|
    
|
|
|
|
NewsHallmark Graduates 33rd Class, the Largest and Most Internationally Diverse Class EverFriday, June 20thHallmark Institute of Photography graduates 33rd Class on June 20, 2008. Graduates represent forty-one (41) of the United States from Massachusetts to California as well as Puerto Rico and Washington DC. Turners Falls, MA - On Friday, June 20, 2008, at precisely 11:00am, Hallmark Institute of Photography held its thirty-third commencement ceremony for the Class of 2008 on the grounds of the Institute's Administrative Office Building located at 241 Millers Falls Rd. in Turners Falls, Massachusetts. Two hundred and fifteen (215) talented professionals (142 females and 73 males) graced the stage and received Certificates of Completion. Graduates represent forty-one (41) of the United States from Massachusetts to California and Washington plus Puerto Rico. Graduates also represent England, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, Brazil, Canada and Singapore making this the most internationally diverse class ever to graduate. The graduates range in ages from 18-58 and hold educational backgrounds from high school diplomas and GED equivalencies to Masters degrees. Click here for a slideshow of the graduates and the ceremony! For a short video of Mark Denman accepting the 2008 President's Award, click here. Mark Scharenbroich, Master of Ceremonies and professional motivational speaker, helped the graduates embrace this next step in their lives by sharing captivating and inspiring stories in a way that only Mark can deliver. His clients constantly remark on his unconventional approach, knockout humor, and personal stories with universal appeal. All focus on the relationship side of creating results, connecting people to people, management to front line, team member to team member, company to customer, educator to student. Mark has built his professional public speaking career by working in both business and education, discovering how some of the best organizations and leaders create a culture that encourages people to perform at a higher level. His messages improve employee engagement, help people to embrace change, enhance team collaboration, fuel the passion to serve others and create meaningful connections. To learn more about Mark, visit http://nicebike.com. Andrew Eccles held the role of Keynote Speaker. Eccles has been a professional photographer in New York since 1987 shooting celebrities, models, athletes, musicians, and dancers for countless editorial and advertising clients. His images have graced hundreds of magazine covers worldwide including Time, Life, Rolling Stone, GQ, Esquire, Newsweek, ESPN, Vanity Fair, New York Magazine, and The New York Times Magazine. Corporate clients including Buena Vista Films, MGM, 20th Century Fox, Miramax, New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers Pictures, ABC, NBC, TNT, TBS, Sony Music and Atlantic Records all call upon Andrew for movie posters, advertising, publicity and CD cover packaging. The New York Times honored Andrew by selecting him to shoot the cover of their millennium time capsule issue, featuring Robin Williams. The issue will be contained in the capsule until its scheduled opening in the year 3000. In addition, one of his award-winning photographs of Steve Martin appeared on the cover of their "100 Years of Photography" issue. American Photo Magazine named Andrew as one of the 100 most important people in the industry in 1998 and recently awarded him an honorable mention for the best editorial photograph of 2006. Over the span of his 20-year career, Andrew has received numerous awards from both the Society of Publication Designers and Communication Arts. Andrew's classically composed, technically flawless style, complimented by his easy going demeanor has made him the preferred photographer of such celebrities as John Travolta, Kevin Bacon, Brooke Shields, Jamie Lee Curtis and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. To learn more about Andrew, visit http://andreweccles.com. Other special guests that spoke at the ceremony for the Class of 2008 were Jan Lederman, President of MAC Group, and Steve Sheanin, CEO Rangefinder Magazine and President, Wedding & Portrait Photographers International. Wayne Wallace (Class of 2005) (http://wallacephoto.com) spoke as the Alumni Representative and encouraged the graduates to "hold on tight" as he told them they were in for "an incredibly rewarding and adventurous career." Jim Roselli (Class of 2008) (http://jimroselli.com), of Hillsborough, New Jersey, spoke as Class Representative and recounted the class' experience at Hallmark and noted special moments with staff throughout the year. About Hallmark: Hallmark Institute of Photography provides a real world, serious approach to professional photographic education, where training is completed within ten months. Its objective is to successfully educate and graduate professional image-makers with the technical, artistic and business skills necessary for success. Upon completion of the 10-month program, graduates can expect to open their own photographic business or fill preliminary or advanced employment positions in the diverse and competitive marketplace of today's professional imaging industry. Hallmark uses only the most up-to-date technology, highly experienced and qualified staff, and a logical and realistic set of standards and processes, providing each student with the tools they need to succeed. For more information, visit http://hallmark.edu. 2008 Portfolio Review Panelists AnnouncedMonday, March 31st
Hallmark Institute of Photography is pleased to announce the selection of three world-class photographers to review the year-end student portfolios of the Class of 2008. Iconic portrait and fashion photographer Barbara Bordnick from New York City, passionate photo-documentary photographer Beth Reynolds from Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and internationally acclaimed commercial and fashion photographer David Turner from New York City have been chosen to review each individual student portfolio from this year's graduating class. Each of these photographers exemplifies the top of his or her individual imaging disciplines. The Portfolio Review process represents the culmination of the student's 10-month professional photography training at Hallmark. During the Portfolio Review process, the review panel will critically analyze each individual student portfolio to determine whether or not it possesses the necessary technical and artistic skills that qualify the student for employment in field of professional photography and imaging. Students will receive in-depth commentary from each of the panelists as to the areas of strength and weakness represented in his or her portfolio. Upon successful completion of the year-end portfolio process, the student qualifies for a Certificate of Completion from Hallmark. Hallmark's President, George J. Rosa III states, "We are absolutely thrilled to have access to the caliber of talent, commitment and passion that these three world-class photographers bring to Hallmark's year-end portfolio review process. I don't know of a better year-end gift we could provide to our students than the opportunity for each of them to have their bodies of work reviewed and commented on by professional photographers with the diverse and exceptional experience of this panel." The Portfolio Review process begins on Thursday, May 22nd and goes through Friday, June 13th.
Work by Instructor Michael Zide on Display at WPPI ShowThursday, March 13thIf you are attending the WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) trade show this March 13-19 in Las Vegas, take a moment to visit the booth of the premiere manufacturer of high quality digital coffee table books, GraphiStudios. One of their display books may seem familiar. It is a 12x12 hardcover coffee table edition of "Secret Spaces: Martha's Vineyard Beyond the Landmarks", by former Martha's Vineyard resident and Hallmark Institute of Photography instructor Michael Zide. Not far from GraphiStudios, you'll find a display of several 20x30 inch enlargements of Zide's landscape images at the Millers Professional Imaging booth. There you will see a 100-page 12x12 coffee table edition of "Witness: A Life Within the Landscape", a collection of Zide's Vineyard work accompanied by images from the Southwest. Both companies, as well as Asukabook of Japan, use Zide's work to showcase their beautiful black and white printing technologies. Zide, a native of California, lived and photographed on Martha's Vineyard for over 12 years. As he says, "I brought a vision of the landscape from my childhood in the West. Vast and dramatic, these were the vistas and scenery that shaped my ideas of landscape photography. On the Island, the intimacy of this landscape, its subtlety, scale, and moodiness challenged my idea of gesture and personal vision. I couldn't have been more fortunate than to have developed my skills in this very special landscape environment." Silvershotz Magazine, an international journal of fine art black and white photography, is also featuring Zide's work in its current issue. Richard Barnes Named Exclusive Photographer for ABC Reality Show EpisodeSaturday, February 23rdDirector of Education and Instructor Richard Barnes has been named the Exclusive Photographer for an upcoming episode of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" currently being filmed in Maynard, Massachusetts. Richard, a 1986 graduate of Hallmark, along with his wife Kristen, also a 1986 Hallmark graduate, own Barnes Portrait Design in East Brookfield, Massachusetts. Richard and Kristen, with the assistance of their photographic team, Scott Farmosa and Jenna Hollinger (also Hallmark graduates), began recording the week's events on Friday, February 22 when the Giunta family, of Maynard, received the "door knock" and learned that they would be the recipients of a new home. Since a car accident left him confined to a wheelchair, Paul Giunta has been living in with his parents in a retirement development away from his family because their home is not handicap accessible. Over the next seven days a team of more than 500 builders, contractors, designers, and hundreds of volunteers will race to completely rebuild the Giunta's home to accommodate a wheelchair so that Paul can return home.
Paul has had four major brain surgeries since the accident and cannot fully walk on his own, requiring the assistance of a wheelchair and a walker. Although Paul has made great strides with his therapies, he still has a long way to go. Paul spent sixteen months living and rehabilitating in the hospital in Boston. Besides needing the current home to be more accessible, other problems include broken water pipes, bad electricity, unsafe floors and a roof that needs major repair work. Paul desperately wants to come home and be with his family. Because this accident happened the same day his daughter was born, the two of them have never been able to live in the same home together.
Richard Barnes summarized his feelings about his involvement on the set by saying, "This process is both crazy and chaotic, as well as satisfying and heartwarming. I am extremely honored to share this opportunity with so many talented artists and craftspeople. This is people helping people! We're all putting forth our best talents to provide this family with a new home that will allow them to live together at last." You can read more about the project at www.extremehomema2008.com. Hallmark Staff and Students Bring Joy to Area Children and Young AdultsWednesday, December 12thHallmark Institute of Photography is proud to announce its fourth annual participation in the Franklin/Hampshire Area office of the Department of Social Services (DSS) Holiday Sponsor Program. Wish lists from approved children and young adults in the community are prepared and delivered to DSS and then sent off to sponsors like Hallmark. This particular program services children and young adults that lack support from caring adults. Many of these children are estranged from their families, living outside of their homes in residential or independent living arrangements.
The Holiday Spirit is Alive in Turners FallsThursday, November 29thHallmark President Appointed to Massachusetts Department of Education Proprietary School Advisory CouncilFriday, September 28thHallmark Institute of Photography President George J. Rosa III has been selected as one of twelve members to serve a two-year term on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Education's Office of Proprietary Schools Advisory Council. Through diverse membership on the council, the Department seeks to draw on the perspectives and experiences of a wide range of constituents in order to strengthen proprietary school education. Since 1992, Mr. Rosa has served as owner and president of Hallmark Institute of Photography, a proprietary school located in the rural town of Turners Falls in Western Massachusetts. Hallmark is licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Education and accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology. He has a solid understanding of, and appreciation for, compliance issues related to the proprietary school sector. In fact, Hallmark has received accreditation without stipulation, along with the "School of Distinction" award, after all three of its reviews during his tenure at Hallmark. "I set high levels of expectation for our school and would settle for no less. I believe that my proven track record in enhancing the quality of our students' lives through superb career education of the highest standards speaks for itself. My vision for the proprietary school sector offers a formula for success that I'm anxious to share with those who are interested in continuing to strengthen proprietary school education for the betterment of our students", Rosa stated. |
Barbara Bordnick is an internationally acclaimed portrait and fashion photographer. Barbara began her career in Copenhagen and Paris creating fashion imagery for the pages of Harpers Bazaar. In 1968, she returned to New York City to open her own studio and begin her forty-year career as one of the first and foremost women photographers in the nation. Her work is part of many permanent collections including the International Center for Photography in New York City, The Gilman Paper Collection in NY, The Polaroid Collection in Cambridge, MA, the George Eastman House in Rochester, NY, and the Hallmark Museum of Contemporary Photography in Turners Falls, MA. She is an adjunct faculty member at the Parson's School of Design, as well as a lecturer and educator at workshops, colleges and conferences around the world. To learn more about Barbara, visit 
Beth Reynolds is an award-winning photo-documentary photographer who lives and works in St. Petersburg, FL. Her work and life reflect her ongoing desire to not only document and share the people and images around her, but more importantly, she uses this passion, empathy and skill to help those around her. Beth runs a successful publishing company, is the Photography and Digital Coordinator for the Art Center in St Petersburg, and is a public affairs specialist for the US Coast Guard Reserves. Beth lectures at workshops around the world, has published numerous books and exhibits her work across the country. Beth states, "Documentary photography walks a fine line between empathy and exploitation, between what to shoot and what not to shoot. Hard to define, the struggle is present every time a project begins. In the end, a 'true' picture reflects the truth and soul of a person. To realize such pictures, I make photo-documentaries rather than single images, because this process takes me through time and creates a more complete story." To learn more about Beth, visit 
David Turner is a New York City commercial/fashion photographer. David started his career in Milan, Italy, shooting features for top fashion magazines. Later he joined Fairchild Publications that publishes W Magazine and Women's Wear Daily. Living and working in NYC, David does numerous assignments for major commercial clients around the world. David is currently the Sr. Photographer for Hearst Magazines that publishes Harpers Bazaar, Esquire, and Seventeen Magazine, among others. His recent assignments include Donald Trump, Sean Combs, Nicole Kidman, Damond Dash, and Tommy Hilfiger. David brings a lifelong passion and love for the field of professional photography, in addition to a wealth of talent, experience and knowledge, exemplifying his successful career as one of New York City's most talented photographers. To learn more about David, visit 
March 26, 2006 began as a day of joy for Paul and Renee Giunta, when at two in the morning, their baby girl, Brianna, was born. Nine hours later, tragedy struck. On his way home, with their young sons Dylan and Cameron in the backseat, Paul got into a serious, single car accident. The boys were fine, but Paul was not so lucky. Paul's prognosis was very grim to the point where doctors thought that he wouldn't last through the night. After he survived that first night, the doctors told Renee that Paul would never walk, talk, or eat on his own again. Renee, knowing her husband, a former triathlete, told the doctors that Paul would never accept that diagnosis and that he would pull through this. She was right, but it hasn't been easy.
Richard Barnes and his team will be photographing the entire seven day creation of the show in a photojournalistic style, from the surprise of the "door knock" to the excitement of the family when they return home to hear Design Team Leader Ty Pennington make his familiar call to "Move That Bus". Additionally, Richard has photographed the family's three children, Dylan, 7, Cameron, 4 and Brianna, almost 2, and he is currently in the process of finishing portraits that will hang in the family's new home.