What's Happening at Hallmark, Week by Week

Every week brings something new in Hallmark's intensive 10-month program. Follow along with our current classes on their journey to graduation day and their future careers.

To find out what the coming weeks and months have in store -- classes, guest lectures, field trips -- see our "Year at Hallmark" pages as well as our schedule of upcoming events.

Tony Downer photo

Week Twenty-One — This week our June 2012 graduates have a very full schedule including lectures in Photo History, Elements of Style, Video, Design and more information on Quickbooks in Recordkeeping. In addition to all this, they continue to work in the Portrait and Commercial Studios as their ideas for their Phase III Final images are brought to life as they execute the shoots. Our October 2012 graduates spend a great deal of time in more technical lectures as they strive to quickly learn the basics of the field. They will also present their 5-minute Autobiographical Presentations in Business Communications and practice using different lenses on a field trip to nearby Northampton, MA. At the end of the week both the June and October graduates get a glimpse of the future as they listen to Guest Lecturer and 1987 Hallmark Graduate Bill Diodato. Bill has made his mark in New York City through the years since graduating from Hallmark, shooting fashion, editorial and commercial work. Clients include Victoria's Secret, Clinique and Prada to name a few. Pictured: Guest Lecturer and 1987 Hallmark Graduate Bill Diodato discusses his lengthy and successful career since graduating from Hallmark. One of his beauty shots can be seen on the screen behind him in the Auditorium.

Tony Downer photo

Week Twenty

— This week begins with a presentation to both our June and October 2012 graduates by Guest Lecturer Lindsay Adler. Lindsay, an up and coming fashion and portrait photographer based in New York has had her work featured in several international fashion magazines as well as photography magazines including Professional Photographer and Rangefinder. Lindsay also excels at marketing through social media and will share her outlook on the industry with students. Our June 2012 graduates are busy planning for their Phase III final assignments as well as scouting locations and scheduling models for the portrait studios. During Business Writing and Business Control classes this week, their focus is on beginning to put together a rough draft of their Career Business Plan, another element of their Phase III Final. In addition, students from the June 2012 class still attend classes for Imaging Workflow, Video and Wedding Photography. Our October 2012 graduates attend more technical photographic lectures, are introduced to the assignment for a 5-minute Autobiographical Presentation in Business Communications and take their newfound camera and lighting skills on the road for a field trip to nearby Brattleboro, VT. Pictured: Current student Meg takes a light meter reading as she prepares to shoot her reflective metal assignment in Hallmark's Commercial Studio.

Michael Zide photo

Week Nineteen

— There is still plenty going on in this four-day week shortened by the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Early Tuesday morning our June 2012 graduates submit their Phase II Final Assignment and jump right into Phase III with a Portfolio Preparation class. There are two major assignments that students will spend the bulk of their time on during Phase III; one is their Career Business Plan, an in-depth plan that maps out their career goals by asking them to submit a Statement of Goals, an Action Plan as to how they will reach those goals and a Marketing Plan including research on their potential employment options and/or client base if they plan to start their own business. Promotional and Financial documents must also be included. The second is a mini-portfolio; a body of images that becomes a pre-curser to their Final Year-end Portfolio in Phase IV. Students are given all the photographic assignments at one time and then must plan, execute and submit them as a body of work at the end of Phase III. Meanwhile, our October 2012 graduates have completed their Orientation exercises and begin classes as well as head to scenic Old Deerfield, Massachusetts for their first field trip. Pictured: With some help from Portrait Instructor Rich Barnes, current student Travis photographs his 1-month old cousins (twins) as their mom looks on.

Jacob Murphy photo

Week Eighteen

— Our June 2012 graduates are half way through the program as they complete Phase II this week. They will spend the majority of the week working on four assignments that make up their Phase II Final and cover all the areas they have been training in since September. For their portrait assignment students will submit an image that could be used for a magazine cover such as Time, Sports Illustrated or Seventeen. They will submit an Environmental Still-Life as their commercial assignment and an Environmental Portrait for their location assignment. Lastly, each student is asked to submit a self-portrait. This is always a welcome and fun assignment for students as they attempt to capture their own personality in a photograph. In addition this week, Hallmark welcomes it's October Class of 2012 as orientation events begin on Wednesday. Pictured: Current student Calvin utilizes the garage door in Hallmark's Educational Center to set up his Self-Portrait assignment with his car.

Tony Downer photo

Week Seventeen

— A new week and a new year finds the Class of 2012 entering the remaining couple weeks of Phase II. They begin the week with new Portrait and Commercial Lectures followed by studios to complete the assignments given out in these lectures. In the Portrait Studio this week students will complete a PR/Alternative assignment. This assignment asks the student to create a portrait of a man or woman in business attire for public relations use such as one would see for realtors, lawyers etc. The second part of the assignment has the student shooting an alternative image of the same person in a much less formal manner. For instance, the realtor may enjoy cycling in his/her spare time thus the student would be encouraged to get a shot of his/her subject in cycling gear. The purpose of the assignment is to show students how it can be possible to create other types of jobs and sales from the initial job or sale. In addition, students tackle food photography in the Commercial Studio, where the unique challenge of keeping the food items looking fresh and appetizing under the hot studio lights presents a challenge. Pictured: Current students Mackenzie (left) and Maddy have worked tirelessly to create a campfire environment in the Commercial Studio while shooting their food photography assignment. The girls have spared no detail as they used real wood and an orange gel to create the illusion of fire while photographing their stack of S'mores.

Dennis O'Clair photo

Happy Holidays

— Students from the Resident Class of 2012 continue to enjoy a well deserved holiday recess. For many who live across the country or across the world, it is the first time home to visit loved ones, since they began their Hallmark journey in September. While this time allows for rest, relaxation and celebrations with family and friends, many students will also use this time to shoot their Event Photography assignment, such as a holiday party, wedding, parade or festival, or capture members of their own families for their Family Portrait assignment both due after they return from their break.

Michael Zide photo

Week Fourteen

— This last week before the Holiday Recess is a busy one. Students begin the week with an all-school Photo Review and Critique where instructors view student work from the last several weeks and provide feedback noting strides they are making as well as areas they should continue to work on. The intent of holding this critique with the entire class is to point out common areas of photographic challenges and provide solutions that all students can benefit from. After a new Portrait Lecture covering High Key lighting as well as couple and family portraiture and a Commercial Lecture in glassware, students spend their Portrait and Commercial Studios this week shooting assignments using what they've learned in those areas. The photographing of weddings, parties and organizational get-togethers is covered in Event Photography as well. Pictured: Current student Alex loads up his car with equipment he has borrowed from Hallmark's Equipment Room for the holiday recess. Classmate Amy helps him fit it all in.

Tony Downer photo

Week Thirteen

— There are a number of exciting new assignments this week as students begin to feel more comfortable after several weeks of working in the Portrait and Commercial Studios. Glassware is introduced in the Commercial Studio as students attempt to light this delicate product just right. In addition, the Art Historical Reference assignment is handed out, which is always a favorite from year to year. For this assignment, students may choose a painting or drawing of their choice, then attempt to re-create the piece photographically. It's an assignment that really gets the creative juices flowing and the outcome is usually stunning. Students wrap up the week with Guest Lecturers Jack Reznicki and Edward C. Greenberg J. D. One of the original "Canon Explorers of Light,” Jack Reznicki is the current President of the Board of Directors of Professional Photographers of America (PPA). He has conducted workshops on copyright and legal issues for PPA and other organizations and currently co-authors a Photoshop User magazine column with Ed Greenberg on legal and copyright issues for image-makers. Ed Greenberg is a member of the New York bar who has tried intellectual property and copyright cases at the state, federal and appellate levels. Together they will share their vast knowledge on these important topics with our student body. Pictured: Guest Lecturer and Commercial/Advertising Photographer Jack Reznicki introduces himself and colleague Ed Greenberg with a slide of the two of them, explaining that the subject they are about to discusss, licensing and copyrights, they could speak about until they are "blue in the face."

Tony Downer photo

Week Twelve

— Students return from the Thanksgiving holiday recess to a full week of classes and assignments. From lectures on window light and background light in portraiture to shooting silverware in the commercial studio, a number of new concepts are introduced this week. In addition, students will travel to a small regional airport in nearby Northampton, MA to complete an aerial assignment as well as an on-location portrait assignment. Three at a time, students will fly in a small fixed-wing plane, along with a seasoned pilot who will help locate all the best scenic areas for them to shoot their assignment. When not flying, they will work with Artist-in-Residence, Gregory Heisler, to photograph on-location portraits of their classmates, using the hangars, planes and surrounding landscape as backdrop for these images. Finally, the student body will begin to present their 10-minute speech on Careers in Visual Media for their Business Communications class. They have spent the last four weeks working in small groups to research an assigned area such as portrait photography, photojournalism or studio management to name a few. This week, they will present their findings, which will prove helpful to their classmates as they begin to think about what to do upon graduation in June. Pictured: Instructor David Turner speaks with a prospective student and her family in Hallmark's Commercial Studio during Sunday's Open House for Admissions. In the background current students show off their talents in product and still life photography.

David Turner photo

Week Eleven

— In this holiday shortened week, students attend a full day of classes on Monday, including Design, Photo History, Imaging Workflow and Pricing. Tuesday Hallmark welcomes back a panel of respected graduates for our annual Alumni Roundtable Event to take place in Hallmark's Auditorium in the Educational Center. Joining us to share their journey from Hallmark Students to successful, working Professional Photographers are Scott Zuehlke, Class of 1999; Wendy Maybury, Class of 2000; Katie Lewis, Class of 2006; Jorgé Rivas, Class of 2007; Katie Suellentrop, Class of 2008 and Konrad Brattke, Class of 2009. Instructors Rich Barnes and Tony Downer will host and MC the day, a running slideshow of the graduates' work will be displayed on the large screen throughout the event and a question and answer session for students will be held at the end of the day. The Alumni Roundtable Event serves as an inspiring send off for our students as many head home for an extended Thanksgiving holiday break. Pictured: The Class of 2012 form a captive audience as they listen to the Alumni Roundtable Panelists share their stories. From left to right are Konrad Brattke, Katie Lewis, Jorge Rivas, Katie Suellentrop, Scott Zuehlke and Wendy Maybury. One of Scott's images is on the screen in the background.

Tony Downer photo

Week Ten

— Early this week students sit in on new Portrait, Commercial and Location Lectures. Throughout the remainder of the week, they will shoot in each of these studios using the information gained in the lectures along with new lighting techniques. In the Portrait Studio, students will use each other as models using Fill Light, while in the Commercial Studio they are asked to bring in a small product and some type of prop to shoot together. Location Studio finds the student body working on interior location portraits incorporating gels into the images. In addition to all this shooting time, students also continue their work on the InDesign software in Design and learn the ins and outs of building credit, maintaining good credit and what a credit score means in Planning & Analysis. This weekend a group of student volunteers, along with some of our instructional staff and the United Way of Franklin County will open up Hallmark's Portrait Studios for family photos within the community. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit the United Way of Franklin County. Pictured: Two sisters and their children have their family photo taken in Hallmark's Portrait Studio during Family Photo Day to raise money for the United Way of Franklin County. Current student Kayley is behind the camera.

Lisa Robinson photo

Week Nine

— Although it's hard to believe, our June 2012 graduate begin Phase II this week as they are introduced to the Portrait and Commercial Studios. The control of indoor, in-studio lighting builds upon the techniques they have already learned in Phase I, but adds another element to their repertoire of skills. In addition to lectures in Portrait, Commercial and Location Photography, students begin a series of classes in Digital Asset Management as well as Marketing Analysis. The software program InDesign is introduced in their Design class where they will begin to use this program to eventually create their own letterhead, business cards and promotional pieces. Pictured: Current student Erin looks over the shoulder of instructor Chat Sirichanvimol as he reviews her product shot in the commercial studio. Students were in the commercial studio for the first time this week, shooting either round or rectangular objects to work on the basics of tabletop photography.

Tony Downer photo

Week Eight

— This week begins with a special and spooky assignment to celebrate Halloween. Students spend Monday morning using their skills to shoot monsters in motion, groups of goblins and clowns in costume. Hallmark will provide a special pizza luncheon and we will have some area alumni on hand to judge costumes and hand out prizes. After the fun of Halloween, students get to work spending the majority of the week shooting the ten assignments that make up their Phase I Final Assignment. The week concludes on Friday with the Phase I Final Review at which instructors will critique the images and share their thoughts about the technical skills demonstrated in each of these assignments. Pictured: During the Phase I Final Assignment Review, instructor Michael Merritt comments on a student image submission for the assignment, "Portrait Using Similar Colors." The purpose of the assignment is to create an expressive portrait where the subject is either wearing cool colors against a cool background, or warm colors against a warm background, as seen here. The maker of this image used his/her classmate Rod as his/her subject.

Tony Downer photo

Week Seven

— It's one of the busiest weeks of the year as our June 2012 graduates begin the week by receiving their assignment for their Phase I Final. Lectures this week will review the technical skills that have been taught and practiced over the last seven weeks and students will then have about two weeks to complete their first body of work. This body of work will include a group of assignments that encompass all that they have learned during this first phase and the next two weeks will include plenty of studio time to work on this mini portfolio. Thursday evening, our October 2011 graduates become just that, graduates, as their friends and family join Hallmark staff and faculty at an intimate banquet style graduation ceremony in the Grand Ballroom of the nearby Hotel Northampton. Friday morning both classes are up before dawn to head to New York City to attend the PhotoPlus Expo, one of the largest and most informative photography expositions in the country. Pictured: World Renown Photographers, Steve Kronberg and Jodi Buren joined us to present the Keynote Address.

Michael Zide photo

Week Six

— This week our June 2012 graduates explore the differences between black & white and color images in Visual Communications, delve into color psychology in Visual Arts/Style and then take their newfound knowledge about color and tone and how they can make or break an image to the village of Shelburne Falls, MA. Here they can explore the Trolley Museum and railroad grounds, as well as the quaint, New England town at the peak of fall foliage. Our October 2011 graduates meet their final deadline as their Year-end Portfolio is due at the end of the day on Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday they experience Portfolio Review where renowned photographers Sam Abell, Simon Alexander and Grant Peterson review the students' final body of work. Sam has been shooting for National Geographic since 1970, Simon is the Studio Manager for Hearts Publishing of New York City and Grant is a commercial still-life photographer who's use of light, color, design and printing has influenced generations of photographers. All use their immense experience and knowledge to give each individual student what will likely be the most thorough review of their work they will ever receive. Pictured: Instructor Richard Barnes (center) poses with current students and those visiting our Fall Open House as a prospective student gets behind the lens to see what it's like to use the professional studio equipment in Hallmark's Portrait Studio.

Tony Downer photo

Week Five

— This week our June 2012 graduates are once again on a field trip as they travel to the college town of Amherst, MA to work on their composition assignment. Amherst is home to both Amherst College and the University of Massachusetts and is a quaint but bustling area where culture abounds. In addition, students continue classes such as Photo History, where they delve into the rich past of both the industry and some of it's influential photographers, and Record Keeping, where the importance of timely bookkeeping skills are discussed. At the end of the week, Hallmark welcomes Guest Lecturer, Paul Wainwright. Wainwright describes himself as a modern-day Ansel Adams. He works with a wooden large-format camera, sheet film, and develops all his images in his darkroom using a traditional process which forces him to slow down and really think about what he wants his images to be. This week also represents the last full week of studio and lab time for our October 2011 graduates before they pass in their Final Year-end Portfolios. Pictured: Current students Cody, Rachel, Gabby and Jessica (front to back) get creative in a narrow alley in Amherst, MA. All were capturing a portrait of Instructor Tony Downer, who was in turn, shooting them.

Michael Zide photo

Week Four

— This week we welcome 2001 Hallmark Graduate Mike Ehrmann for our Guest Lecturer Series. A Miami based sports photographer currently working for Getty Images, Mike's clients have included Nike, Gillette, Callaway and the New York Yankees and his images appear regularly in ESPN the Magazine as well as Sports Illustrated. Mike has the unique ability to share with our current students his experience as a Hallmark student and his subsequent journey up through the ranks of the competitive field of sports photography. In addition, our June 2012 graduates sit in on lectures that focus on animation in images. The following Photo Practical has students photographing instructors on skateboards, riding motorcycles, running and driving cars in our large parking area behind our Educational Center. Showing motion, stopping motion and creating energy in one's images can add excitement to a photograph and that's what this week is all about. Meanwhile, our October 2011 graduates continue work on their year-end video projects in Motion Imaging, work on location lighting in Location Studio and start to consider sequencing of their images for their Year-end Final Portfolio in Portfolio Preparation. Pictured: Current student Derrick, helps Guest Lecturer and 2001 Hallmark graduate Mike Ehrmann re-enact a typical shoot at a Major League Baseball or NFL Football game.

Gregory Heisler photo

Week Three

— Timed to coincide with the opening of her show "The Artist as Art", Guest Lecturer Ellen Denuto joins us this week for a presentation on her stunning series of intimate portraits. A successful commercial photographer based in New York, Ms. Denuto is also an accomplished fine art photographer. It is with the same care and attention that she created her portraits of well-known artists including poet Allen Ginsberg, jazz musician, Dan Faulk and photographer/musician/writer Gordon Parks. She will share her journey in photographing this series with our students. Also this week, our June 2012 graduates begin to present their 5-minute autobiographical speeches in Business Communications, and their technical lectures focus on lenses and lens choices. Our October 2011 graduates participate in a Salesmanship class as well as one on Interviewing Skills. These are both designed and timed to help them as they near graduation and begin to interview for photography positions or start their own photographic businesses. Pictured: Instructors David Turner shares some feedback with current student Derrick, during their Location Studio.

Michael Zide photo

Week Two

— The week begins with a Photo Critique and Review for our June 2012 graduates. Images from their first week will be shown and feedback given by their instructors allowing the students to quickly gain an understanding of those technical concepts they are grasping, as well as things they may need to continue to work on and improve upon. Midweek, a field trip takes them to nearby Brattleboro, VT, a small, eclectic city that is home to everyone from dairy farmers to artists, writers and musicians. The architecture and environment are the perfect place for students to shoot for their Visual Arts assignment. In addition, this week students are introduced to their first public speaking assignment, a 5-minute autobiographical presentation, in Business Communications, as well as the importance of learning not just how to take a picture, but how to set up lights, work with stylists, art directors and others that can be present on a shoot, in Assisting class. Meanwhile, our October 2011 graduates participate in Mid-Phase IV Reviews, in which each student is scheduled for individual time with instructors to share the contents thus far, of his/her Final Year-end Portfolio. The purpose of these reviews is to identify if a student is making reasonable progress towards completion of his/her Year-end Portfolio, but also to offer advice and encouragement as they prepare for the final half of Phase IV, which culminates in the submission of the Year-end Portfolio. Pictured: Current student Jessica, gets creative on the field trip to Brattleboro, VT, as she works on the assignment that calls for a high contrast image using line and shape.

Lisa Robinson photo, Sean Dougherty photo

Week One

— After completing their three-day orientation last week, our new June 2012 graduates get started with classes right away this week. The first several days are filled with technical lectures followed by photo practicals. In each case, a lecture is given, demonstrating such things as camera settings and light meter readings. After each lecture, the students then practice hands-on what they have been taught using Hallmark's facilities and campus grounds to practice. Midweek, the student body travels to nearby Old Deerfield, a quaint village where they put their new found technical skills to work photographing each other against the early American backdrop of the town. Later in the week, they begin their introductory classes in Digital Imaging Workflow, Visual Arts, Recordkeeping and Photo History. Meanwhile, our October graduates continue their work on their Final Year-end Portfolios as well as their year-end video projects. They also participate in classes such as Elements of Style and Site Selection; how to place your business in an area that easily reaches your target market. Pictured: In the image on the left, current student Ben poses in front of one of Old Deerfield's historic homes, while current student Sean has no worries about laying down in the wet grass to get a unique angle. At right is Sean's finished image of Ben.

Peter Chilton photo

Orientation

— This week Hallmark welcomes the Class of 2012 beginning with a three-day Orientation. Students descend upon Turners Falls from 22 different United States as well as 4 different countries including China, India, Mexico and Venezuela. In addition to familiarizing new students with their class schedules, policies & procedures and introducing them to their instructional staff, they will also be treated to some exceptional Guest Lectures. Hallmark's very own Artist-in-Residence, Gregory Heisler kicks off the first afternoon by introducing himself to the student body and sharing his phenomenal work, including some of his over 70 TIME Magazine cover photos. Friend of Hallmark and renowned portrait and fashion photographer, Barbara Bordnick joins us on Day Two. During Barbara's forty-year career she has emerged as one of the first and foremost women photographers in the nation. And lastly, on Day Three, Clay Patrick McBride brings his unrivaled energy and enthusiasm to the group. Clay's work knows no bounds and includes images of the elite stars of sports, hip-hop, and rock and roll. Also this week, our October Graduating Class of 2011 welcomes our new students with a private reception and show, EVOLV(ED) at The Gallery at Hallmark. On display are exquisite images produced by the October Graduating Class of 2011, representing their journey through Hallmark's 10-month program. Pictured:New York based photographer, Clay Patrick McBride, pauses for a moment to reflect on an image of iconic war time photographer, Eddie Adams, shown on the screen in the Auditorium during Clay's guest appearance at Hallmark to kick-off the 2011/2012 school year for our newly arrived students. Once again, Clay's presentation rocked the doors off Hallmark's Educational Center as his passion, talent and enthusiasm inspired and motivated both students and faculty alike.

Tony Downer photo

Summer Session — Our October 2011 graduates continue to shoot, shoot, shoot for their Final Year-end Portfolios. On any given day, depending on the schedule, they can be found shooting a child or pet in the portrait studio, setting up a complicated "pour" shoot (showing liquid in a pouring motion) in the Commercial Studio, or possibly in a family's home capturing the precious moments of that family's life. In addition to all that activity, they still participate in lectures and other classes as well. Electronic promotion is key in this day and age therefore, students are busy creating their own individual websites to showcase their work in Web Site Design. Personal Vision explores just how to incorporate one's own style and creativity while still balancing the marketable side of one's work. Work also continues on the students' year-end promotional video in their Motion Imaging class. Pictured: Artist-in-Residence Gregory Heisler demonstrates the advantages of state-of-the-art fluorescent and LED lighting sources in achieving sophisticated qualities of light as part of his presentation of large-format camera techniques for portraiture. Instructor David Turner assists.

» World Class Photographers Combine Talents To Expand Location and Fashion Lighting Classes at Hallmark

Summer Session — The beginning of this week has our October graduates out and about on an all day location shoot in nearby Greenfield, MA at an abandoned bank building. Working with natural light as well as flash and reflective lighting, gesture and background is so important as these key ingredients can make or break a location session. Later in the week, advanced photoshop tools continue to be taught in Tools & Techniques, as well as the Quickbooks software in Recordkeeping. While invoicing and journal entries are not always the first thing a photographer thinks about, anyone who will be running his/her own studio or free lance shooting for portrait or advertising work, will need these important skills. As always there is a good amount of Portrait and Commercial Studio time this week to allow for in-studio shoots for each student's Final Year-end Portfolio. Pictured: Instructor Tony Downer checks and adjusts cameras and tripods that are used in Hallmark's Portrait Studios.

» World Class Photographers Combine Talents To Expand Location and Fashion Lighting Classes at Hallmark

Tony Downer photo (l), Billy Orr photo (r)

Summer Session — Students begin this week with a formal critique of their Additional Personal Submission assignment. While many of the year-end assignments call for specific requirements in an effort to highlight all the technical skills the student has learned throughout the year, each student is also required to turn in six (6) Additional Personal Submissions. These images have very little in the way of specific requirements, giving the student the widest range of creative license. Students are encouraged to gear these particular images towards the type of photography they want to ultimately pursue and the critique is a means to let them know if they are on the right track with them. Also this week students begin to finalize their individual web sites in Web Site Design and continue work on their year-end video projects in Motion Imaging. Pictured: Current student Billy shoots an eclectic image of his classmate Jimmy for one of his Additional Personal Submissions for his Final Year-end Portfolio. At right is the finished product.

» Watch the Hallmark Portfolio Deadline video

Tony Downer photo

Summer Session — As students continue to work on their year-end images, some new classes are also introduced. Event Photography is like no other type of photography and this class helps the student prepare for it. In the world of sporting, political and life events things happen quickly, and the challenge for the photographer is to capture those important moments, yet to also anticipate things such as weather, lighting and spur-of-the-moment happenings. In Personal Projects, the importance of keeping one's mind artistically challenged with one's own work, while still focusing on making a living with photography is discussed. In addition, students begin to work in groups in their Motion Imaging class, to create their year-end video assignment. Pictured: Current students Mayela, Luis, Derrick and Joyce present their research and findings on iconic celebrity and portrait photographer, Douglas Kirkland, on stage in Hallmark's auditorium. This group was lucky enough to be able to interview Douglas over the phone before putting together their 20-minute Significant Photographer Presentation for their Business Communications class.

» Watch the Hallmark Portfolio Deadline video

Tony Downer photo

Summer Session — Students hand in their Phase III Final Assignment this week and begin their fourth and final phase, Phase IV. Portrait and Commercial photography lectures focus on what types of images students may want to pursue for their Final Year-end Portfolios and also how a student can meet the criteria for each individual assignment within the Year-end Portfolio, yet still take his or her style and inject that into the images to give the final book a unique and personal look. Students also deliver their final public speaking assignment in Business Communications as they present research and career information on a significant photographer, past or present, of their choosing. They also delve into the beginnings of motion photography and video in their Motion Imaging class. Pictured: Artist-in-Residence Gregory Heisler shares some of his secrets for location lighting as he takes some of our October 2011 graduates to a nearby home to shoot on-location assignments.

» Watch the Hallmark Portfolio Deadline video

Tony Downer photo

Summer Session — Early in the week, students turn in their Career Business Plan. A crucial document as they begin their career in photography, the business plan includes a student's goals and plan of action to reach those goals, a marketing strategy and marketing materials, as well as financial projections for income and expenses upon leaving school and beginning work. The majority of the students' time is spent in Hallmark's Imaging Theater as they put the finishing touches on their Phase III Final images. Cropping of an image, correct color and exceptional print quality is just as important to a final image as the shoot itself. Also this week in a Public Relations class, they are introduced to the student-run Gallery Exhibit and Reception planning assignment, which will be held in September at the Gallery at Hallmark. Pictured: Current student Joyce double-checks her focus as she works with a fashion model.

» Watch the Hallmark Portfolio Deadline video

Michael Cali photo

Summer Session — Our October 2011 graduates return this week from their two week summer recess. They begin to discover some advanced Photoshop skills in their Tools & Techniques class this week while also continuing to learn the fine points of location lighting in Location Studio. Design and Business Control allow them to work both on the design elements of their Letterhead and Business cards for the upcoming Career Business Plan assignment, as well as the detailed documentation of the plan itself, such as who and where their target market is to be found and how to promote their work to that market. The end of the week finds students in the Commercial and Portrait Studios, allowing for more time to shoot studio assignments required for their Phase III Final Assignment. Pictured: Class of 2011 Graduates react to Keynote Speaker, Joe McNally as he gives the Commencement Address.

» Watch the Hallmark Portfolio Deadline video

Michael Cali photo

Graduation — The Class of 2011 enjoyed their graduation festivities in Hallmark's spacious Auditorium this Friday, June 24th. Certificates of Completion were awarded by Hallmark Institute of Photography President, George J. Rosa III, and special awards were handed out for outstanding portfolios as well as academic honors. The staff, graduates and their guests were honored by the presence of Keynote Speaker, Joe McNally, internationally acclaimed photographer who has contributed to a number of stories for magazines such as TIME and Newsweek, and was also a staff photographer for LIFE Magazine and a 23-year contributor to National Geographic. Joe talked about those that tried to discourage him as a young photographer and encouraged the students not to listen to naysayers as he loves photography even more now than he did when he first began in the industry. Pictured: Graduation Keynote Speaker, Joe McNally, addresses the Class of 2011 from the podium on the stage in Hallmark's Auditorium.

Michael Cali photo

Graduation — The Class of 2011 enjoyed their graduation festivities in Hallmark's spacious Auditorium this Friday, June 24th. Certificates of Completion were awarded by Hallmark Institute of Photography President, George J. Rosa III, and special awards were handed out for outstanding portfolios as well as academic honors. The staff, graduates and their guests were honored by the presence of Keynote Speaker, Joe McNally, internationally acclaimed photographer who has contributed to a number of stories for magazines such as TIME and Newsweek, and was also a staff photographer for LIFE Magazine and a 23-year contributor to National Geographic. Joe talked about those that tried to discourage him as a young photographer and encouraged the students not to listen to naysayers as he loves photography even more now than he did when he first began in the industry. Pictured: Accepting a challenge from President George Rosa to capture a visionary moment, 2010 Hallmark Graduate Michael Cali quickly took to Rosa's seat to shoot this image, while he addressed the graduating Class of 2011.

Michael Zide photo

Week Forty-One — This week is a special one for our June 2011 graduates as they prepare for their graduation ceremony on Friday, June 24th. Many will finish printing images for clients within the community that they have built up a relationship with over the last 10 months. They also take advantage of Hallmark's equipment, studios and labs to complete personal projects and have fun creating images of friends they are soon to part from. The week concludes with the graduation ceremony, held on the back lawn of Hallmark's Administrative Office Building. All staff and faculty will be present, along with numerous family members and friends of the graduates, to witness the presentation of Certificates of Completion and special awards, as well as listen to the graduation address by keynote speaker and renowned editorial commercial photographer, Joe McNally. In addition, our October 2011 graduates continue to work on their Phase III bodies of work before leaving for a well deserved two week summer recess. Pictured:Current students Chris, Rikki and Jeff (l - r) simultaneously work on a food shoot as well as a video project in the Commercial Studio.

» Watch Hallmark Portfolio Deadline video

Michael Zide photo

Week Forty — This week our June 2011 graduates enter the final week of the Year-end Portfolio Review. Throughout the process, the individual student who's work is being reviewed, as well as their classmates sitting in to support them, gain invaluable insight about their work and the industry as a whole. Portfolio Panelists Lois Greenfield, Grant Peterson and Matthew Jordan Smith along with Artist-in-Residence, Gregory Heisler, carefully and thoughtfully share their opinions about technique, lighting, gesture, expression, background and more in each student's body of work. When not in review, students can participate this week in classes such as E-Commerce and Fine Art Printing. Our October 2011 graduates continue to hone their outdoor and indoor lighting in Location Lighting and begin to delve into the marketing materials and financial documents needed to create their Career Business Plans as they also continue shooting their Phase III images in the Portrait and Commercial Studios. Pictured: Current student Megan, hugs Director of Education Tony Downer immediately after learning her Final Year-end Portfolio was accepted by the panel of professionals, including Matthew Jordan Smith, Grant Peterson, Lois Greenfield and Artist-in-Residence, Gregory Heisler.

» Watch I'd Rather Be Fishing Video by Nate Ekis

Tony Downer photo

Week Thirty-Nine — This week, Portfolio Review continues as our June 2011 graduates each have their Final Year-end Portfolios individually reviewed by our panel of renowned professional photographers including, Lois Greenfield, Grant Peterson and Matthew Jordan Smith. If not attending the Review Session in support of their classmates, students can attend specially designed year-end classes on Stock Photography, Album Design or a Creativity Workshop. Although our October 2011 graduates are welcome to sit in on the Portfolio Review during their open periods, they are kept pretty busy this week as they delve into a number of business related classes. In Recordkeeping, the software program Quickbooks is introduced as a means to streamline the important task of business bookkeeping. Current Studio Operations cover the daily tasks that come with owning and operating one's own photographic studio and Business Control outlines the upcoming Career Business Plan assignment due at the end of Phase III. Pictured: Current student Felicia (center), reacts to the happy news that her portfolio has been accepted by the panel of professionals critiquing her work. Seated to her left, her boyfriend offers moral support as the panel discusses her images.

Tony Downer photo

Week Thirty-Eight — During a week shortened by the Memorial Day Holiday, there is still plenty going on at Hallmark. The Imaging Theater and Design Lab are definitely the hot spots this week as our June 2011 graduates tend to final editing and printing of their Final Year-end Portfolio submissions. After submitting this all-encompassing assignment on Wednesday afternoon, Portfolio Review begins Thursday morning. This year Hallmark is so lucky to again have three outstanding professional photographers as panelists to review the students' work. We welcome back for his second year, Grant Peterson, a commercial still life photographer whose use of light, color, design and printing has influenced a generation of photographers, filmmakers and artists, and was pivotal to the development of advertising's use of a personal vision to sell a brand. Joining Grant is Lois Greenfield, renowned for her dance photography. Lois's unique approach to photographing the human form in motion has radically redefined the genre, and influenced countless young photographers. And last but not least, Matthew Jordan Smith who has worked with an A-List celebrity clientele including Oprah, Jennifer Connelly, Halle Berry, Britney Spears, Mandy Moore and Jamie Foxx to name a few. While we encourage our October 2011 graduates to attend Portfolio Review during any open periods they may have, they are kept busy this week shooting on location, studying buying trends in Marketing Analysis, and are introduced to their third and final public speaking assignment in their Business Communications class, a 20 minute group presentation on a Significant Photographer. Pictured: This image shows the intimacy with which our Portfolio Panelists offer feedback to an individual student. Seated, center, is current student Mariana, receiving feedback on one of her dance images; shown both on the screen in front of them, as well as the large screen behind. To the far left of the image, Mariana's 27 prints are visible as well.

» Listen to year-end portfolio deadline stories told by Hallmark students and instructors.

Tony Downer photo

Week Thirty-Seven — This is the last full week before our June 2011 graduates turn in their Final Year-end Portfolios. This is it; this is what the last 10 months have all been about. While the majority of the shooting is complete, our Imaging Labs will be busy as students carefully edit, color correct and print their final images. Coinciding with all this activity are on-going Motion Imaging classes in which students continue to shoot their video assignment and learn the nuances of Final Cut Pro, the industry-standard for video editing. It is also a big week for our October 2011 graduates as they submit their Phase II Final Assignment. This body of work is a culmination of all the lighting and technical skills they have learned and practiced over the first two phases. At the conclusion of the Phase II Final Review, they jump right into Phase III with a Portfolio Preparation class. Phase III allows them to continue to use their technical skills, but asks them to expand and challenge themselves, using their individual creativity to bring their work to the next level. Pictured: Final Guest Lecturer for our June 2011 graduates and dear friend of Hallmark, Sam Abell, is shown here on the Auditorium stage addressing one of the breathtaking images taken during his illustrious 40 year career, 30 of which were spent working for National Geographic.

John Nordell photo

Week Thirty-Six — This week Hallmark welcomes Guest Lecturer, Sam Abell. Once a member of the prestigious National Geographic staff, Sam will share his lifetime of imagery and wealth of inspiration. He is a memorable speaker who will bring our 2011 speaker series to a close. Our June 2011 graduates continue to shoot 30 - 60 second promotional videos for their year-end project in Motion Imaging. Important classes such as Salesmanship and Employee Relations are on the schedule this week as well, as thoughts start to shift from assignment work to job interviews and small business start up. Meanwhile our October 2011 graduates use studio time and Critique classes to put the finishing touches on their Phase II Final Assignment due next week. They also attend new classes on Posing and Architectural Interiors. Pictured: Hallmark educational staff and members of the October 2011 class are treated to a panel of graduates during the Alumni Roundtable Discussion. From left to right Patrick Collins, '06; Tiffany Wayne, '05; Katie Suellentrop, '08; and Mark Denman, '08 share their experiences in the industry since their own graduations.

John Nordell photo

Week Thirty-Five — This week our June 2011 graduates begin a series of Portfolio Preparation classes. The Final Year-end Portfolio is a culmination of all the skills they have learned and practiced throughout the year along with the opportunity to put their own personality, creativity and style into this important body of work, therefore these classes allow them one-on-one time with instructors to go over such minute details as cropping, which photoshop skills to apply and adjusting color in order to make the perfect print. They also continue to shoot and edit their year-end video assignment in the Motion Imaging classes. Our October 2011 graduates enjoy an Alumni Roundtable Event this week with an intimate visit with four outstanding Hallmark graduates including Patrick Collins, 2006; Mark Denman, 2008; Katie Suellentrop, 2008 and Tiffany Wayne, 2005. In addition to shooting their Phase II Final images, they also attend business classes such as Brand Management and begin their video curriculum in Introduction to Motion. Pictured: Guest Lecturer Rick Souders (left) and his food stylist, Stephen, prepare a set to shoot for a demonstration during their presentation to the student body.

John Nordell photo

Week Thirty-Four — Friend of Hallmark, and frequent Guest Lecturer Rick Souders joins us this week. Rick is a Denver based food photographer, who has created a name for himself in this profitable niche of the industry. He will share his imagery and his knowledge with the student body as he focuses on how they can make the best decisions for their own career advancement. Our June 2011 graduates continue to learn the ins and outs of video and begin work on their own motion assignments in Motion Imaging. In addition to continued classes in Design and Digital Imaging, they also participate in a Business Law class, gaining important knowledge needed for those who will open their own business or work for an already established studio upon graduation. Our October 2011 graduates attend classes in Visual Literacy and Event Photography, both in their own way, focus on how images tell a story. They also spend time in the Portrait and Commercial studios as well as on location as they continue to shoot for their Phase II Final Assignment. Pictured: Using a magnifying viewfinder and video tripod head, current student Carli uses these accessories with the Canon 5D Mark II to shoot motion imagery. Helping her out are classmates Alex, Pablo and Jeff (l - r) with some spring blossoms they found on campus.

Michael Zide photo

Week Thirty-Three — Two exciting guest lecturers join us this week. Sebastian Smith is an international photographer working in New York, LA and Europe. During his 16 year career he has worked with many magazines, designers and top models. California based Oscar nominated film director and Saturday Night Live Director of Photography, Alex Buono, will be here to entertain and enlighten the class of 2011. He has a lot of great information to share like how he shot the opening credits for SNL in available night time city light with only a small battery powered LED light and the Canon 5D MK2 camera. Our June 2011 graduates are delving deeper into video capture, combining still and motion photography and video editing in their Video classes. Much of the rest of their time is spent either in the studios or on location shooting for their Final Year-end Portfolios. Our October 2011 graduates return from their spring break this week and begin their Introduction to Video classes along with new Portrait and Commercial Lectures and Web Site Design. Pictured: Guest Lecturer Ron Wyatt shares some of his fascinating images from recent Olympics, as he imparts his knowledge upon the student body.

John Nordell photo

Week Thirty-Two — This week, our October 2011 graduates enjoy a week-long spring recess. Some will head home for some rest and relaxation while spending time with friends and family; others will remain in the area and take advantage of the school's facilities which will still be available to them during their break. Meanwhile, our June 2011 graduates learn more about the fast-growing technology related to video and motion photography and how to integrate it with still photography in order to offer more well-rounded services to their potential clients. The week ends with guest lecturer, Ron Wyatt, a NJ based commercial, editorial, portrait and sports photographer who was working on the GM assembly line in Linden, NJ when he decided to follow his dream, that of being a professional photographer. Still making that journey, Ron will share his story and imagery with the class. Pictured: Recently, students practice location lighting at an abandoned bank building in nearby Greenfield, MA. Current student Emily shoots the image with help from classmates Sean (holding the light) and Natalie (modeling).

Billy Orr IV photo

Week Thirty-One — Our Guest Lecturer Series continues this week as presenters Parish Kohanim and Elizabeth Waugh join us. Parish Kohanim is an inspiring image maker from Atlanta, Georgia whose blend of commercial perfection and fine art sensibility has made him one of the most memorable contemporary image makers in the country. 2008 graduate, Elizabeth Waugh, returns to Hallmark to share her experience and advice on how to make it as a commercial photographer in New York City. Our June 2011 graduates continue to delve into motion photography and its importance in today's world in their Video class as well as how to navigate the ever-changing aspects of social media and its effects on business in several Media classes. Our October 2011 graduates use their knowledge of lighting and posing to apply to new types of portraiture in Character Studies and Environmental Portrait classes. Pictured: An elaborate stop-motion demonstration was a big hit at the 2011 Student Open House this weekend. The students pictured created the concept, built the set and carried out demonstrations throughout the day by using squirt guns, water balloons and party cups filled with paint. At the same time they photographed the demo to capture the stop-motion of the liquid and the images captured were instantly projected on a large screen in the room for visitors to see.

John Nordell photo, Emma Lozano photo

Week Thirty — Two more fabulous guest lecturers join us early this week to share their work and knowledge within the photography industry. Al Satterwhite is a successful California based photographer who will share his experiences in the field when large commercial budgets were commonplace, and his transformation into a contemporary image maker. Steve Shapiro is a documentary photographer whose images of our country and its people have now become historical documents in their own right. His work spans from the days of Martin Luther King and Bobbi Kennedy, to the intimate portraits of great figures such as Muhammad Ali. Our June 2011 graduates participate in some advanced Web Site Design classes as they ready their own websites to go live soon. In addition they are in the studios and on location shooting for their Final Year-end Portfolios due at the end of May. Our October 2011 graduates learn about special lighting techniques used when shooting special events in Event Photography, as well as the importance of art in photography in Art History. Both classes showcase their work and their school this weekend with the annual 2011 Student Open House on Sunday, April 10th from 1- 4 pm. Pictured: In the image on the left, student photographer Emma, uses the on-camera speedlite to wirelessly trigger the off-camera speedlites held by Melayna (left) and Molly Rose (right). Emma's final image of classmate Michael, can be seen at right.

Tony Downer photo

Week Twenty-Nine — This week begins with Guest Lecturer and good friend of Hallmark, Bobbi Lane. A freelance commercial photographer from Connecticut, Bobbi has 30 years of successful experience in the field and is an active member of the APA (American Photographic Artists). Our June 2011 graduates then officially begin their fourth and final phase of our 10-month program with Portfolio Preparation. This class details the Year-end Final Portfolio Assignment and all its requirements. While much of the next few months will be spent in studio and on location, shooting for this assignment, students do participate in Photojournalism and Advanced Lighting classes this week. Our October 2011 graduates take to the skies this week as their Aerial Assignment has them flying out of nearby Northampton Airport over the hills and valleys of beautiful western Massachusetts. Later in the week they also participate in some Photojournalism classes and delve into the psychology of selling in Marketing Analysis. Pictured: Current student Sara is behind the camera, ready to take a studio portrait of her classmate Gary, while her other classmates, Billy and Jimmy take a light meter reading in the background. These October 2011 graduates are not only learning the technical aspects of studio photography, but the importance of working together.

Michael Zide photo

Week Twenty-Eight — This week our June 2011 graduates take a much needed week-long Spring Recess. While no formal assignments are given to them at this time, many will use the week to assist one or more established photographers which may lead to full-time employment after graduation. Others will shoot for the sheer pleasure of it and hopefully all will get some well deserved rest & relaxation before beginning their fourth, and final phase upon their return. Our October 2011 graduates have their Phase I Review; this is the first time for them, that they will submit a body of work to be formally critiqued by the instructional staff. They then jump right into Phase II with new Portrait and Commercial Photography lectures. This week, students also begin to present their 10-minute presentations on Careers in Visual Media, during their Business Communications class. The week wraps up for them with a lecture on Aerial Photography. Pictured: Husband & Wife team, Justin & Mary Marantz share their images and marketing tools, including their use of social networking for marketing, with the current student body.

» Watch a behind-the-scenes look of Hallmark Instructors working with their students to produce a product video.

John Nordell photo

Week Twenty-Seven — Our June 2011 graduates continue to learn how to apply the techniques they've learned to motion photography in Video classes this week. In addition to on-going Commercial and Portrait Studio time and Digital Imaging classes, they also continue to present their final presentation about a significant photographer that has made an impact on the industry or is poised to make an impact in the coming years. These presentations are presented in small groups in front of the entire class as well as staff and faculty, from our stage in the Auditorium. Our October 2011 graduates are busy preparing for their Phase I Final Assignment, also spending much of their time in the Portrait and Commercial Studios this week. And finally, husband and wife team, Justin & Mary Marantz, join us at the end of the week for a full day workshop to share their style and successful marketing approach to the wedding and portrait industry. Pictured: Current student Brittany poses with a furry friend, as instructor Tony Downer demonstrates the fine art of capturing pet portraits in the studio.

» Watch a behind-the-scenes look of Hallmark Instructors working with their students to produce a product video.

Judy Barrette photo

Week Twenty-Six — Two Guest Lecturers join us early in the week. Ellen Denuto, a location photographer, shares her intimate portraits, wedding work and still life photography while Andy Marcus and son Brian explain how they have grown and maintained Fred Marcus Photography, opened in 1946 and turned it into one of the most successful high-end wedding photography studios in the U.S. In addition, fundraisers for the upcoming Student Open House are under way. Because the student body is solely responsible for the entire event, including the budget, a fundraising committee is spearheading such things as a Spaghetti Supper, St. Patrick's day card sale and a Student Talent Show. Our June 2011 graduates again find themselves in studio or on location shoots as they must turn in a series of Personal Submissions before leaving for Spring Recess in a couple weeks. With these images, there are very few guidelines, however, the photographs should begin to support the type of Final Year-end Portfolio a student will submit. Our October 2011 graduates are just as busy as they begin Design classes to hone their creative skills and also participate in classes on Editorial Photography. Pictured: Instructor, John Nordell (left) and current students Natasha, Brian and Alan, incorporate motion photography, using the video capabilities of the Canon 5D Mark II to create an advertisement with a product, in this case an iPhone. The lighting being used was designed by Alan with ease of use and affordability in mind. This particular lighting provides continuous lighting necessary for motion as well as still photography.

John Nordell photo

Week Twenty-Five — As usual, this week is a busy one for all of our students. Our June 2011 graduates turn in a significant body of work in their Phase III Portfolio and begin Career Conferences this week. Each student has an individual conference with instructional department heads to review his/her photographic work as well as his/her Career Business Plan. It's an important milestone in a student's education as he/she has the needed technical knowledge, and at this point is focusing on what part of the industry he/she will look for a job. Reality is setting in and the Career Conference is a means to help guide each student to his/her career destination. Our October 2011 graduates start to spend more time familiarizing themselves with the Commercial Studio where they begin to think about and add design elements to their tabletop photography. Both classes enjoy Guest Lecturer presentations from German Avagyan and Richard Warren this week. German (Herman) is a documentary photographer who has spent time in Armenia and Georgia focusing on social issues such as land mine problems, that need exposure to the world at large. Richard Warren is a New York City based fashion photographer, who, before making a name for himself in this arena, assisted some of the great photographers of all time, including Helmut Newton. Pictured: Recent Guest Lecturer, Matthew Cavanaugh, a photojournalist who spent a number of years covering "the hill" in Washington DC, discusses his career with the student body as one of his images of our President is on the big screen behind him. Matthew's insight and shared experiences represent what is so important about our Guest Lecturer Series as students have the opportunity to learn from those who are working in the industry on a daily basis.

John Nordell photo

Week Twenty-Four — Both our June and October 2011 graduates have the benefit of two unique guest lecturers this week. Matthew Cavanaugh from right next door in Greenfield, Massachusetts is a photojournalist who strings for national news services like the NY Times and the Boston Globe. He spent ten years working in the DC area for the news bureaus before returning to this area with his family to continue his photo journalism and wedding career. Then, Onne van der Wal joins us. Located in Newport, Rhode Island, Onne has always had a passion for sailing, and successfully turned that passion into a lucrative career with his award winning nautical, sailing, shipping and yacht photography. This week he shares his story and images with our students. For our June graduates, the rest of the week is filled with studio time to complete portrait and commercial shoots as well as lots of time in the Design and Imaging Labs to work on post production and editing of their final Phase III images. The October graduates have one more field trip as they head to the quaint village of Shelburne Falls to shoot assignments in Color Awareness. Pictured: Hallmark is proud to play host to students from all over the world.The flags hanging in the lobby of Hallmark's Educational Center signify the diverse and cultured backgrounds of our students, some of whom are pictured here, sharing their images from a recent assignment they have been shooting.

» Watch "Hallmark Institute: Old School using New School Technology"

John Nordell photo

Week Twenty-Three — This week, Bruce Dorn, award winning producer, film maker, photographer and Canon Explorer of Light will conduct three intensive DSLR video workshops for our June 2011 graduates. Bruce will lecture on the technical aspects of film making with the DSLR, and will discuss accessories needed for professional film making as well as story telling tips for the aspiring filmmaker. Critique classes continue as it's extremely important for the images being produced at this point in the program to be reviewed and discussed on a one-on-one basis with the students. Meanwhile, our October 2011 graduates are introduced to the Commercial Studio with lectures on using light in still-life photography and subsequent studio time to use this new-found knowledge on an assignment. Their 5-minute autobiographical presentations continue in Business Communications and a class on Assisting delves into the ins and outs of starting the ladder climb in this profession by assisting an already established professional photographer. Pictured: Current student Kristen shows her Phase III images to Artist-in-Residence, Gregory Heisler during a recent Critique class.

Tony Downer photo

Week Twenty-Two — What's Happening at Hallmark??? Snow; and plenty of it. While our loyal postmen and women may adhere to the creed "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds", so do our dedicated students and staff. This image summarizes the winter we've had in New England thus far. That didn't stop our October 2011 graduates from all showing up, on time to a recent off-campus field trip to shoot 2-stop lighting differentials along with instructors Rich Barnes and Tony Downer. The challenging weather only served to secure the bond this group has already formed in their 4 short weeks since beginning classes. Inside where it's warmer, they begin to present their 5-minute autobiographical presentations; sharing their backgrounds with their classmates while also gaining public speaking experience. Meanwhile, our June 2011 graduates begin Critique classes. As they are completing more and more shooting assignments for their Phase III Portfolio, the Critique classes allow them individual attention from our instructors to help them choose the best images for submission. After shooting video with their Canon 5D Mark II, students begin to learn about post-production as they sit in on Video Editing classes as well.

Tony Downer photo

Week Twenty-One — This week marks the beginning of Public Relations class for both our June and October 2011 graduates. This class is the curriculum equivalent to the organization of a student run Open House to be held in April. With faculty guidance, students will form committees for such things as fundraising, food & decorations, and to head each of the photographic areas of Portrait and Commercial Photography, Digital Imaging and Design. These committees will be responsible from start to finish of this highly attended annual event. Our June graduates continue to spend the majority of their time shooting for their Phase III Portfolio and fine-tuning their Career Business Plans. Our October graduates focus on outdoor portrait lighting in their Photo Studio and are introduced to their first public speaking assignment, a 5-minute auto-biographical presentation. The week wraps up for all with Guest Lecturer and 1987 graduate Bill Diodato, who shares his knowledge of the fashion and beauty industries where he has made his mark over the last 20 + years. Pictured: Using a viewing box, instructors Dick D'Alessandro and Rich Barnes meet with current student, Sarah, to discuss her progress and her Phase II Final Assignment.

Michael Zide photo

Week Twenty — This week both our June and October 2011 graduates welcome not one, but two great speakers to our Guest Lecturer Series. We start the week with renowned New York City photographer, Jay Maisel known for his mastery of light, color and gesture. Danny Hastings finishes out the week by lecturing about his career and how he has evolved from a still photographer to having a career that combines still and video, as well as how video has become an important aspect of modern photography. During the middle of the week, our October 2011 graduates learn about viewpoints and how they can affect an image in Visual Arts and are introduced to the art of Photojournalism as a career. Our June 2011 graduates are begin work on their Phase III Mandatory Assignment which is a body of individual assignments they must complete, much like the larger Final Year-end Portfolio assignment. They are also hard at work writing their résumés, cover letters, Statement of Goals and Action Plans for the Career Business Plan that each student must submit. Pictured: Current student Derrick goes all out to get an interesting shot of classmate Jimmy, from a low angle, on a recent field trip to Old Deerfield.

John Nordell photo

Week Nineteen — This week, our new group of October 2011 graduates begin classes, sitting in on Photo Lectures, Visual Arts and Digital Imaging. The end of the week takes them to Historic Old Deerfield on a field trip as well. Meanwhile, our June 2011 graduates hand in their Phase II Final Assignment and begin Phase III with Portfolio Preparation and additional lectures in Commercial, Portrait and Location Photography. New assignments include shooting architectural interiors and a public speaking presentation on a significant photographer of their choice. In addition, the Phase III curriculum has students working towards submitting a large body of work at the end of Phase III in preparation for their Year-end Final Portfolio. Pictured: New students from our October 2011 graduating class listen to one student's cell phone ring tone as part of an icebreaker during orientation. Director of Student Services, Tammy Murphy (not pictured) told the class that a ring tone can say a lot about someone's personality as she helped them get to know one another.

John Nordell photo

Week Eighteen — Our June 2011 graduates are introduced to the world of Fashion photography as their Location Lecture and subsequent studio has them learning the different lighting and posing techniques for this lucrative part of the industry. Also new this week, students will learn the subtleties of shooting food in the Commercial Studio. Business classes from last week continue and Brand Management is introduced; how one's marketing and promotional pieces can be the successful beginning to creating an image or brand of one's business. In addition, we welcome a new class as our October 2011 graduates participate in Orientation activities Wednesday through Friday. Pictured: Current student Sabrina puts the finishing touches on a set she has created in the Commercial Studio. Sabrina used the resulting image for her Environmental Studio Still-Life assignment.

John Nordell photo

Week Seventeen — Students return from the Holiday Recess to begin the New Year and finish up Phase II of the 10-month program. This week, they will begin to combine their portrait shooting skills with design elements they have learned, as one assignment asks them to submit a Magazine Cover. In addition to adding design elements to their portrait images, students will be asked to create a CD Cover in their Design class. In the Commercial Studio, students will be working on Environmental Still-Life shots. This assignment asks the student to use the studio as the basis for a set for an object or product, and shoot it in a way that makes it look like it's not in the studio, but in a complimentary environment. In addition to their photography classes, the ever-present business classes continue, as students participate in Pricing, Business Writing and Business Organization classes, too. Pictured: Current students Ashley Rose and Amanda have some fun while a classmate digitally records them for the Introduction to Video class.