jules_johns

September 7, 2007

Hello AmberRae,

I never said that I thought anything unrealistic at all. I know that we all love the school, myself included, I could gush (and probably have, if you read the whole forum) but I don't think that getting into an argument about it helps anything or is professional. Everyone has to realize that there will be people who don't like the school and that's their opinion. So what? We don't have to defend the school and tear that opinion to shreds. That is not right. Let everyone say what they think, that is after all what we're doing. I just think that we shouldn't say things like Tim Lynch's first post and Wayne's response to it. To me that is personal arguments and saying things about George being a twisted individual or being disappointed in Tim, isn't appropriate. We had a similar thing going on earlier with a person who didn't like Hallmark the responses to him.

What I meant about listing all the things you like and then listing some you didn't, I didn't mean complaints if you don't have any about the school, but you could list some improvements you'd like to see OR complaints about other parts of the experience. Things like housing, things to do in the area, ability to find models, anything. I'm sure that no one had absolutely no trouble at all in everything involved. I feel that we need to present a balanced look at it. I loved the school and going there was wonderful, but I personally said some of the things I didn't like as well. When I was looking into Hallmark myself, I wanted to hear some things that weren't perfect as well as all the good things so I could get a clear picture of what to expect. A few complaints or notes about things that could be improved didn't keep me from going, in fact they made me more willing to go because I felt I was getting an honest view of the place. Does that make sense to you? I mean no disrespect to anyone or the school. I love Hallmark and would recommend it in a heartbeat, but it's not perfect either.

I appologize for the word "Tizzy", I couldn't think of the correct word to use. I really just did not want the arguments about George to get out of hand because I agree that we shouldn't be discussing hi on this board. Perhaps I am not agreed with, but thank you for respecting me. I hope I have explained what I meant better. Also, when I spoke of being unprofessional, I was referring mostly to Tim's posts than to you or Wayne. You both are a good part of this forum and have provided great information. My main goal with what I said was to try to keep the argument about George from getting out of hand. Tim's post was refuted, and George was defended, and I hope that the forum will move on from this issue.

Thanks!

- Jules

September 6, 2007

Hey,

I personally think that everyone needs to stop discussing George and personal grievances etc. etc. on this forum. Getting in a tizzy isn't going to help, I can speak from experience as something similar happened right before I went to Hallmark. This forum is supposed to help people looking into going to Hallmark, and while information on the people running the school is useful, I don't think that the previous posts really have helped anything. There are more professional ways to say that you don't like the leadership of the school, but if it is a person grudge or dislike of one person, please keep it off the board. The same goes for the opposite, if you're gushing about how much you love the school so much that it sounds almost irrational it's probably not going to help. I think that if you want to gush, go ahead, say how much to love it, but then list out the reasons and somethings you didn't like. Keep it balanced. There will always be biased posts, but hopefully people will be able to find good information to help make the right decision for them.

- Jules

September 5, 2007

CONGRATS to all those who have started their year at Hallmark today! I wish you all the best of luck and if you have any questions please feel free to post on here or email me!

Good luck again!

- Jules

July 19, 2007

Hi Matt!

I'm glad to hear you are interested in Hallmark. I graduated in 2006 and had a wonderful time there. For information and to talk to other people attending this year coming up or alumni check out this forum that has been going for the past 2 years now.

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00A6qQ

It is the most active HIP forum on this site that I know of and is full of information. Hope to see you on it!

- Jules

July 3, 2007

Hello!

Sam:

In what context do you mean what does the school consider health problems? I'm not quite sure what you're asking.

If you mean has a pregnant woman ever attended hallmark? I don't know, but I would imagine that it would not be the wisest idea as it is very stressful and I don't think that would be good for the pregnancy. If you mean have they come to have pictures taken, yes they have!

Rahul:

You can also find good deals on ebay or buying from previous students. If you want to get the gear cheaper, I would first try to find a student selling theirs or check on ebay.

- Jules

June 30, 2007

Hey Ryan!

I'm glad to hear you're heading to HIP finally! I had a great year and just saw another friend graduate this year as well. I do still live here. Feel free to send me an email any time.

- Jules

June 17, 2007

Hello All,

A BIG congratulations to everyone who's been accepted. I wish you all the best of luck

About dSLRs:

A couple people asked about dSLRs I think. I recommend the nikon d200 personally. It's a great camera and easy to use and will definitely keep you going after school. If you have more money to spend, there's the d2x . Also, I've heard rumors about new models that nikon might put out soon, so you might want to do some research about that before deciding.

If you want to go canon I recommend spending more money and get one of the 5ds or mark 3 what ever it's called. Sorry, I don't know my canon model numbers very well. Get the next model up from the 30d. If you don't have that much money, find yourself a 20d. There isn't too much of a difference between the 20d and 30d.

Honestly you can't really go wrong getting either brand in the end. The best thing to do is to find someone or someplace that will let you get your hands on each model you consider and let you play with it a little. Get the one that is easiest for you to use. There's plenty of reviews out there too. As far as lens choice. Get good lenses. Don't short yourself in that area. You will probably have the lenses longer than you'll have the camera body. Fast lenses made well will last you a long time.

Rajat:

- You will be working on pretty much everything late into the night all throughout the year. How much you do at night and exactly what you're doing will depend on how far into the program you are and how much you manage to do during the day. You can expect to be doing computer work (retouching, website work, printing, scanning), photographing (especially commercial work, since models are harder to find the later at night it gets), finish work (matting etc), and possibly a few other things. It really depends on the time of year and how much you can do during the day. Also, don't count on the school being open 24/7 towards the end of the year like is previously mentioned in this forum. I heard from a friend in the current class that the school had to close around 11pm? or somewhere there abouts all year.

- Personally I would say quit the job. Hallmark leaves little time for anything else. You won't have time over lunch at all, as you only get an hour for lunch and if you want to eat and be on time to class, that isn't a lot of time. You would only be able to pull a 4 hour shift after classes, and as the year progresses any spare time is usually used to photograph, do computer work, try to eat, or try to sleep. It probably wouldn't be impossible to pull off, but I wouldn't recommend it.

- I don't really have any information to give you for your last question. Pay rates will vary quite a lot depending on the job and whether you are part time or full time.. small studio vs. a high-volume ... as well as from area to area. Your best bet is to do some research into the type of place you want to work and the area you want to be in and go from there.

Well, everything else appears to have been answered. As always, feel free to email me.

- Jules

May 30, 2007

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!

- Jules

May 21, 2007

Hello All,

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.

Now, to respond.

1. About Job placement and stats

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

2. Certificates, Credits, Business Classes, and The Real World

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

3. Tuition & Props & Furthering Education

- 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.

- 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.

- 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!

- 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.

4. Relationships

- 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.

- 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.

5. Boot Camp & Age Groups

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

6. Reputation

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

7. The 10 Month Theory

- 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.

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!

- Jules

May 4, 2007

Hi Sally!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Good luck!

- Jules

February 13, 2007

Hi,

Congrats on being accepted! You sound like you're well prepared. $60,000 sounds like a good budget. As far as places to live. Greenfield is nice it's about 15-20 minutes from school, which can be a pain sometimes. Turners probably isn't as nice, but it's closer. Really I would base things on the apartment itself.

The reason most students sell their mamiyas isn't because it isn't a good camera, it's because unless you're doing film work or have the money to buy a digital back for it (big $$$) then it's kind of impractical. It is also bigger and slower than your average dSLRs like the nikon d200 etc. So, most will sell it to buy themselves a set up that they can practically use now to get their business going. It is a good camera though.

Feel free to email me with any other questions if you'd like!

- Jules

February 7, 2007

Hey Ellim

Yes, Hallmark Institute of Photography is a great place! It's a wonderful 10 month program that I think is better than the 4 year schools. I would recommend that you go check out the forum about it <a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00A6qQ">here</a> . It has tons of information about the program and myself and other alumni and students have been talking on there for over two years. Check it out.

- Jules

February 7, 2007

Hello Kathy!

Congrats on getting accepted and coming all the way from the Philippines. About your budget, what you need to do is talk to the people at the school. They will help you come up with a budget, how much your rent is and groceries all depends on where you live and if you live with other people. Laundry depends on if you live somewhere with a washing machine or use a laundromat. As far as weekend activities, once school starts really getting busy there isn't much time for anything but school and the occasional night at the movies. Again, the school will be able to help you work out budgets. Also, you will need to add money to your budget for props, despite what the school says the props in the school will not get you through the year. Another thing you may want to consider is getting a dSLR, but that is more of a personal preference thing. Also, the school takes one trip to NY, but if you take the bus and don't spend the weekend there it's all paid for. Some students will rent hotel rooms together so that they can see the rest of New York over the weekend, but that something that you can't usually plan for before coming to school.

Best of luck to you and feel free to email me if you have any other questions or want to chat.

- Jules

February 3, 2007

Hi,

Hallmark has a wonderful guest speaker program. Throughout the year they bring in top photographers who come and speak about their work and experience. You also have the chance to ask questions, get books signed, and meet the photographers. Also, they have some industry people come in, such as PPA representatives etc. etc. Hallmark is well connected and if you put the effort into networking yourself you can find many open doors. Hallmarks name is getting more and more well known and often opens doors on it's own. There are lots of alumni out there to contact. Also, they have companies or people who are looking to hire photographers or digital assistants etc. come in and do interviews near the end of the year, so if you are interested you can try to get a job with them before even graduating. Basically, you will get out of it, what you put into it.

- Jules

January 29, 2007

Bart,

To me that's like saying that if your child was to go to the library and read books about math and english they will learn the same as they will in a school. Yes, there will be the few people who will succeed in teaching themselves to the point where they become well known and can make a career, but more often then not I think people would become frustrated and give up. Also, it will take MUCH longer to teach yourself via books and trial and error than it would to go to a school like Hallmark where professionals share their expertise and teach you. If you want to make a career out of photography you are much better off pursuing some type of education whether you go to college, a trade school like Hallmark, or apprentice yourself to a photographer if you're lucky enough to find one who will take on that task. I do agree with the fact that diplomas are pretty much meaningless in photography though, it's your portfolio that counts. I don't mean to discount teaching yourself, I just think that if you want to make a successful career out of it, invest in yourself and get an education at a good school.

- Jules

January 25, 2007

Yes, Hallmark is a little expensive, but it is cheaper than brooks and has better equipment, and a better program in my opinion. A friend of mine from HIP actually lived very close to Brooks, but moved across the country to attend Hallmark. Hallmark also gives you the advantage of getting out into the real world a whole lot sooner with as much knowledge as the four year grads. And in photography, honestly degrees mean very little, it's your portfolio that really counts. No matter what school you go to or whether you have a degree or a certificate or none, if you don't have a good portfolio it won't matter.

Toodles!

- Jules

January 20, 2007

Caleb,

I would HIGHLY recommend the Hallmark Institute of Photography (<a href="www.hallmark.edu.com">See Website Here</a>) Their program is wonderful. It is a 10 month long intense photography only school. Their program is the equivalent of 2 years of regular school, you will do 1400 clock hour class time, and will spend many extra hours working. You will pretty much live, eat, and breathe photography why you are there. All the work you do is worth it because you will come away with one of the most complete photography educations you can get, they are not perfect and have their flaws, but it is a great school and most anyone who's gone there would recommend it. You will train on state of the art equipment and not long into the program will have access to it almost 24/7. You will learn portrait as well as commercial photography, build portfolios, and learn how to be successful in the photography world. Many other schools do not provide the amount of business and real world training that Hallmark does and I encourage you to look into them.

I personally attended and graduated last year. It was probably the best experience of my life to date. It was tough and especially during the beginning was hard to get through, but everything was worth it. I met great friends, went from knowing next to nothing about photography and having zero experience to being able to hold my own in the photographic industry. I am currently in the process of starting my own business. Hallmark may not teach fine art photography, but it will teach you how to make a career in photography. There is a lot more information and specifics on the school, program, and life during HIP at this thread <a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00A6qQ">Here</a>

Please feel free to email me with any questions you might have.

- Jules

January 17, 2007

Hi Guys!

Sorry I have been absent so long! Many things have happened, among which include this site freezing my computer over and over, and most recently my email address went down (not sure how long it was down before I realized it) so I haven't been getting any email, etc. etc. Now that that's fixed (for photo.net anyway) I'm back. I don't have the time right now to respond to everybody who's posted since I was last here, but if anyone wants to shoot me an email to answer any questions I'm always glad to talk.

Also, I noticed one of you was wanting '06 graduates to post what we're doing now. Currently I am starting up a photography business of my own. It's slow taking off right now, but I'm hoping to get things going shortly. My website is almost completed and I will post it when it is so you can take a look.

Best Wishes!

- Jules

August 9, 2006

Wow, it's been a while since I posted! Unfortunatly my computer would freeze every time a tried for a while, so this is as soon as I've been able to get to it.

Richie:

I can understand your concern, but you don't only get the camera, film back, and 80mm lens, you'd be getting the 150mm lens, a light meter, a tripod, and a bag. If you signed up to get all of that. There also may be some things that my class (2006) wasn't offered that you'd be getting. If you don't want to get your gear through the school, you can often find it cheaper on ebay or you can buy from previous years students. We're all pretty much trying to sell ours. I've got my kit for sale. Choice of 3 bags, but no light meter. That is worth keeping and I would get it through the school. If you're interested in buying my kit (also comes with a manual 120 macro lens and some film if you'd like it) I've priced it $2,850. I'd be happy to give you all the details (or anyone else who might be interested)over email.

Maria Powers:

Wow! I don't think I ever met you. That's too bad. Jason was your husband correct? Or did I get the name wrong. My deepest appologies if I did.

I thought I would just add to your comments:

Yup, you do have to work to find your own models, and it is one of the most stressful parts, but it's not impossible.

I definitely agree about the props. Hallmark really does not have great props.. They might have the littlest thing to add in the background of your set up, but you won't survive on their props. You need to plan on spending a couple hundred to buy props for your shots. Even if you plan on buying and returning. It will make or break your shots.

The portrait studios are the long bank, and yes there will be conflicting neighbors sometimes... but I don't think it caused too many problems this year. It did cause a few, so taking precautions is something you will have to do. Such as, if you notice that you're scheduling right next to someone with a dog scheduled. It's probably not a good idea to schedule a cat or a child for that slot. Perhaps you can trade with someone for a different slot etc. That can be really hard though and sometimes there's nothing you can do. The least you can do in that situation would be to let them know you're photographing a child and they need to keep a tight rein on their dog. And always pull in some chairs for your models friends/parents/guardians to sit on. Offer them water. etc.

I heard about the new online housing thing, hopefully it works better than the papers we were all sent

About the reputation, I've heard that it is growing. It is a relatively upcoming school compared to the other big schools like brooks. Most everyone has heard of brooks but not so much Hallmark. But really, I think you're more likely to get hired based on the quality of your work, than you are the reputaion of your school. Not that a good reputaion doesn't help.

Yea, the job board seemed to be either short term assisting jobs or a fair few positions. Nothing too updated and was most likely from online searches or emails.

I did not get the same impression, but about the mail with the alumni log in. Mine somehow got sent to my parents. Also, if you stayed in turners falls, they for some reason start holding your mail after graduation, assuming everyone moved. So unless you go in and get your mail and tell them to stop holding it or give them a forwarding address, you may not get it. If it did get lost in the mail, email Paul Bissex and he will give you your log in code. It does have a few job postings, it varries. Some are pretty good looking though. Also, make sure you got your PPA membership card package. I had to call PPA because I never got mine. If you didn't, they'll send you out a new one.

Yes, you'll definitely need equipment to go off into the world after school. That's to be expected. Also, having a good dSLR and nice lenses and a flash etc. during school is a WONDERFUL help. I wonder how some people survived without one of their own. It's something to look into. You'll probably start wanting one around christmas/new years.

Well, I guess that's really all I have to say. Oh! For the students coming in for the 06-07 class. I am living in Greenfield. I will be staying here for the indefinate future, so I am willing to help you guys out with anything I can. Borrowing props, letting you know of places to photograph, help finding models (or modeling depending), suggestions, telling you you won't die even though you haven't slept for 36 hours. Pretty much anything, just start emailing me and we'll talk.

Feel free to email with any questions or if you're interested in buying my camera. =)

- Jules

August 9, 2006

Hey,

I'm a graduate. From this years class. It was great. Had it's faults but everything does. Have you checked out the other post on HIP? The "Anyone Know About Hallmark Institute Of Photography?" thread? If not, def look it up. There's a ton of information on there.

- Jules

May 8, 2006

Hey Alex,

Glad to hear you're looking into Hallmark. I'm in this years class. We're in final portfolio phase now so it's super busy. Anyway, to answer your questions. Yes most of us get assiting Jobs or high volume jobs to start off with. They actually have places like Coffe Pond, Hilton, and Life Touch come in during this time in the year to interview interested students. So Some will end up there. Others will get local jobs in the area they're returning to. Etc. Etc. Some will then after a few years become managers or start their own businesses or what ever. And there's always the few that get a big job to start or start their business straight away. Does that answer your question? I hope so. Hopefully some alumni will come and talk about it too. Feel free to post or email me more questions!

- Jules

April 3, 2006

Hey All!

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. School has been really busy and my email kinda died etc. etc. Lots of.... fun. Lol. Anyway, I'm glad to see people are still checking out this forum. I hope it stays a resource for future students for a long time. Anyway, to address the most recent posts.

Tim

Current feedback. Well, we all (those who have worked hard) have made it through Phase III of the program which is said to be the hardest part of the 10 months. There's definatly some truth to that. It was hard but it was a good experience. I'm sure most of us wish we could have done better work (who doesn't), but we all have come so far from when we began. We've just started the last and final phase. So it's the home stretch. Time has gone so quickly and it hardly seems like we're starting to work on our final portfolio. They aren't kidding when they tell you during orientation that you graduation comes like tomorrow. It goes by so quick. We've learned so much, but sometimes it honestly doesn't seem like enough, or enough time. But it is wonderful .

Isabel

Congratulations on your decision to come from Kenya!! Wow!!! I hope all is going well for you. Feel free to email me with any questions.

Anna

About the dark rooms. I was disappointed when we didn't have any black and white classes, as I don't know how to do any of that type or thing. I'm going to have a friend teach me before the end of the year and take a workshop or two afterschool. Anyway, we did eventually have the darkrooms open to us during the day. We had a couple classes on it and then they were open for us to use. I know a few students who do some work there. I don't know if it will remain open for next year, but perhaps it will and you will still be able to do work in there. I do admit that being able to use the 645 film for the first phase was a tremendous advantage over the previous years class who had to develop film and turn it in as a contact sheet before 5:15pm. Believe me. It's great. Also, the focus on digital is also great because the photography world is going digital, so being adept with it is crucial. The teachers here are great. Not perfect but in general they are very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is great and the whole program is very nice. Please feel free to post more questions or email me. I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Well, I hope you all are doing well. Keep posting!

- Jules

April 3, 2006

Hey

I am a current student at HIP. I believe it is a wonderful school. We've just entered our final portfolio phase. I too am wondering what exactly disappointed you with the websites you looked at. Can you please tell us more?

Also, HIP program is worth the money if you're going to stick with it and get as much out of it as you can. They teach you so much about not only the tech side of photography but also the business of it as well. We also have a great guest lecturer program where many sucessful people in our industry come and speak to us for 3-5 hours. It's great. It is definatly a great program.

I would love to answer more specific questions if you have them. Please, email me with any questions. I will get back to you as soon as I can.

- Jules

December 21, 2005

Hi,

Yes there is course work that requires the use of film and the mamiya. That is mostly in phase one, you start getting more into digital at the end of phase two which is where we are at now, but we are still using film. Commercial studio is always film of course, but otherwise we are starting to use the Canon 20D, Aptus and Valeo digital backs for more and more assignments. It's very nice to use the valeo tethered for portrait studio instead of film because it allows you to make adjustments to things like background lights as soon as the picture pops up and you see something is wrong. It has it's down falls but anyway, I'm not realy sure what you're asking, if your asking could you make it through the year without the mamiya and using digital at all.. no way, we definatly have assignments that have to be digital (aka they want the raw files) I am really not sure if that's what your asking, but I'm sure if you wanted to do some film slr work on the side you could. I hope that helps. I am usually the only one who answers this board anymore but if you have more questions I can always ask one of my friends at school and post their answers. Have a great day!

- Jules

December 21, 2005

Hey,

My name is Jules and I'm currently a student at Hallmark Institute of

Photography. Right now we have an assignment to shoot a photo story

about a person, group, event, organization, etc. etc. etc. We have to

do establishing shots, point of view shots, environmental portraits

etc. It's an over christmas break assignment and I am seriously having

a mental block as to what to do. Unfortunatly I can't fly off to some

interesting place or even find something newsworthy, but I really need

some ideas as to what a 19 year old college student could illustrate

with a story. I don't live in a city andt here isn't a whole lot of

interesting things around, I'm in the valley forge area of PA. Any

suggestions would help very much. Thanks!

- Jules

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