Anyone know about Hallmark Institute of Photography?

[andy_merciao]

Hi I'm new here. So I just came back from Open House and I was able to get a lot of

insight and information from staff and current students at Hallmark. My current status is I

haven't been accepted but I've had my personal interview, I was recommended by staff

coordinator, and I've submitted all the forms needed. I'm just waiting now to see if I get in

or not. I have a few questions.

 

1.) With my current status that I am, is there a chance where I won't get accepted or is it

that once you get to this point you're automatically in?

 

2.) Today at open house on one of the slide show presentations. They showed some big

named companies that have Hallmark Graduates working for them. The likes of ESPN,

GAP, & Americas Next Top Model...just to name a few. You don't just walk in to these

companies, I'm sure a lot to do with it, is your portfolio and personality but how much of

an effort does the Hallmark Staff do to help find you jobs?

 

3.) Anyone regret attending Hallmark? If so please explain.

 

Thanks in advanced.

[wayne wallace photography]

How was the open house?

 

It looks like this years class has some really good work.

 

Open house is an exciting time for students, did you know they organize the whole event?

 

If you've made it this far they must see you as a serious student and your chances are good I would assume.

 

I know Hallmark wants to produce success stories so they are looking for serious people that can handle the program and do something with it after graduation.

 

I went to work for Bellagio in Las Vegas as a wedding photographer after I graduated, the manager of the photo lab is a previous Hallmark grad and he called the school asking if they had any graduates that they could recommend. The staff is very willing to help you after graduation as well.

 

The alumni network is also strong and lots of photographers I've talked with said they would hire a Hallmark grad in a heartbeat.

 

I would hire a Hallmark grad before anyone else any day because I know what you've been through and what you should know.

 

Good luck!

[sally_metzger]

Hi, my name is Sally. I am currently waiting to hear back from Hallmark to see if I'll get accepted into this Fall's program . . . I really hope i get in. I know that it's kinda late in the year, but i;m definately excited about this opportunity.

 

I am nervous, however, cause though it has been very clear through all my research that Hallmark is a remarkable school, with an amazing education, the cost is quite high. I'm afraid of expenses that aren't 'projected' for students, or planned on. I'm not really sure how much to plan for.

 

My husband Mike will be coming with me, and working full time, so i wont have to take out a loan for living expenses, which is really nice.

 

One question: I know some of you have made mention of this before, but just to make sure i'm clear, the Mamiya that we purchase as students is enough to get us by according to the school? And does anyone have more info about the dSLR? Like, where can i find one, typical prices, etc.? Just in case somebody out there wants to help. Thanks.

 

Sally M.

[wayne wallace photography]

Hi Sally,

 

I wish you the best of luck! I know it's a stessful time waiting to get the word.

 

If you get it in be ready to work very hard!

 

Expenses for project and living depend on how extravagant you go on both. I paid 400.00 a month for rent and I have no idea about my other expenses just whatever I needed to do.

 

It's good that you will have the support of your husband.

 

Yes, you will have a chance to buy a new Mamiya if they still operate the same program with Mamiya or you could by a used one as many people sell theirs after the program, but beware of buying used equipment always.

 

I have a great Hasselblad H1 for sale that I bought when I went to Hallmark.

[sally_metzger]

Hi Wayne - thanks for responding. Ya, it is a bit nerve racking waiting to hear back for Hallmark . . . i really hope i get in. But, we'll see. If not, maybe next year? haha.

 

So, in your opinion, is this dSLR camera fairly important to have along with whatever camera the faculty choose to have the students purchase? They told me that the last 2 years it's been a Mamiya, but that it might be different this year. I guess i'll see. Anyhow, what do you think from your experience? I'm probably more the type to be on the extravagent side, rather than the 'just to get by' side. I honestly don't know a whole lot about camera's yet, so is the one you refered to a dSLR? Sorry for my ignorance. I'm trying to learn all this stuff as soon as I can, just to try and be as prepared as possible. And, what exactly is a dSLR? What features does it have that the required equipment students purchase does not? Any feedback is so appreciated. Thanks again for responding.

 

Sally M.

[wayne wallace photography]

Hi Sally,

 

I would wait until you get word from Hallmark and what the requirements will be next year.

 

SLR stands for single lens reflex

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-lens_reflex_camera

[jules_johns]

Hi Sally!<br>

I hope you're surviving waiting to hear from Hallmark. It's a nerve wracking wait I know. Anyway, I graduated from Hallmark June 06 and love my experience there. I had a dSLR while I was there and so did many of my friends and it made a world of difference in our experience. Before I get into any details, let me tell you what we mean by dSLR. A dSLR is, what wayne said, a digital single lens reflex camera. It refers to digital cameras like the Nikon d200 or the Canon 30D. You can find many reviews, descriptions, etc. online by doing google searches. <br><br>

 

During my year at hallmark we used the mamiya with aptus digital backs. They're great pieces of equipment, but they have their problems. The aptus is slow, and heavy, and likes to throw tantrums. When it works it's great and I used it in the studio a lot. Outside of the studio I preferred to use my Nikon d200. It's quicker, lighter, and was easier to use in general. Quite a lot of my friends used only their dSLRs for their end of the year work (excluding film work.) So a dSLR can prove an invaluable tool. <br><br>

 

With that said, Wayne is right in saying that you should wait before getting a dSLR, to find out from Hallmark what you will be required to have and will be provided with. The program went under a lot of changes from my year to the current year and may undergo even more changes from this year to next year. For example, in my year the students shared a limited amount of aptus backs for the mamiyas, but this year each student has their own. You can however, start doing research on the different dSLRs out there. Local camera shops usually have plenty in stock and can help you learn about them. I would recommend researching, checking out, and playing with (if possible) some dSLRs and seeing what you like. Then once you find out more about the Hallmark program you can decide if you would like to get one or not.<br><br>

 

If you have any other questions please feel free to email me. I know people who are attending this year so I can tell you some things about how the program is going if you'd like. <br>

Good luck!<br>

- Jules

[john_hasselblad1]

As a Hallmark Alumni I feel compelled to respond to this forum. With the amount of money they are charging for tuition these days, it?s important that all of you prospective students have all the facts before you go. Please keep in mind that my class graduated in the mid-80s. A lot has changed since then. Back when we were there the school was in danger of closing down forever. The school has vastly improved but some of their basic philosophies still exist. From reading this forum I can see that some of the same problems exist, too.

 

Here are some basics that you should know about the school:

 

1. All of you that have visited this forum want to have a career in photography. Watch out for the inaccurate stats that Hallmark gives about its grads and employment. They will tell you that a very high percentage of the graduates find jobs right out of school. What this statistic is leaving out is that many grads find TEMPORARY and seasonal jobs that they will lose in December. And then they?ll have to start the job search all over again.

 

Our class had about 50 students. Far less than 10 percent of our class still has a career in photography, and this seems about typical for most of the older classes. We had many talented and intelligent people in our class, people that should?ve ?made it.? But most of our class? photographic careers ended within 5-7 years. This is a stat that you will never hear from Hallmark. Why should you listen to the older alumni? Because we are a time-tested class of almost 2 decades. If you wanted to just do photography as a hobby for your entire life, you certainly wouldn?t be considering plunking down Hallmark?s tuition. So try to find people that have been out of Hallmark for AT LEAST 5 years when you?re looking for objective information. Most of the alumni websites out there and most of the people in this forum are fresh out of school. They haven?t been beaten down by the harsh realities yet. For now, they?re content with doing those temp photo jobs, but that won?t last.

 

From an above poster, it sounds like Hallmark is still weak on job placement. That?s a huge disadvantage for the school.

 

2. The tuition is obviously very expensive, especially when you take into consideration that all you will receive at the end of the year is a feeble ?Certificate of Completion? and no actual accredited degree. Yes it?s true that your future customers will not care about your diploma and only care about the quality of your photography. It is also true that Hallmark is a very incomplete education, and education matters in our world. The so-called ?Business? classes at Hallmark during our day were pathetic. We learned things like how to write a business letter and how to write your own press release. We never learned how to negotiate a lease with a landlord, how to get your landlord to pay for some or all of your build-out (or even what ?build-out? is), what you need to know when choosing a location, the legalities of owning a business, etc., etc. Some of the people that actually opened studios after graduation did so blindly. Many of them failed miserably because of lack of knowledge about the real business world.

 

Maybe this has changed now? Our ?business? instructors knew nothing of the business climate and had nothing to offer. Make sure you look into this and ask specific questions about instructors? experience, credentials, and topics that are discussed.

 

A large percentage of our class (MOST of them) went on to attend some form of higher education or additional training after Hallmark. Imagine spending all that money on tuition and STILL discovering that you have to pay more tuition someplace else to cover your lack of education!! At some point it became obvious that the Hallmark education was not going to be enough to support them. The fact is that many years ago people could easily survive on just a high school diploma. But our society has changed and now a college degree is extremely important.

 

For those of you that do not have degrees, you should at least look into going to a REAL college for photography. For those of you that live in Massachusetts, Fitchburg State College (www.fsc.edu) offers a stellar photography program with a fine reputation and for state residents, it?s an incredible value and won?t break your (or your parents) bank (and no, I?m not affiliated with them in any manner?I?ve just done some homework on the matter). I?m not sure what the out-of-state resident tuition is. The photography instructor there is Peter Laytin. I?ve known students that have studied under him and have heard nothing but incredible things about the education they received from him.

 

Also at a real college you will get a well-rounded education and that does matter in the world of business. You could also supplement your photography major with REAL business courses such as management, marketing, business law, entrepreneurship, etc., and you could very well end up miles ahead of the Hallmark students. In the world of business, people will judge you on how you speak, write, and conduct yourself. Like it or not, a complete education is crucial. Again, maybe Hallmark has now improved in this area and is providing a better business education, but they are still lacking in providing a complete education.

 

Many colleges, too, provide internships in their photography education. An internship is a priceless way to learn A LOT about how things really operate, and it adds a TON to your education!! It is also a valuable way to ultimately find a JOB!! Hallmark likes to claim that they mimic the Real World in their school, but trust me, they don?t.

 

So look into your local colleges, check RateMyProfessors.com for student evaluations on photography professors at these schools. You may have a great photography education right in your own area and not even realize it. You will never regret a real college education. If you decide to change paths someday (less than 1/3 of all people actually end up staying in the field that they were educated in), most of your classes that you took will transfer, and it won?t be that big of a deal to pick up a few more classes in another major and field of study. But if you go to unaccredited Hallmark?none of that education is worth a penny at a regular college. Just know before you go! Know what you?re investing so much money into before you go into massive debt!

 

3. There are many hidden expenses outside of the tuition and the cost-of-living. I see from a previous poster that the props and materials at Hallmark are still in lousy condition and not useable for photographs. We, too, had to spend a ton of money on our own props. All of that stuff adds up and makes survival difficult.

 

4. For those of you that are in committed relationships, Hallmark will do a number on you and the relationship. Because of the time commitment involved, it can be very difficult to keep the relationship intact. I don?t want to scare you, because many people have gotten through it and I?m sure are stronger for it. But again, know before you go. Just be prepared that your personal relationships will go through a lot during those 10 months, and it will be difficult. It?s easier to weather a bad storm when you prepare for it.

 

5. I?ve heard people compare Hallmark to the military because it feels so much like boot camp. Hallmark is NOT for the faint-of-heart. They will work you like a dog?worse, actually. An older student expressed concern in this forum about attending at an ?older age.? You?ll do great?in fact you?ll do better than the young kids. In our class, and in most classes, the older the student the better they do. The kids that seem to do the worst are the ones that are fresh out of high school. I think it?s because Hallmark is so radically different than anything they?ve ever experienced in their young lives. It?s a brutal schedule. Many of the young kids go there thinking it will be just like their friends? colleges and universities. They?ll party and have fun, and have the same kind of interesting, fun social campus life. It?ll be NOTHING like that. Prepare for boot camp; prepare for war.

 

If you?re in high school and considering Hallmark, go work full-time for a year or two. Save some money for school, gain some maturity, learn what a full-time schedule is like. Then you?ll be better prepared for Hallmark, you?ll be a better student, and you?ll kick butt?rather than having them kick YOUR butt.

 

6. It?s become fairly common knowledge that employers STAY AWAY from Hallmark students. If you join that Hallmark Yahoo Group, you can see them discuss it. But again, be leery of that group. They haven?t been out of school long. Wait until most of that group has been out of school for at least 5 years before you listen to their information about jobs. Anyway, I?ve now heard this anti-Hallmark stuff from a wide selection of sources in the photographic industry. This should concern you. It?s a red flag. Employers find the Hallmark students to be arrogant and they demand too much money right out of school. They also find them very much lacking in information and not worth their salaries.

 

Harvard grads demand high salaries, too, but nobody is bad-mouthing them and vowing to never hire another Harvard grad?they?re actually worth it.

 

Perhaps this is because of that whole military boot camp survival mentality. It?s almost like?when you leave Hallmark ? when you realize that you?ve survived?you feel like some kind of super hero. Or maybe it?s just arrogance that?s passed down from the faculty to the students. I don?t know exactly what causes it. But whatever it is, people in the photographic industry don?t care for it, and the fact that you?re a Hallmark student may actually work against you when you?re looking for a job. Unless of course, you find a job for another Hallmark alumni.

 

7. I know a lot of people are intrigued about finishing a course in 10 months. But there?s lots we can debate about whether a 10-month education is really complete. Should your education, your basic photographic foundation, really be rushed?

 

These are just some things I thought the average person should know when considering Hallmark. With the amount of that tuition, I?d hate to see any of you end up regretting your decision because you didn?t have all the facts. I don?t regret my photo education at all. I learned a lot there and it has helped me in my life. But now that I know more about other programs, I think I could?ve done better, or just as well, at an accredited school. Some of you may still choose Hallmark and end up doing very well, and become very successful. If you?re a strong, driven, Type-A type of personality, you?ll probably be great. But it?s not for everybody . . . so KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!!

 

[jason_mcgrew]

I think that you just wasted a whole day writing that....

[timothy_briner]

My name is Timothy Briner. I graduated from "The Hallmark Institute of Photography" in 2000. You can view my current portfolio at http://www.TimothyBriner.com

 

RE: JOHN HASSELBLAD

 

First off. "John Hasselblad", really? Nice to meet you, my name is "Jane Mamiya."

 

This guy didn't attend Hallmark. Why would someone who went to school in the 80s, before major changes to the institution, try that hard to discredit it? This person made so many FALSE statements, while giving specific shout-outs to other programs and teachers.

 

Here is my point-by-point response. His previous statements are in quotes. My responses are marked "My response:"

 

1.

---"We had many talented and intelligent people in our class, people that should?ve ?made it.? But most of our class? photographic careers ended within 5-7 years. This is a stat that you will never hear from Hallmark."---

 

My response: First off, the Hallmark of the 80s is not anywhere near what it is today. The school has become accredited, connected and revered. If your class was talented and intelligent, then there is no excuse why they shouldn't have made it. Even if Hallmark had some way of being the reason "you" made it but your fellow students didn't (implausible), it was over 20 years ago. In my experience, if one is truly committed to the craft, they make it. The few cases I have seen that didn't make it, happen to be close friends of mine. They had some personal things happen to them, and they couldn't continue with the lifestyle they committed to. That's life. People change their mind! It, in no way whatsoever, had to do with the lack of education or connections Hallmark provided.

 

---"Most of the alumni websites out there and most of the people in this forum are fresh out of school. They haven?t been beaten down by the harsh realities yet. For now, they?re content with doing those temp photo jobs, but that won?t last."---

 

My response: What is a temp job exactly? There are a number of opportunities available today and Hallmark does whatever it can to provide its graduates (and alumni - maybe you should give them a call) with those opportunities. While I was in school I decided to move to NY and pursue editorial and commercial photography. I was given the right connections to begin my journey. It took a lot of work. This is not, especially in the NY photo world, an easy career. You're kidding yourself if you think it's just handed to you. I worked my ass off. I did eventually get burnt out, but I wouldn't know what I know now, nor would I have been able to handle it, if it wasn't for the education I received at Hallmark. Hallmark is not weak at job placement - people can be weak and that's not the school's fault.

 

2.

---"The so-called ?Business? classes at Hallmark during our day were pathetic. We learned things like how to write a business letter and how to write your own press release. We never learned how to negotiate a lease with a landlord, how to get your landlord to pay for some or all of your build-out (or even what ?build-out? is), what you need to know when choosing a location, the legalities of owning a business, etc., etc. Some of the people that actually opened studios after graduation did so blindly. Many of them failed miserably because of lack of knowledge about the real business world."---

 

My response: THIS IS JUST PLAIN WRONG. Below are the titles of some of the business classes - taken from the current catalog - http://hallmark.edu/pdf/Hallmark_2007.pdf

 

"Business Communications", "Career Observations", "Plans for Good Business Control", "Studio Layout and Design", "Current Studio Operations", "Vendor Relations", "Business Organization", "Site Selection", "Salesmanship and Sales promotion", "Marketing Analysis", "Public Relations", "Advertising", "Financing", "Record Keeping", "Business Law", "Purchasing and Inventory", "Part-Time employees and Outside Services"

 

 

---"A large percentage of our class (MOST of them) went on to attend some form of higher education or additional training after Hallmark. Imagine spending all that money on tuition and STILL discovering that you have to pay more tuition someplace else to cover your lack of education!! At some point it became obvious that the Hallmark education was not going to be enough to support them."---

 

My response: A few years ago I decided that commercial photography was not for me. I decided that I was going to put my energy into the art world. It's been a struggle. Things are starting to turn for the better, but psychologically it's been the hardest few years of my life. Many people I have met have been incredibly impressed by my technical knowledge and have said, on a number of occasions, "My education was all theory, nothing technical. What school did you go to?". These people are amazing artists and I do not mean to discredit them or their institution in any way. The bottom line is this: if you want to be a successful photographer, go to a photography school. Hallmark is among the best. It was the perfect choice for me - 10 months and a top notch education? I'm in! What this "Hasselblad" is saying is bullshit - telling this forum that a Hallmark education would not be enough to support them? Maybe your friends didn't really want to be photographers? Again, don't blame the school for choices a few of your "classmates" made in 1982.

 

---"For those of you that live in Massachusetts, Fitchburg State College (www.fsc.edu ) offers a stellar photography program with a fine reputation and for state residents, it?s an incredible value and won?t break your (or your parents) bank (and no, I?m not affiliated with them in any manner?I?ve just done some homework on the matter). The photography instructor there is Peter Laytin. I?ve known students that have studied under him and have heard nothing but incredible things about the education they received from him."---

 

My response: WOW! Don't hurt yourself there "John". Peter might need your help with another hand-job later.

 

---"Also at a real college you will get a well-rounded education and that does matter in the world of business. You could also supplement your photography major with REAL business courses such as management, marketing, business law, entrepreneurship, etc., and you could very well end up miles ahead of the Hallmark students."---

 

My response: This was already covered - But why wouldn't a photographer want a business education that is focused around photography? Why would I give up photography business classes at Hallmark, to take general business classes at another school, if I am studying to be a photographer?

 

---"Many colleges, too, provide internships in their photography education. An internship is a priceless way to learn A LOT about how things really operate, and it adds a TON to your education!! It is also a valuable way to ultimately find a JOB!! Hallmark likes to claim that they mimic the Real World in their school, but trust me, they don?t."---

 

My response: You are wrong, again! They in fact do mimic real world situations. Of course it's not "the real world", but it is damn effective. There are also opportunities for students to assist (intern) while still in school. I know current students who have done it. I DID IT in 2000. It's obviously not a full-on internship - that's because you're always in class or shooting!

 

---"You will never regret a real college education. If you decide to change paths someday (less than 1/3 of all people actually end up staying in the field that they were educated in), most of your classes that you took will transfer, and it won?t be that big of a deal to pick up a few more classes in another major and field of study. But if you go to unaccredited Hallmark?none of that education is worth a penny at a regular college. Just know before you go! Know what you?re investing so much money into before you go into massive debt!"---

 

My response: Really, you'll never regret a "real" college education? I know I would have. I was 18 and I knew I wanted to be a photographer. I didn't want to do anything else. If I went to a 4-year college, I would have wasted away. Hallmark is a powerful place - I grew and matured like I never imagined. That year molded me into the person I am today, not just the photographer.

 

AND, Hallmarks credits are transferable. Hallmark is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology.

 

3.

---"There are many hidden expenses outside of the tuition and the cost-of-living. I see from a previous poster that the props and materials at Hallmark are still in lousy condition and not useable for photographs. We, too, had to spend a ton of money on our own props. All of that stuff adds up and makes survival difficult."---

 

My response: From what I remember, we were encouraged to purchase our own products. Everybody shooting the same object or item would get old. In my case, I often bought things I could somehow re-use. Props were plentiful and not in bad shape - not perfect - but not "lousy." I do not remember any hidden costs - they were upfront about any additional items we were expected to buy.

 

4.

---"For those of you that are in committed relationships, Hallmark will do a number on you and the relationship. Because of the time commitment involved, it can be very difficult to keep the relationship intact. I don?t want to scare you, because many people have gotten through it and I?m sure are stronger for it. But again, know before you go. Just be prepared that your personal relationships will go through a lot during those 10 months, and it will be difficult. It?s easier to weather a bad storm when you prepare for it."---

 

My response: Shut up and let people make up there own mind. I already have a fucking therapist!

 

5.

---"I?ve heard people compare Hallmark to the military because it feels so much like boot camp. Hallmark is NOT for the faint-of-heart. They will work you like a dog?worse, actually. An older student expressed concern in this forum about attending at an ?older age.? You?ll do great?in fact you?ll do better than the young kids. In our class, and in most classes, the older the student the better they do. The kids that seem to do the worst are the ones that are fresh out of high school. I think it?s because Hallmark is so radically different than anything they?ve ever experienced in their young lives. It?s a brutal schedule. Many of the young kids go there thinking it will be just like their friends? colleges and universities. They?ll party and have fun, and have the same kind of interesting, fun social campus life. It?ll be NOTHING like that. Prepare for boot camp; prepare for war."---

 

My response: We called Hallmark "boot camp," it's true. It's a ton of information packed into 10-months. It's not for the weak, you're right. Your talk of young people not being able to cut it is ignorant. How dare you belittle an entire age group! If it wasn't for Hallmark and the rigorous schedule, I wouldn't have my current work ethic and I wouldn't be able to handle stressful situations the way I do. I was fortunate to attend right out of high school.

 

6.

---"It?s become fairly common knowledge that employers STAY AWAY from Hallmark students." "Employers find the Hallmark students to be arrogant and they demand too much money right out of school. They also find them very much lacking in information and not worth their salaries."---

 

My response: This is my favorite! I've been in New York City since 2000. Everyone I've talked to that knows of Hallmark has never said anything bad about the school. 9 out of 10 times, they talk about how amazing the graduate's work ethic is or how knowledgeable they are technically. You're so far out of line! It has actually "become fairly common knowledge" that hallmark graduates are sought after in this business. Up until 2005, I worked consistently within the NY Photo world. I worked with more people then I can actually remember. I never heard anything bad about the school. Many of the people I graduated with have gone on to great jobs in the NY photo industry. Many people I graduated with have gone on to successful shooting careers, in NY and beyond.

 

I don't know where this "John Hasselblad" got his info. Maybe he is a former 80s student, but obviously he's using a pseudonym. Maybe he is from a competing institution. Whatever it is, this guy is entirely WRONG about The Hallmark Institute of Photography. This institution has its quirks just like anyplace else. But, the school is an amazing institution that fills your mind and body with photography and the business of photography for 10 straight months. It's demanding. It is not for the faint-of-heart. It's for someone who is going to fully commit to being a photographer. Since I left the commercial photography world for the art world in 2005, I've been asked if I would have rather gone to art school. The answer is no - no way. I am the person I am today because I made the decision to attend Hallmark at a young age. I got a top-of-the-line education in photography and the business of photography - something an art school could not provide.

 

Again, the bottom line is this: If you want to become a professional photographer, "The Hallmark Institute of Photography" is one of the best schools in the country, with some of the greatest connections and instructors of any photography school around. Hallmark prides themselves on giving you a well-rounded photographic and business education in 10-months. It succeeds.

 

-Timothy Briner, Graduate, Class of 2000

 

http://www.TimothyBriner.com

 

 

[wayne wallace photography]

As a 2005 Hallmark Alumni I feel compelled to respond to the post of John Hasselblad who is clearly posting under a fake name and can't be honest. I'd also like to Amen!! Timothy's post!

 

John, You discredit yourself immediately by not using your real name. If you want to give truthful advice you would have no problem using your real name. You're a fraud!

 

True many jobs in the photography industry are seasonal because you are dealing with high school seniors, wedding couples or holiday photography needs. That said you don't need to do that type of photography unless you want to and you can find more permanent jobs or do your own thing.

 

Hallmark doesn't give out inaccurate stats they give out real stats that are collected from employment surveys they send to graduates. I know I've filled them out.

 

A lot has changed in the photography industry even in the past 10 years. I know many older photographers that have decided to get out of the business because of digital technology. They didn't want to make the change from film to digital. I'm sure some percentage of many classes decide not to peruse their original goal to be full time photographers after a period of time, but that's not because of Hallmark it's because they don't have a passion for the art or business of photography anymore and have decided to change careers just like I changed careers after 20 year to go into the photography business.

 

I would disagree about job placement. Hallmark has a growing and successful Alumni network which only helps graduates and increases the job placement situation. I would hire a Hallmark student any day because I know how they have been trained and that they can handle themselves and an insane workload. Hallmark helped me find a job directly out of school because a graduate from the 80's was the manager of a photography department and he called the school to find someone for the job. I would still be there today but my business allowed me to leave that job and go out on my own.

 

Hallmark will give you a foundational education in all aspects of the art and business of photography through classes and guest lectures and personal advice from the staff and graduates. If you're serious about opening a business instead of working for someone else you need to be prepared to learn new things and grow daily. Learning is a life long process. As a business owner myself I'm constantly learning new things to make my business more successful. Hallmark could not teach me everything even if it was a 4 year school. At some point you need to break out into the real world and I'd rather do it sooner that later. Just think how far ahead Hallmark grads are by they time you would be done with 4 year school.

 

Going to another school will not necessarily make you a better business person. You learn about business by having real world experience. I suggest working in an established studio after graduation or seeking a business mentor to get that real world experience. Hallmark will expose you to many individuals that have that real world experience. Hallmark hires instructors and brings in guest speakers that that have or run successful businesses and It's up to each person to take advantage of that, make those connections and learn what you need to know to become successful business person. If any Hallmark grad wants to learn more about running a successful business they can certainly contact me and I will gladly mentor them and help them in anyway I can.

 

There are no hidden costs. Hallmark tells you that you will need to purchase equipment and find props to photograph. What you photograph is up to you as a photographer and artist. If you want to purchase everything you can but you don't need to. This is no different than any other photography school. The commercial studio at Hallmark does have a lot of miscellaneous stuff for you to use in your projects but you do need to be creative and find props to make your portfolio unique. I wouldn't use Hallmark props if they gave them to me anyway, how boring would everyones portfolio be. If you're smart you will find people that have things they want photographed. You don't necessarily need to pay for props if you use your head. Obviously, I didn't buy a $50,000.00 dollar custom chopper, but I photographed one for my portfolio.

 

During your 10 months you will work very hard and you will have little time for anything else. If you have a significant other you definitely need to make sure you have their support. Hallmark is a full time intense boot camp like education that you need to be committed to if you want to be successful and Hallmark is very clear about this. I was a 39 year old career changer when I attended so it can be done. I personally would not have wanted it any other way. I think the Hallmark teaching method is very successful, it brings out the best in you and prepares you to do anything you want to do in your career. I grew and learned many things not just what taught in class.

 

Our Yahoo group is for grads to share and help each other. I don't see any evidence of employers staying away from Hallmark grads. Just the opposite, I've heard from many established photographers how impressed they are with Hallmark grads. Hallmark grads are confident in their education and we are qualified to handle any photographic job that comes our way and yes we deserve to be paid what we are worth just like any other professional person.

 

You're clearly not a professional and I doubt you're even a graduate of Hallmark, your statements are full of negativity and lies and clearly you have alternative motives. I would say you're a recruiter for another school and I'd say to beware of people like you.

 

If anyone wants to find out the real inside scoop on Hallmark talk to a real grad that proudly stands on his education and is not afraid to use their real name.

 

Wayne Wallace

http://www.waynewallace.com

Class of 2005

[jules_johns]

Hello All, <br>

My response is a little late in coming but I wanted to take the time to respond properly, having been a part of this forum for a long time now. First of all, I would like to say that name calling is uncalled for. Even if John is not a graduate and is someone who is just trying to discredit the school, there isn't any reason to call him names. Keep it professional, please. <br><br>

 

Now, to respond.<br><br>

 

<b>1. About Job placement and stats

</b><br>

- Stats from the 80s are outdated and should be disregarded. Things have greatly changed at HIP and it is unfair to compare stats from HIP in the 80's to any other school now.<br><br>

 

- Jobs are seasonal, life changes, people change their minds, etc. Ultimately, if you continue on in the industry it is up to you. Don't blame the school.<br><br>

 

- With that said, I do have to admit that Hallmark does seem to over state the ease of Job placement just a little bit. But you know what? So would every school. It is a marketing strategy. They aren't lying about it. They just focus on the good things and put it out there. It's like saying on your resume that you did work for Coca-Cola, when all you did was retouch one picture for one of their photographers, or something like that. It's not a lie. 90% of hallmark grads probably do find jobs shortly after school, but they may not stay with that job very long. They may decide to then open their own business, or find a non-seasonal job, etc. It really all depends on the student.<br><br>

 

 

 

<b>2. Certificates, Credits, Business Classes, and The Real World

</b><br>

- In the photography world, degrees and certificates do not matter very much. If you have a good portfolio and know your stuff you will be able to find a job. In the end, a certificate and a degree are both made out of the same piece of tree. It's what your like that really matters. <br><br>

 

- Hallmark is now accredited, again, information from the 80s is invalid today. In fact, I just learned from one of my year-mates who is looking into going into the air force as a photographer that she would recieve 90! credit transfers. 90!!! all completed in 10 months. In the average community college you take classes that are worth 1-3 credits a piece, that go for 3 months. I think on average you get 12 credits a semester. so in one year, with 3 semesters, you would get 36 or so credits. It would take you around 3 years to get the same amount of credits that Hallmark offers in 10 months. Imagine that.<br><br>

 

- It's true, Hallmark does not teach everything there is to know about business. Just like it's true they don't teach everything there is to know about photography. What school teaches everything there is to know about anything? Especially about things like business or photography in which the common knowledge is always changing??? What Hallmark does provide is a good grounding in the basics of business and an absolutely wonderful photography education. And again, you get out what you put in. If you don't pay attention in the business classes or do the work, you won't learn it! And the program is always changing, there are even many drastic differences from my year to the current year. A lot of the classes that were listed in Tim's post, were just added this current year or were adjusted from my year. They are constantly adjusting and improving their program to keep up with the industry.<br><br>

 

- Just to note about the classes list..."Career Observations" is not technically a business class. It is an open period in which to do work. Or at least it was most of the year, sometimes they will have a random class during it.<br><br>

 

- Absolutely NO school can totally prepare you or perfectly mimic the real world, but Hallmark does a pretty darn good job at it. But, it is also called SCHOOL for a reason. It is practice, a time to prepare, a transition between previous life experience into new life experience. You cannot expect to leave any school 100% prepared for what will happen next, but you know what, you will leave Hallmark prepared to handle quite a lot. Hallmark will shape you and teach you and help prepare you for the next step. Hallmark is a hard place and you have to be determined to make it through. The other's were right, many alumni feel if it weren't for hallmark, they wouldn't be who they are today. It is quite the experience. <br><br>

 

 

 

<b>3. Tuition & Props & Furthering Education

</b><br>

- Hallmark is expensive, there is no getting around it. It is a lot of money and tuition is increasing. But get this, how much are you going to spend going to a 4 year college that may only be $25k a year instead of the $50k at hallmark. Hallmark will in fact end up being less expensive. Even if that isn't the case, Hallmark's education was definitely worth the cost. You get what you pay for.<br><br>

 

- There aren't any "hidden costs" other than unexpected emergencies, which no one, especially the school, has control over. With that said, I do agree that Hallmark does down play the cost of things outside of tuition and equipment a little. But so what? They don't say there aren't any costs either. If you're smart you'll budget yourself with enough money to buy props and pay bills etc. If you're really smart you'll buy props that you can use for your home, give as presents, eat, use in some way, or photograph in multiple ways. OR you will borrow things from people, family, friends, etc. OR you will find people who want things photographed and maybe even make a little money with it.<br><br>

 

- Hallmark does not leave you incomplete and needing to continue your education at another college. You can continue your education at another school if you want, but it is not mandatory. There will always be more to learn, and in an ever changing industry such as photography, you can't expect everything you learned in school to apply for the rest of your career. Information becomes outdated and you must adapt and learn the new information that becomes available! That's how life is! <br><br>

 

- Also, about other colleges and having a college education, yes it can be valuable, but if you don't want to spend the time at a 4 year school, then it won't be so valuable to you. What is and isn't best as an education is based on the individual. If hallmark was best for everybody, they'd all go there, the same with any other school. If you are looking into schools, in the end you have to pick what best suits you, not what suits everybody else.<br><br>

 

 

 

<b>4. Relationships

</b><br>

- I do have to agree with John here. (by the way, Tim, your response was seriously uncalled for) Hallmark is VERY hard on relationships. It is a strain, as you will be VERY busy and AWAY from your significant other, children, etc for 10 months. There are relationships that won't make it and there are relationships that will. In my year there were plenty of people who had husbands or wives, and/or kids, or boyfriends or girlfriends. Some were between students, but most were not. A few ended, one I know ended in divorce. That was very sad, but there was also the person who's wife supported and helped him and the WHOLE school. She was photographed so many times and she was someone who many people made friends with. Survival of the relationship will depend on the people and whether they are ready and willing to weather this period in time.<br><br>

 

- And it is not just romantic relationships that feel the strain, often parents and siblings and other family members relationships become strained because you will be sooooo very busy that you won't have time to call them. Then again, they can also be a vital support system. It all depends on you, but you should be prepared.<br><br>

 

 

 

<b>5. Boot Camp & Age Groups

</b><br>

- I again have agree with John about Hallmark being boot camp and not for the weak. That's very true! It is a lot of work. Like I said earlier, 90 credits! That's a lot in 10 months. Like the school says, you will live, eat, and breathe photography and this school. It's true. There will be time for little else. It is a boot camp of sorts.<br><br>

 

- Again, he is right, if you think that Hallmark is just like any other college where you will slide out of bed go to a couple classes and then go party, you're wrong. While there are parties and plenty of people who love to go get high and get drunk, they are at a great disadvantage. If that's what you want to be doing, go somewhere else. But if you want to dedicate yourself to working long and hard and achieving something great then Hallmark is a great choice. <br><br>

 

- It is also true that many older students had an advantage over the younger students. They have more coping abilities, more real world knowledge, probably more support systems, and are less inclined to get wrapped up into the social world. <br><br>

 

- In a way, he is right about kids just out of high school. MANY of them are not ready and will get a slap in a face, but there are MANY out there that would handle hallmark just fine as well. I was among the 5 if not top 3 youngest people in the school. I celebrated my 19th birthday just a month and a half after school started. The youngest in the school was not even 18 yet. Also, I was home schooled and hadn't ever worked more than part time, but I made it through Hallmark just fine. I think whether you make it through the program has more to do with your determination and personality than it does your age. So it is unfair to say that ANY fresh out of high schooler shouldn't go. I think everyone should make the decision themselves. <br><br>

 

 

 

<b>6. Reputation

</b><br>

- Every school has a reputation. Hallmark is one of the newer schools and so has less reputation than some of the longer standing schools and while back in the 80s, the general thought might have been *stay away*, in today's world Hallmark is gaining more and more good reputation. <br><br>

 

- I think there probably have been some arrogant HIP grads, but you know what? There have probably been some arrogant grads from every photography school on the planet. Geez. Again, it all depends on the person. In this industry everything is quite dependent on your personality, work ethinic, and quality of work. Don't expect your schools reputation to give you a free ride.<br><br>

 

- Also, what an employer thinks of HIP grads, is based on his experience with them. If they had bad experiences with a HIP alumni he may choose not to hire another. Perhaps this was because that alumni didn't have a good work ethic or their personalities clashed or the grad didn't do what was asked of them. OR perhaps the grad quit because the job was not what was first agreed upon and was not working. Perhaps the employer cheated them. Look at the situation and try to get the whole story. If it was the grad's fault, perhaps you can persuade them to rethink you and perhaps change their mind about HIP.<br><br>

 

 

 

<b>7. The 10 Month Theory

</b><br>

- I do not agree that 10 months is rushed. It does go by quicker than you think and is jam packed with information, but you know what when you graduate you will be out in the world with the most recent information possible. Where as, going to a 4 year school, if you learn anything technical in your first year, it will most likely be outdated by your 3rd or 4th year and you will have to relearn it. So I consider the 10 month time period to be an advantage. You will be very current when you graduate and then be able to get a job and continue learning as the industry changes.<br><br>

 

 

Well, I think that is all I have to say. If anyone has any questions please feel free to email me. I know Wayne is also very active in the Hallmark circles and would probably be willing to answer questions as well. As would the school themselves. Good luck to all!<br>

- Jules

 

 

 

[project three]

I've got accepted into HIP. If things go accordingly I'll be one of the incoming students for

the Fall of 2007. I'm currently in the process of applying for loans.

 

Besides what HIP provides for places to take out loans, can anyone else recommend other

places where I can apply for loans. Also, how did former grads and current students go

about applying for loans. Did you apply for the full 50k or did you apply for a certain

amount at different places? Any advice is much appreciated?

 

Thanks,

-Leandro

[amberrae_johnson]

Hello Everyone!

 

I graduate from Hallmark Institute of Photography next month and it breaks my heart to read some of the above comments.

 

I can think of no greater place to seek a photographic education than Hallmark and I believe that any TRUE alumni would agree 100%. Answer this, if Hallmark wasn't an amazing school then why do people travel from all over the world to study there??!? Why is it that some of the worlds most accomplished photographers are speaking there weekly?

 

Hallmark prides itself on being a SERIOUS photography school for a reason. "If you can't hang with the big dogs, go sit on the porch." Perhaps the reason Mr. "JOHN HASSELBLAD" is such a complete and utter failure is because NO ONE BY THAT NAME EVER ATTENDED HALLMARK! If he had, he would hold as much value and trust in his education as the rest of the Hallmark family. Yes, I said "Hallmark family" because unlike other schools the students of Hallmark are together 24/7 (actually doing school work). The instructors turn into well respected and valued friends. George, the president, is amazing! I have never in my entire life heard of another college where you can just walk into the president of the schools office simply to talk about what's new. We have a campus ?mom?, Tammy, who we may call at all hours concerning anything. She will make you appointments and even pick you up from your house and take you to the ER when you have pneumonia ? I would know! Everyone is so trusting and helpful; we all just push each other to go on to bigger and better things. Hallmark also encourages its students to get involved in charity work, such as Doctors without Borders and various other causes. There is board upstairs that is constantly being covered with job opportunities; it is the drive of the student that determines his success. It is all part of making us all more self dependent and well rounded people. I could say endless good things about Hallmark...

 

The thing you need to understand is that the students of Hallmark Institute of Photography leave with not only an OUTSTANDING, top of the line, photographic and business education, but we leave with morals, values, trust, desire to help others, inspiration, respect, work ethics, a huge network, but most of all, we leave with pride.

 

Hallmark is the number one choice of photography schools and we, the students, faculty, staff, and alumni will fight to protect its reputation till the end. Hallmark is the best choice I have ever made, and yes, I am honored to soon be forever part of the Hallmark Family.

 

If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me at ARJ@AmberRaePhotographics.com

[sally_metzger]

Hey, this is Sally, it's been a little while since the last time I wrote in here. I'm really excited to say that I have been accapted to HIP, and am now in the process of working through enrollment, paperwork, loans, etc. It's a bit of a process, but i'm very pleased to see that the staff at HIP are doing everything possible to make things go smoothly. This forum has been such a help to me already, thank you to all the grads, and future grads who are sharing with the rest of us.

 

I can't wait to get started this September.!!! Any advice, of course, is more than welcome. Thanks! Sally M.

[wayne wallace photography]

Good luck Sally!

<p>

When you become an actual student, as in first day of school, you can request to become part of the growing <a href="http://www.HallmarkHIPsters.net">http://www.HallmarkHIPsters.net</a> blog.

<p>

I remember my first day, me and my 7 roomates took a first day of school picture. It was an exciting day!

<p>

And all but one of us was in the top ten, we had a really talented house of people.

<p>

<img src="http://www.waynewallace.com/images/first_day.jpg">

[jules_johns]

Congratulations on getting accepted, Sally!!! I wish you the best of luck and if you have any questions feel free to post on this forum or email me! Keep us up to date on how it goes! <br>

- Jules

[samantha_engert]

Hi My name is Sammie and I am VERY new to here. I have an interview appointment tomorrow and I am really nervous about it. I am hopeing to attend this fall. I currently live in Germany and have no clue about the northern part of the states. I hope to learn more and be accepted for Fall 2007. I have not even began to enroll and I am already so nervous about the possibity. So if anyone has some words of advise or such please respond. Keep those shutters going!:)

[samantha_engert]

Hi! Me again...what type of degree/diploma is awarded?? And if at the end (like in the last few weeks) at the presentation thing if thez do not like your work can you be kicked out?? can you be kicked out at all??

[wayne wallace photography]

Hi Sammie,

 

Good luck with your interview.

 

If you are a serious person you have a good chance.

 

Hallmark doesn't want to fail anyone, they want to create successful photographers and be known as the best school in the world for photography.

 

You get a Certificate of Completion which I proudly hang on my wall but really no one cares about that or asks to see it. It's about what you do with your education.

 

Only the slackers and people with bad attitudes get booted. We had a few that didn't make it but for the most part everyone made it out alive.

 

If you like being in the woods you'll love the area. It's not city life. Personally I love the area but I'm from that part of the country so I'm biased.

 

Good luck!

Wayne Wallace HIP '05

http://www.waynewallace.com

[susan_mcmanus1]

Tim,

You're off on the right foot by inquiring about any school you may consider. Just consider

this also . . . why are the people who are defending Hallmark using their real names and

the person who is bashing Hallmark is not. You can check the websites of the people

defending Hallmark and see that the proof of Hallmark's educational process is in the

images they produce. I'm currently a student and know Wayne Wallace's work. Jason

McGrew is one of the best shooters currently in school at Hallmark. These are bright

people - as am I, if I might add :) - we did not enroll in Hallmark lightly. Please check

out my website www.susanmcmanus.com and see what Hallmark has done for me. I had

NO photography training before last September - not one class - and I think I've done

pretty well. You've GOT to follow your heart. Be sure of your decision. Hallmark is not for

the faint of spirit. It is a rigorous program - but worth EVERY DIME. As far as placement

goes, there's not a college, school or program anywhere in the world that guarantees

graduates a job. Any job worth getting takes gumption, talent, and persistence. Good

luck to you, whatever your decision. Susan McManus

[samantha_engert]

i would absolutly love to become a 'HIP' student. I have over 14,000 photos on my computer 13 of them have won awards. I know a very small percentage:( I love the woods and I am not really concerned about the city life because 10 months is no time compared to the rest of my life that I have to live wherever I want. so what are some questions that they may ask me tomorrow? I am so nervous.

[wayne wallace photography]

<p>That's what blows me away is that Hallmark can take 300 students and simultaneously teach them how to be great photographers in such a short period of time.

</p>

<p>

Let's take Susan as an example, like many students in my class, she didn't have a an ounce of experience going in and now her website and work looks better than most so called pros in the industry.

</p><p>

Great work Susan!

</p><p>

Samanta, Just be you and show them your passion and drive.

</p>

<img src="http://www.waynewallace.com/assets/mephoto2320.jpg" width="150"><br>

Wayne Wallace HIP 'O5<br>

<a href="http://www.waynewallace.com">http://www.waynewallace.com</a><br>

<a href="http://www.hallmarkhipsters.net">http://www.hallmarkhipsters.net</a><br>

<br><br>

<a href="http://www.waynewallacephotography.com"><img src="http://www.waynewallace.com/assets/portfolio.jpg"></a>

[richard_barnes]

Hey Hassalblad Guy.

I too graduated the program 20 yrs ago . I felt it was one of the most important desicions I

have ever made. Since graduating from the class of 1986 I have had a wonderful career in

professional photography , from graduate to studio owner, speaker and lecturer ( all over

the world ) to actually teaching. All this because of the year I spent at Hallmark , I was very

involved in the alumni association and ,funny thing is I have never heard of you !....and

Tim ,as far as Jason ,Wayne ,and Susan , I can speak for them all .they are all very good

people and Great photographers and I am proud to know them all.

 

Richard Barnes

Class of 1986

[jessicamariephotography]

As a current student getting ready to graduate next month, I can tell you that I would do it all over again in a heart beat. I love this school. Is it a lot of money? Hell yes. It cost me more then I ever though I should spend on anything (except maybe a house). Am I broke always? Yup. Do I care? No. Cause the stuff I have learned at Hallmark is so much better. Is it really really hard work? Of course. You won't sleep much, you eat a lousy diet and you definitly don't get to live a "normal" lifestyle. But you know what? None of that matters. The bottom line is that its 10 months that will change your life forever if you take advantage of everything you can while your here. You won't worry about there being nothing to do in Turners Falls, cause you won't have time to do anything anyway. I would recommend this school to anyone who is SERIOUS about becoming a photographer. Its definitly not for the faint of heart or the undecided. I never had a photography class a day in my life. Now, check out my website (www.jessicamariephotography.com) and see whats going. Not bad for 10 months of training I don't think. I owe it all to the dedicated instructors and staff at HIP.