The use of artificial lighting allows for more flexibility as a photographer. Although natural lighting is undeniably beautiful, it ultimately limits your control over the background.

For instance, when I'm shooting indoors, a subject might have alighted upon the perfect position in the room for the window light to beautifully illumine the cheekbone and clavicle. A perfect shot, right? Not so fast. At the same time, that subject could very well be standing in front of a door bearing a garish 'Exit' sign overhead! A prime example of optimal natural light, but a less than ideal background.

By employing artificial light when on a shoot, I can expose directional light onto a subject--no matter where she or he might be in the room. This allows me to pick the best location for the quality of composition, while consistently maintaining optimal quality of light.

You, too, can have optimal lighting and an optimal background, without being constrained by location or time of day.  Please send me a link to any images you would like to share where you were able to achieve gorgeous lighting and a fantastic background due to artificial light.

I am excited and honored that Tahoe Unveiled is sharing my images of Johonna's and Aaron's wedding with their clients and blog readers! You can read the couple's charming story HERE.

Adolescent girl and father in their home in Appalachia.

Event planner Stephanie Anderson of One Fine Day and the brand-new wedding site, Tahoe Unveiled, authored a guest post for my blog. Stephanie is a talented professional with a gift for producing off-the-charts events. Today, she addresses a couple's inevitable wedding conundrum.

Kids or no kids? How to handle inviting a guest's kids to your wedding:

Inviting kids to a wedding? A few of my brides have inquired about the difficulties of guests with kids. Although kids are lovely and can be very endearing, you may not want to hear crying and screaming on your wedding day. In addition, it can be pretty tricky to invite your friends and not their kids, especially if travel is involved. To avoid the hassle, the arguments, and any hard feelings, try one of these ideas:

1. Hire a babysitter. Inform your guests that a babysitter will take care of your kids throughout the ceremony and reception. For your slightly paranoid parents, you may want to hire someone with First Aid certification. Ask your venue if they have a spare room you can use as the kids' corner.

2. Kiddie Corner. Designate one or two tables at the reception to kids only. Garnish the table with GI Joes, coloring books, Pretty Pretty Princess, and Hungry Hippo (clearly my childhood favorites). If you are worried about the kids wandering off, hire a babysitter to sit at the table with them. But, make sure your babysitter comes highly recommended and will do more than just sit at the table.

3. Hire a magician! Kids are easily distracted, so if games won't cut it, then hire a clown, a magician to keep them entertained and away from your limelight!

Like my above image of the young girls dancing? You are welcome to see more images like these in the gallery section of my own recently unveiled website: weddings.catherinehall.net

My foray into the use of lighting equipment is stoking my creative fire, and I want to share some of my hot, hot photography tips.

1) Unlike other strobe manufacturers, Profoto's gear produces consistent color temperatures when I toggle between different intensity levels of strobe flash. This is fantastic when shooting and even better in post-production.

2) Strobes, like any continuous light source, correspond to changes in aperture settings. For example, if you increase your aperture from f/5.6 to f/11, you must increase your strobe output by two stops to maintain a consistent exposure.

3) When working in direct sunlight or nearly dark sets, choose a 1000 w/s strobe over a 500 w/s. You will relish in the extra power.

4) If a strobe is too powerful at its lowest setting, you can further decrease its needed strength by using neutral-density gels.

What's your fancy? Any hot, hot lighting-technology tips that you'd like to share? Fire us up with your advice! I look forward to hearing from you.

This photo was taken at Burning Man in 2008. I have attended for five years now, and throughout the week-long arts-and-culture festival in the Black Rock Desert, I wade among the 50,000+ people in attendance, searching for interesting faces. I stumbled upon this girl by chance, compelled by the sense of kinetic energy in her body position. I felt as if she were about to dash off into the vast expanse of the desert. The early morning light only energized the visual moment--the light provided a sense of both time and place, resulting in psychological motion.

Tofurious is the brainchild of wedding marketing consultant Lawrence Chan, an irreverent social-media innovator at the forefront of this field. As a longtime friend and peer, Lawrence generously invited me--along with other photographers, such as Dane Sanders, Bianchi Sisters, Joe Buissink, Jason Groupp, and founder of Thirst Relief Jim Davis-Hicks--to participate in a state-of-the-industry conference in Los Angeles today and tomorrow (August 4-5).

Dismayed by what he calls the "tactical slaughter of one other through slashing of prices, leading to an eventual degradation of the industry....all while the middle-tier is being risk averse," Lawrence is partnering with Jeff Jochum to form Startup Strategy. Startup Strategy focuses on aspiring professional photographers who lack experience and veteran photographers who might have lost clarity through the years.

At today and tomorrow's conference, speakers and discussion will revolve around how newbie photographers can distinctively set themselves apart and uniquely market themselves, and how experienced photographers can turbo-charge their existing business and find clarity again.

I return from LA next week and look forward to some of the pointers I picked up with you! Stay tuned...

I'm an avid devotee of NPR's "The Picture Show," an online catalog of photographs from around the world, accompanied by smart, insightful stories that contextualize the images within larger patterns of history and social science.

Recently, my friend and fellow photographer Grant Kaye directed me to a similar, recurring The New York Times Online feature called "Lens," a series that focuses on the world's finest photography, video, and visual journalism. Specifically, he sent me a link to a Q&A with 61-year-old photographer Stanley Green, who is the founder of a photography foundation in Amsterdam and winner of the 2003 W. Eugene Smith Grant.

I was moved by Mr. Greene's depth and complexity of character and would like to share his words with you. Below, you can read a repost of "Stanley Greene's Redemption & Revenge," originally published at this link in The New York Times.

Stanley Greene's Redemption and Revenge

By MICHAEL KAMBER

One of the many highlights from my Spyder3 monitor calibration video tutorial. See below.

Lori Nordstrom is an amazing educator, print judge and quite the photogra-momma! Here, she shares with us some of her expertise as well as encouragement!

Print competition can be a bit scary the first time.  Well, let's face it... it's scary every time!  While we put our emotions, and at times our self-worth on the line for the judges, after competing a few times you'll find it addicting!  Print competition will move you forward as a photographer and artist.  Each time you perfect a print and then open it up for critique, you will learn and grow.  Print competition and critique is a learning experience in itself.  I highly recommend attending a print competition, listening to the judges and learning.

There are many competitions out there, and one of the most "competed" and researched photographers I know is Catherine Hall  http://www.catherinehall.net/weddings/index.html.  Catherine has competed in most print competitions out there and has even published a book on competitions, schedules, rules, etc.

For this discussion we will focus on PPA's (Professional Photographers of America) print competition.  Through PPA you will compete first on the state level, next regionals and then on to nationals.  Each level propels to the next.  At the state level you compete not only to learn and grow but for state awards.  It's recommended that the prints that do well move on, and that you take critique and recommendations to perfect prints or try new ones at the regional level.  Each time you enter be sure to "fill your case".  Many state competitions allow more than the traditional four prints so that 6-8 can be judged and critiqued.  Take advantage of this if it's an option.  Four prints are allowed at the regional and national level.  Don't send less than four!   I made this mistake my first year of competition and only entered two prints.  I didn't know any better!

PPA has given us 12 elements of a "merit" print.  These are prints that are considered above average and worthy of a merit (prints that score 80 or above). As a judge we are to start at 100 (as a score) and then take points off for "issues".  We are also taught in "judges school" to really examine and look closely at images for flaws.  It's a judges responsibility to be able to communicate the problems as well as the positives.  Be sure to take anything the judges bring up and remember those things when you are in similar circumstances.  I can think of many things I've heard in print comp, even when it's not my image!  I think about those things when I'm out shooting and make sure to pay close attention to them.  You will move forward and your client will benefit from all that you learn through print competition.

The 12 elements of a "merit print" as defined by PPA's Photographic Exhibitions Committee (PEC) are as follows:

• Impact
• Creativity
• Technical excellence
• Composition
• Lighting
• Style
• Print Presentation
• Center of Interest
• Subject Matter
• Color Balance
• Technique
• Story Telling

A successful print must have each of these elements and they are listed according to importance.  Good luck in your print competitions and be sure to go through this check list before entering! It's also really helpful to send prints to someone who is a Master Photographer, or a PEC judge for critique before entering.  Take suggestions and make changes where you can, and overall, believe in what you love and feel passionate about!

Lori sweetly answers a few questions about Print Competition:

When you enter print competition each year, how do you decide which images to enter? What advice can you offer to those who may be entering for the first time and don't know where to start? The very best thing you can do is to find a mentor.  Someone who is a master photographer and has earned their stripes that you can email your images over to and ask for honest critique.  Don't enter something that's too personal.  Don't enter your kids (in most circumstances!).  Start with images that you feel are technically strong and work on them to make them stronger.  Look for the little details that can make a huge difference before the judges.

I know you often enter albums for competition. Why have you chosen to go this route over individual images? Do you think it is easier or harder to do this? Most would say it's harder to enter an album because it represents a body of work and not just one image that you can work on to make amazing.  I feel that my work, and what I do, tells a story.  So, to me an album makes perfect sense.  When entering albums, be sure that lighting and color is consistent.  There should be several images that can stand alone.  In other words, in the end of it, a judge will look back and say how many of these images would be merits on their own, and how well does it all flow and fit together.  The same elements of a merit print stand in an album, but when working this way you have to pay even closer attention to the story and emotion.

I know photographers are a little split on this topic. Some photograph specifically for competition images. Others feel you should enter what you photograph from day to day. Do you have a particular opinion on this? I think there are benefits to both.  I personally have never photographed for competition.  It doesn't mean that I never will!  In the past however, I've looked for images that I love and then worked to perfect them.
I like the idea of shooting for competition because it pushes you as you look for all of the elements.  I love having digital as a tool.  Shooting, checking it out and then perfecting as you go.  I think this is a great way to learn and grow as a photographer.

What did you do the first time one of your images won an award? My first competition was a result of sending an image for a client to have printed by Lou Zoke.  I met Lou at a week-long workshop and saw some of his black and white printing (film at the time!). I was so impressed that I sent him a few pieces to try out his work.  Lou called me after receiving one of the prints and recommended that I enter it in print competition.  I had no idea what that was or what it meant, but I decided to go for it!  I only entered one print (not knowing any better) and ended up winning several awards with it.  I really didn't understand the process or what any of it meant.  If I won the awards today that I won then, I would be jumping up and down and squealing! lol  I definitely was hit with the bug at that competition and began entering a "full case" after that.  By entering at each level (state, regional and then on to national) I was able to earn my Masters degree very quickly.

Any advice to photographers who may have a rough go the first time in competition? How do you suggest they go about dusting themselves off and going at it again? Every experience is a learning experience.  I've had competitions where I haven't done well.  I remember one in particular where I sat in the back of print judging and cried.  I can remember having the feeling that day that I wasn't any good and wanted to quit!  Another photographer talked to me that day and reminded me that while print competition pushes and challenges you, it's not what pays the bills. Always try to learn something from the judges and their comments.

Bay Photo Lab is sponsoring eight large-scale metal prints for CHS' September Burning Man art installation.

I'm caked in fine, white desert dust and rivers of sweat travel down my sunburned, bikini-clad back. The temperature exceeds 100 degrees; the sun is stark against the cerulean sky and its light bounces off the desert floor, blinding my eyes. "How did I get here?" I wonder. "What has brought me, and all of these people, to this exact moment?"

 

Every September, nearly 50,000 people from all over the world make the pilgrimage to the remote Nevada Black Rock desert to participate in Burning Man, a weeklong arts and culture festival. A unique social experiment in intentional community-building and en masse collective-camping, Burning Man attracts metallurgists, curiosity seekers from America's heartland, fire artists, corporate lawyers eager to shed their suits, belly dancers, and Silicon Valley execs--in short, anybody willing to approach the distinctive experience with an open heart and mind.

A gritty, money-free event, Burning Man's celebratory atmosphere, stark landscape, and eclectic attendees are a photographer's field day. While there last year, I snapped thousands of pictures to document the wildness and beauty of a white-sand desert landscape teeming with art, culture, and freedom of expression.

If you haven't yet secured tickets to Burning Man, perhaps the opportunity to check out my metal-print photography installation at "Electric Ladyland" theme camp will give you incentive to join me at America's most influential, alternative arts festival. I will debut large-scale, metal-print images culled from my 2009 Burning Man Album, which Wedding and Portrait Photographers International recently honored with a second-place award in its Album Category.

Metal art is a focal point at Burning Man, and I am proud that this year Catherine Hall Studios' innovative metal prints will contribute to aesthetic conversation among the thousands of world-class art installations that comprise the festival. Bay Photo Lab, California's premier metal-prints specialist, is sponsoring the production of the installation. Metal-printing is an innovative process in which coated metal sheets are infused with dye, creating a durable (and desert-resistant!) product.

I still haven't made the final decision about which photographs to transfer to metal: Can you help? Below are three options. Pick your favorite and post a comment letting me know which image should be chosen! 

Is it Mad-Hatters, No-Judgment, or Desert-Cowboy? Your top pick will be featured at Burning Man! I can't wait to hear from you.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!). 

Check out my images in the New Epson Complete Guide to Digital Printing by Rob Sheppard.

As I've said before, I love to find the innate good in people. I love it when someone unknowlingly makes my day a little better. Two people who do an excellent job of this are Dawn and Dat, the Starbucks Baristas who know exactly how to make my tea, and offer to add soymilk exactly to my taste. One day I went to the Starbucks at the airport.  When I ordered my tea and asked for milk, the barista was very bitter and cranky. She said she would have to charge me for it (which was awkward) and then she only added a splash of milk. It made me even more grateful for Dawn and Dat, the wonderful Baristas in Lafayette who not only offer me Soymilk for my tea, but also ask if I want it steamed or not. 

I love it when people go out of their way to help someone else!

 

LOVE IN THE RAIN

What was so interesting about this book was that it took an unconventional approach to psychology and why we are the way we are. This psychologist asked, "Why do we need to look at our past to figure out our futures? It doesn't have to be that complicated." 

It is life experiences and personal interactions that determine your attitude - positive or negative. Filling your bucket means you are positive to yourself and to others. Emptying your bucket means either you are negative (to yourself or someone else), or someone is negative to you. It's the pay it forward idea, that positivity is exponential. Simply, be positive towards yourself and others (be a bucket filler!) to live a fulfilling life.  I like how empowering this idea is.  This is a great read!

Photo Day with Catherine Hall, hosted by Chris Marquardt

People photographer Catherine Hall is in Leo Laporte's TWiT cottage and talks about what it takes to take pictures of total strangers.  Video 1 of 3.  For more information on Photo Day visit: http://www.chrismarquardt.com/photoday

"The only limitations in life are those we place on ourselves"

When I was in high school, I took a photography class. I was recognized in the class and honored with my own display during open house! During this open house I was proudly hanging around my photographs and overheard my teacher say that I was talented, but would never make it as a pro. Hearing that sparked something in me that made me want to succeed.  Despite the discouraging comment from a teacher I looked up too, I chose not to let someone else's opinion of me determine my future. 

Since high school, there have been many people that feel I don't have what it takes to make it.  The limitations they see in me are limited to their beliefs.  The only true limitations are those that I choose to inflict upon myself.

Every once in awhile you attend a workshop that revolutionizes your business.  This was the case when I attended Lawrence's workshop at Gene Higa's studio in SF.  See how by watching the below and visiting the Tofurious website.

   

One of Frederick's defining moments was leaving the United States Air Force to become a civilian. He worked for the Air Force for 8 years as a photojournalist. The reason for the switch was to see if he could accomplish something on his own. In this video he expresses about the comforts of the military and knowing where he could be step by step for years in the future. Becoming a civilian was one of his defining moments because it possessed so much risk but it was that leap of courage into the unknown that made him who he is today. 

Stay tuned until the end of the video for some tips from Frederick Van.

Defining Moments | Photographer Frederick Van from Catherine Hall on Vimeo.

Frederick Van Johnson is a professional fashion, portrait, and wedding photographer. He is host of  "This Week in Photography", one of the world's most popular photography-related podcasts, and regularly lectures and conducts training classes on topics ranging from business to photographic technique. 

Frederick began his career as a Combat Photojournalist in the United States Air Force, where he served for 8 years and was decorated many times for his work in the field. Frederick's unit was among the first in the military to receive, and put into daily action, the very first digital camera technology--Frederick was awarded the Air Force Commendation medal for his key role in facilitating the transition from film-based photography to digital.

Frederick Van Website

Frederick Van Blog

Frederick Van on Twitter

Everyone knows that Lowepro makes the most innovative, durable, and environmentally conscious camera bags in the industry.  It is no surprise that they have relationships with top photographers such as Chris Rainier, Art Wolfe, John Paul Caponigro, Joyce Tenneson, Mary Ellen Mark and Steve McCurry.  I was very honored to become a part of their team, but even more pleased when selected to be one of their honorary "brochure" photographers.

This year started off with a very unique wedding at PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn in Lake Tahoe.  I knew I was in for a treat when Ci Ci told me that Bob was having a custom tux made to fit over his ski boots.  And why would he need such a thing?  The morning ceremony took place at High Camp on the top of Squaw Valley.  Shortly following the "I do"s'  the newlyweds took me for a ride on skis as I followed the great skiers around the mountain in their wedding garb.  I must admit, it was one of the most fun things i have ever done!

The night reception displayed a completely different tone.  It took place at the hip PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn and was contemporary, elegant, and an amazing party.  Everyone that sees the images assumes that Ci Ci is an interior designer or is part of the art world in some way.  She has an innate sense of good design, grace and style.  As for Bob, well, he is one of the most kind, generous, thoughtful people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  He especially got me when he left the dance floor to find me to make sure I got a "cupcake" - he didn't want me to miss out on the experience of the delicious dessert!

Thank you to the event coordinator, Liz Dugan, and to all the other vendors for doing such a phenominal job.

VIEW FULL WEDDING SLIDESHOW

Coordinator:  Liz Dugan

Ceremony Venue:  High Camp, Squaw Valley

Reception Venue:  PlumpJack, SVI

Dress Designer: L'ezu

Florist:  Belissima Florals

Caterer:  PlumpJack

Makeup:  Jennifer Ergut

Sky Bergman

http://www.skybergman.com

There's a saying that behind every talented person is a talented teacher. If you think about it, it must be true, even if that "teacher" only taught life lessons. When I was in college, I was fortunate enough to have a professor who not only taught me photography skills, but who also encourage me as an artist.

 I met Sky Bergman during my first year of photography classes at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She was one of my teachers, but unlike others, she was also a practicing (absolutely amazing!) photographer. She really knew how to cultivate our creativity and push us further. In her classes, I felt encouraged to try new things.  Things I wouldn't have had the courage to do otherwise.  Another thing I admired about her was that she always knew exactly what to say to motivate us to do our best.  She could pull out the greatness in everybody and pushed us to find out what makes us special. And while all of these lessons were valuable, the greatest lesson of all came when I graduated.

Sky really wanted one of my prints. Because I admired her so much, I offered to give it to her for free, as a gift. She wouldn't accept it unless I let her pay for it. We squabbled over this until she finally accepted it, and much to my chagrin, mailed me a check for $250 (much more than I ever would have thought it was worth!). And while I was both upset that she had paid that much and grateful for the money, I realized her plan had been strategic. She showed me the value of my work, and let me know that it was ok to ask people to pay for it. That lesson about not underestimating my worth as an artist has stuck with me ever since.

Sky and I are now more friends than teacher/student, but thanks to her inspiration and invaluable lessons, she will always be on a pedestal in my eyes.

My latest "Image Stories" issue has been selected by Campaign Monitor in their featured galleries section.  Other featured companies include Suburu, DHL, Apple, etc.

It is not everyday that you get to be blessed with a beautiful bride, amazing coordinator, and fabulous vendors.  Everything turned out wonderfully at Karen & Chris's wedding and the Wedding Channel has chosen to highlight details of the wedding to inspire prospective brides.

Journal entry #15 - The People of Tasmania

As I sit on the plane returning to SF I feel deeply saddened as though a part of my heart has been left in Tasmania. My love for this island does not route from the expected such as sensational landscapes, magical forests, exotic wildlife, but lies in the extraordinary people that I was blessed to meet.

My love of travel is fueled by exposure to various cultures and my love of a country is dependent upon the nature of its people. In my life I have never found a place full of such beautiful people that made me feel safe, welcome, comfortable and embraced. I felt accepted without reservation, judgement or suspicion, which is not always the case when you have a huge camera hanging around your neck. Tasmanians are open people who are kind, generous and willing to share their lives. There is a pureness to them that I haven't been able to find anywhere in the world. They give because they want to, because they have open hearts and minds and they expect nothing in return. The nature of those I was fortunate to meet has truly affected my life and will undoubtfully have a profound affect on me and the way I live my life.

YOU ARE INVITED TO VIEW MY TASMANIA IMAGES (click here) that placed 1st Place at WPPI album competition.  

You may also find out more about my Tassy work and other Adventure Photographers in Rangefinder Magazine, O'Reilly websites, Adobe Lightroom Book by Mikkel Aaland, PDN, TWiT with Leo Laporte, Rangefinder Radio, Adobe Lightroom Gallery Site and by visiting my Blog.

Thank you Mikkel Aaland and all the Lightroom Adventure Sponsors (Adobe, Tourism Tasmania, Epson, Lowepro, O'Reilly and Qantas) for making this trip possible.

 

One of my gorgeous brides, Lucy McClennan, is going to be featured as an "Elegant Bride", in Elegant Bride Magazine.  I look forward to sharing the feature when it hits the press!

Photography by:  MARCUS BELL

As a photographer, I look to other photographers for inspiration. When I need a little inspiration for weddings, I often turn to Marcus Bell.  I admire Marcus's work because of its purist nature and the way his love of photography shines through. He has an amazing ability to capture both the beauty of his subjects and the scope of their environment.

I'll never forget the first time I met Marcus. I was very new to photography and a bit star-struck by some of the leading photographers.  We were at WPPI and he introduced himself and I had to pause a minute--"THE Marcus Bell?"  I was surprised by his down-to-earth nature and humble attitude.  He has a wonderful spirit and does amazing work.

You may view Marcus's work at www.marcusbell.com.

I was looking through the 2008 BRIDES & WPJA contest winners for inspiration and realized that I got 2nd Place in the Parents Category.  I wonder how many times I have won an award or been published without knowing it???  I guess I should probably pay closer attention!

All winners are published on the WPJA website and in BRIDES magazine.

As an artist, I seek out inspiration everywhere. But I never it find it more than in the faces of the people who surround me.  I'm fascinated by finding the beauty and wonder in everyone who crosses my path, and have decided to use this blog series, Surrounded by Muse, to recognize those special people whose lives have lit a spark of inspiration in my soul.


It seems most fitting to start the series by featuring the most inspirational woman in my life, my mother, Linda Hall.

My mother is the most caring, free-spirited, kind woman I have ever met. Whether she is creating art, designing interiors of the rich and famous (such as NFL player Jeff George), or growing the yummiest tomatoes in our home garden, she never ceases to inspire me. In addition to being a phenomenal mother, wife, and daughter, at 66 she can shake her booty on the dance floor better than my friends less than half her age! She lives an honest and moral life, founded on integrity, and loves her family unconditionally. I could go on and on about what I admire, but perhaps the greatest lesson my mother has taught me is how to relate to others and earn their trust.

As I told Rangefinder Magazine, when mom "walks into a room, it just lights up. She seems to be able to do this with everyone, whether it's a famous person or someone who's homeless. She's...very open, and people respond by directly opening up to her. They not only like her, they trust her."

My mother also taught me that energy is contagious-- a lesson that's been indispensable as a professional who relies on good relationships with people. When I'm shooting, my positive attitude carries over to the subjects. Soon they get excited too. They see that I want to create art in a positive way and we end up with an amazing experience.

For this, and all the other ways she has so profoundly touched my life, I thank her. I love you mom!

Click here to view full
CHS_Feature.pdf

I was recently selected as an "Adobe Influencer" and have been playing with CS4.  There are a lot of amazing changes in the updated version and below is one of my favorites:

Check out the "Content Aware Scale" Tool.  Here is an image of my cousin with its original aspect ratio:

I am usually a full frame shooter and have significant content from edge to edge.  I always hate having to crop a photo to fit standard frames (ex - 8 x 10 crop when a full frame image is 8 x 12 - bye, bye 2 inches of my image!). The brilliant technicians at Adobe came up with a tool  that will intelligently crop your images analyzing which data can afford to be lost without effecting or stretching the important aspects of the image.

It took me about 1 minute to scale the image below to a frame proportioned 8 x 10.  I just duplicated layer, went file - content aware square and made the crop.  Powerful stuff!

One of my favorite 2008 weddings has been selected to be published in the summer edition of Modern Bride.  Keisha Martin and Troy Dixon's wedding was absolutely amazing and I look forward to sharing the images with everyone! 

I received special honors in the WEDDING & PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS INTERNATIONAL (WPPI) 2009 Awards of Excellence 16x20 Print Competition.  Designed to recognize outstanding photographers, the judging was held in Las Vegas, NV on February 14 and 15, 2009.

Hall competed against an international field of photographers to win such honors.  The Awards of Excellence 16x20 Print Competition awards are presented each year at the largest trade show, educational platform and convention in the United States for professional photographers. The 2009 competition included 2717 prints in 19 different categories submitted by photographers from all over the world.

For more information please visit WPPI Website

The above image was taken of Norm and I at the WPPI tradeshow.  For lighting we used  the Photoflex StarFlash with soft box and LiteDisc.

As an artist, inspiration is one of the most important elements of my work. My camera has given me the ability to explore the world and I look forward to sharing my discoveries. ln my monthly newsletter, Image Stories, I will take a moment to share some of my favorite images and the stories behind them. 

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