September 30, 2009 WIN FREE WORKSHOP SEATS + AIRFARE!
Yes BLU is giving away one workshop seat + airfare to Miami and one workshop seat + airfare to Portland, Oregon. You have 5 DAYS to win this once in a lifetime experience for FREE!
#1 The Portfolio +Workshop by Ray Santana and Kenny Kim and Guest Speaker [b]ECKER is taking place on October 14th at the Biltmore Hotel of Coral Gables in Miami, Florida.
www.portfolioplusworkshop.com
#2 Joe Buissink Workshop will take place in Portland, Oregon, October 12-14th!
www.joebuissink.com
Turn photography into an experience, rub elbows with other cool photogs, learn the topics that are on the cutting edge, and hear forward thinking speakers contributing their various knowledge and advice with you ... ALL FOR FREE!
HOW YOU CAN WIN! Take a photograph of YOU + next to you is a dog + next to the dog is a MAN wearing a tie + next to the man wearing the tie is a WOMAN wearing a cute summer dress and heels! Deadline is MIDNIGHT MST on TUESDAY October 6th! Send your winning entry to bludomain@gmail.com! 660 pixels wide! Please state which workshop you are vying for, if both that is fine too!
Frivolous, cheeky and cute - no wonder your next door neighbor will be a fan! Time for a fun project that you'll either like or love but you'll definitely take notice. Ditch the idea that more text is better! Document your life, a personal or business blog!
* Only $50.00 (doesn't include hosting)
* You can make the blog window a maximum of 800 pixels wide or less. Our sample is designed at 600 pixels wide. Narrow is way cool!
* You can upload your own background, the color bars can be any color you wish!
* RSS Feed
* Facebook and Twitter icons
* Upload your own logo
* One text section
* Contact page
* NEW FEATURE ON THE ADMIN * updated image uploader with copy/paste and drag/drop functionality
* BLU has decided to add VIDEO * so you can blog a post with an image or a video clip!
NOTE: This is not an OFFICIAL BLU BLOG * this is a mini blog!
September 29, 2009 BLU LAUNCHES MINI BLOG ::: ONLY $50.00
Frivolous, cheeky and cute - no wonder your next door neighbor will be a fan! Time for a fun project that you'll either like or love but you'll definitely take notice. Ditch the idea that more text is better! Document your life, a personal or business blog!
* Only $50.00 (doesn't include hosting)
* You can make the blog window a maximum of 800 pixels wide or less. Our sample is designed at 600 pixels wide. Narrow is way cool!
* You can upload your own background, the color bars can be any color you wish!
* RSS Feed
* Facebook and Twitter icons
* Upload your own logo
* One text section
* Contact page
* NEW FEATURE ON THE ADMIN * updated image uploader with copy/paste and drag/drop functionality
* BLU has decided to add VIDEO * so you can blog a post with an image or a video clip!
NOTE: This is not an OFFICIAL BLU BLOG * this is a mini blog!
September 28, 2009 THE 2009-2010 BLU PHOTOGRAPHERS OF THE YEAR ARE ...
We found them! The photographers who inspire * are fresh * evoke emotion * are talented and who are bringing a lot of oomph to the photography world!
Over 18,000 people voted including famous photographers, and famous people not in the photography industry and our team at BLU. The 2009-2010 BLU PHOTOGRAPHERS OF THE YEAR GOES TO MATT AND ANGIE SLOAN! A big CONGRATULATIONS to the Sloan's as they were in very good company throughout the course of this very tight vote.
Your yearly dose of inspiration is just a click away
www.sloanphotographers.info A big applause to the 7 nominees for inspiring us with your work + talent + passion! We at BLU are exhausted! We take time and pride in determining who will win this very prestigious honor and it was far from easy this year but in the end we are ECSTATIC about our new WINNERS!
Popping the champagne at BLU headquarters * stay tuned all year as we toast to their success and their future!
September 27, 2009 BLU 2009-2010 PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR TO BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY NIGHT!!
Who will become Blu's 2009-2010 Photographer of the Year? Stay tuned on Monday as we announce the winner at 6 PM MST.
We are looking for the photographer(s) who inspire, are fresh, evoke emotion, are talented, whom you think in 2 years will be SUPER FAMOUS + who are bringing a lot oomph to the photography nation!
There are 3 parts to the selection of our NEW BLU 2009-2010 PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR!
1. Fan votes * the polls are closed and the winner has been determined
2. Judging panel * which is composed of famous photographers
3. BLU team * each team member votes individually.
THE FAMOUS JUDGES are photographers who truly are FAMOUS * SUPER TALENTED * HAVE LEFT AN IMPACT IN THE PHOTOGRAPHY WORLD ... THEY SIMPLY ROCK!
September 23, 2009 VOTE FOR BLU 2009-2010 PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR!!!
THE BLU 2009-2010 PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY AT 6 PM MST. STAY TUNED OVER THE WEEKEND TO SEE WHO ARE FAMOUS JUDGES ARE + TO SEE SOME NEW PHOTOGRAPHS BY THE NOMINEES!
NOTE: please vote ONLY once + yes we can see if you VOTE more than once and will delete your vote! Stay true to a fair VOTE!
Hooray for our 8 nominees + their fabulous interviews! It's time to VOTE for whom you deem worthy to carry the "BLU 2009-2010 Photographer of the Year" We are looking for the photographer(s) who inspire, are fresh, evoke emotion, are talented, whom you think in 2 years will be SUPER FAMOUS + who are bringing a lot oomph to the photography nation! This is SERIOUS STUFF + your votes are confidential so VOTE for your #1! Voting will continue until Thursday, September 24th at midnight MST.
BTW: every photographer(s) was interviewed * read their interviews below this post * visit their websites + blogs * get to know them!
A very tight race this morning! Votes coming in from the US. Canada. Australia. Japan. France. Vietnam. Poland. Thailand. Philippines. Mexico. Germany. Belgium. Spain. Italy. Norway. New Zealand. Netherlands. Malaysia. UK. China. Brazil. Turkey. United Arab Emirates. Mexico. Bermuda. Spain. This is TOOO much fun!
I got lucky I got 2 INTERVIEWS! Read Angie's first followed by Matt's
Before you fall in love with ANGIE .... 3 things you should know about her .... * I was a major Tom Boy growing up. I've broken my nose twice, I have broken all my toes, I have sprained my ankle 7 times, I cant remember how many times I've had stitches and I almost lost my right pinky toe, from an incident that included, back flips, a bed, and a porcelain doll.
* I love doing things by myself. I go to the Movies and out to lunch by myself all the time. It's nice not to have to entertain anyone.
* I have 6 siblings. We used to make the coolest home movies every Sunday. Complete with our own stunts and special effects, it was Awesome!
What is your most marked characteristic I like people, I feel like everyone has there own book with an incredible story written it. I love laughing. I try to smile at people especially if they seem sad or they are having a bad day.
The most underrated photographer This is a toughie. It's like musicians, there are so many musicians out there who's music is Brilliant and they never get the recognition they deserve. Maybe Tyra Banks? Did you see the session she did with the Models?
Angie's must have's I must have lip gloss and hand sanitizer in my purse at all times.
I must have a huge hug and kiss from my kids before they go to bed.
I always have about a 3 months supply of toilet paper in the hall closet and 3 things of Laundry detergent and Fabric Softener on deck at all times. Not sure why.
I must have my 12 dollar skinny jeans from forever 21.
I must have my yellow flats that I wear to all our weddings.
When you go to Starbucks Vanilla Creme Frappacino or mint hot chocolate in the winter time.
What is it that you most dislike I hate when Matt beats me in Tetris or Scrabble. We have had hundreds of Tetris tournaments and I proudly hold the Sloan Family Record. Scrabble is a different story. Matt has about 170 wins. I have about 21. I loose by at least a hundred points each game.
What you still have to learn ... A lot. I am learning everyday. I think Photography is a life long learning process. Like Shrek it has so many Layers to it. I feel like if I learn more about life in general I will learn more about photography. Yes, I learned a lot in Kindergarden, but not nearly enough to help me jump life's hurdles. I really want to learn how to sew and break dance.
One hour to yourself Hands down I would get a Massage or go to Target.
What you will never wear A Thong on the Beach or a Bjork Swan Dress.
What you are falling for this fall Vera Wang Fragrance Bouquet, oh it smells Heavenly. Also, every fall I fall in love with these Jackets on Etsy
www.etsy.com but Arizona is way to hot to ever buy them.
ONE OF ANGIE'S FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHS THIS YEAR!!
Before you fall in love with Matt ... 3 things you should know about him *I am a hopeless romantic and love to write. I have written many journals, poems, etc. and hope to someday try writing a movie script.
* I scare really easily and can make anyone laugh if you watch a scary movie with me. I take those scared times back to my childhood living in a fairly large home with some dark places us kids wouldn't venture.
*I love going to the movie theatre and prefer that 1000x over watching it at home. I have though recently enjoyed watching certain movies on my iPhone at night.
What is your current state of mind I just turned 30 yrs. old, which to some may either seem really old or still really young. But to me, I have always placed the number 30 with, "You better know what the hell you are doing with your life by the time you are 30 yrs. old." My state of mind is like I had the last 30 yrs. to play and now it's time to get my stuff together! :)"
Necessary extravagance In the Mangie (Matt + Angie) relationship, I am by far the biggest spender! I like newer things like clothing, shoes, cameras, computers, etc. Since this last month we have been traveling, my latest extravagance was a MacBook Pro.
Do you ever experiment I tried for a couple years in going the "Pre-Med" college route, which led me to some weird classes that allowed me to somewhat experiment. I did get horrible grades which led me back to Fine Art College. But I do like to experiment with everything in life. I'd like someday to look back and not have too many regrets. :)
How do you make a statement I am not a super flashy kinda guy, and since I am pretty big: 6'3" and 250+ lbs. it's hard to do something without "standing out". But I do smile and laugh at pretty much everything, so that's my statement/stamp in life. If I need to make a statement in fashion, I'll buy something pretty girly like Pink Vans or I never wear black to a wedding, but rather something super brightly colored like a yellow shirt, lime green socks, or old school thrift store cotton ties, and it usually never matches. :)
I would never walk out of house without My iPhone. It's like my 4th leg! LOL! Sometimes I swear it plays tricks on me with what I think is a fake vibrate. :)
Or checking all of my doors to make sure they are locked, so that if I ever got home and some burglar was waiting to shank me or make me scream like a girl! I also check all my rooms when I get home to make sure no one sneaked in. LOL!
My responsibilities + Her responsibilities * I have honestly washed the dishes less than 10 times since being married almost 8 yrs. ago, so my duties are pretty small. I do wake up with the kiddos around 7am/8am and change most of the diapers throughout the day. I take out the trashes after they pile up. We do have a 3 year-old boy, Maddux, who creates huge messes. Angie does 80% of the housework, cause she is just that awesome!
* In the photo biz, I try to do most of the work. I really want my kids to have a deep relationship with their mother. I loved my relationship with my mother over any friendship I ever had/have.
Guilty pleasure The NFL and Fantasy Football. Don't call me or try to talk to me on Sundays. I get enthralled with it!
One place to shop, it would be Somewhere like Urban Outfitters so I can splurge on stuff from Modern Amusement, Zuriick, and thrift store t-shirts with random stuff.
Maintenance must-haves Some cat scratches/lines/steps in my hair. Getting some new ones hopefully tomorrow. :)
ONE OF MATT'S FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THIS YEAR!!!
BLU to launch something FUN * perhaps useless * but nevertheless cute, random and personal! Stay tuned! Thank you to everyone who submitted photographs stay tuned to see if yours was selected!
Who will be BLU's 2009-2010 PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR?
We have narrowed it down to the FINAL eight nominees + Monday September 21st we will make the big announcement!
They have been up-and-coming for a few years- now they finally have our attention + talent to burn! They are worthy of BLU's 2009-2010 Photographer of the Year nomination! They each have charisma + talent + a fresh outlook + we are going to make sure everyone in the WORLD knows their name! It's all about NEW HOT talent!
One will soon be more famous than the other seven! STAY TUNED DAILY FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH OUR NOMINEES + THEN IT'S YOUR TURN TO VOTE!
1. A panel of famous photographer experts will give us their VOTE
2. Blu will cast their vote based on their photographs + interview and final photograph!
3. Fans will vote BUT it will only account for 10% of our final formula.BLU to launch something FUN * perhaps useless * but nevertheless cute, random and personal! Stay tuned! Thank you to everyone who submitted photographs stay tuned to see if yours was selected!
Who will be BLU's 2009-2010 PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR?
We have narrowed it down to the FINAL eight nominees + Monday September 21st we will make the big announcement!
They have been up-and-coming for a few years- now they finally have our attention + talent to burn! They are worthy of BLU's 2009-2010 Photographer of the Year nomination! They each have charisma + talent + a fresh outlook + we are going to make sure everyone in the WORLD knows their name! It's all about NEW HOT talent!
One will soon be more famous than the other seven! STAY TUNED DAILY FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH OUR NOMINEES + THEN IT'S YOUR TURN TO VOTE!
1. A panel of famous photographer experts will give us their VOTE
2. Blu will cast their vote based on their photographs + interview and final photograph!
3. Fans will vote BUT it will only account for 10% of our final formula.
Before you fall in love with JENNIFER.... 3 things you should know about her.... I'm very shy in front of the camera. I make a horrible model - even though I actually went to Barbizon when I was younger. haha!
* I get giddy when I'm excited. Often times during boudoir shoots, I'll stare through the viewfinder and start laughing because I am so excited about how hot my subject looks. My partner and hair & makeup artist, Maria will usually have to explain that my laughter is a great thing, not to be confused with laughing AT my half naked subject.
* I can't wait to start a family.
* a sneak peek into what's going down this fall ... I'm going to Europe for a Couture Shoot! I'm so excited, I can't wait! More details to come...
unknown pleasures I love going to the mall to get my makeup done for no reason.
blog crush I never get tired of seeing Angelica Glass's work.
something trashy I was once brought up on stage at a strip club. Not sure what came over me to actually follow her lead, but I figured it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
when I have a sweet attack oreo cookies ARE milk's favorite cookie!
the best product in the industry for me it's my tilt shift lens as I use it probably too often! But I know that I also could not live without my wacom pen tablet.
the song that brings out the goddess in every girl during a boudoir session anything by Stephane Pompougnac.
one thing I have an opinion about everything. ok fine. My one major thing I have an opinion about is the freedom and right to marry whomever you love.
five things I can't live without in my closet my bathrobe (a daily staple around the office. sexy!)
boots (both slouchy and cowboy)
skinny jeans
belts and jewelry
and my uggs during the winter.
ONE OF JENNIFER'S FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THIS YEAR!!!!
BLU to launch something FUN * perhaps useless * but nevertheless cute, random and personal! Stay tuned! Thank you to everyone who submitted photographs stay tuned to see if yours was selected!
Who will be BLU's 2009-2010 PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR?
We have narrowed it down to the FINAL eight nominees + Monday September 21st we will make the big announcement!
They have been up-and-coming for a few years- now they finally have our attention + talent to burn! They are worthy of BLU's 2009-2010 Photographer of the Year nomination! They each have charisma + talent + a fresh outlook + we are going to make sure everyone in the WORLD knows their name! It's all about NEW HOT talent!
One will soon be more famous than the other seven! STAY TUNED DAILY FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH OUR NOMINEES + THEN IT'S YOUR TURN TO VOTE!
1. A panel of famous photographer experts will give us their VOTE
2. Blu will cast their vote based on their photographs + interview and final photograph!
3. Fans will vote BUT it will only account for 10% of our final formula.
I got lucky I got 2 INTERVIEWS! Read Sarah's first followed by Chris's
Before you fall in love with Sarah.... 3 things you should know about Sarah as told by Chris .... 1. She knows the lyrics to just about every song ever written from the 90s.
2. Sarah is always chasing after the next big adventure / travel experience. Hence our trip to Thailand for a month this coming November.
3. She is the most passionate and driven woman I have ever met, always seeing the big picture and striving to be the best she can be at whatever she sets her mind too.
20 seconds... time yourself ... go ... write everything that runs through your mind. Today is a new day and I feel alive. I feel so thankful. I’m totally stoked about my most recent lifestyle shoot and am so glad the client is ecstatic. My list today is longer than my arm but I’m soooo going to dominate it.
When you splurge ... I will usually plan a big travel experience for the two of us; or go down the street to Design within Reach, a modern furniture store and buy some piece of décor/furniture that are totally overpriced but totally fantastic.
Your role in the company ... We always joke that I’m the “TV star” and Chris is the “director/producer” J. He is really the brains behind everything and I’m thankful for that. My role includes any client touch-points, blogging, shooting etc. etc.
When you paint your toes ... I leave it to the Pro’s. I love being pampered like that
What I LOVE about me... I love the sense of adventure that I got from my dad. I see the world as my playground and I’ve always been relatively fearless about taking risks and trusting my gut instincts. I grew up with the understanding that I could do anything I set my mind to and I am so thankful to my parents for giving me that kind of confidence, self-assurance and "big picture" mentality.
Some of the one-of-a-kind finds at Sarah Rhoads Photographers ... Our 1973 authentic Hermen Miller Eames Chair & lounge is our most recent addition.
The type of gum she chews ... Orbitz spearmint all the way
The movie Sarah has seen the most times ... Dumb & Dumber or Royal Tenenbaums. I went through a season of life where I watched both incessantly.
Sarah time includes ... I have a slight obsession with going to Barnes & Nobel; I like to go in and collect about 10 magazines and 4 books… find myself a comfy chair and thumb through them all. It is such great therapy for me!
ONE OF SARAH'S FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHS THIS YEAR!!!
Before you fall in love with Chris.... 3 things you should know about him....as told by Sarah J 1. He is the smartest person I know. A techie-nerd type and I think it’s sexy.
2. He loves mid-century modern furniture and modern architecture.
3. He has toured the world playing bass (electric and upright) and was working for a record label when we first got hitched. He was technically trained in Jazz but is especially good at funky soul type stuff. To this day he has a variety of bass sponsors/endorsers.
4. And a fourth just because; he loves me better than I ever thought possible. He is the reason why Sarah Rhoads Photographers even exists. He has always encouraged me to pursue my passion and has humbly supported me. He sets the bar high for me and pushes me to be a better photographer, a better person and a better lover of God and people. I feel so thankful and totally humbled to have a husband that is half the man Chris is :)
3 things you do before you hit the sack Watch an episode of Curb your Enthusiasm or Arrested Development, check Digg/Gizmodo, Kiss my wife goodnight.
What tempts you Vintage Cameras, Old Fender Jazz Basses, & McDonalds Chicken Nuggets
Five things that are positive Top Pot Doughnuts, Café Racer Motorcycles, well tailored suits, Magnets, & Protons
Your #1 best seller I pride myself in my googling abilities.
What you do to stay in shape .
Slappa-da-bass
WATCH VIDEO!
How you shake up your day Love taking rides on our Vespa
The blog you are addicted too Gizmodo and Digg
Who you are rooting for this football season Never been a fan of the NFL, but always keep a distant eye on my Alma Mater Oklahoma State
What you crave knowledge.
ONE OF CHRIS'S FAVORITE IMAGES THIS YEAR!!
BLU to launch something FUN * perhaps useless * but nevertheless cute, random and personal! Stay tuned!
Who will be BLU's 2009-2010 PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR?
We have narrowed it down to the FINAL eight nominees + Monday September 21st we will make the big announcement!
They have been up-and-coming for a few years- now they finally have our attention + talent to burn! They are worthy of BLU's 2009-2010 Photographer of the Year nomination! They each have charisma + talent + a fresh outlook + we are going to make sure everyone in the WORLD knows their name! It's all about NEW HOT talent!
One will soon be more famous than the other seven! STAY TUNED DAILY FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH OUR NOMINEES + THEN IT'S YOUR TURN TO VOTE!
1. A panel of famous photographer experts will give us their VOTE
2. Blu will cast their vote based on their photographs + interview and final photograph!
3. Fans will vote BUT it will only account for 10% of our final formula.
Before you fall in love with ANGELA .... 3 things you should know about her .... * I am the kind of person that will redecorate my house every year. I like change.
* If there was a class for adults that included disco skating I would be there in a heartbeat.
* I get nervous before every session... I seriously think of all the bad things that could happen and freak out. Once I see my clients it all goes away.
5 things in my purse ... Plastic for shopping
Random business cards
IPhone
Lots of trash and crumpled up receipts.
Diaper & wipes
I wish ... I was on the beach, reading a book.
Things that make me LOVE what I do ... Having a creative outlet is the biggest reason I do what I do. I love the whole process, starting with an idea, setting up the shoot and posing, and then creating them into art in photoshop. It is very rewarding in so many ways. Especially since I have 3 year old twins, it helps me keep my identity and do what I love along with being a wife and mother.
Some of my guilty pleasures ... Lame reality TV shows... not going to admit what they are.
Anything with large amounts of sugar or chocolate.
Shopping for really anything, but mostly my kids.
Two gadgets you must have ... IPhone
IMac
Products I use to nourish my body and face ... Bath & Body Works galore.
Patricia Wexler face wash and lotion
Whatever my hairdresser gives me when I show up for my appointment- I hate doing my hair bottom line.
Five responsibilities I have everyday in my business ... Emails.
Phone calls.
Editing.
Arranging for ordering and pickups.
Templates.
Three things I need for fall ... A sweet coat that is both fashionable and VERY warm.
New jeans, the dryer shrunk all my others:) and I have resorted to wearing skirts and dresses.
A new purse that automatically organizes and cleans itself. Anything is possible.
What I had to drink today ... Water & Lemonade.
TWO of ANGELA'S FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHS THIS YEAR!!
BLU to launch something FUN * perhaps useless * but nevertheless cute, random and personal! Stay tuned Tuesday!
Who will be BLU's 2009-2010 PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR?
We have narrowed it down to the FINAL eight nominees + Monday September 21st we will make the big announcement!
They have been up-and-coming for a few years- now they finally have our attention + talent to burn! They are worthy of BLU's 2009-2010 Photographer of the Year nomination! They each have charisma + talent + a fresh outlook + we are going to make sure everyone in the WORLD knows their name! It's all about NEW HOT talent!
One will soon be more famous than the other seven! STAY TUNED DAILY FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH OUR NOMINEES + THEN IT'S YOUR TURN TO VOTE!
1. A panel of famous photographer experts will give us their VOTE
2. Blu will cast their vote based on their photographs + interview and final photograph!
3. Fans will vote BUT it will only account for 10% of our final formula.
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