Exciting things are afoot for Catherine Hall Studios! Look out for the latest news and announcements on Catherine’s editorial work, events, awards, causes, partners and more.
From The Studio
Lowepro-CHS Self-Portraits Gallery
Contests, From The Studio 
0
Mon 07.18.2011
Human beings have an odd fascination with our selves, our features and it’s even more so for us artists and photographers. Perhaps it is a sort of rite of passage we each have to go through before we are able to extract and capture the essence of our subjects. Following my curiosity with the power of self-portraits, I partnered with Lowepro to find the most visually creative and beautifully executed shots. And the results, as you can see, are no short of amazing.
After a grueling and difficult process with my editors, I narrowed down 2 honorable mentions, who each get a Lowepro Slingshot 100 AW. Congratulations, Jeremiah and Sofia, both your self-portraits blew everyone at Catherine Hall Studios away. Of his portrait, Jeremiah (picture, top) from Austin, Texas, says, “I was thinking of magic when I went to take this picture. On how could I translate my thoughts into an actual factual image, and make it speak not only to me but everyone else who saw it.” Sofia (below), on the other hand, is from Naples, Italy.
See the other 11 finalists, including a notable mention for Laura, who created a mysterious portrait that reminds one of an bygone era. Of course, not to mention her courage for posing nude!
Laura
Vero Beach, Florida
“While enrolled in a photography class, we were assigned to do a self portrait. I wanted to do something totally different, and eye catching! We also had to use an old fashion manual camera. No digital. My props included an old swing, and antique mirror. I was going for a vintage nature look.”
Bret
Rockford, Illinois
I took this photo during a very hard and stressful time in my life. I was struggling with the things that every 24 year old deals with in addition to some family members have medical issues. I was simply “Down And Out”. It was shot with a strobe and a softbox.
Balazs
Born in Romania, Living in Austria
I tried to make something memorable for those who are still reading the “paper” newspaper, not the online versions of them every morning.
Hannah
New Braunfels, Texas
This photo represents who I am through an endless amount of aspects you might see in my picture. Not only does it reveal my physical features, it also helps to reveal my thoughts, aspirations, and creative outlook on life itself.
Clement
Ales, France
This day was a rainy winter sunday afternoon, not shaved, alone with my camera… Well, it’s me :)
Mike
Originally from Ohio but has lived in San Diego, CA, since 1997
I had a great time making that portrait. I was having some trouble finding creative inspiration so I decided to just work on some technical stuff to keep improving the craft side of my photography. Things started out sort of serious and technical, but then my imagination got going and I thought up the Bugs Bunny idea. By the end of the evening, I was laughing and inspired to do more self portraits and make up more characters.
Rudolf
Originally from Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, but currently residing in England.
It was late; I was editing a wedding when I decided to play with my new flashgun. Flashgun held to the right at 45 degrees and synced with a cable, flash overexposed to darken background. Face resembled my mood induced by long editing hours. Pleased with the light catching my eye!
Blane
Asheville, North Carolina
I was testing out some new speed lights and reflectors and the pics came out pretty good.
Matej
Ruxandra
Pitesti, Romania
In this photo, I was at my grandparents (and wanted to go into the fields) and used the wind and the color of the wheat and my hair to create a play of colors.
Tim
London, England
I couldn’t believe I came across a road that was identified with the Number of the Beast! This sort of thing doesn’t happen in England. I was feeling particularly impish at the time (as you can tell)! This was taken on New Year’s Eve 1990, with a Canon 35mm. Yes, actual film! So I had no idea whether I had the shot or not until the roll was developed back in the UK! One shot, no crop!
Studio News: Bruce Dale on TWiT + Other News
From The Studio, TWiT Photo 0
Wed 07.13.2011
Eyes will inevitably furrow and harbor a look of concern and curiosity when people hear that I’m not a huge vegetable eater. “Oh why?” “You have to start eating vegetables – they are essential for your well-being.” I couldn’t agree more theoretically, but to actually start changing your habitual diet is almost like asking a smoker to quit cigarettes. It’s hard. However, I’m happy to say that after countless tries, I’ve finally come up with a fruit+veg concoction that gives me the nutrients I’ve been lacking. Those of you non-veg eaters will love this mishmash of squash, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and more. Simply throw the chopped squash, sweet potatoes, dry cranberries, apple and maple syrup in a baking pan and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
In the mean time, news from my studio:
TWiT Photo Episode 15 with Bruce Dale
In his 30 years with National Geographic, Bruce Dale has had over 2,000 published images and won coveted awards such as Magazine Photographer of the Year and White House Photographer of the Year. It was an honor for me to witness Bruce’s artistic brilliance during a group trip to Tasmania. Leo Laporte, my co-host, has boldly proclaimed Bruce his favorite photographer. Watch TWiT Photo Ep. 15 to learn his photography insights and tips here or on iTunes.
Have questions, suggestions or praises? Please email photo@twit.tv.
Recommended: Adorama Pro Imaging Dept
I had the chance to visit Adorama’s new Pro Imaging Department in NYC recently and I was blown away. Professional photogs have always been at the core of Adorama’s business. Shooters can now go to their dedicated area of Adorama’s retail store in New York and be treated like VIPs. The newly renovated store, which incorporates the VIP department, is an intimate space with pro gear, from tripods and ball heads to studio lighting and modifiers, and other essentials.
I recommend other partners and friends in my For Photographers and For Brides sections.
Lowepro-CHS Self-Portrait Contest Mashbook
Contests, From The Studio 4
Wed 07.06.2011
It’s been an exciting 3 weeks since I kicked off my Lowepro-Catherine Hall Studios Self-Portrait Contest. Partnering with Lowepro, I wanted to find the most inspired photographic interpretation of your likeness and character. Your response to the contest has far exceeded my expectations. I’ve had a ball tracking your entries in and like many of you, I can’t wait to see who wins next week.
There are so many phenomenal entries and it seems unfair to award only 1 prize. Therefore, two other entries will receive honorable mentions and a Lowepro Slingshot 100 AW each. I will personally select two exceptional self-portraits based on their creativity, visual appeal and effectiveness in conveying the theme. The contest closed for entries yesterday, on July 5, but voting is open until July 10. Don’t forget to vote for your favorites!
In the mean time, enjoy this inspiration board of some of my personal favorites!
Studio News: Art Wolfe on TWiT + Other News
From The Studio, Press, TWiT Photo 1
Wed 06.29.2011
Photographers are known for being control freaks – and I’m probably the guiltiest of us all. I guess this has to do with my perfectionist streak and wanting my business and work to be among the best of the industry. I am glad to say, however, that I have been slowly relinquishing my control – and a big part of my growth is because of my awesome Studio Manager, who holds down the fort and keeps everything in place. And yes, she’s also a perfectionist!
In the mean time, news from my studio:
TWiT Photo Episode 14 with Art Wolfe
You may have seen Art Wolfe on his TV show, Travels to the Edge, where he traverses the world and teaches you photography through his lenses. I was so excited to get better acquainted with this genuinely funny and socially conscious photography legend. Art was a joy to talk to as our guest on TWiT Photo and his work blew both Leo and I away. Watch Ep. 14 to learn his photography insights and tips here or on iTunes.
Have questions, suggestions or praises? Please email photo@twit.tv.
Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Feature
My photography of Angela and Jeremy Webster’s gorgeous beach wedding at Lake Tahoe is featured in the June/Summer issue of Destination Weddings & Honeymoons. The wedding, held at the beautiful Fairwinds Estate, on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, was attended by 11o guests from Taiwan, Japan, Canada and all over the U.S. Stephanie Anderson of One Fine Day was the creative genius planner and Sara Spurlock of Bellissima Floral crafted exquisite floral designs of fresh bursts of yellow, white and green.
Recommended: Monique Lhuillier
Every woman has heard of Monique Lhuillier – even if you were not a bride, you would gush over how gorgeous her exquisite, finely crafted gowns are. A fashion forward couture designer, Monique is a celebrity favorite for her wedding and red carpet gowns. I’m so glad I’ve had the opportunity to photograph many brides in Monique’s exclusive designs – and Monique was an absolute inspiration as a speaker at the engage!11 luxury wedding conference.
I recommend other partners and friends in my For Photographers and For Brides sections.
Studio News: Ed Kashi on TWiT + Other News
From The Studio, Press, TWiT Photo 0
Wed 06.22.2011
In another post, I talked about how I’ve had a problem with my back for some time – my hips were literally locked and my booty-shaking abilities were seriously compromised. Thanks to my regular trips to my chiropractor – I am able to dance freely again. Watch this video of me in a samba dance while I was in Brazil. My boyfriend says he’s never seen a white girl shake her booty like that. I’ll let you be the judge of that.
In the mean time, news from my studio:
TWiT Photo Episode 13 with Ed Kashi
Ed Kashi’s a legendary photographer who regularly works for top magazines such as National Geographic, Time, Newsweek and has won countless awards for his compelling work. I first met Ed in an Eddie Adams workshop – and he has always inspired me with his passion and sensitive, moral eye for political and social issues. Watch TWiT Photo Ep. 13 to learn his photography insights and tips here or on iTunes. Ed, you kicked butt!
Have questions, suggestions or praises? Please email photo@twit.tv.
My Interview With Jondo Art
We all witnessed a terrible disaster as the worst earthquake in decades rocked the northeast coast of Japan a few months ago. In a bid to help, I joined organizers, Jondo and artist-photographer Maki Kawakita, and 10 other photographers who donated their artwork to raise funds for a good cause. Here, read my interview with Jondo, where I shared my inspirations and idols.
Recommended: Gloria Wong Design
Gloria Wong is one of the most sought after event designers not just because of her inspired creativity, but also for her masterful attention to detail. Her San Francisco boutique wedding design and consulting company is a leading choice for discerning brides. She crafts exceptional weddings with exquisite details, that ties style and personalities with the bride and groom’s particular vision.
I recommend other partners and friends in my For Photographers and For Brides sections.
