video



Summer Session

Summer SessionInstructor David Turner works with our October graduating class during a Location Studio field trip to the top floor of a local department store.  The space is a great background for editorial portraits and CD covers.

Summer Session Highlights

  • Phase IV: Commercial Tabletop & Portrait Studios

    Time is split equally between lecture classes and studio and lab time this week for our October 2012 graduates. While there is ample time allotted to shoot models and products in Hallmark's Portrait and Commercial Studios for their Final Year-end Portfolios.

  • DSLR Video and Design Classes
  • Public Relations and Salesmanship


Summer Session

Summer SessionI do!
Current student Hailie poses as the bride during a hands-on wedding photography class taught by Michael Zide. The flowers and dress are just some of the props available to students to use for their photography assignments.  Hallmark students also have access to borrow specialty lights, lenses, and other gear from the well stocked equipment room.

Summer Session Highlights

  • Students Using the Portrait Studios

    Delving into Phase IV, the Portrait Studios come alive as our October 2012 graduates sink their teeth into some of the most important photographic sessions thus far. A steady stream of men, women, children and pets make their way into Hallmark's Portrait Studios as students use their studio lighting skills to create beautiful indoor portraits for their Final Year-end Portfolios. Time not spent in the studios is likely spent outside this week, utilizing the late summer weather for on-location portraits.

  • Commercial Studio Work for Phase IV
  • Still Plenty of Time for Classes


Summer Session

Summer SessionSetting the Mood
Hallmark's Artist-in-Residence, Gregory Heisler, works with the October Graduating students in one of their Advanced On-Location Lighting classes. Students practiced using portable lighting kits to add the warmth normally associated with late afternoon light to set the mood. Hallmark students learn not only how important it is to control the light but also best techniques for achieving the correct mood for the photograph.

Summer Session Highlights

  • Phase IV Begins — Work Starts on Year-end Final Portfolio

    As the Additional Personal Submission images are turned in this week, marking the end of Phase III, our October 2012 graduates begin Phase IV and the most important Portfolio Preparation class to date. This class prepares them for their most detailed, comprehensive project yet, their Final Year-end Portfolio. The Final Year-end Portfolio is a body of twenty-seven (27) images that include Mandatory Images (specific assignments that all students must complete), Electives (a selection of 6 images from a list of approximately 25 options) and Additional Personal Submissions (those images which they have complete artistic license over). In order to graduate, not only must this body of work be complete and deemed at entry-level or higher, but each student must also submit a completed, live website as well. This is why the work is taken so seriously throughout the year, but never more so than in Phase IV.

  • Lectures on Wedding and Editorial Photography Continue


Summer Session

Summer SessionWho Let The Dog Out?
Our four-legged friends visited Hallmark today and were perfect models.  In the left image, instructor Tony Downer demonstrates tricks and techniques for photographing man's best friend in his class on Pet Portraiture.  The result of that session is shown on the right.

Summer Session Highlights

  • The Foundations of a Professional Photographer's Portfolio

    Our October Graduates are at the point where they are starting to focus (pun intended) on their final portfolios by working on their Phase III Additional Personal Submissions. While many of their other assignments have stipulations as to what type of lighting, posing, products, models etc. to use, the Additional Personal Submissions are just that; Personal, and therefore the sky's the limit as far as creativity and individual thought on these images are concerned. In order to get these done, the Commercial and Portrait Studios will be in full use, as well as time worked in for students to shoot on location.

  • Hallmark's Master of Landscape Photography: Michael Zide