Podcasts
Finding Peace and Other News
From The Studio, Podcasts, Press 
0
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.
Conquering the Toe Stand & Other News
From The Studio, Podcasts, Video 0
Wed 05.11.2011
I’ve been practicing yoga for a good decade and it’s been next to impossible for me to do this pose called the Toe Stand (or its unpronounceable hippy version “Padangustasana”). But yippee, this week, I finally am able to balance for more than 10 seconds. Next, I’ll conquer the world! BTW, this photo was processed with an Instagram filter. See more of my Instagram musings @catherinehall.
In the mean time, other exciting news from my studio:
Profoto is now a sponsor of CHS
I am a big fan of electronic flash leader Profoto and swear by its D1 Air on all my shoots. Unlike other strobe manufacturers, Profoto’s gear produces consistent color temperatures while toggling between different intensity levels of strobe flash. This is fantastic news for me and my studio as we look forward to exciting future collaborations.
I was on Mostly Photo as a co-host!
Last week, when I was invited as a guest on Mostly Photo, I was really excited. But when Leo Laporte, an old friend, asked me to stand in for his co-host Lisa this week, I was beyond ecstatic. Let me know what you think of my first shot at interviewing: watch Episode 8 with Rick Sammon here. Thanks to the love in the TWiT chat room and on Twitter and Facebook. You guys are awesome.
Best of Bay Top 5 Wedding Photogs in 2011
Thank you to voters for supporting Catherine Hall Studios as one of top 5 wedding photographers in the Bay Area. I’m so excited to be included in this fine group and for your recognition of my work.
Recommended: Thomas Fogarty Winery
It’s the beginning of the wedding season – and Thomas Fogarty Winery is a wonderful venue with breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay. I’ve said it again and again – the background is extremely important to a good photograph. This image, one of my favorites, is taken amid the rustic wine country landscape. 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.
I met Leo Laporte a couple of years ago on an Adobe-sponsored trip to Tasmania – and we became fast friends. He’s one of those people who make you feel instantly comfortable. I was super excited when Leo and Lisa Bettany (she’s so gorgeous!) invited me on their new show, Mostly Photo, to offer tips to beginner photographers. We had a wonderful discussion on wedding and portrait photography on the show – and I can’t wait to share these tips with you.
Watch the video to:
• See Leo’s ‘Say Cheese’ smile (twice)
• Learn why you should take a leaf from Lisa’s book and shoot, shoot, shoot
• Hear why I wish I got a business degree instead of a fine art degree.
• Understand how my dorky beltpack enables me to move like a ninja.
• Learn my take on my favorite lenses
• Get why wedding guests often mistake me for a member of the CIA
My Top Gear Picks
#1: Lowepro Inverse 200 AW Beltpack (Black)
#2: Profoto D1000
#3: California Sunbounce
#4: Gitzo tripod
#5: Manfrotto joystick tripod head
To see other things in my camera bag, check out my Gear page. Oh, and keep a look out for Mostly Photo tomorrow at 1 p.m. PST for a surprise!
Follow Leo Laporte and Lisa Bettany on Twitter.
Even if I’m buried under a mountain of work, I’m always ready to join Frederick Van Johnson on his thought-provoking show, This Week in Photo (TWiP). A regular on TWiP, I just get so energized by Frederick’s exhilarating discussions on issues concerning us as photographers. And this episode is no different.
I join good friends Sara France, Tristan Hall and Frederick (of course!) to debate whether a print photograph is still relevant in our digital world. You all know how much I love Epson‘s fine art papers; so no, I definitely think nothing beats a high-quality, fine art print with a heavy-weight feel. 
We also discuss Gap using a Flickr photo for their clothing graphic without permission (!) and the brave new world of crowd-funded photography.
Oh, and my cool pick of the week? Manfrotto’s Aluminium 3-Sections Stacker Stand (picture right). Super compact and super easy to travel with. Very, very important for someone like me – who travels all the time and everywhere!
Tune in to TWiP #187 Crowd-funded Photography podcast.
In this special TWiP podcast, Frederick Van Johnson, Tyler Ginter, Ron Brinkmann and I discuss remotely controlled DSLRs, shooting in the dust, and holiday photography tips. I hope you enjoy this fabulous session: Click here to listen to the podcast!
Happy New Year!
