Results tagged “photography” from International Destination Wedding Photographer - San Francisco, Napa, Lake Tahoe, and Beyond

I am excited to announce the winner of my second reader-gift giveaway, an Apple Pro Training Series book that covers the ins and outs of Apple's flagship photo editing application, Aperture 3.

It was easy to enter the drawing--I asked readers simply to leave a comment sharing what camera they use. Responses ranged the gamut from Nikon D700 to Canon 40D--there was even an iPhone thrown into the mix!

I think everybody had a good time connecting with one another and learning what cameras their peers are using. Thank you to everybody who joined in the fun. Are you the winner? In the following two-minute video, my Studio Manager announces who was selected for this reader gift.



I will be offering more reader gifts in the coming months, so there's further opportunity to connect with other photographers for the chance to win some goodies. Have a great week!

Adolescent girl and father in their home in Appalachia.

Lighting Journal Entry #3 - One year ago...

 

Our journey started off with a bang. Ryan and I were in complete agreement that Profoto was the only lights we wanted to use. Since the company is internationally recognized as the best, neither of us thought otherwise.

 

 

We walked up to the Profoto booth at WPPI holding hands and excited to embark on this experience that would surely bring us closer. Unfortunately, our bliss was cut short when Ryan, with his film industry background, exclaimed that we were looking for the second biggest generator Profoto makes and happens to be incredibly heavy. Plus, this generator he was looking for is one their most expensive pieces of gear (we're talking double digits here).

 

 

Ok, I admit it... as a chick, I like compressed, cute stuff. Easy to move, easy to store, and well, cute to look at. We discovered our differences on the Profoto Booth floor and had a bit of a tiff. Needless to say the two sales reps eagerly helping us slowly backed away and disengaged -- awkward!! I felt like we had all been part of a domestic dispute. Good thing I made a lasting impression on my sponsor... and hopefully entertained a few people passing by.

 

We laughed over our argument later and turned it into a point of discussion, finally coming to a synonymous decision on what was best for Catherine Hall Studios. I'm looking forward to sharing my choice soon!

 

Lighting Blog Series Sponsored By: Profoto, California Sunbounce, Manfrotto, and Gitzo

So much of my passion and photographic style stems from my first encounter with Steve McCurry's imagery. Seeing his work for the first time, I experienced a calming realization that I had encountered my ultimate inspiration. This connection defined a place of belonging, revealing stylistic interests that were not being stimulated by my more traditional photography education.

 

Steve's work truly resonated with me. I felt a connection, an inexplicable understanding in a way I have never felt with any other artist. His worked allowed me to envision where I wanted to go and instilled confidence that pursuing a similarly inspired style was possible.

 

Motivated about photography and eager to find my true photographic passion, I set out for India on a six week trip of self-exploration with Steve's Portraits book in hand. I spent evenings pouring over his work. His inspiration stirred something within me, and my style began to develop out of this desire to create imagery that like his profoundly impacts people in many ways.

 

I returned from India determined to pursue photography and moved to New York jobless, friendless and penniless. I did the inevitable, something I had to do if only to say I tried, and pursued a position with Steve McCurry. Astonished, I landed an internship position that influenced my photographic journey in intangible ways.

 

Working with such a talented photographer was absolutely extraordinary experience that opened the way for the flourishing career I have today.  I learned to ask for the impossible and to follow your true sense of purpose. Steve was my teacher before we met and continues to be an invaluable inspiration and an extraordinary mentor to this day.

I guess it started a while ago when I realized that for most wedding photographers, myself included, "I exclusively work with natural light" translates into "I am afraid of strobe." For many years, I lived by this mantra understanding and celebrating pure, natural light. However, despite the ability to manipulate this light, I have to admit that my photography was ultimately being restricted by the oh so glorious Sun.

As an album judge for WPPI over the years, I watched the albums go through and  noticed a trend - flat light. As technology advances with higher ISOs and cheap digital cameras, people appear to be skipping over lighting theory. In reality, wedding photographers are probably the guiltiest of this in the photography genre.

While I have my reservations, I realized I had become quite comfortable and skilled working with natural light. I also understood that to be the best possible photographer for my clients and myself I needed take advantage of all the lighting tools available. This of course, included manipulation of artificial light and thus facing my apprehension head on. It was scary but also exciting.

After all, one of the greatest attributes of being an artist and a photographer is the ability to always be challenged and the never-ending opportunity to learn and grow. Last year, I choose to push myself out of my comfort zone of natural lighting and now I would like to share my journey into the world of enhanced lighting with a blog series, "Lighting Journey." I hope you enjoy the ride.

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.

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.

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.

Sometimes, when I get to thinking about my life, I see connections that only make sense in hindsight. I thought it might be interesting to share some of these, so here goes... 

One might wonder what massage therapy has to do with my current skills as a photographer. Well, when it gets down to it, it has a lot to do with how I got to where I am today. When I was in college, something told me to go through massage school at the same time (crazy, I know... all that extra work). I couldn't figure out why, but at the time it just felt like something I needed to do. So I got my massage therapist certification and graduated from photography school and like many other graduates, wondered, what's next? And, like most graduates, figured I could go live with mom and dad, or go "take a break" somewhere and focus on living life. I chose the latter. I moved to my family's cabin in Lake Tahoe, where, upon realizing I needed a job, massage therapy was the clear answer. I started working as a massage therapist, accepting photography jobs on the side and traveling during Tahoe's down season. While working with massage clients, I was learning how to make photography clients feel comfortable and trusting of my skills. I guess that's inevitable when you ask a total stranger to strip down and spend an hour with you in a dark room with the door closed!

Above is a photograph of the three 1st place album winners at WPPI, Vegas 2009 - Catherine Hall (me! - 1st place, event / non-wedding), Deatte and JB Salee (wedding - multiple photographers), and Jerry Ghionis (wedding - single photographer).

This year I was incredibly excited receive 1st Place at WPPI for my album on Tasmania.  I will post more information on the competition when I receive the formal press release.  Thank you Kyla Knight for all your help and inspiration, I couldn't have done it without you!

This year I was selected to be part of the "Dream Team" at WPPI - the biggest Wedding and Portrait Photography Tradeshow, worldwide!  Come by my platform class and say hello - Monday 8 am.  I know it's early, that's why coffee was invented!

The WPPI Convention and Trade Show not only provides an occasion to stock up on all the newest photographic equipment, but also offers an opportunity to see the best and most requested speakers in the photographic industry. There's only one show that continuously brings you the speakers you want to see and 2009 will be no exception.

Download the show entire schedule. I look forward to seeing you there.

Hear a personal interview about my upcoming Platform Class!

WPPI presents a variety of radio programs geared towards editorial, commercial, nature, portrait & wedding photography professionals. Join WPPI Radio host Scott Sheppard with in-depth interviews featuring special guests representing the industry's photography experts who will be speaking at this years WPPI EDU-Convention as well as with executive insiders. Listen to the latest News on the WPPI 09 Trade Show & Convention.

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Tonight my work was included in an exhibit for Tourism Tasmania at 111 Minna Gallery in San Francisco.  Above is a photograph of me and one of my favorite friends from the Adventure, Angela Drury. 

Established in 1993 in downtown San Francisco, the gallery showcases a unique blend of local and international artists, world class DJ's, live performance, and film screenings in an elegantly urban and ever-changing 4,000 square foot space. The gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Friday 12-5 pm and nightly on a rotating schedule for special events.

I was recently selected to be a part of Lowepro's Photography Showcase.  It is quite an honor to be a exhibited amongst some of the industries biggest legends, such as:  Steve McCurry, Chris Rainier, Denis Reggie, Greg Gorman, John Paul Caponigro, Joyce Tenneson, Marry Ellen Mark, Seth Resnick.

I use Lowepro products to carry / protect all my gear.  They have a phenomenal product line and are very conscious & supportive of the environment.

Take a look in this year's PDN Wedding and Portrait Event Guide to see me featured in the "what to wear" article.  

"What you wear to shoot a wedding not only sets the tone, but can also ensure future
business...."  Read rest of article here.

The above image earned an "Honorable Mention" in the Women In Photography International   2008 Juried Competition.  Please visit WIPI online exhibition to view all winners.

Mikkel Aaland's Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure book recently hit the stand is available through Amazon today!  My images, along with the other 16 Adventure Photographers will be found throughout this amazing book.

Product Description
This beautifully illustrated and eminently practical book offers a complete tour of Lightroom 2, the integrated digital photography workflow application that allows serious photographers to import, select, develop and showcase large volumes of digital images. Augmented by photos and case studies from a demanding road test in Tasmania, award-winning photographer Mikkel Aaland explains how Lightroom can improve the way you work.

After watching -- and often helping -- Adobe create Lightroom entirely from the ground up, Aaland (author of Photoshop CS3 RAW) decided to try it out in the field. He organized a group of top-notch photographers for a trek to Tasmania, the exotic island south of mainland Australia, where the only studio was Lightroom on a laptop. In Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure, Aaland uses hands-on knowledge from the trip to demonstrate how Lightroom can help you create the best possible image under any conditions.

I was recently selected as a judge for the International Aperture Awards 2008.

IPA has assembled an international panel of judges from the professional photography industry to judge the inaugural International Aperture Awards, these awards are enhanced by leading industry professionals which will build and make this award the richest and most prestigious on-line global photographic competition. To enter competition or view profiles of judges please visit IPA site.

I was extremely fortunate to be included in Ron Dawson's F-Stop Beyond Series.  He has interviewed many of our industries top professionals such as the Woods, Michelle Celentano, Jim Garner, Joe Photo, etc.  He is an incredible artist himself and did and amazing job.   Below is his interview description and link to the show.

What do a massage therapist and a wedding and portrait photographer have in common? Well, you gotta listen if you want to find out. Perhaps it was Catherine Hall's experience as the former that contributed to her being such a terrific photographer. Or, maybe it was the nationally acclaimed skiing she used to do that gave her the competitive edge to rise above the rest. Or, perhaps, despite the fact that she was a middle child, instead of embracing a "Jan Brady" ("Marcia! Marcia! Marcia!") attitude, Catherine always saw herself AS Marcia. Whatever the secret, Catherine's experience as an editorial, portrait, and wedding photographer have made her creme of the crop in the industry (she was one of only a few women selected as "Young Guns" earlier this year at WPPI). This is one of those episodes that will make you laugh as well as give you inspiration. We cover a whole host of topics: childhood; massage therapy; skiing; west coast vs. east coast (she's bi-coastal, "not that there's anything wrong with that."); and, at the end, she gives us her take on two of the most oft-asked questions she gets as a speaker and instructor: how do you get sponsors and how do you get to charge high fees? We cover such a variety of topics, I've crowned Catherine "The Tangent Queen." 

Please enjoy the SHOW.