Archive for March, 2010
Catherine Hall Studios | A Photographic Evolution
Reflections 
7
Wed 03.31.2010
I’ve never considered myself a hoarder but when it comes to photography, I may need to re-evaluate this self-perception. I still have my first camera along with my first negatives and prints from my very first school assignments and the beginning of my photography career.
I always wonder what other photographers do with their old work such as negatives from the beginning of their career. How long should I really keep this stuff? Sometimes you just don’t feel very proud of old photographs. Of course I have learned a lot since taking my first images, and it is nice to track my improvement, but I really just dislike some of my earliest work. At the same time though, I just don’t have the heart to throw the negatives out. I mean, at one point I was really proud of these images!
My internal debate has manifested itself in an excessive pile of boxes holding old work. I know I need to do something but I just can’t decide! So, help me clear my conscience. Do you throw all your old stuff away?
I am still in awe over Darren & Tiffany’s amazing wedding. It was such a breathtaking day that I regularly reminisce over their unique and special celebration. Darren and Tiffany collaborated with their phenominal event coordinator, Jean Marks to create an unforgettable event where every detail was perfect. The love and kindness of this beautiful couple will always make me smile.
Thank you to all the awesome contributing vendors:
Wedding Coordinator: Jean Marks | Venue: Kohl Mansion | Florist: Stephanie Foster with Church Street Florist | Cake: BethAnn Goldberg with Studio Cake | Caterer: Ethan Mantle with Componere | DJ: Matthew Cope with Sound in Motion | Hair: Karen Nalvarian with Shawn Cavian Beauty Company | Makeup: Nellie Muganda with Neja Cosmetics | Enhanced Lighting: John Woods with Enhanced Lighting
Grace Ormonde is not a diva. One may expect that with such a fabulous magazine and incredible success as an industry innovator that perhaps Grace has a super ego bolstered by her vast accomplishments. This is not so. She is one of the most genuine, caring, and real people that I know and I feel fortunate to call her a friend.
I guess Grace’s humanitarian interests and humble beginnings should have prepared me for what an amazing and genuine human being she is. But the true test came when we were returning home from dinner in San Francisco the other night. Walking down the street, I quickly passed by a homeless person, claiming immunity from her requests. Grace on the other hand, stopped without a second thought and gave the woman $20 (I think the most I have ever given a homeless person is about half that). Grace then took the time to speak to the woman, hear her story, make sure the money would be spent in the “right” places, and offer her condolences to this woman who had just been released from the hospital. At that moment, I felt both guilty by my ease in passing a person in need and touched by Grace’s kindness.
Grace lives by a philosophy of generosity. Our walk down the street left me once again truly impressed by what a special human being Grace is. She is more than just an editor in chief for the inspirational Grace Ormonde Wedding Style; she is an exceptionally kind hearted person through and through.
Photographs copyright Mike Larson. Above are the Wedding 360 Panel Speakers: Youngsong Martin, Gene Higa, Grace Ormonde, and Catherine Hall.
Something special was happening at Wedding 360 but I couldn’t put my finger on why it was such an inspirational event. I spent two days at the St. Regis in San Francisco last week surrounded by exceptional talent from all avenues of the wedding world. Wedding 360′s The Academy for Wedding Planners and Designers was much more than the sensational design showcases, fabulous parties, and incredible speakers. As Wedding 360 came to an end I realized why I felt so excited and awe struck by this outstanding event. Although I was a speaker, the participants were in fact many of my inspirations. I was surrounded by brilliant people excited to be there and for this I am both honored and humbled to be able to collaborate with them.
Jean Marks and Jubilee Lau created something remarkable – they created a two day event bringing together some of the world’s leading professionals. I enjoyed every moment and left profoundly impressed, my heart yearning for more time with so many talented people. It was so exciting to be part of a group that understands the importance of education when it comes to staying fresh, inspired, and a leader in our oversaturated industry. Wedding 360 became a must attend event for all designers and coordinators. I am so grateful that Jean and Jubilee invested their hearts, souls and finances to raising the bar in our industry. These two remarkable women truly inspired me and many others.
I Am Not Perfect | The Real Catherine Hall
Reflections 3
Wed 03.17.2010
I recently read my blog and realized that while its chalk full of accomplishments it doesn’t really say anything about ME but rather only talks about what I do. In fact with the exception of a few photographic highlights (thanks to my clients!) it is pretty boring. It almost reads like a visual resume.
As a perfectionist, I have only wanted to share my “perfect” side. A laundry list of my accomplishments and basically a self-promoting bore, my blog lacks substance, it lacks personality, it lacks me.
Things are going to change. No more self-gloating manuscript I am ready to share not just my work and accomplishments, but also what makes me tick, my strengths, my weaknesses, and well anything relevant to my career and life.
