Catherine recommends all her favorite gear, vendors, books, etc.
My Favorite Things
Interview with AfterCapture Presented by Wacom
Interviews, My Favorite Things 
2
Thu 10.25.2012
Interested in how creating images is like making a feast? Check out my interview with Wacom and LEARN about:
- My Retouching Process
- Creating my Photographic Style
- Why my Wacom Tablet is Essential
View the Wacom blog to read the special edition of AfterCapture and see more video interviews – including an interview from one of my favorite photogs Colby Brown. Awesome video done by the talented Weston Maggio and Joseph Sliger.
Is there anyone else who can’t live without their wacom?
Top Model Release: The Real Story
Blog, Featured Post, My Favorite Things 22
Wed 06.06.2012
Top Model Release App: Designed Exclusively for Photographers’ Peace of Mind
When I first began my career as a professional photographer, I undervalued the necessity of getting the subjects of my portraits to sign releases; I was solely focused on crafting incredible pictures to build-up my portfolio. As industry figures began to take note of my images, I quickly realized the error of my past ways: One of my first ‘big breaks’ occurred when Adobe asked to feature several of my photographs and I joyfully agreed. Finally, I thought, I will finally begin to receive the recognition for which I’ve worked so hard.
Unfortunately, no legitimate company would dare print or publish images that aren’t backed-up with a model- or property-release. It was with a heavy heart that I had to turn down Adobe’s offer–without model releases, none of the images in my portfolio were commercially valid. What a huge let-down…but also a hard-won lesson: Credible photographers take care of the details.
Top Model Release was born from this experience. The user-friendly app lets photographers quickly and easily create unlimited model and property releases on-the-go, rather than having to cart-around unwieldy stacks of paper that can get lost en route. It lets photographers electronically stamp their business’ logo on PDF versions of the release for total customization. And, in order to simplify storage and cataloguing, photographers can embed the corresponding image directly into the release. What’s more, Top Model Release is approved by one of America’s leading photography copyright lawyers, Bert Krages, and also approved by Getty Images.
Get yours today! But, before you do so, be sure your iPhone is upgraded to iOS5 here –it’s free and easy to upload. Check out Top Model Release and share your feedback here! I’d love to hear from you.
*iPhone Native / iPad Compatible available now for $8.99*
*Universal version for iPad Coming Soon – Current iTunes Store policy is complimentary upgrade for all owners of the iPhone Version*
Pen Tablet Review | Wacom Intuos4
My Favorite Things 22
Mon 12.05.2011
As a self-proclaimed geek, I get seriously excited about new gadgets and camera gear – and I just have to share with you why my Wacom Tablet is one of the most important gadgets in my studio. Let’s put it in perspective – The Wacom Tablet is to the mouse what a Smartphone is to a cell phone. You don’t realize you need it until you have one, and after that, you wonder how you ever survived without it.
I was hesitant to buy one at first because it is yet another gear investment and I thought it would be very difficult to learn. To my surprise, it literally took me one half of an afternoon to adjust to my new savior and compared to my L Series lenses and other gear buys, it certainly didn’t break the bank.
I often ask in my seminars – “who uses a Wacom Tablet” and a bunch of hands will shoot in the air. I then ask, “who couldn’t imagine their life without a Wacom Tablet” – and they hands NEVER waiver. Why is it so awesome? Well, there is the fact that I no longer suffer from sore wrists and am undeniably resisting the feared computer addicts carpel tunnel syndrome, but beyond that: I work HEAPS faster, more efficiently, and am much more precise. If you’re a serious photographer who does your own retouching, this pen tablet is definitely a must-have. Oh, and Wacom’s tech support? Exceptional.
Wacom has released a newer version than the one I have (I’m jealous!) – check it out at here
Are you a Wacom lover? Then tell me your story! If you are considering, I hope this tips the scale – you like my blog that much more :)
The LowePro Pro Messenger AW Series camera bags truly embody the spirit of adventure and travel. Completely understated, these bags quietly whisper, “Don’t look at me. I’m not important. I’m not a camera bag.”
In this recent shoot in San Francisco (picture), I felt right at home blending my bag in with those of the myriad frazzled bicycle messengers. (Until everyone saw me shooting a beautiful bride, of course!)
The charcoal canvas material and lack of front logo practically begs to be hauled off to some developing country inviting everyone along the way to NOT notice the photographer in their midst.
Finally, we have the option of a great camera bag that avoids the proud display of a colorful logo against a jet-black synthetic exterior.
With both an incredibly well padded non-slip shoulder strap and a handle, the Pro Messenger bags are surprisingly easy to carry.
The front flap uses either a magnet for quiet access or it can fold out, to use the biggest, loudest, velcro pads I have ever seen. (Great for those locations where your gear needs a bit more protection.)
The back pocket will easily hold a small laptop and somehow, despite the slim profile, the bags hold a ton of gear. I tested the Pro Messenger 200 AW and managed to find room for my camera, four lenses, a flash, a bag of goodies, and my iPad … wow.
Photo taken by Hayley Durack.
Catch the launch of the LowePro Pro Messenger AW Series camera bags at the PDN PhotoPlus 2011 Expo this week. Of course, while you are there, don’t miss my seminar on “Building Your Wedding Brand in New Media” this Friday, October 28, at 3.45p.m EDT.
Join me, Ibarionex Perello, Scott Eccleston and Andrey Tochilin as we grill Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski about their new iPad digital magazine. Light It made it into the Top 25 of Apple’s “Top Charts” for free iPad Apps on Day 1. Congrats, Kelby team!
For more on the premiere issue of Light It, read my review last week.
Can’t get enough? Watch the promotional video for the revolutionary magazine here:
