# data[].attributes.body
After decades of shaping young artists, Ed Hing is retiring, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy in photography and film. A deeply influential educator, he has transformed countless students' lives, launching many into creative careers while remaining a steadfast mentor to alumni. An incredible artist in his own right, he approaches teaching with a rare combination of humility and ambition—quietly guiding students with high standards and a truly student-centered philosophy. Whether working with beginners or accomplished artists, he meets them where they are, helping each one grow with patience, insight, and unwavering support. As a colleague he is the best of the best and has enriched my 21 years here in countless ways.

--Natania Hume

# data[].attributes.body
I have known Ed for almost 30 years, first as a neighbor in Mem East, as a colleague and most of all as a friend.   Ed and I both love to travel with our families, and have also taken students abroad; we have had many conversations about trips that we have taken around the world.  I know that he will continue traveling during his retirement and I am very happy for him, even though I will miss him a lot and Williston will not be the same without him.

--Eugenio Garcia

# data[].attributes.body
The fall of 1997 was an epic one as I arrived at Williston joining a fellow teacher, Ed Hing. He was coming from New York City, loved his family and had a fondness for his alma mater, Williston. Ed was also the very cool new photography teacher and ski coach. He has been a thoughtful mentor to faculty, the new student photographer and resource for alums out there in the “real” world. Outside the classroom, Ed led the way for creative summer excursions and photo trips, challenging students and stoking their dreams. I’ve always been envious of those who have taken his class. They are so lucky!! In Athletics, Ed coached skiing and spent countless hours traveling and standing the cold. He guided three NEPSAC Championship Ski Teams. While I may not have had him as a teacher or coach, I consider myself fortunate to have him as a colleague and friend. Despite being quiet and unassuming, Ed loves his very loud printed pants and interesting dress shoes. He has always been his authentic self and he accepts others in the same way. His welcoming demeanor and sense of humor have always provided a safe space for anyone who needed him. Congratulations to him on an amazing Williston career and I’m excited for him what will develop in his next chapter!

--Melissa Brousseau

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. Hing

Thankyou for teaching me for all those years. I was in only a few of your class but I feel like I see you so often from being in Film Club.

Film club is one of my favorite part of my years at williston.

You will always be a very important part of my chapter at Williston

I hope the best for you and your family

Popia '10

# data[].attributes.body
Looking back, it’s clear to me that Ed Hing’s photography class at Williston Northampton greatly influenced the trajectory of my life. I didn’t consider myself an academic kid, but Ed created a space where creativity, curiosity, and critical thought mattered just as much as grades — maybe more. It was Ed's "Intro to Photography" class that I first realized art could be a way of understanding the world and making sense of my own place within it.

Because of Ed, I pursued photography in college, which eventually led me to working in art galleries in New York City. That early foundation grew into something I never imagined: graduate & doctoral studies in art history, a career working alongside some of today’s most important contemporary and conceptual artists, and positions at both small non-profits and major international galleries. I've had the privilege of serving on public art committees, philanthropic boards, and advocating for the power of art in communities.

None of this would have happened without that first spark — a camera, a darkroom, and a teacher who saw potential and nurtured it.

Art has been my constant. It’s more than a career path — it’s been a lens for engaging with the world. Art encourages expression, cultivates empathy, and offers a space where complex, often uncomfortable conversations can happen. It invites us to sit with nuance, to ask questions, to challenge assumptions. And at its best, it connects us to one another in meaningful ways.

Ed Hing gave me access to all of that. I’m endlessly grateful for the doors he helped open — creatively, intellectually, and professionally.

Thank you Ed, sincerely,

Allison Kinsey Robb '00

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. Hing’s dark room is where I first fell in love with photography. It was in his studio that I stepped in front of the camera for the very first time—and where I created my first ever photoshoot. That experience changed the course of my life. I went on to study photography in college, and today, I find myself in a career where I’m either in front of the lens or behind it nearly every day.

Little did I know back then just how pivotal those classes with Mr. Hing would be. He—and Williston—created a space that nurtured artistic expression and gave more creatively inclined students like me the freedom to explore who we were. It truly changed my life forever.

Thank you, Mr. Hing!

-- Merideth Morgan '03

# data[].attributes.body
probably one of the best photography teachers one could ask for. helping inspire his students from day one. deepest Mahalos to Mr. Hing. has personally helped me deep dive into one of my (if not my one) favorite hobbies. taking photos all over, even using my moms 1970 film camera in class. still sending him photos I take to this day , always exctied to show him the progress I've made.

Biggest thank you Mr. Hing. I can't wait to see you back at home and talk strory over all places I've been and all the photos ive taken.

Gratias :)

# data[].attributes.body
Fairly late in my time at Williston, I decided I wanted to study architecture in college. Seeking assistance in putting together a portfolio on a quick timeline, Mr. Hing was a wealth of knowledge. Along with guiding me to AP Art, Mr. Hing helped develop, photograph, and arrange my architecture portfolio. Prior to having him as a teacher, I got to know Mr. Hing through the hours I spent in the computer and photography studio. Although I was never in film club or photography class, Mr. Hing always humored my musings on art and film, or answered my questions regarding school history.

In my senior year of high school, I faced intense unforeseen circumstances. Mr. Hing cultivated an environment in which I felt emotionally and physically safe in his classrooms, be it the painting studio or the computer lab. Art became my means of processing the external conflict I was battling along with my college apps. On the days I struggled through my other classes, the thought of painting in the studio got me out of bed and to campus. I felt comfortable to process what was happening through my art knowing Mr. Hing wouldn’t criticize the subject matter, but would give constructive feedback on the depiction of lighting.

Currently partway through my degree, I can confidently say AP Art was the most beneficial course I took in high school. Along with Ms. Hume and Ms. Staples, Mr. Hing taught me to work creatively within a deadline, how to present my art without baring my soul, and how to sit through a multi-hour critique. I am immensely grateful to have had Mr. Hing as both a teacher and a mentor. A true gem of Williston.

Pippa Berry, Alum ’23

# data[].attributes.headline
Mr. Hing: Williston's Own (Explorer of) Light

# data[].attributes.subject
Mr. Hing: Williston's Own (Explorer of) Light

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. Hing, I feel like, from the moment I walked into the Photo Lab, I found home. Talking to you for the first time as an incredibly wary and cynical junior, somehow I instantly felt comfortable with you and knew I would love your class. I was absolutely right! I fell in love with photography because of you and, even though I always came at you with pointed criticism and my perfectionist tendencies, you gently deflected that and saw the artist in me. I appreciated how you just let me "do my thing", but also encouraged me and guided me. I know you know I appreciated your feedback; I just couldn't tell you at the time. Thank you, by the way!

The Photo Lab was my home away from home and I thought it was so cool to have a mix CD of my own. I remember making one and, as cheesy as this is, it really made me feel like I belong. Something about blasting music in red light or complete darkness was so peaceful. I retreated to the dark room often because it was the only place I could take a break from the outside world. I'm happy you had that space and I still miss hanging out in there! I still listen to that music (Deftones, Tool, etc.), but, as we say now, it "hits different" not being in that atmosphere anymore!

One of my favorite memories of you was our little "debriefs" after the photo talks where we got to talk as colleagues, in a sense. I saw you as an equal and you did I and I'm so grateful to have shared those moments with you.

Coming off of that, Mr. Hing, you changed my life in so many ways and I'm so happy to have taken your classes. You were the only teacher at my time there who really saw me, who saw the person who I really was past my polarizing reputation (at the time) and all of the outlandish things I said. You just had a way of connecting with me and other students like me that no other teacher has or that I've had since! I know everyone around me appreciated it, too (including Sydney), and I'm happy that you created a space where I could meet fellow-minded people like her. It gave me perspectives that I was unaware of until I met them and I approach everything now with that artistic lens, even as a STEM person.

Thank you for all that you have done and for inspiring me to continue being creative and exploring photography. I think, in a sense, you were the one teacher I needed in high school and I'm so glad to have met you! In a way, I consider you a beacon of light to us all or an angel; your metaphorical wings are well-deserved!

--David King ('11)

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. Hing,

Not only did you inspire me to become an artist, a better skier, and all around good person- you also saved my career at Williston! Thank you for stepping up when I needed it most. If you are ever in NYC, please get in touch. Best, Ariel Mitchell 2003

# data[].attributes.body
I think Ed Hing has that rare ability as a teacher to be both gentle in his instruction and firm in his expectations of you. We all seemed to want to rise to the occasion and show Ed what we could do! I remember countless hours in the dark room of Reed, long after Ed had left for the day, mixing chemicals and adjusting exposure times to see what would happen. There was a real sense of freedom down there to explore and create and, as a high school student, having that kind of space really was a lifeline for me. We all seemed to value that time, and I know Ed created that space and the respect for it just by being who he was. Williston was so lucky to have him for almost 30 years!

Courtney Spalding-Mayer '03

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Mr. Hing,

Congratulations on your retirement from Williston! I wanted to share my deep appreciation for your impact on me during my time at the school.

From the photo lab to the ski slopes to exploring the streets of Italy, you created an environment where I always felt welcome to be myself and open to learning. The photo lab, in particular, was a place of comfort and calm—a true home away from home—and that was entirely because of you.

A highlight of my Williston experience was the photo trip to Italy with you and Mrs. Hing. It not only deepened my love for photography, but also taught me how to travel thoughtfully and see the world with a more curious, creative lens. Italy remains one of my favorite places to this day, and I’ve even had the chance to revisit some of those same spots with my husband and family, something I never could have imagined at the time.

I also want to share how meaningful it was that my sisters, Didi and Sonia, had the chance to know you during their time at Williston. Along with the rest of our family who came to know you through the years, they all join me in sending heartfelt congratulations and gratitude.

Williston has been incredibly lucky to have you for so many years, and I feel truly privileged to have had you as a teacher, coach, and mentor. I know I’m just one of many students whose lives you’ve shaped in such a positive way.

Wishing you all the best in this next chapter, you’ve certainly earned it!

Cheers,

Susan Whitman Bell '11

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. Hing was more than a photography teacher. He has always supported my passion in the performing arts and had given me numerous opportunities to hone my craft of magic. Even though my passion at the time had nothing to do with photography, he still actively encouraged me to be the best version I could be.

As students from Hong Kong, my friends and I always felt at home when we were around Mr. Hing. Simply being at the studio and chatting with him would make our days instantly better.

Thank you so much for being a wonderful teacher, mentor and a friend. It was my honor to have known you during my time at Williston. Your passion and dedication to your students will always serve as an inspiration to me. Happy retirement!

Best,

Anthony Leung

# data[].attributes.body
I had the great pleasure of working alongside Ed Hing for 24 years. As a colleague, I always had tremendous respect and admiration for Ed. While his most significant contribution to Williston was as a photography teacher, to limit his contribution to this specific role would be to shortchange the immense impact he had on the Williston community in so many ways beyond the dark room. In my experience, Ed personified all that makes Williston the special place it has been for generations. Never one to draw attention to himself, Ed was forever impacting those he came into contact with - students, colleagues, staff, etc. His thoughtful, warm, generous, humble understated approach positively impacted all those lucky students and colleagues he worked with on a daily basis. Ed loved all things Williston, particularly our students who he mentored and inspired for generations carrying on the legacy of his mentor Bob Couch. From a professional standpoint (as athletic director!), I always thought that Ed's contribution to our ski program was a perfect example of who he was as an educator.  People who weren't "in the know" wouldn't necessarily think of Ed and his immense contribution to our ski program. This could not be further from the truth for the AD! I always felt that Ed was the "rock" of our ski program; his work "behind the scenes" was critical to the quality of the student experience in this most unique of all sports (taking place far from campus each day!).  Ed, congratulations on a wonderful career.  It was always a privilege to serve alongside you!   Best wishes in retirement! Mark Conroy

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. Hing’s class was undoubtedly one of my favourites at Williston. He helped fully unlock my passion for photography and creating. I went from simply loving to take pictures and editing, to truly expanding my knowledge and discovering the incredible creative possibilities that come with a camera and computer.

He was the first person to introduce me to the Adobe Suite, and through him, I got my first taste of photo editing, portrait photography, and my only experience in a photography darkroom. His classes—and the work I created in them—remain some of the highlights of my entire time at Williston.

Mr. Hing was always so kind, gentle, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. He was generous with that knowledge and always willing to share it. I truly enjoyed learning from him, speaking with him, and laughing with him—he had a quiet, unique sense of humor that made his class even more special.

He fostered a genuine environment for learning—focused far more on growth than on grades. That meant everything. I’m so grateful to have crossed paths with Mr. Hing and to say he played such a fundamental part in shaping my journey—my career, hobbies, and passions today.

I’m sad I couldn’t be there in person to say this, but I wish him the happiest and most well-deserved retirement!

-Sideya Dill '16