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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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.