If you were one of the hundreds of partygoers at the Pictage Party at Studio 54 for WPPI 2009, you might have seen the true rockin side of this rockstar photographer.  This girl is not only an incredible photographer, this girl can dance!

Catherine Hall has been capturing expressive images of people through her camera since an early age.  With clients such as John Deere, News Corp, Reuters, and Goldman Sachs, Catherine Hall is one of the top professional photographers working today.

One of the best parts about Catherine is her sweet and gentle spirit.  With her long list of accomplishments, Catherine could be quite the diva, but she’s not, she is just one of the girls… her modest demeanor would never give away the fact that she has published work in The New York Times, Elegant Bride, Grace Ormande, The Knot, PDN, National Geographic Traveler, Rangefinder, The Tribune, The Sydney Morning Herald, and American Photo.  Her work has been displayed on Time Square billboards and in promotional materials of numerous non-profit organizations.  Catherine is sponsored by Epson, Kodak, Tamrac, B&W, WPPI, and Julia Dean… her work as been exhibited worldwide, including New York City, Paris, and San Francisco (my favorite city).

I admire Catherine for the hard work she has put into her career and the influence she has as a woman in this industry.  She gives of herself freely, teaching workshops and seminars around the country– most recently  at the Texas School.

As an accomplished teacher and international print and album judge, Catherine’s Tasmania album recently took first place at the 2009 WPPI International Print Competition in the event/non-wedding catagory.    She also received three accolades of Excellence in the 16×20 print competition.

Catherine’s work will also be featured at Foto Week DC as the winner of the PDN World in Focus Contest sponsored by National Geographic Traveller.

I first really got to know Catherine during the filming of The Longest Day with Ron Dawson. I was thrilled to discover that one of her studios was based in San Francisco, right near me!   Catherine also has a studio in New York… not so close, but so fun to have friends in New York!  :-)

Catherine’s answers to our Jules Cafe questions are so genuine and thoughtful, I think you’ll really be inspired this week.  I love her take on coming to peace with yourself as an artist, and as a human being.  ”Don’t crave what you think you lack, and enjoy the ride.” Well said, Cat!

LEARN:  What’s something that you feel like you’d like to learn more about, something you are continually learning?

A: I am fascinated by social and viral marketing.  It is alive, breathes, and changes everyday, which means that you can never master it.  It is exciting for me to explore new ways of reaching broader audiences. I am also very interested in multimedia (see www.catherinehall.net for sample) and the possibilities of using images in collaboration with interviews, video, etc. to create a more touching and holistic view of an event. I’m interested in these things because even as photographers, we are always growing and coming into our own.  Each year I feel my work gets stronger, yet I feel like I have only just begun to tap into what I am capable of.

What is something that you wish someone would have told you before you had to learn it the hard way?

A: Don’t question yourself as a human being or your growth as an artist. In the beginning of my career, I had a lot of anxiety. I wondered how I was going to make it all work, what was my style, how do certain lights work, how should I retouch… the list goes on. I was frustrated not knowing the answers and wanted to figure it all out– and soon. I have finally come to peace with the fact that we are in an evolving career and we are never going to know all the answers.  So my advice is to just be at peace wherever you are at any given moment in your personal journey. Don’t crave what you think you lack (such as success, defined style, etc.), and enjoy the moment. It will all come when you are ready. You will always be growing and will never reach the finish line — you may as well enjoy the ride

On a more technical note: carry a good back up camera. My shutter failed in the middle of a wedding portrait session and I had to borrow my 2nd shooters backup camera (thank you Doug Miranda!) which had all different settings– made me fumble a bit!

GROW:  How have you grown in the past five years in your business, in your own personal quest for growth, in your awareness of the world around you?

A: WPPI is a must attend. In fact, I attribute a lot of my success as an artist and a business person to my annual trip to Vegas for WPPI.  I have only been a full – time photographer since Fall of 2006, so I can’t attest to five years. However, I have grown in a lot of ways– my style has emerged, but I had to learn to believe in myself and shoot TONS until I figured out my niche. I have met a lot of industry friends that continually challenge, support, and inspire me. Photographers and amazing friends such as Lori Nordstrom, the Bianchi sisters, Curt Littlecott, Jim Garner, Gene Higa, Ann Hamilton, Tony Chambers, the Salees and Melissa Slater (to name a few!) are always there for me, which makes me feel a “safe” in this often cut throat competitive field.  

How would you recommend others grow—do you have a favorite marketing tip, workshop suggestion, or convention to attend?

A: As for favorite marketing tip – First off, produce work that you are proud of so you can authentically sell something that you stand behind 110%.

I also attribute a lot of my successes to actively submitting to magazines, contests, scholarships, etc. In fact, I find self-promotion so important that I have created a resource guide that summarizes my marketing approach. More information on the guide can be obtained by emailing: guide@catherinehall.net.

Workshops are also incredibly helpful. Make sure you attend workshops given by photographers with great intentions; those incredible artists with knowledge and skills to share who do it for the right reasons–giving back to the community. I recommend those given by the photographers I mentioned above as well as Jerry Ghionis and Kevin Kubota.

In my own life (as well as my professional life) I have grown by reading. I love self-development / spiritual books. Some of my favorites are The Power of Now, How Full is your Bucket, and Energy Leadership.  As for photography books, Dane Sanders’ Fast Track Photographer is a must read.

SHARE:  How do you feel that you contribute to the industry?

A: By sharing without sensors.  Despite the competitive nature of the industry, I am not afraid to share my work, business practices, etc. as I believe there are no “secrets.”  I also was supported by many photographers in my career and hope to do the same.  I also contribute by understanding and enforcing the great value of what we do by charging what I am worth and not giving deals or discounts, especially under the pressure of these hard economic times.

What is something you would like to share with your fellow colleagues? How can they turn around and do the same for others?  Favorite charitable contribution?

A: Do work that inspires you and keeps your passion alive.  Making a living on your art is risky and our passion is vulnerable. Take care of it, don’t abuse it, and build your business in a way that keeps you inspired artistically and creates a lifestyle with the balance you want.  I also find it helpful to give back and do a lot of work for overseas charities.  For example, I spent several months in Vietnam doing non-profit work to help raise awareness and funding for their neglected hospitals.

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Catherine, you are an inspriation to me!  You have accomplished so much in such a short amount of time, and I appreciate you!  Please make sure to visit Catherine’s site and check out her marketing guide, she is obviously doing something right!

Take a moment and check out Catherine’s amazing and varied work, a slice of life: