Behind the Lens with Catherine Hall Studios
If you are looking for a photographer whose images translate subtle interactions into timeless narratives, you don't have to look any further than Catherine Hall Studios! Not only has Catherine's images attracted the attention of high-profile magazines like Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, InStyle Weddings, and The Knot (which recently named her Best Wedding Photographer), but her editorial and photojournalistic images appeared in publications like The New York Times. Furthermore, her fine-art images have been exhibited widely throughout Europe and the United States, and her editorial-photography assignments have taken her to over thirty countries. Yet, even though Catherine has experienced success all over the globe, Tahoe will always feel like home to her. In this post, we get to know her a little bit more and find out why Big Blue holds such a special place in her heart.
What brings you the greatest joy in your life?
Capturing a sensational image! When everything falls into place - the lighting, composition, posing, etc and I know I have nailed it!
What brought you to Tahoe?
My roots in Tahoe go all the way back to being a Mighty Might on the Squaw Valley Ski Team. After ten years of being on the team and three years of coaching, Tahoe will always feel like home to me.
Describe Lake Tahoe to someone that has never been here.
Vast, RAW, powerful in both appearance and energy, epic beauty.
Tahoe lifestyle: winter or summer?
SUMMER!
If you were not a wedding photographer, what would you do?
I would do what I already do, photograph other genres and educate on the craft of photography. With clients like Sephora and John Deere, I have been very lucky to not only photograph weddings but people in all types of genres.
What inspires your work?
Making the world a more beautiful place by creating art for my clients.
What is a fun fact about your company?
Fourteen years in business, baby! Also, I started in New York with the mantra: "If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere."
What is the career highlight you are most proud of?
Publications and awards are great, but I measure true success by the fact that people with the means to hire anyone choose Catherine Hall Studios.
What is your go-to conversation starter with a potential client?
Learning about them.
How would you describe the perfect day in Lake Tahoe?
A little cloud cover, actually!
What are you most proud of?
My career and my beautiful family (husband and two girls).
Who inspires you the most?
Doing a great job, creating something sensational.
What is your life motto?
Living life to the fullest from a place of abundance.
What was the most recent thing that made you laugh?
My 1.5-year-old daughter's belly laugh.
What's the most useless talent you have?
Double-jointed.
What is the closest thing to real magic?
When everything is in sync with the client and the images we are creating.
What was your go-to activity during quarantine?
Camping trips with my family.
What kind of wedding guest are you?
Dancing.
Working in the wedding industry is not for the faint of heart. So how do you rest and rejuvenate?
Spending lots of time in nature (hiking, camping, etc.), with my children, friends, doing yoga, dancing, watching good movies, and reading good books.
What is something people might not know about you?
I started my journey as a photographer at age 16 when I overheard my photography teacher telling a parent that I was very talented but would never make it as a professional.
Any four-legged friends in your home?
My 1.5-year-old?! Otherwise, no.
Still looking for a wedding photographer? We'd recommend checking out Catherine Hall Studios'listing on our vendor guide!
Credits
PhotographerCatherine Hall Studios / Photo of Catherine in Red DressJerry Ghionis