** BluDomain has several outages in the past week with one of our servers (we have many so this is only 1 server to squash any rumors that may get started) and we have been working very closing with hosting through the night. Some of us didn't sleep. It turns out hosting updated something that is causing our code not take so we are going one by one through each file on that server to rewrite the code to make them in sync. Very frustating for us as well as you and will take hours for us to do. So BluDomain is not working on anything today but this. However we now see this server has some downfaults and have worked well through the night to find the bug. Thank you for being patient.
Photo taken by Jen Jesseph
** The Gnome "Jack" has arrived from the UK. Today he will leave BluDomain headquarters as he travels to ..... Kentucky
For a week Jack will be a guest of the Schmidt's. Everyday we will get a photograph to update us on his well-being.
If you would like "Jack" to hang out with you for a week e-mail me at [email protected]
** We have confirmed the gossip that a BluDomain photographer will be the "famous" photographer behind the wedding of Biggest Losers winner Matt Hoover and Suzy Preston. Stay tuned as Blu's Daily Blog will have the gossip.
** BluDomain launches interface 25 "Renovation" on August 18th
** Enter now! BluDomain is holding 2 contests. Deadline is August 24th. Send us your favorite image of a "Bride" (win 3 frames from Room and Board) or send us your self-portrait "jumping in mid-air" (win 2 1-hour massages) Send all photos to [email protected] and remember only one entry per photographer.
All week we will be showing you visuals from the highly anticipated launch of Interface 25 "Renovation" Today is the "testimonial page" that features unlimited testimonials. Other ideas? Use this section as a "news" page, or "press" page .
sophisticated and heavenly!
Site to launch on Friday August 18th.
Photographer of the Year 2006
** BluDomain has collected a years worth of data. Anytime someone mentioned another photographer in a "good way" we put a star next to their name. We finalized the list and it was obvious who other photographers admired, were inspired by, looked up to, and bragged about. Now just because you didn't make this years list doesn't mean you weren't on our "Stardom Map" The map was continuous and lit up our office, we used metallic stars. We had to cut the list and that is always hard however we are very happy with the results.
Now it's your turn to be inspired as I interviewed each one of them. Same interview different day. At the end.. you will VOTE BluDomain's 2006 Photographer of the Year. That photographer will win a $500.00 cash prize and more but most importantly the prestigious title of being Blu's Photographer of the Year 2006 and of course the trophy will be presented.
Every day join us on the Blu carpet as we unveil our next nominee!! Today's "superstar" is Jessica Claire
My name: Jessica Claire
How long have you been a photographer for... 7 years total.
Where I live.. beautiful, sunny Orange County California!
A piece of equipment that I could never part with.... my 5D and 85 1.8. I could shoot an entire wedding with that one setup. actually I think I did once shoot a wedding with only that setup!
The advice I give to photographers who are just getting started.. second shoot as much as possible even if you have to do it for free. no amount of classroom learning beats on the job experiences.
Something that is overrated.. shooting RAW. I've nver shot a RAW image in my life which makes me more careful on the job.
A helpful tip that has been useful.. My father always says to "underpromise and overdeliver" I think that is the number one secret of running a successful, referal based business.
What I know.. some days, lots, some days, not so much !
What I know now that I didn't know then.. I know there is a whole lot more than being a photographer than the actual photography. I'd say being a good photographer is important but a very small part of what makes someone successful and profitable.
A vendor or product that helped me grow... the digital wedding forum.. i've picked up so much good advice there over the years. I also love my Pickpic Carts www.pickpic.com and love the way that they make it so easy for clients to buy prints and other items.
I'm in awe of.. the way becker [b] has built his brand and his word of mouth advertising skillz. I don't how he's managed to get everyone talking aobut him all the time but I hope my little logo will be as recognizable!
The hardest part of photographing is.. working with people who feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. it is really hard to get people to understand that part of making a good picture has to come from within them. I can't shoot emotion that they are afraid to show, and it's very hard to blend in when they are so camera aware.
A single contributing factor to my success.. booking my first destination wedding. that very first wedding (which when it was all said and done, I probably paid them to shoot it) definitely launched my career as a destination wedding photographer. Almost every job that I have ever booked out of town can be traced back to that one job in some way.
"As far as shooting goes, there is no substitute for really learning your equipment. When you shoot, you shouldn't be thingk about "how do I change that setting?" or "how do I work that again?" Regarding pricing- you can only charge what you truly believe you are worth. I see a lot of photographers trying to move up in price fail because they can't justify their prices to themselves, and how is a bride supposed to believe in you if you can't? Also, if you want to branch out of your market, don't be afraid to start marketing and booking there before you move- just don't close any doors behind you. the year i moved to California, I still had 15 weddings back on the East coast already booked, I just sucked it up and flew back for all those weddings on my own dime instead of not booking them in the first place because even with the cost of the ticket I still profited more then if I hadn't shot at all. You can also learn a lot from hands on seminars. My business partner, Liana Lehman and I are giving a killer seminar in Cabo San Lucas next year (and that's not all on our lineup) Check out www.xtremeseminar.com
Jessica's favorite image of recent
What I do to unwind... i always take a few extra vacation days when i travel to go to the spa, kick it by the pool or just hang out!
My weakness is.. reality tv. I know it's trashy and stupid but i just love it. i actually tried out for the Real World once, but since i wasn't a minority, gay or seriously emotionally damaged they didn't pick me.
Something i have never done.. skydived or traveled to Europe (no sense in jumping out of a perfectly good plane) but with any luck I'll be in Europe before this year is over!
Where you'll find me on a Thursday night at 7 p.m.... you can find me slowly unpacking my house, having dinner with friends or more likely, working.
3 adjectives to describe me.. cute, smart and fun to be with!
I'm addicted to.. chips ahoy cookies, white russians and expensive shoes.
If you would like to see more of Jessica's work go to
www.jcsphoto.com or www.blog.jcsphoto.com or www.xtremeseminar.com
Back to School Goodies
** Turn any surface into an instant magnetic bulletin board. Adheres to walls, dashboards, lockers, mirrors and cabinets. Leave a daily photograph of "mom or dad" in your child's bathroom with a daily reminder of how much you love them! Different magnets to choose from. www.threebythree.com 
** When finding the perfect backpack for your child make sure it's in relation to the size of your child.
Remember, kids need sufficient room in all of the compartments for things like gum and cell phones. And make sure it has padded straps that are comfortable and that the weight of the backpack is evenly distributed. The backpack is very important in your child's daily life so make sure you give your children lots of choices in colors, sizes and designs. Target has a great selection of backpacks and lunch boxes all under $35.00
If your child has a lot to haul make sure it has wheels www.potterybarnkids.com
** If your children are into cartoon characters www.walmart.com is the place to be!
** And if you're way too cool and heading into highschool or college you will LOVE the backpacks and totes at www.containerstore.com 
** or www.oldnavy.com
Don't get caught passing notes! www.fredflare.com
** Calling all fashion divas head on over to www.fashionclub.com
** My vote for the best l
unchboxes goes to www.gap.com On sale for $10.50
** Do you remember when lunchboxes were made out of metal? I don't but they are super cool and you will defiinitely rule the lunchroom with your new Ramones lunchbox. www.lunchboxes.com
Oh we already have plans for Jack!!! LOL Can't wait to meet the little guy!
Posted by: BluWife | August 10, 2006 at 07:02 AM