Lake Tahoe Wedding Photography Napa Sonoma Wedding Photographer

Go for the Gold | Olympic Inspiration

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:48:44 -0800

Having grown up as a skier, I've naturally enjoyed following the recent Olympic skiing competitions.

The other day two commentators debated whether when an Olympic skier is lined up to medal no matter what, if it is better to ski a little conservatively and secure a silver or bronze or to just throw all caution to the wind and ski for the gold, knowing one mistake could result in no medal at all. The second commentator concluded that you have to put it all on the line. After all, no athlete goes to the Olympics to get silver. Every athlete goes to get the gold.

This debate really resonated with me. Its so true that those competitors who won medals in the Olympics went all out, putting faith in their years of training and ability to come out on top. I seek to apply this attitude to my own life in everything that requires courage and risk. People either live conservatively, seeking security and a nice solid score or they take big risks to achieve their goals.

Whenever I doubt myself, I stay positive and tell myself to "Go for the gold!" It's a simple reminder but one that is easily forgotten in the midst of a busy schedule. The Olympics and my connection with skiing really inspired me to keep repeating this phrase. Seeing such amazing feats in physical form reminded me that we have to keep moving beyond our perceived limits and keep stepping outside of our comfort zones in order to reach our full potential.

WPPI Las Vegas | DigiLabs Inspiring Speakers

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:47:15 -0800

I'm getting ready to head to WPPI Las Vegas at the end of this week. As always, I look forward to WPPI as a great place to connect with my industry friends and be inspired.

I'll be at the DigiLabs table # 737 with photographers Ben Chrisman and Erin Reed, Jacklyn Greenberg , and Kevin and Jessica Bergthold. This year the DigiLabs team is all about innovation and change. I'm pretty excited to hear these talented photographers speak on up and coming topics for keeping your business cutting edge.

I'm looking forward to speaking about Growing Your Business with Online Marketing. I'll be speaking on Monday at 2:45 and Wednesday at 1:45 and hanging out at the DigiLabs table in addition to my Masters Class. So if you are attending WPPI, I hope to see you there!

An Iconic Brand in American Culture

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:01:57 -0800

Image Stories Winter 2010 Edition

As I wandered through Amish Mennonite farmland I was overwhelmed by the scent of fresh New England soil and discernible brush of long grass against my legs. I felt the sensation of traveling back in time.

John Deere hired me to create a lifestyle photo shoot, capturing the use of their iconic brand in everyday life. I was unfulfilled with our current material and felt a pull to capture more of the essence of the true John Deere lifestyle. I set out with my associate photographer to explore.

We came across an old man who welcomed us back to his generations-old farm and antiquated home. I spent the afternoon documenting his extended Mennonite family with the equipment that is so deeply integrated into their daily lives. There was a sense of closeness formed by strong familial bonds and the lack of modern distractions. I was impressed by the Mennonites ability to survive ascetically, living contently off of their land. I am so grateful to the family for allowing me a glimpse into their distinct lifestyle.

At the end, I offered to do a photograph just for them, anywhere they liked. I expected for them to gravitate in front of their unique home or in front of the striking sun streaked hills. Instead the family gathered around the background they were most proud of - their John Deere 7820 Tractor.

* All Images created for Catherine Hall Studios by Catherine Hall and Curt Littlecott *

Northern CA | The Knot: Best of Weddings 2010 | CHS Wedding Photography Award

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:45:29 -0800

I'm so honored to be recognized in The Knot's Best of Weddings 2010. Thank you to all the brides that voted me "One of the Best" Wedding Photographers for Northern California. I am so grateful for your wonderful support. I love checking out The Knot to see their featured Best Of Weddings professionals. So imagine my surprise when I was honored with the vote of brides in Northern California!

Wedding photography really is a passion for me. Since my first wedding shoot, I continually find joy in capturing some of a couple's most precious moments in time. With wedding photography, I feel a deep fulfillment by helping the bride and groom celebrate such a special day. I know there are so many talented professionals out there who also love bringing joy to brides and grooms. Is there someone in particular you would love to give a shout out to?

San Francisco | The Academy for Planners and Designers | Wedding 360

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:56:45 -0800

We have all heard the phrase "you can't afford to miss it." In these hard economic times, this phrase is often replaced with the fear "I can't afford it." We all make choices about what we can and cannot afford but we should not let our fear dictate every decision. Ironically, now more than ever, small business owners should invest in their business and distinguish themselves from competitors. For this reason, I make a point of being involved in cutting edge conventions that will improve my business.

This year a world-renonwned event is taking place in my very own San Francisco. Jubilee Lau and Jean Marks founded Wedding 360 with the goal of giving back and improving the wedding industry. These extraordinary women originally created the "Wedding University" with the purpose of educating brides. Now they have expanded and created a must attend event for all wedding professionals (including photographers!). You are probably asking if The Academy for Wedding Planners and Designers is worth the money. Yes it is, and here's why:

-Learn how designers and planners think, how every detail of design is pulled together, and how all professionals working on the a wedding can compliment each others work.

-Meet and mingle with wedding planners and designers from all over the country. There will be a large number of representatives from the West Coast who are a great resource even for those from out of state looking to expand their business.

-Meet and learn from outstanding wedding leaders such as Grace Ormonde, Abby Tait Larson, and Sean Low as well as photographers such as Gene Higa and myself.

Thirst Relief Mentor Auction starts TUESDAY | Support Clean Drinking Water Worldwide

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 07:56:32 -0800

We all know that it is important to give back but sometimes don't know the best way how. Here is your opportunity! ThirstRelief Mentor Auction starting this TUESDAY, February 16th.

ThirstFund and ShootQ are auctioning off invaluable one on one time with some of the industries top wedding photographers. It is a great way to improve your craft while giving back. 100% of the proceeds from the auction will benefit Thirst Relief International's efforts for clean drinking water around the world.

MACWORLD 2010 | Catherine Hall is invited as Guest Speaker for Mikkel Aaland

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:51:50 -0800

I'm thrilled to be a guest speaker at MacWorld 2010 for the talented Mikkel Aaland's workshop on the new Adobe Photoshop Lightroom! The workshop is part of a two day Power Tools Workshop with great information and an impressive range of professionals and speakers at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Photoshop Lightroom is an awesome tool for photography and I'm so excited to share my insights with other photographers. Plus, working with the award wining photographer, workshop guru, and outstanding author, Mikkel Aaland is such a treat.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, Sonoma Wedding Photography | Courtney & John

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:41:51 -0800

Courtney and John had the most incredible Wine Country Wedding. The ceremony took place at a quaint church in Yountville and was followed by a outdoor cocktails and a lavish indoor reception at the Fairmont Sonoma Golf Club. It was a wonderful day filled with warm & welcoming friends and family, extraordinary venues, and incredibly kind bride and groom.

FULL WEDDING SLIDESHOW

Thank you Joannie Liss Events for doing such a phenomenal job!

New York Wedding Photography | Wedding Channel Feature | Janine & Nicholas |

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:28:12 -0800

Janine and Nicholas's Wedding is featured on weddingchannel.com as a "Wedding of The Day". You may also view the wedding slideshow and find out more about their wedding in my previous blog post.

Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay Wedding Photography | Joan & Lawrence

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:34:36 -0800

Joan and Lawrence had a incredible oceanfront ceremony followed by a gorgeous ballroom reception at the Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay. It was one of the most beautiful and elegant weddings I have had the opportunity to be a part of.

FULL WEDDING DAY SLIDESHOW

Thanks to everyone that helped to make the day a great success:

Full-Service Coordinator: Elisheva Basseri

Ritz Carlton Venue Coordinator: Anthony White

Photography: Catherine Hall Studios

Florist: Wiggy Flowers

Cake Designer: Elegant Cheesecakes

Hair & Makeup: Taylor Pham

Videographer: Justin Fone

Caterer: Ritz-Carlton HMB

WPPI MasterClass Sold Out

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:08:24 -0800

I was notified today by someone attempting to register for my WPPI MasterClass, that it has been sold out! I look forward to seeing everyone in Vegas!

Selected to Instruct a MasterClass at WPPI

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:46:24 -0800

WPPI REGISTRATION OPENS AT NOON PST. REGISTER NOW BEFORE IT SELLS OUT!

I am honored, proud, and excited to announce my upcoming MasterClass at WPPI 2010.

Tuesday, March 9th
3:30 p.m .- 5:30 p.m.

Catherine Hall - No-Name to Household-Name

Facebook, Twitter, podcasts, blogs, editorial features, awards, gallery exhibitions, scholarships, etc. The list goes on! How do you take advantage of the myriad of promotional and marketing opportunities thriving in the 21st century? Join internationally renowned 2008 Young Gun Catherine Hall on an innovative exploration of creating a PR campaign that utilizes both traditional marketing and new age social media networks. Self-promote the *bleep* out of yourself and get where you want to go fast! First enrolled student to tweat @catherine_hall WPPI 2010 Rocks! wins an amazing prize (compliments of Lowepro)!

WPPI is the place professional photographers come for the very best in education and the 2010 lineup of MasterClasses is all part of the appeal! MasterClasses are offered as an add-on to your full-convention registration at just $50 each or 3 for $100

Travel Photography | Image International, 1st Place Winner

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:42:46 -0800

I was honored with a First Place Award in the Travel Category of the Image International Photography Contest. My winning image was recently published in the popular Canadian publication, Photo Life.

Ann Hamilton | Inspirational People | Quick Glimpse

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:29:43 -0800

Name: Ann Hamilton

Occupation: Pro Photographer

Business: Ann Hamilton Photographer

Number of years in the industry: 10

Website: www.annhamilton.com and www.annhamiltonblog.com

Twittername: annhamilton

Ann Hamilton is a San Francisco-based photographer with a passion for photographing weddings and dogs. She was recently named by American Photo Magazine as "One of the Top 10 Wedding Photographers of 2009."

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself? Generous, playful, sentimental.

What's been best marketing move/strategy? Combining my two loves of photography - weddings and dogs - into one business. Being diverse in my product offerings has helped me stand out from the crowd.

AM or PM? PM (I'm a night owl!)

What product/tool do you think you couldn't live without, and why? My camera. It's an extension of my eye.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Marine biologist.

What was the best advice anyone ever gave you? There are no shortcuts in life.

Who inspires you? I'm inspired by the world around me.

Describe your ideal ice cream sundae? Vanilla ice cream covered in hot caramel with a strawberry on top.

What three words best describe your style? Modern, elegant, artistic.

What is something people don't know about you? I have a crush on Mark Wahlberg.

What is your guilty pleasure? Coca cola and gummi bears. It's the sugar.

What is the most adventurous thing you've ever done? Travel the world with Gene Higa.

What's your favorite quote? Be true to your work, your word, and your friend. - Henry David Thoreau

Any must-do or don't do for brides and grooms? Don't lose sight of what's really important.

Thunderbird Lodge, Lake Tahoe Wedding Photography | Jessica & Dan

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:52:16 -0800

Jessica and Dan had the most picture perfect lakeside wedding. It was an intimate event with around 120 guests, warm friends, and family. The incredibly regal bride and stylish groom possessed a special penchant for details (check out Dan's wingtips!).

VIEW FULL WEDDING ONLINE SLIDESHOW

Thanks to everyone that helped to make the day a great success:

Lead Photographer: Catherine Hall Studios

Second Photographer: Melissa Slater

Coordinator: Heather Spear and her amazing team at Summit Soiree

Ceremony Venue: Thunderbird Lodge, Lake Tahoe

Reception Venue: Thunderbird Lodge, Lake Tahoe

Dress Designer: Monique Ihuillier

Florist: Thrans Flower

Caterer: Moody's Bistro & Lounge

Makeup: Jennifer Ergut

Hair: Laura Seegmiller