Blu's Daily Blog

Meet New Zealand's Karen Johnson

BluDomain News                            starring Nicole Pitts

** BluDomain will be closed Tuesday and maybe part of Monday

** Interface 24 "Plain Jane" is under construction.   Very fresh and breathtaking.

** Blu can't get a hold of the winner of the "Who deserves a $150.00 something" we will try again on Monday.

** We will post the 3 winners on Monday sometime in the "Favorite Photo" contest. Each winner receives a free pair of Nike Shoes.

** We are going to have a photography contest based on your ideas.  Send us your ideas on what BluDomain should have next for our "Photograph contest"  Send ideas to info@bludomain.com 

** Have a Happy 4th of July!  Due to the overwhelming and not expected response from Tuesday's Fiesta, BluDomain hopes to be caught up on our return on Wednesday.  The servers were overwhelmed on Tuesday and Wednesday from the thousands and thousands of people who were surfing www.bludomain.com  that some people said there e-mails bounced back or we may not have received them.  if you are a victim, e-mail us at info@bludomain.com  We assure you we are receiving all e-mails currently.

** BluDomain will have a meeting next week to finalize Modern 7 project.  A project we have not done before....

Photographer of the Day    www.karenjohnsonphotography.com

My name:   Karen Johnson

Where I reside:  A small town at the bottom of the South Island of New Zealand

What type of photography I do:  Maternity, Wedding, Children and Families

My favorite vendor... you mean apart from BluDomain :)

My next big purchase..... Just brought the Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L IS lens, so no more big purchases for a while :)

My biggest pet peeve in my profession...Would have to be the debate of which is better film or digital

The best way to learn more is to.... study the images you like the look of then practice practice practice!

I'm inspired by.... this wonderful country I live in and the people that live here

Something that I find unique about my business is.... being able to show others how I see things

Most of my day is spent... doing what I love most, either taking photos or working on the computer

My favorite piece of equipment... My 20D with the Canon 24 - 70mm f2.8 L lens attached

Karen's favorite image of recent

What's the best dollar you have ever spent? my first SLR camera

How I stay fit.....ummm take a look at my photo lol....I don't!

My favorite beauty product... Moisturizer...  any brand will do

An indulgence of mine... curling up in bed with a good book :)

What makes you nervous... being on my own at night, I'm a sooky!

Something on my radar this month...Trying to get some/any companies that sell backdrops to ship them to New Zealand.......we don't have  anything like this here in New Zealand

What I fear.... something happening to my nearest and dearest

What I need most in my life right now... like most people I guess....more time to do the things I love with the people I love :)

My Obsession    Self portrait taken June 30th

Inside the private world of Mr. Nathan.  Noone dared tell Nathan that he hadn't brushed his teeth.   There he lie with charm, innocence and a profound comfort in his own self righteousness.

He's not famous yet but he will be.

The Product of the Day:  The Self Watering Plant

In case your like me and forget to water your plants you can now feed and give liquids to your plant via a medical drip feed. The I.V. Plant Pot. When it needs topping up it will be a little more obvious.  A great solution to those who kill plants. Plants do need nourishment.  www.vitaminliving.com

Meet California's Kevin Chin

Blu's Daily Blog

** BluDomain announces our 2006 Blu Girl and Blu Guy

** BluDomain is back to work!  Interface 24  "Plain Jane" under construction

** Only a few days to submit your favorite photograph.  3 winners will be chosen to shop at www.nike.com for a free pair of shoes.  Send them now to info@bludomain.com

** We are looking for Blu Guy 2 of the Year!  Send in your photograph with you holding a "2006 Blu Guy of the Year".  and remember it must be black and white. Why Guy2?(long story) but 2 is better than 1!  Winner will win a Bose sound dock system and a 2gb iPod Nano but more importantly they will have VIP treatment at Blu (free website, lifetime hosting and more!).  Send your entry to info@bludomain.com (Deadline is July 7th)

** Have a great 4th of July holiday! Explosions and loud noises are a must. 

My Obsession                            Self portrait June 29th 2006

A day in the life of Mr. Nathan doesn't come with much downtime.

He skipped work today for Hill Road, abandoning a $21.00 hour paycheck and his wildly popular disk jockeying gig.

He figured he'd always be by her side.

Lucy, the turtle, was having her babies today.  She lives on Hill Road.  He visits often.

He's not famous yet but he will be.

Photographer of the Day                            www.kevinchin.com 

My name: Kevin Chin

Where I reside: San Fransisco

What type of photography I do: Weddings and Portraits

My favorite vendor... Light Impressions.  They make all of my custom mats.  They do quality work, are reasonably priced, and have fast turnaround time.

My next big purchase..... more lenses for my Hasselblad H1 camera

My biggest pet peeve in my profession... sandwiches served as vendor meals especially after working all day.

The best way to learn more is to.... push yourself and think out of the box.  You can only grow as an artist if you get out of your comfort zone.

I'm inspired by....passion…passion for your art and passion for life.

Something that I find unique about my business is....At every wedding or portrait session, I am creating images that will be viewed and enjoyed by generations long after we are gone.

Most of my day is spent... answering emails

My favorite piece of equipment... I love my Hasselblad H1 camera.  I not only still shoot and love film, but I still use medium format.  The H1 gives me the quality of a medium format but shoots more like 35mm auto focus camera.

Kevin's favorite image of recent

What's the best dollar you have ever spent?  The well spent money for my new BluDomain web site.

How I stay fit..... tennis twice a week for my cardio and some weight training two or three time a week to keep my body strong so I can carry all of my camera equipment.

The gadget I must have... a widescreen monitor

An indulgence of mine... smoking fine cigars…especially Cubans when I am down in Mexico.

What makes you nervous... After 16 years of shooting weddings, I still get a little nervous before each wedding. It’s a good thing.  It reminds me never to take things for granted.

Something on my radar this month... updating my business cards and other collateral with my new logo to go with my awesome new BluDomain web site.

What I fear....that they will stop making film and I will be forced to go digital…heaven help us all.

What I need most in my life right now... more time to travel

The Hot Section

** Stars in Hollywood are dropping money on UvaSun's Cellulite Simple treatment.  Designed to reduce the appearance of cellulite over 10 tanning sessions. $399.00 to $549.00.  Check out www.uvasun.com

** Did you know that minimum wage in Santa Fe, Mexico is $9.50, a full $4.35 more than the federal minimum wage of $5.15

** Looking to commission an artist to make you something? www.etsy.com Post a request "I want a handmade iPod case" and members respond with bids. Things you didn't know to save you money!

** Can't wait to see what all the buzz is about in the opening of "Devil Wears Prada" this weekend. A great movie for the girls starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. 

Support www.namecampaign.org by purchasing nameplate necklaces.  Each necklace benefits kids abducted by rebels in Uganda.

 I have found the best gadget ever! No more boring fishing trips. The Fish Activator is an underwater  speaker which uses six digitally mastered sounds to attract the fish.  Choose from tracks such as "Distressed Bait" www.biosonix.com

** Did you know that nearly three-quarters of online fraud reported to the FBI originates from within the U.S.  One online scam that has the highest monetary losses is the Nigerian Letter.  You know the one where they ask you to stash billions of dollars in your bank account because they are about to be attacked by rebels and you are a long-lost sibling of their great grandmother.  I think I get a few of those all by different people who claim that I'm the Chosen One.

** When the unexpected happens be prepared!  2 panties, 1 panty liner,  a pair of underwear and pain reliever in a clear vinyl bag with a zip-closure. www.urbanaid.com 

** Dogeared Pearls of Wisdom. A daily reminder to seek out and embrace that which inspires you and to be that inspiration to others.

What a great gift for your bridesmaids. Many different inspirational sayings and stones. Only $38.00

www.dogearedjewelry.com 

What store do I visit daily?

www.nordstrom.com  I'm obsessed with the new line of Betsey Johnson handbags. The new bag this week is "Betsey Johnson 'Lucky Charms' Oversize Satchel, it's a beauty. I promise to bring you the weekly new finds.

Kailee Goofs...

** Stay tuned Kailee (me) has a new obsession and all I can see is his name starts with "N" 

** BluDomain is so excited today we received our new server so anyone that is due to have an interface today it's coming.... the server was just configured.

Dear Daily Blu Readers:

Due to the craziness of the fiesta and too many margaritas I have made a "mistake".   In my original post on June 25th I stated this "So girls and guys you must prepare a black and white picture of yourself holding a sign that reads " Blu Girl of the Year 2006"  or "Blu Guy of the Year 2006"

And what did Kailee write on the day of the fiesta?    "We are looking for a photograph of you holding a sign (be creative) that reads 2006 Blu Girl of they Year or 2006 Blu Guy of the Year."

I have made two contradicting statements.  An innocent mistake but some people entered with color and some entered with black and white (although we only had 2 entries for black and white in the men's and 300 color photos) this is not right and so the contest is back on.

What happens to our Blu Guy of the Year? Well he read the second posting and did as I had written so it's unfair to dethrone him.

But.......  2 is better than 1 right?  So guys you have until July 7th (next friday) to take a photograph of yourself holding a sign that reads "2006 Blu Guy of the Year" and it must be in black and white.   We will then award the Blu Guy 2 of the Year the same goodies that #1 received.  ( a new Bose sound dock system ($299.00), 2gb iPod Nano ($199.00) and a new BluDomain website (one that you can change as many times a year) VIP and more.  Read the post from June 27th.  Send your entries to info@bludomain.com 

Sorry about my innocent mistake but fair is fair!  Am I forgiven?

'

More Good Moments

Whew!  From fiesta to siesta!  Yes the winner of the "Most Deserving Contest"  will be posted tomorrow.

And everyone is dying to see some entries from yesterdays fiesta.  Here you go...

This is Mr. Darren McAbee hoping to win "2006 Blu Guy of the Year"

The letters we received when we posed the question "What do you think of Brad Pitt being named one of America's Most Influential Men by Newsweek"  were mind-blowing!  Lots of strong and opinionated voices.

Ruth Williams provided some relief to the letters we read!

I'm so nosy and it was so much fun to examine all of the "What's on my Desk" entries.

Here is a photograph of Angela Majerus's desk. I can see she has good taste she is listening to Snow Patrol, and We Are The Scientists, she may be running out of printer ink, where is Sea Grove Beach? Dell computer, Christmas cards, and something handmade that I'm guessing a child made. I think she wears glasses, is addicted to Coca Cola Zero and it's obvious she has a passion for music.

Nathan: self-portrait June 2006

BluDomain Is Back to Working Hard

Is anyone tired out there?  Whew what a fiesta!   No blog today my fingers are so tired but I have SO much hot stuff to share tomorrow.  Don't forget to support Superman Returns....  I'm back Mr. Blu Guy cracks me up and I started thinking we should all paint ourselves naked and then take photos and then go to Canyon Ranch to detox. It's a reality check (I think)

Blu Girl and Guy of 2006

BluDomain officially announces it's Blu Guy of the Year and Blu Girl of the Year ! 

Meet Our 2006 Blu Guy of The Year, photographer Troy Schmidt who literally painted himself BLU along with the help of many giggling ladies.  We actually couldn't stop laughing when we saw this entry.  A very creative idea.  Blu takes risks (not sure if Troy will get his color back?) and Blu enjoys those who "think outside the box"  (Troy literally had to go buy paint to complete this project)   Troy has claimed his prize and we also learned he shaved his head for this contest.  Way to go!  

BluDomain announces 2006 Blu Girl of the Year Wendy Armstrong. She is wild and fun and will fit perfect with Blu.  Excitement is what we hope to deliver in anything we do and of course Blu is about FUN. 

Wendy can claim her VIP status by calling 303.589.5782 at 9 a.m. on Wednesday ( Live operators are now sleeping) ** It was a very tough decision and we truly thank everyone who felt they deserved this title.  It was unbelievable...  unbelievable that you all came up with such great concepts.  You all Rock!

BluDomain feels this entry for 2006 Blu Girl of the Year deserves a prize!  It definitely was a consideration as the concept is beyond creative but we just couldn't get around the feeling that others would disagree.  A photograph that sends a mixed message and does it send a positive message for Blu?  Would people see "Melanie Merkling" as a bad girl, a kick-$&%! girl or someone mysterious and sly?  We just couldn't figure that out. 

But Melanie it's obvious you thought out the overall concept and for that we are going to send you a $100.00 gift certificate to www.sephora.com   E-mail us!

BluDomain Thanks You

The fiesta is officially  over in 10 minutes once we crown the 2006 Blu ___ of the Year!   Our margarita mix is gone, salsa jar empty and BluDomain is having so much fun talking about the day.   We had a blast!  Giving away prizes, viewing thousands of photographs and meeting our new clients.  We can't wait to do this next year.  Remember June 27th is now the official BluDomain Day.  We did miss Zahari today, who is in Greece on his honeymoon and believe it or not we have NOT heard a word from him.  Not even a photo.  Poor guy needed a vacation. 

Tomorrow we will show you some of the photos that didn't make the cut but were worthy!  Thank you to the people who chose to goof off and ditch work today!  Honestly you are such a great group of people and you put so much thought and imagination into all of our contests.  Thank you so much!  It's truly breathtaking   Thank you for continuing to spread the word about BluDomain and while we are not perfect we care and we will continue to do quality work and create effective websites and most of all continue to make long lasting friendships!

All BluDomain contracts will be sent out and you will have time to fax them in.   Thank you to our judges for your hard work.

BluDomain Has Read All Entries For The Most Deserving Contest WHEW!

BluDomain is now done reading all entries for the "Who Deserves to win $150.00..." contest.   You cry, you laugh, you feel like Oprah.  Unbelievable entries you wish you could help everyone. Due to the moon being out we will call the winner before we tell the person whom nominated them and then we will Post it on the Blog!  So check back in the morning.

10 minutes away from announcing something very BIG!

Is It Normal To Not Have Received the Contract

Yes all contracts will be e-mailed to you tonight or tomorrow.  Everyone, individually will then have a deadline they have to fax the contract back in by.

BLUDOMAIN WILL BE ANNOUNCING THE BLU GIRL OR BLU GUY OR BOTH TONIGHT.  BLUDOMAIN RECEIVED ALL ENTRIES.  THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE YOU WILL BE A ROLE MODEL FOR OUR BLU.  NO AUTOMATED E-MAILS HAVE BEEN SENT

BluDomain Announces Winner

Miss Blu Intern has picked the winner.....  and her name rhymes with my name Kailee and Kayley.

She is 5-years-old Kayley Johnson.    Miss BluDomain Intern says " this girl is clearly having fun and her painting is colorful!"   Kayley or mom if you are there call to claim your prize on Blu's VIP line 303.589.5782 (operator standing by)