Lucy YellowOne of my gorgeous brides, Lucy McClennan, is going to be featured as an "Elegant Bride", in Elegant Bride Magazine.  I look forward to sharing the feature when it hits the press!
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[April 28, 2009] Brandon said: I heard you on TWIT Sunday and I was wondering where I can get your Resource Guide?
[April 29, 2009] CatherineHall said: Hello Brandon - thanks for asking! You can just email guide@catherinehall.net for further information. I will also have my assistant send you over some info. Have a lovely day!
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Above photograph:  Vern McClish (Director of Marketing, Hallmark) and Me 

Epson recently sent me to speak at the internationally acclaimed Hallmark Institute of Photography which was an amazing experience!  I actually had three different students come up to me throughout the day in tears - saying that I had inspired them or had a great impact on their life.  How rewarding!!!!  Funny thing is, their kind comments probably made a greater impact on my life.  Thank you Epson and Hallmark class of 2009 for being such an inspiration to me.

Below are some emails I got after my presentations that made me feel warm and fuzzy inside...

Catherine, I loved your presentation today here at Hallmark. It was a good reminder to get out of my own way and follow my heart. Thank you for sharing your inspirational story and images, and don't think for a second that you are just another "good" photographer.  I've  had the opportunity to see many  great photographers this year at Hallmark and you truly are among the most gifted. I hope you have another amazing year and I look forward to seeing what you are doing in the future. Thanks again for the inspiration and for the helpful hints on making  my dream become a reality.
Cheers,
Darryl

Hi Catherine! Thank you so much for coming to speak with us a couple of weeks ago (sorry I didn't write sooner!) and for sharing your stories, insight, and experiences with us. We've had a lot of guest lecturers this year, and you were by far the most influential to me. I admire your work and I really dig your attitude and the way that you seem to think and relate to people. You're obviously doing what you love and doing it incredibly well. It seems like a lot of photographers lose passion for the craft the more successful they become, but the opposite seems to be true for you, which is encouraging to witness... I feel like you have so much to teach! Thank you again for the insight and inspiration! 


Hi Catherine!  
I just wanted to say that you have inspired me and I really enjoyed your lecture. Most of the speakers we have, they talk about their work and that's pretty much it. I loved that you went a lot deeper into the subject of photography and the life as a photographer (not just as a photographer, but a female photographer). It was a coincidence too because I have recently felt at an all time low...I'm usually a positive person but I had a recent breakdown, mentally, physically, and creativity. I think you came at a perfect time and I am so glad that you opened my eyes. Sometimes you always feel like you are the only one feeling a certain way and I'm glad you shared your experiences. I hope we can keep in touch and I wish you the best. 

Catherine, 
Just wanted to thank you again for coming and speaking with the students here at Hallmark. I think your positive message and the fact that you talk about real-life practical approaches to making it as a photographer give inspiration to the students. They see that if they work at it and don't give up they can make this into a career. 
Sincerely, Peter Chilton Instructor - www.peterchilton.com
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[April 20, 2009] Joy Bianchi Brown said: I LOVE your blog! You are rockin it this year! woo hooo!
[April 20, 2009] tat said: Your the sickest!!! love you lots, when we hanging
[April 25, 2009] Mike said: Cheap Security Equipment, Spy Gadgets http://AtxElectronics.com...
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Speaking at Hallmark Institute of Photography . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.catherinehall.net/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/144

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Sometimes, when I get to thinking about my life, I see connections that only make sense in hindsight. I thought it might be interesting to share some of these, so here goes... 

One might wonder what massage therapy has to do with my current skills as a photographer. Well, when it gets down to it, it has a lot to do with how I got to where I am today. When I was in college, something told me to go through massage school at the same time (crazy, I know... all that extra work). I couldn't figure out why, but at the time it just felt like something I needed to do. So I got my massage therapist certification and graduated from photography school and like many other graduates, wondered, what's next? And, like most graduates, figured I could go live with mom and dad, or go "take a break" somewhere and focus on living life. I chose the latter. I moved to my family's cabin in Lake Tahoe, where, upon realizing I needed a job, massage therapy was the clear answer. I started working as a massage therapist, accepting photography jobs on the side and traveling during Tahoe's down season. While working with massage clients, I was learning how to make photography clients feel comfortable and trusting of my skills. I guess that's inevitable when you ask a total stranger to strip down and spend an hour with you in a dark room with the door closed!

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[April 17, 2009] KEnny Kim said: Ok I want a massage next time Catherine! :) Hi. I'm in San Jose this weekend. What are u up to?
[April 17, 2009] CatherineHall said: ha, ha...I have heard that one before!
[April 20, 2009] ronnie said: Something similar happened to me. I've been a photographer, working for other studios for over 10 years. I had injured my ankle and finally took time off for the surgery. My doctor recommended massages and I ended up at the Ojai School of Massage. I loved it so much that while I was recovering, I attend classes and became certified. When I returned to work, everyone thought it was so random...but it was so right. I could put people at ease so I even got better at being in the moment. Then some of the studio's work slowed down. Now I have that to fall back on. It's funny how things work out.
[April 20, 2009] CatherineHall said: Hello Ronnie, Thank you so much for sharing your story, I really appreciate it! It really is funny how life often takes us for a pleasure ride when we don't even know where we are going ;). It sounds like you have two passions now that you can make a living at - Bravo! best - cath
[April 29, 2009] RFSII said: OK, since you brought it up,.. what are your top three best ways to make people feel comfortable and trusting when you're taking their picture?
[May 2, 2009] CatherineHall said: I talk a lot about this in an article that i did for Rangefinder archive - Adding Empathy to the Equation.
[June 4, 2009] Stefanie said: You are such an inspiration. I just read your article on Coffee Break and came to check out your website. I too was a massage therapist(for 14yrs) and decided to pursue my #1 passion of Photography a few years ago. I loved your answer to the second question about being ok with where you are at. I am constantly trying to better my photography and getting frustrated with "how do you do this, that and the other". It's nice to just step back and take a breath! Thanks!
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Photography by:  MARCUS BELL

As a photographer, I look to other photographers for inspiration. When I need a little inspiration for weddings, I often turn to Marcus Bell.  I admire Marcus's work because of its purist nature and the way his love of photography shines through. He has an amazing ability to capture both the beauty of his subjects and the scope of their environment.

I'll never forget the first time I met Marcus. I was very new to photography and a bit star-struck by some of the leading photographers.  We were at WPPI and he introduced himself and I had to pause a minute--"THE Marcus Bell?"  I was surprised by his down-to-earth nature and humble attitude.  He has a wonderful spirit and does amazing work.

You may view Marcus's work at www.marcusbell.com.

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[April 25, 2009] Mike said: Nice website check out mine http://AtxElectronics.com.
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: MARCUS BELL | Wedding, Portraiture and Fine Art Photography | Spotlight . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.catherinehall.net/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/145
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You can find images from one of my favorite 2007 weddings (Melissa & Gim) on theweddingchannel.com.  The destination wedding was held at the Highlands Inn in Carmel and was coordinated by Kristie Hogue (she is amazing!).  Please visit weddingchannel.com to view photographs and see other creative ideas in their wedding galleries.  Enjoy!

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[April 15, 2009] Kenny Kim said: I wanna be like Catherine Hall. :) Congrats!
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Catherine Hall Studios Images Featured on WeddingChannel.com . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.catherinehall.net/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/142

Brides and WPJA winner.jpgI was looking through the 2008 BRIDES & WPJA contest winners for inspiration and realized that I got 2nd Place in the Parents Category.  I wonder how many times I have won an award or been published without knowing it???  I guess I should probably pay closer attention!

All winners are published on the WPJA website and in BRIDES magazine.

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Photo by: Michael Escalara

This last weekend I photographed Ci Ci & Bob in the most fun wedding at Squaw Valley, USA.  See the below map to see our starting and ending location.  After we skiied down their was an amazing reception at PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn.  Stay tuned too see the amazing images!

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The San Francisco Examiner has featured CHS in their Local Profiles coverage.


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One of my images was selected for the cover 
of the prestigious annual Here Comes the Guide.

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[April 3, 2009] Catherine Guidry said: Congratulations! I am inspired by your talent and by your constant efforts! Your images are beautiful.
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Wednesday, March 25, 2009 | Inspiration
As an artist, I seek out inspiration everywhere. But I never it find it more than in the faces of the people who surround me.  I'm fascinated by finding the beauty and wonder in everyone who crosses my path, and have decided to use this blog series, Surrounded by Muse, to recognize those special people whose lives have lit a spark of inspiration in my soul.

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It seems most fitting to start the series by featuring the most inspirational woman in my life, my mother, Linda Hall.

My mother is the most caring, free-spirited, kind woman I have ever met. Whether she is creating art, designing interiors of the rich and famous (such as NFL player Jeff George), or growing the yummiest tomatoes in our home garden, she never ceases to inspire me. In addition to being a phenomenal mother, wife, and daughter, at 66 she can shake her booty on the dance floor better than my friends less than half her age! She lives an honest and moral life, founded on integrity, and loves her family unconditionally. I could go on and on about what I admire, but perhaps the greatest lesson my mother has taught me is how to relate to others and earn their trust.

As I told Rangefinder Magazine, when mom "walks into a room, it just lights up. She seems to be able to do this with everyone, whether it's a famous person or someone who's homeless. She's...very open, and people respond by directly opening up to her. They not only like her, they trust her."

My mother also taught me that energy is contagious-- a lesson that's been indispensable as a professional who relies on good relationships with people. When I'm shooting, my positive attitude carries over to the subjects. Soon they get excited too. They see that I want to create art in a positive way and we end up with an amazing experience.

For this, and all the other ways she has so profoundly touched my life, I thank her. I love you mom!

Click here to view full
CHS_Feature.pdf

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[April 3, 2009] chichi said: Yay! Thanks for sharing such a heartfelt passage about your mother... Makes me all warm and fuzzy inside...
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