Photography Unfiltered with Catherine Hall

Photo/Video Credit:  The sensational, uber-talented Petra Cross

I had so much fun last week with the G+/Scott Kelby Conference! It was such an honor to be a moderator & panelist, contribute to the portfolio reviews of so many talented photographers, and attempt to master the bathroom selfie.

While Petra’s above stop motion says it all, I figured I should also share my 2-cents.

Here are the Top 10 Reasons the conference was a must-attend-event:

10. Portfolio Reviews
9. Project Glass
8. Wine and Cheese Reception – I am a sucker for red
7. SmugMug’s incredible cookies
6. Learning about Brian Matiash’s woodworking hobby
5. Spending time with all the Photographers on the Fisherman’s Wharf Photowalk
4. Trey Ratcliff’s amazing Closing Remarks - especially his opening slideshow (where can we get the soundtrack?)
3. Opening Keynote Video and Remarks
2. The opportunity to be in  Petra Cross’s awesome stopmotion video
1. Learning a ton and being inspired beyond belief

Below are some highlights of our Photowalk:

Our Grand Prize winner of Nik Software’s Complete Edition is Lisa Duncan for this outstanding shot of the Studebaker

Honorable Mention goes to Robin Leworthy Wilson

The winner of the Scavenger Hunt goes to Richard Hay

Thank you to the amazing group of people who came out on the walk, you made it fun for all of us.

And thank you Google and Scott Kelby for producing such an incredible event – can’t wait for next year!

Image from Kelby’s WW Photowalk last Fall

I’m really excited about the G+/Scott Kelby Conference getting under way today!

This afternoon I will be hosting a Photowalk on Fisherman’s Wharf. We are almost a full house and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone. Below is my schedule; if you are at the conference come by and say “hello”!

• Mon 3 PM – Photowalk at Fisherman’s Wharf – Meeting Location is at the cable car turnaround near Ghiradelli Square
• Tues 10:15 – 11:15 AM – Moderator for How to Stay Fresh on Google with  Colby Brown and Brian Matiash
• Tues 3:00 – 4:00 PM – One on One Portfolio Reviews with Erik Valind, Matt Kloskowski, Peter Hurley
• Wed 10:15 – 11:15 AM – Moderator for Circling Strategies with Mike Wiacek and Brian Matiash
• Wed 3:00 – 4:00 PM – One on One Portfolio Reviews with Colby Brown, Alex Koloskov and Erik Valind

While the sessions for the portfolio reviews have filled up, if you are attending the conference and wish to be put on the waiting list, head over to the Super 8 Lounge to put your name down on the list.

Are you still on the fence about going to the G+/Scott Kelby Photographer’s Conference next week?
The Conference organizers have been kind enough to offer a wonderful promotion for TWiT Photo fans and CHS blog Readers.

 In addition to all of the Cool Stuff already included with the registration you will also receive these additional benefits:

• $50 off of the $349 registration fee
• 2 FREE MONTHS of KelbyTraining.com access
• An exclusive closed-door session with a conference leader (TBD) for our group

Please click for your exclusive Discount Code.

Sign up for my walk at Fisherman’s Wharf! We have 2 wonderful coaches lined up - Doug Kaye and Michael Bonocore not to mention some great prizes to give away, including a DataColor Spyder4 Pro

Photography Illusionist Joel Grimes dazzles us with engaging imagery and a LIVE photoshop demo about streaking. Find out why being color blind has served as an asset, the secret to quick and easy compositing, and the importance of striking your subjects face with light.

Joel also shared 4 tips on how he creates his stunning images.

1. Get the best performance out of your lens

2. Choose the right strobe to freeze action

3. Photoshop tips: Selection/Cutout, Atmospheric light streaks.

4. Always use a tripod

Did you catch Trey Ratcliff’s last Variety Hour? He talked about the Google+/Scott Kelby Conference. Watch it on TWiT TV

Don’t miss a chance to watch or listen to your favorite photographers – download the TWiT Photo podcast on iTunes for free :)