Hallmark’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
Students from the June 2013 Class will be busy this week finishing their Final Career Business Plans. Along with their Final Portfolio the Career Business Plan will lay the foundation for the graduate's first steps after Hallmark.
Self Portraits
The October 2013 Class will be in the portrait studios this week working on creating self-portraits. Instructors Michael Zide and Chat Sirichanvimol will help students capture unique portraits of themselves that reveal their personality and character.
Orientation for February 2014 Class
On Friday, Orientation will be held for our incoming February 2014 Class. Our new students will get to know one another, meet their instructors, and check out the facilities where they will be preparing for their career in professional photography.
Week Thirty-Six Video
Week Thirty-Five
The 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
On Tuesday, Hallmark’s Guest Lecture Series continues when Colin Finlay speaks 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.
Art Historical Reference Assignment
Students from the October 2013 Class will be working on their Art Historical Reference assignment. Students will select a recognizable piece of artwork and recreate it with a photograph.
On Location - Greenfield, MA
Students from the June 2013 Class are back on location this week at the Arts Block Building in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Students will once again be working to capture unique environmental portraits using strobe lights and the available ambient light they find in the location.
Week Thirty-Four
This 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
The October 2013 group will also have a class focusing on event photography. Matthew Cavanaugh who has spent years covering historic events at The White House will be the guest instructor.
Web Site Design
The June 2013 class will be busy putting the final touches on their websites this week. Students will be working with design instructor, Todd Verlander, to finalize and publish the sites that will showcase their photography.
Guest Speaker Andy Biggs
Hallmark’s Guest Lecture Series continues this week when Andy Biggs speaks about his career as an avid adventurer, conservationist, teacher, and outdoor photographer. Andy’s photography celebrates the African landscape and its rich wildlife, people, and culture.
Open House - May 4th
Instructors and Students will also be working together this week to prepare for Hallmark’s Careers in Photography Open House. Hallmark will open its doors this Saturday, May 4th from 12:30 to 3:30. It is a great opportunity for those interested in a career in photography to visit Hallmark's Educational Center, view examples of student work, and check out the unique educational training program that has helped students become a professional photographer in just 10 months.
Week Thirty-Three
Students 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
A location lighting class will be held this week at the Strathmore Paper Mill right here in Turners Falls, Massachusetts. Students will continue to learn advanced lighting techniques and have an opportunity to create portraits in a very unique location.
Portrait Studio
In the portrait studio this week, students will have a portrait lecture and will be given a surprise photo session that will mimic a real life assignment.
Photo Critique
Later in the week students will come together with the instructors for a critique. Students will present ten photographs from their most recent shoots for the faculty to review.
Week Thirty-Two
Hallmark'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
Students will also have an interactive lecture during their Employee Relations class. The class will explore what employers are looking for and hear from those in the industry, including Hallmark alumni, about what makes a successful relationship between employer and employee.
In the Commercial Studio
In the Commercial Studio this week students will be given a unique assignment to create an inspirational photograph with emphasis on depth-of-field and selective focus.
Location Lecture - Colrain, MA
Finally, the June 2013 class will head to Colrain, Massachusetts for the annual Location Lecture at the “Round House.” Students will once again be working to master the art of blending strobe light with the surrounding ambient light at this unique circular residence.
Spring Break for October Class
The October 2013 Class begins their Spring Break this week. We’d like to wish safe travels for those returning to their hometowns and best of luck on all of their photo shoots during the next two weeks.
Week Thirty-One
Last 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
Students from the October 2013 class will have their first classes in video this week. The class will be introduced to the video functionality of their Canon DSLR before getting hands on to get familiar with shooting footage.
Phase IV Portfolios
The June 2013 class will be busy in both the Portrait and Commercial studios this week. Students are beginning to capture the photographs that will complete their Phase IV Final Portfolio.
Guest Speaker Ambria Cone
On Thursday, Hallmark’s Guest Lecture Series continues when 2006 grad, Ambria Cone, returns to speak about her Hallmark experience and current career as a New York commercial photographer.
Guest Speaker Parish Kohanim
Week Thirty-One concludes with guest speaker, Parish Kohanim. 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
A 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
The October Class will kick their week off with a lecture focusing on family portraits. Instructor Richard Barnes will speak about key techniques including posing large groups of people and will give the class their first family portrait assignment.
Guest Speaker Sam Abell
On Thursday Sam Abell returns to Hallmark and will speak about his incredible career and his philosophy regarding the meaning of photography in our lives. Sam has worked with the National Geographic Society since 1970 and is one of the more overtly artistic photographers among his magazine peers.
Guest Speaker Gary Land
Hallmark’s Guest Lecture Series continues on Friday when Gary Land returns as our guest speaker. Gary is a freelance commercial photographer whose modern, fresh signature environmental portrait style landed him iconic campaigns for clients such as Nike, Adidas, and Coca Cola, as well as many more.
Week Twenty-Nine
We 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
Later in the week a critique will be held to reveiw the Phase III Additional Personal Submissions submitted by our June 2013 Class. Students will come together with instructors and have a chance to view the APS photographs created by their fellow classmates.
Design & Marketing
The October 2013 group will by busy in their design classes this week. Students will be working on creating and printing promotional pieces that they will use to market themselves and their photography upon graduation.
Portrait & Commercial Lectures
Both the June and October classes will have lighting lectures to finish off the week. Portrait and Commercial lectures will be given to go over new lighting techniques to be used in Phase II and Phase IV.
Week Twenty-Eight
Students 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
Students from the October 2013 class kick the week off with a Portrait Lighting Lecture. Students will begin learning techniques on creating light to be used in their portraits. Following the lecture, students will get hands on to capture portraits of one another.
In the Commercial Studio
The October 2013 group will also be introduced to lighting techniques in the Commercial Studio. There, they will capture still life photographs and focus on creating various lighting patterns.
Aerial Photography
Finally, the October class will end the week with an exciting lecture on their upcoming aerial photo shoot later this month. Students will come together with instructor, Tony Downer, to go over their trip to the Northampton Airport where they will shoot on location and then take to the sky to shoot aerial photography from a plane.
Week Twenty-Seven
Students 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
Students will also hear from editorial and sports photographer Ron Wyatt. In his 20+ year career, Ron Wyatt has photographed a wide range of subjects, including international sporting events, world leaders, celebrities and religious figures. Ron has covered the NBA, NFL, Major League Baseball and two summer Olympic Games.
Professional Lighting Classes
The October 2013 class will continue the week with lectures in both the commercial and portrait studios. During these studio classes students will begin to learn professional lighting techniques including measuring and shooting with strobe lights.
Additional Personal Submissions
The June 2013 class will be busy this week working to finish their Phase III Additional Personal Submissions. The APS assignment completes the Phase III Final Portfolio with six photographs of the student’s choice that reflect the type of work they will pursue upon graduation.
Week Twenty-Six
Students 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
The June group will also be continuing their classes on video production. Students will be working with guest lecturer, Anna Leah Jacobson, on their first group video assignment.
Phase I Final Portfolio
Students from the October 2013 will be working to complete their Phase I Final Portfolio. They will have this week to capture, edit, and print a collection of ten photographs for their first portfolio.
Website Design
Students from the June group will finish the week with a design class focusing on creating their personal website while the October class will have their first Portfolio Review.
Week Twenty-Five
Students 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
While the students from the June class complete their Phase III Final Portfolio, students from the October 2013 group will receive their Phase I Final Portfolio Assignment. Students will take what they have learned in their first two months and create their first portfolio of ten assigned photographs.
On Location: Northfield, MA
The October group will also be back out on location this week when they travel to Northfield, Massachusetts. Students will work together to create successful environmental portraits that incorporate the subject with his or her surroundings.
Photography Lectures
Both classes will have photo lectures this week. The June class will have a lighting lecture with instructor David Turner focusing on keeping the edge on high key portraits while the October group will have an Equipment Lecture with instructor Tony Downer on specialty lenses including techniques for using fish eye and Lensbaby lenses.
Open House
Instructors and Students will also be working together this week to prepare for Hallmark’s Careers in Photography Open House. Hallmark will open its doors this Saturday, March 2nd from 12:30 to 3:30. It is a great opportunity for those interested in a career in photography to visit Hallmark's Educational Center, view examples of student work, and check out the unique educational training program that has helped students become a professional photographer in just 10 months.
Week Twenty-Four
Students 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
Students from the June 2013 class are busy this week completing their Phase III Final Portfolios. Students will have this week to complete the shooting, editing, and printing of their 16 assigned photographs.
On Location: Shelburne Falls
The October 2013 group will be back on location this week when they travel to Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. The location trip will focus on the use of color in creating portraits.
Equipment Classes
Finally, the June 2013 class will have a Finishing Class where they will make their final prints for their Phase III Portfolios while students from the October class will have a Photo Equipment class where they will be introduced to some brand new equipment to Hallmark.
Week Twenty-Three
Students 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
Continuing our guest lecture series will be a very special presentation by Justin & Mary Marantz who operate one of the fastest growing wedding and portrait studios on the East Coast. They will share their experiences and knowledge with Hallmark students, helping to guide them to successful careers.
Location Trips & Fashion Photography
The October 2013 class will head to Amherst, Massachusetts for another on location photo trip while the June 2013 group will continue their fashion photography classes when they learn to shoot different types of apparel.
Business Classes
Students from the June class will also be working to finish their Career Business Plan and begin classes on designing their own website. The October group will begin their Professional Development classes with a class on Ethics in the photography industry.
Week Twenty-Three Video
Week Twenty Two
Students 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
Students from the June 2013 class will also begin the week with two portrait lectures. The first portraits lecture will be on family portraits and will concentrate on successful posing for portraiture. In the second portrait lecture students will learn some of the techniques and lighting used to make actor and model headshots.
Career Business Plan
The June 2013 group will also be continuing to work on their Career Business Plan this week. The Career Business Plan is a vital part of the Hallmark curriculum, which will layout the steps students will take into the photography industry upon graduation.
Photo History
The October class will travel with instructor Michael Zide to Smith College this week for a location lecture on Photo History. Students will learn about the advancements in the photography industry while having the opportunity to view photographs in the college’s permanent collection.
Week Twenty One
Students 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
Matthew Cavanaugh will be our guest instructor for this week’s Photojournalism classes. Matthew is an award-winning photographer who spent years covering the White House and documenting historic events.
Video
Anna Leah Jacobson will be our guest instructor for this week’s Video classes. Anna Leah is a professional videographer and editor working in New York City.
Portrait Lecture
Molly Baxter will be our guest instructor for this week’s Portrait Lecture. Molly will be discussing school and team sports photography to our June 2013 class.
On Location - Northampton, MA
Our October group will be on location once again this week when they travel to Northampton, Massachusetts. Students will be working on composition and working together to make portraits on location.
Week Twenty One Video
Week Twenty
A 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
The October 2013 class will start the week off with a photo critique. This will be the first opportunity for the new students to share the work they have made in week 1 and have their photographs reviewed by instructors.
Location Trips
Both classes will travel on location trips this week. The June 2013 class will head to Mount Holyoke College to meet with a Gallery Curator and view images from the school’s private collection while the October 2013 class will head north for a location shoot in Brattleboro, VT to work on making images that focus on light, shape, and contrast.
Portrait & Commercial Studios
Students from the June 2013 class will also be in the Portrait & Commercial studios as they begin working on the photographs that will make up their Phase III Final Portfolio.
New Classes
Finally, Students from the October 2013 Class will finish off the week with a variety of classes including Light & Landscape, Imaging Workflow, and their first Business Communication class.
Week Twenty Video
Week Nineteen
Hallmark 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
The Phase III Assignment will be handed out this week and includes sixteen different photographs for students to create and submit for their Phase III Final Portfolio.
Welcome October Class of 2013
Students from the October 2013 class begin their first full week this week and will have a variety of introductory classes including a Visual Arts lecture, a class on Imaging Workflow and a photo practical.
Location Trip
The October 2013 class also takes their first location trip to Greenfield, Massachusetts where they will test out their new equipment, learn some camera basics, and practice measuring available light.
Week Eighteen
Students 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
Early in the week students will also have a photo critique to review the editorial portraits they made during their location shoot at the former First National Bank of Greenfield.
Portrait & Commercial Lectures
Lectures will be held in both the portrait and commercial studios. In the portrait lecture students will be reviewing the techniques of photographing a magazine cover while in the commercial studio a demonstration will be held on creating and photographing an environmental still life.
Phase II Final Review
Students will finish off the week with their Phase II Final Review. Students and faculty will gather in the auditorium to critique the four photographs created by each student for their Phase II Final Portfolio.
WInter Recess
Students 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
Students 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
Public Speaking assignments will be presented on Tuesday. Students will deliver their ten-minute group speeches on the many different career opportunities in field of photography.
On Location
Later in the week students will go on location to an abandoned bank building in Greenfield, Massachusetts. They will have a very unique environment to create exciting location portraits.
Photo Review
Students will finish the week with a photo review. Students and instructors will gather together in the auditorium to view and critique the recent work created by students.
Week Fourteen
Students 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
Lectures and assignments continue in the portrait studio. This week lessons in high key portraits as well as couples portraits will be presented. Students will then have assignments to make portraits using both techniques.
In the Commercial Studio
A lecture and assignment will be given on the process of photographing glassware. Students will learn the proper techniques of lighting and photographing translucent still life objects.
Imaging Workflow
Later in the week students will have an in-class lab for their first retouching assessment. They will have an opportunity to take all of the tools and techniques they have learning in previous imaging classes and use them to retouch a portrait.
Week Thirteen
Students 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
Students will also have a location studio where they will be introduced to speed lights and how they can be used to capture unique portraits by balancing flash with the ambient light in any environment.
Character Portraits
A lecture and assignment on character portraits will examine capturing portraits that tell a story about the subject through their traits and physical features.
Art Historical Reference
Later in the week, students will have a visual arts class where they will be introduced to the annual Art Historical Reference assignment. In the assignment students will create a photograph replicating a famous work of art.
Week Twelve
Hallmark 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
In the commercial studio students will continue to work on incorporating products with props to create successful commercial compositions.
Aerial Photo Shoot
On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week students will take to the skies for the annual aerial photography shoot at Northampton Airport. Students will go for a plane ride over Northampton and Springfield while taking photographs from the bird's eye view. On the ground, students will be introduced to the exciting methods of balancing strobe light with ambient light to create dramatic portraits of one another.
Using Window Light
Later in the week, students will have a lecture on the techniques of using window light to create beautiful portraits.
Week Eleven
Hallmark 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
Students will also have class on pricing in the photography industry. They will learn about the broad spectrum of pricing in different areas of photography and complete an assigment creating their own pricing sheet for their future clients.
Annual Alumni Roundtable
Before students head home for Thanksgiving break they will have an opportunity to meet a group of graduates during Hallmark's annual Alumni Roundtable. Six alumni will speak about their personal journey as photographers following the 10-month program at Hallmark. Current students will be able to ask questions and hear tips and advice on how to succeed in the photography industry.
Week Ten
Jon, 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
Students will be back in the Portrait and Commercial studios this week. In the Portrait Studio they will learn the technique of using fill light while in the Commercial Studio they will learn how to incorporate a prop into a small product photograph.
Lighting on Location
Later in the week students will be introduced to lighting with gels while on location. They will see first hand how the addition of gels can produce dramatic color and change the mood of a photograph.
Aerial Photography
Students will end the week with an exciting lecture on their upcoming aerial photo shoot later this month. When students return from Thanksgiving break they will head to the Northampton Airport where they will shoot on location and then take to the sky to shoot aerial photography from a plane.
Week Nine
Instructor 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
In addition, the next public speaking assignment is introduced in Business Communications. Students are asked to research and present, as a small group, a career in the field of visual media. Not only does this allow students further practice speaking in front of their peers, but it also allows them to discover the numerous opportunities available to them within the photography industry.
Digital Imaging Workflow and Asset Management
Imaging Workflow classes continue as well as the introduction of a post-production process in Digital Asset Management.
Photo Review: Recapping the Week
Students end the week with a Photo Review recapping all the new ideas they've been exposed to throughout the week. It is another chance for them to make sure they have understood the week's lessons and for them to ask any questions on the material.
Week Eight
Congratulations 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
This week marks the final week of Phase I for our June 2013 graduates. It's another busy week as they shoot images for their Phase I Final Assignment to be submitted and critiqued on Friday.
Portrait and Commercial Studios
While shooting and printing for the Phase I Final take up the majority of the week's time, students also prepare to head into the Portrait and Commercial Studios in Phase II. They participate in Studio Operations classes which instruct on the ins and outs of all the unique lighting and other equipment associated with in-studio shooting.
Trick or Treat: Part 2
The week wouldn't be complete without a little seasonal fun; students and instructors alike don their scary costumes and participate in a Halloween shoot on Wednesday before getting back to business for the end of the week.
Lookout NYC: Hallmark is Invading for PhotoPlus
The end of the week finds students in New York City to attend the annual Photo Plus Expo where industry leaders converge to "talk shop."
Week Seven
Instructor 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
It's hard to believe, but our June 2013 graduates are given their Phase I Final Assignment this week, signifying that they have completed approximately one quarter of the program already. This assignment will be the first time they are asked to complete a number of assignments; a body of work, and submit them all at the same time for critique.
On Location: Northfield Mountain Project
It's another busy week as they go on location to shoot at the nearby Northfield Mountain Project, where they will find access to the Connecticut River, hiking trails and if they're lucky, may even spot the pair of Bald Eagles that call this area their home.
Guest Lecturer Monte Isom
Guest Lecturer Monte Isom speaks to the class this week as well. A New York advertising photographer, with clients in 8 countries, he keeps busy flying around the globe to meet with and photograph international superstar athletes and movie stars. Some of his clients include Ford, Nike, Adidas, Sprite, Citibank and HBO.
Lookout NYC: Hallmark is Invading for PhotoPlus
The end of the week finds students in New York City to attend the annual Photo Plus Expo where industry leaders converge to "talk shop."
Week Six
Students 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
This week our June 2013 graduates begin to learn about the importance of networking within the photography industry as they have a class on Professional Trade Associations. Beyond just covering the most prominent associations, the students will learn about the experienced of recent graduates who successfully used networking to land jobs.
Printing Digital Photographs
After securing the basic techniques of PhotoShop and Lightroom in their Digital Imaging classes, the June 2013 class members also begin to print their own work in Imaging Workflow, learning how crucial things like color correction and aspect ratios are to producing professional photographs.
Field Trip: Shelburne Falls
To work on their assignments incorporating gesture and color into their images, students travel to a small hill town, Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts home to the Bridge of Flowers and some of the best local coffee around. While the foliage colors aren't quite at their peek, the village itself makes up for that with its own local color.
Special Guest Lecturers: Jack Reznicki and Edward Greenberg
These students wrap up the week with guest lecturers Jack Reznicki, a commercial advertising photographer and Attorney Edward Greenberg, co-authors of Photographer's Survival Manual: A Legal Guide for Artists in the Digital Age.
Week Five
Affiliated 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
Additional classes in Critical Theory, Imaging Workflow, Recordkeeping and Professional Development have them thinking not only about photography, but about all the supporting elements photographers must incorporate for success in the industry.
Field Trip: Amherst, Massachusetts
This week, students also travel to Amherst, Massachusetts, a college town who's ivy-laden brick buildings and narrow streetscapes provide unique subject matter and backgrounds for this week's assignments.
October Graduates — So Close!
This is also the final full week before our October 2012 graduates submit their Final Year-end Portfolios. With the majority of their shooting done, much of their time is spent holed up in Hallmark's Imaging Theater, editing, color-correcting, cropping and otherwise tweaking their final images.
Week Four
What 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
They are also introduced to Stock Photography; a number of agencies will act as the seller for stock images, photographs that advertisers and others look to for use in magazines and web sites etc. and it can be a means of income for a photographer with a small amount of legwork.
Editorial Photography and Fashion Photography
Students are also introduced to Editorial Photography and continue to learn about Fashion Photography in their Visual Arts/Style class.
October Graduates Eye the Finish Line
Our October 2012 graduates again spend much of their time this week shooting in the studios and on-location for the Final Year-end Portfolios. They will also participate in Critiques in which instructors advise on which images should be included in that portfolio and which ones they may want to reshoot or rethink.
Special Guest Lecturer: Damian Strohmeyer
Both classes are lucky at the end of the week to attend a Guest Lecturer Presentation by Damian Strohmeyer. Damian Strohmeyer is a Boston-based photographer who will take students on a trip through two decades of photographing people and sports. After stints at newspapers in Topeka, Kansas and Denver, Colorado he has been affiliated with Sports Illustrated magazine for twenty years, and spent eleven of them as a staff photographer. He has covered virtually every major sporting event in the United States as well as several Olympic Games and twenty-three Super Bowls.
Week Three
In 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
New lectures, which focus on lenses and how to use them, will challenge our June 2013 graduates to add some additional steps to picture-making, especially as they are becoming more comfortable with the camera and light meter.
Field Trip: Northampton, Massachusetts
The field trip this week takes them to Northampton, Massachusetts, a college-town with a diverse population that still has the feel of old New England.
Special Event for All Students
Both classes are in for a treat when Stillmotion visits Hallmark mid-week on their KNOW tour; a filmmaking seminar put on by a group of extremely talented storytellers. Stillmotion is a band of filmmakers who produce exceptional films, from gorgeous weddings to Emmy-nominated full-length documentaries.
Week Two
A 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
Meanwhile, the countdown is on for our October 2012 graduates; In less than a month they will submit their Final Year-end Portfolio for review by a panel of professional, working photographers. Everything they do from here on out, is aimed at creating their absolute best work for this crucial assignment.
Week One
Fast 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
The Class of 2013 will also have introductory classes in Record Keeping, Visual Arts and Digital Imaging and the week wraps up with a Photo History class as well as a group review of the information from the week. Our goal is to send them into the weekend feeling confident about all the new technical information that has been thrown their way.
Eye on the Prize: Work Increasing on Final Portfolios
Meanwhile, our October 2012 graduates eye the light at the end of the tunnel. While they do finish up work on their promotional pieces and web sites in Design classes, much of the week is allotted to studio time, both in the Commercial and Portrait Studios as well as off campus location shooting for their Final Year-end Portfolio
Orientation
Instructor 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
Each afternoon, the Class of 2013 will be treated to a speacial lecture and they begin with a presentation by Hallmark's own Artist-in-Residence and renowned portrait photographer Gregory Heisler. Heisler will use his well-known sense of humor to help illustrate the story of his career and how he will work one-on-one with the class.
Day Two: fashion photographer Barbara Bordnick
The second afternoon, prominent fashion photographer Barbara Bordnick shares her life's work and passion describing a career that has taken her all over the globe. As if that's not enough, our October 2012 graduates showcase their work at The Gallery at Hallmark in an opening reception held specifically to welcome the new class.
Day Three: Clay Patrick McBride
The week wraps up with high-energy, celebrated photographer Clay Patrick McBride known for his images of iconic sports figures, celebrities and musicians.
Orientation Video
Summer Session
Instructor 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
Work continues on the year-end video project in the Video class. In addition, students continue to work on creating eye-catching logo's to assist in the production of their business cards, letterhead and websites in Design classes.
Public Relations and Salesmanship
Students in the October Graduating Class of 2012 will be working on their Gallery Show to be hung at The Gallery at Hallmark. They are planning every aspect of the show and are excited to be publically displaying their work.
Summer Session
I 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
In the Commercial Studio, students spend hours creating sets using everything from nuts and bolts to blueberry pies to stiletto heels as subjects for their product shots.
Still Plenty of Time for Classes
While much of the students' time is spent shooting this week, they also manage to squeeze in time to attend classes in Imaging Workflow, Video, Recordkeeping and Design.
Summer Session
Setting 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
While their minds are humming with ideas for their Final Year-end Portfolio, students will also attend new Commercial and Portrait Lectures as well as Wedding Photography and Editorial Photography classes this week.
Summer Session
Who 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
Instructor Michael Zide, Hallmark's very own Landscape expert, will be taking the class with him as he explores his Zen-like approach to landscape photography. Zide reaches back to his early career in California, extensive travels through the country's west, and over two decades on the island community of Nantucket to inform his style and approach to landscape photography.
![[Hallmark Institute of Photography]](/images/hallmark-logo-350.gif){kind=logo}
Watch our YouTube videos 
You can also find us on Facebook 
Follow Us on Twitter 
Find us on Google+
Hallmark’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.
The 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.
This 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.
Students 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.
Hallmark'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.
Last 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.
A 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.
We 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.
Students 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.
Students 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.
Students 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.
Students 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.
Students 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.
Students 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.
Students 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.
Students 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.
A 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.
Hallmark 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.
Students 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.
Students were on location last week for their Editorial Portrait assignment. This portrait was made by current student Andrea.
Students 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.
Students 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.
Students 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.
Hallmark 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.
Hallmark 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.
Jon, 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.
Instructor 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.
Congratulations 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.
Instructor 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.
Students from our soon-to-be graduated October class spend a final Location Studio with Artist-in-Residence Gregory Heisler at a nearby paper mill. 
Affiliated 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.
What 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.
In 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.
A 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.
Fast 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.
Instructor 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.
Instructor 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.
I do!
Setting the Mood
Who Let The Dog Out?