A Year at Hallmark

Every week brings something new in Hallmark's intensive 10-month program. Retrace the journey of our most recent graduates, the Class of 2011, from orientation to graduation. As you step through this timeline, realize that a given week in 2012 or 2013 will likely be different from the "same" week in 2010 or 2011 — unlike multi-year programs, Hallmark is unfettered in its ability to rapidly adapt to industry changes. We take advantage of that freedom to give every class the most current and relevant instruction possible.

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John Nordell photo

Week Two — Photography Lectures and Practicals once again mark the beginning of the week for our June 2011 graduates. Basic photography skills are discussed and demonstrated as well as in depth exploration of the lens and all it's possibilities. During the Photo Practical, students follow a circuit; a series of stations set up to highlight a certain skill taught at each station. Because every student has to visit every station, our instructional staff can easily determine technical areas that need more instruction. This group also heads to nearby Brattleboro, VT to participate in a Field Trip for more on-location shooting. Their class schedule consists of a basic Visual Arts class, learning how to incorporate design elements into their shooting; Photo History - how did this industry get started and how did it become what it is today; and Business Communications in which an assignment is given for each student to present a 5-minute speech about him/herself in the coming weeks. Shooting and more shooting is the name of the game for our October 2010 graduates. With the deadline for their Final Year-end Portfolio only a few weeks away, they are working tirelessly to have a number of exceptional images to work with. They also attend an Interviewing Skills class this week which will serve them well in the very near future as they begin to send out résumés and apply for jobs in the photographic and imaging marketplace. Pictured: New students from the Class of 2011 check out the Canon 5D Mark II each of them will be using during Hallmark's 10-month program.