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
Blowdrying My Hair and Other News
From The Studio 
1
Wed 06.15.2011
I might look like a girly girl – but most days, I am just a dork in yoga pants surrounded by tons of really, really cool gear and house music. So, yesterday, for my first stint as a talk show host, I had to clean up and look nice – and that involved blowdrying my hair. I hadn’t done it in years and it took me at least an hour to figure out how to make myself look presentable without burning my hair. But hey, I looked great, and the show was awesome – a shout-out to Scott Kelby for pulling a model and in-studio demo out of his hat. Watch the episode here – and please compliment on my hair. It took a lot of work :p
In the mean time, news from my studio:
Winners of Triple Scoop Licensing Certificates
Congrats to Dmitry Shapira, Drew Gardner and d_uni who each won a Triple Scoop Music Licensing Certificate valued at $60. We ran the Twitter handles of all eligible participants through Random.org. Thanks to everyone who entered this contest.
Join my exciting new Self-Portrait Photo Contest on Facebook and get a chance to win a Lowepro ProRunner x450 camera bag. You could be our next lucky winner.
My Tips on Unconventional Photo Booths
Tahoe is one of my favorite venues to shoot – and I’ve been fortunate to be regularly featured by Tahoe Unveiled, an awesome wedding blog by the exceptional coordinator, Stephanie Anderson. In this fun article, I give Stephanie my tips on how to set up unconventional photo booths. My top tip? Let your guests drive :)
Recommended: Rick Sammon’s iHDR
Understand, master and enjoy High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography through this iPad-only interactive app from master photography educator Rick Sammon, also known as the Godfather. This app provides movies, text and over 60 stunning images from Rick’s famous portfolio of HDR images – along with hundreds of the original photos that were blended into the HDR results.
I recommend other partners and friends in my For Photographers and For Brides sections.
Taking Better Care of Me & Other News
Awards, From The Studio, Press 0
Wed 06.08.2011
I’ve had a problem with my back for some time – and only recently, I finally admitted that something was wrong and sought help from a chiropractor. It wasn’t a huge surprise to find out that I am in fact crooked! In all seriousness, to be the best artist I can be, I have to take better care of myself. My achievement of the week? Taking better care of me!
In the mean time, news from my studio:
Photocomment Pro Portfolio Feature
I first “met” Photocomment editor and photographer, Tristan Hall, on Frederick Van Johnson‘s This Week in Photography podcast. This month, I am so honored to be featured in Photocomment magazine’s Pro Portfolio where I discuss with Tristan my life as a pro photographer. Read the interview to gain my insights into how to survive in our extremely competitive business.
An App On The Way
Shhh! In our hood of tech startups, people are hush hush about the next big thing they are working on. My busy elves at Catherine Hall Studios have been working on a new mobile app that will soon be available in the App Store. What is it? It is a photographer’s tool and we hope it will help you stay above the noise. Can you guess what it is? Tune in to find out more.
Canon Creative Asia Awards – 2 Wins!
The Canon Creative Asia Photography Awards | Photography Competition announced that two of my images are among their Top 25 in the Portrait – Individual Category. One of the images is from my Burning Man series, and the other from my Tasmania series. Whoopee! Check out the other finalists – it is quite an honor to be part of such an extraordinary group of images!
Recommended: Adobe Photoshop
Lightroom 3: Learn By Video
Digital Lightroom users will benefit tremendously from Mikkel Aaland and Tim Grey’s complete Lightroom 3 training program. It combines more than 10 hours of video instruction to teach you the basics of LR3, and image processing and management. With Mikkel and Tim’s expert tips and instruction, you’ll be a Lightroom expert yourself in no time.
For other recommendations, check out my For Photographers and For Brides sections.
Guess Who Snagged Me a Photo Show?
From The Studio, TWiT Photo 0
Wed 06.01.2011
To say I am excited about Leo Laporte making me the new co-host of his brand new photography show, TWiT Photo, would be a gross understatement. I’m overwhelmed by your support via twitter & email – this is surely a milestone of my career. You can’t imagine how stoked I am to interview an awesome line-up of illustrious photographers. Look out for TWiT Photo on June 14 – for now, watch the YouTube video featuring one of my favorite photographers Rick Sammon :)
In the mean time, news from my studio:
Winner of Kubota Image Tools Combo Pak
Congrats to Barbados photog Leslie St. John, who won a Kubota Image Tools Viva La Vintage and Pow Wow! Combo Pak valued at $179. I can’t emphasize enough how Kubota’s intuitive Photoshop and Lightroom presets have saved my life! So, Leslie, you will love your new gift :) We ran the Twitter handles of all eligible contest participants through Random.org and your handle, @PhotogLStJohn came out tops. Thanks to everyone who entered this contest. Don’t miss the opportunity to win Triple Scoop Music Licensing Certificates in my new contest. You could be our next lucky winner.
CHS is on Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book
If I were a wedding blog, I would want to be Style Me Pretty – gorgeous, inspired wedding galleries, ingenious ideas in the form of soft, pretty favors, stationery, details and more details. Which is why I am so excited and honored that Catherine Hall Studios is officially inducted into its exclusive Little Black Book – it features some of my favorite high-end vendors, all inspired artists in their own right. Thank you, Abby.
Recommended: Skip’s Summer School
Clay Blackmore. Scott Bourne. Vincent Laforet. Matthew Jordan Smith. Whether you are an amateur or pro photog, you will learn a wealth of tips from these esteemed leaders and more at Skip’s Summer School from July 31 to Aug 3. It will definitely be fun to network with other photographers – in Vegas – from all over the world!
I recommend other partners and friends in my For Photographers and For Brides sections.
Finding Peace and Other News
From The Studio, Podcasts, Press 1
Wed 05.25.2011
I recently lost someone very close to me to cancer and this loss has been a lot more trying and complex than I could have ever imagined. Having to work through the grief and pain of loss has been quite trying. My achievement of the week? Starting to find relief and peace (I know its a long road) – and remembering the beauty in life and good times.
In the mean time, news from my studio:
Can You Spot Me On the Cover?
When I was asked to be a part of a photo shoot at WPPI in March, I didn’t know I would be on Rangefinder‘s cover! Michael Greenberg arranged the shoot for the Graphistudio‘s Day In The Life of WPPI 2011 book. Most of the other photographers were informed of the shoot – I did not hear of it until the night before. I was told to do something creative. Due to the late notice, I didn’t have any props and I decided to make a dress out of magazines that I have been published in. Very last minute, but a lot of fun!
Awesome Week in the Big Apple
It’s always fun to be in New York City and I wasted no time to catch up with clients, editors and friends, such as Adorama’s social media darling, Joel Meisels. Being based in the West Coast, I usually only talk to my East Coast friends online or on the phone. It was great getting facetime with people. I can’t wait to go back!
TWiP #192: On Lady Gaga & Copyright
In this episode of TWiP, Frederick Van Johnson, the “Godfather” Rick Sammon, Tyler Ginter and I discuss how Lady Gaga demands the rights to her concert photographs and copyright issues, the tragedy in Japan, and autofocus. Listen to our engaging banter and watch out for my tip on lighting and gear picks of the week: Nik Software Silver Efex Pro 2.0 & HDR Efex Pro
Recommended: Nancy Liu Chin Designs
Nancy Liu Chin is one of the forefront leaders in the wedding floral design industry. Her designs are a blend of modern chic, contemporary elegance and whimsical details. Her creations embody a flirty, yet refined charm—bursting with luxurious colors and breathtaking beauty. In a nutshell, she is brilliant. I highly recommend her premier floral and event design studio in San Francisco to any bride-to-be. I recommend other partners and friends in my For Photographers and For Brides sections. Would you like to be included in our Recommended section? Please email your request to studiomanager@catherinehall.net.
Giveaway: Kubota Viva La Vintage + Pow Wow
Contests, From The Studio 2
Wed 05.18.2011
Congratulations to Tim Marman, the winner of our last contest. It’s time for a new contest and I’m super excited to tell you about our next prize. I am giving away a Kubota Image Tools Viva La Vintage and Pow Wow! Combo Pak ($179), which includes 25 time-warping vintage enhancements and 26 popping fresh enhancements. I’m really excited because Kubota’s time-saving Photoshop™ plug-ins and Lightroom™ presets have not only improved my workflow and the quality of my images, they have also added fun to the process. Without doing a lot of work, you can see a lot of different effects. You can also easily customize the presets. The interface is extremely intuitive and there is practically no learning curve. I used my favorite preset, Time Machine, for the above image.
Like our previous contest, all you have to do is to Follow me and Kubota Image Tools on Twitter.
Step 1:
a. Follow Catherine_Hall on Twitter
b. Follow Kubota Image Tools on Twitter
Step 2:
Post the tweet exactly as it appears below.
Enter to win a @kubotatools Viva La Vintage + Pow Wow! Combo Pak from @catherine_hall. Pls RT. More info at http://www.catherinehall.net/blog/.
Contest rules:
You must be 18 years or older to enter.
You must follow Catherine Hall and Kubota Image Tools on Twitter.
The winner will be notified on May 30, 2011, on Twitter, Facebook and http://www.catherinehall.net/blog.
CHS is excited to be working with Kubota Image Tools to give this prize away. Look out for the results and a new contest on May 30, 2011. Thanks for supporting Catherine Hall Studios!
