Archive for 2010
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.
Check out This Week in Photography (TWIP) Podcast #128 on Price Perception. I had a great time putting together this podcast with the talented Fredrick Van Johnson and Alex Lindsay. We address the issue: Should Wedding Photographers be charging $500 or wait until they can charge $5,000 in addition to some other interesting discussions.
I think this feature really addresses an important point for both photographers and for brides and grooms. The subject of the cheap Wedding Photographer is very relevant in the growing wedding photography industry. How people determine value and set prices varies so I think this podcast provides insightful commentary from the professional side.
Plus, we had fun creating the podcast and sharing travel stories and tips. Alex just returned from photographing the Seychelles Islands and I just returned form a self-assigned photographic assignment in the Carribean where I worked on lighting and some creative photography. Everyone has different ideas and great stories to share.I hope you enjoy hearing about our perception of price, travel stories, and product tips!
An Iconic Brand in American Culture
Photo of the Week 7
Tue 02.23.2010
Image Stories Winter 2010 Edition
As I wandered through Amish Mennonite farmland I was overwhelmed by the scent of fresh New England soil and discernible brush of long grass against my legs. I felt the sensation of traveling back in time.
John Deere hired me to create a lifestyle photo shoot, capturing the use of their iconic brand in everyday life. I was unfulfilled with our current material and felt a pull to capture more of the essence of the true John Deere lifestyle. I set out with my associate photographer to explore.
We came across an old man who welcomed us back to his generations-old farm and antiquated home. I spent the afternoon documenting his extended Mennonite family with the equipment that is so deeply integrated into their daily lives. There was a sense of closeness formed by strong familial bonds and the lack of modern distractions. I was impressed by the Mennonites ability to survive ascetically, living contently off of their land. I am so grateful to the family for allowing me a glimpse into their distinct lifestyle.
At the end, I offered to do a photograph just for them, anywhere they liked. I expected for them to gravitate in front of their unique home or in front of the striking sun streaked hills. Instead the family gathered around the background they were most proud of – their John Deere 7820 Tractor.
* All Images created for Catherine Hall Studios by Catherine Hall and Curt Littlecott *
