What Our Students Say
“The Professional Certificate in Visual Storytelling program with Maine Media was transformational. Before entering the program, I had a basic sense of how to use the camera, but was unconfident on how to improve my skills and what direction I wanted to go. Maine Media creates a very collaborative, and community-based space that allows people to put their guard down, and really explore their creative potential. The instructors are working professionals in their respective fields, and you are getting direct guidance from their years of experience being creators. The program is work, and will push you, but I am grateful it did because I feel much more confident as a photographer and filmmaker. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to fast track their visual storytelling skills.”
Dave Backlin, PCVS graduate 2021
“The solid foundation I needed in my work was [enhanced] with the broad support and the professional and personal dedication of Tom Ryan, Elizabeth Greenberg and Brenton Hamilton. This team, along with students I worked with from the MFA program and community workshop participants, provided me with a network of support during a time where networking seemed an impossible hope.”
Rob Schulz, PCVS Graduate 2020 (On being a student during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
“PCVS provided an environment for me to express a creative side I had never explored, and mentorship that I would not have received at a traditional four-year college. I started the program thinking I might learn to be a better photographer, and walked away with a passion for storytelling in multiple mediums, and skills that allowed me to walk directly into the workforce.”
Jacklyn Grad, PCVS Graduate 2019
“As my year out of the program has progressed, the perceived value has blossomed. I’m seeing how instrumental a lot of the practices were and how that helped to develop our skills. I’m capable of working in processes and creating products that people who have been in the industry for years, can not.”
Nikolas Hample, PCVS Graduate 2017
“The PCVS program afforded me the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the medium of photography with little distraction from the outside world. The faculty are extremely knowledgeable, thoughtful, and nurturing. At the start of my 30 weeks I felt most comfortable when my camera was in Automatic Mode, but upon completing the program I left with a comprehensive understanding of my camera, a great feel for industry standard editing software, lighting setups, marketing for my business, and a great looking website. All of which have helped me immensely as a freelance working photographer. MMW+C has given me a ton of confidence to be working in a highly competitive field, and I was able to pursue opportunities shooting for major magazines directly following my completion of the program. With the help of Brenton Hamilton and Elizabeth Greenberg I was able to hone my vision and craft in a way that wouldn’t have been possible on my own.”
Matt Cosby, PCVS Graduate 2012
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