Anyone know about Hallmark Institute of Photography?

<p>Hi John,<br>

I was accepted to Hallmark but was unable to attend due to personal reasons. I ended up doing the part-time program a CDIA which has a very similar program for less than half the money (there is a full-time prgram also). There are also a few people at CDIA that attended or/and worked at Hallmark. I believe that you don;t leave Hallmark with your equipment (camera) anymore which is something to consider after dropping close to $60k.</p>

<p>Hi John,<br>

I'm a 2008 graduate of the Hallmark Institute so thought I would respond. There are a lot of great things about the program they offer. The technology is amazing learning on both medium/large format camera systems and advanced DSLR systems. The school has gone through a lot of changes even in the two years since I attended so not sure if the cirriculum is still the same and the equipment used is the same as when I attended. I also was an older student and found my experience to be outstanding. The financial committment is the main reason I would think twice about attending such an expensive school. However, the work that I have done since graduation I couldnt have completed if I did not have the training. This is where the school is affective. They kick your rear in gear everyday! And the connections within the photo industry especially back east are amazing. <br>

I have worked with a number of photographers since graduation some commercial and some portrait and all say that I am more than qualified and my knowledge that I bring to a shoot is top notch. As it is with every program some of the lighting techniques are a little out of date but a great foundation for you to learn and build upon. I really liked that the program was only a year, having attended college in earlier years I really didnt want to spend another 2-4 years learning a trade that quite frankly you can learn on your own if you have the time and determination. But having attended Hallmark has given me a huge leg up on my competition and the ability to drive my career in the direction I choose. <br>

When I attended there were 4 phases all culminating in a year end portfolio. Leaving with a portfolio of work is a huge plus. If you can't show a client your work your not going to get the opportunity to get the job. But phase 5 "real life" is a real bitch. No matter how educated and how much skill you have real life is tough especially for us creative types who have a ton of competition out there. <br>

There are a lot of great schools out there and if I had an extra 60k I would have gone to the Pasadena Art Center primarily for their commercial photography program. Which ever program you choose this profession is outrageously expensive and demanding. Hallmark prepares you pretty well for the ups and downs of the industry. But the determination to succeed has to come from you. What they will give you is some kind of direction exposing you to all that the industry has to offer. <br>

Hope this helps good luck. </p>

<p>Hey guys. I have my phone interview on Monday. I really hope I get in for the 2010/2011 school year. I have a question for previous students who have already graduated. On the website it says that students get amazing jobs or start their own businesses within 100 days of graduating. I want to end up owning my own studio and do portraits and I was wondering how long it to yall to start up your own business and how helpful is the schools alumni? Do they reach out to students when they graduate?</p>

<p>Wow, this is such an amazing thread. <br /> I do have a question for those that have attended or are currently attending: did you guys have a time for a job? <br /> I am thinking of considering Hallmark as a school and know that at the moment, it is out of my price range. Is getting a job and being a student a possibility at this school?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance,<br /> Christina K.</p>

<p>Christina K,<br>

I attended and graduated Hallmark in 2009. I do not feel that a job would be a great idea for most people. There are few exceptions to this. One student did design work for a company that he worked for before he attended school. He also stayed up to 2am working instead of getting much needed sleep. He was an exception to be able to do work and Hallmark at the same time.<br>

Greenfield and Turners Falls are small towns, if you are planning to find a job in the community, it may be a little harder than you think, unless you have connections.<br>

You have to decide if giving less than a 100% to learning photography is good enough. Do you want to take a chance on not getting everything that you can get out of the experience for a few thousand dollars?<br>

You will find that you love being at school and want to be doing all you can do to learn everything and be involved in everything.<br>

Good Luck on finding the funding for school! I hope the best for you.</p>

<p>Christina K,<br>

I attended and graduated Hallmark in 2009. I do not feel that a job would be a great idea for most people. There are few exceptions to this. One student did design work for a company that he worked for before he attended school. He also stayed up to 2am working instead of getting much needed sleep. He was an exception to be able to do work and Hallmark at the same time.<br>

Greenfield and Turners Falls are small towns, if you are planning to find a job in the community, it may be a little harder than you think, unless you have connections.<br>

You have to decide if giving less than a 100% to learning photography is good enough. Do you want to take a chance on not getting everything that you can get out of the experience for a few thousand dollars?<br>

You will find that you love being at school and want to be doing all you can do to learn everything and be involved in everything.<br>

Good Luck on finding the funding for school! I hope the best for you.</p>

<p>Hello, I'm currently going through the phone interview process and have already written a paragraph of admissions and mailing in my application tomorrow along with my 2 letters of recommendation. I come from a very poor background and the only money I have on me is roughly $1200 in my account. Is Hallmark worth it? How I saw it was that this would be an investment, I've heard that Hallmark would help me get my foot in the door of the industry and help build connections through internships. Are these realistic views? And before I completely commit myself to owing over $60k are there other cheaper alternatives? I'm pursuing something within fashion/commercial/portrait photography.</p>

<p>Hello,<br>

I've heard alot about this Institute and I have finally gotten in. Really looking forward to getting into the groove of breathing and eating photography. Would appreciate if anyone can give me tips regarding the institute and the area we'd be living in as well. I've been to Boston couple of times but its the first time I've heard about Turners Falls. From what I gather its quite a small town. Anybody else who will be attending the 2010-2011 batch?</p>