Blu's Daily Blog

To Give People What They Want

(sorry guys I'm so sick today. Just a little stomachache!) They will have all contracts out by the morning.

"To Give People What They Want"   5 weeks until something NEW.  We don't believe in being boring so for the next 5 weeks Blu will do something unique everyday. And that means I will be posting everyday!

Day 34 -  We are giving away 25 $10.00 Starbuck Cards today (Tuesday only!). Take a picture out of your front door. Send it to kailee@bludomain.com
 

The Gossip

The Project I am going to make a book. I will publish it. Name to be determined.  The Project is to archive the people who captured the visual essence of life.

What you will send me: A black and white self portrait & the photograph that captures your style  (make sure they both are your favorite because remember it's going to be published) And the most important piece I wil need is this answered: What are the 10 things you hope to attain in your lifetime. (Each one should be one line) This is a question that most of us don't think of. Most of us get caught up in the doldrums of daily life and forget to seek out the larger picture. At some point we have to see the end of the road and recognize what we ultimately want attain in this life. I then hope you will start to cross things off your list!

Send me these things: your first and last name, state you live in, your URL and company name.

Maybe there will be one book maybe 100 and you never know who else will be behind this. Important note- This is your list of what YOU would like to attain.

 kailee@bludomain.com

Wow !!!!  Hundreds of people sent me their images and lists. This is so exciting. Plus one book will be devoted to the photographers who you see as Mentors. 

10 THINGS I HOPE TO ATTAIN IN MY LIFETIME

Maile Wilson. Texas. www.relishportraitstudio.com

1. That the things I work hardest for would match my TRUE priorities

2. That my children would grow up knowing how to face fear, and have the courage to live lives they imagine

3. Be able to look back and know I did a good job as a Mom

4. Have a 20th wedding anniversary party in Hawaii, where we got married

5. Give creatively and anonymously on a regular basis

6. Travel so much that the world feels small and easily managed

7. Learn Spanish fluently

8. Write a book

9. Distribute Relish makeup and body products internationally

10. Get into really good shape

To Give People What They Want

"To Give People What They Want"   5 weeks until something NEW.  We don't believe in being boring so for the next 5 weeks Blu will do something unique everyday. And that means I will be posting everyday!

Day 35 -  Buy interface 35 today only for $500.00 plus one year of free hosting and an additional gallery. Total value $1000.00 yours today for only $500.00.  www.bludomain.com/35  You can request a contract at info@bludomainhosting.com

Kailee's Picks

.  Pillows that are perfect for giving your living area a little personality! www.amybutlerdesign.com

. Let your child explore their imagination. Crayola's Super Brush has all the goods to create big signs and designs all over the driveway or sidewalk. Kit includes a paint brush, sponge and spat tool.

www.crayolastore.com

  www.wildplanet.com

.  Neighborhood swimming pools open this weekend!  It's Memorial Day Weekend and that means children need new water toys. The new Waterball Pirate Cannon launches water balls. Water balls that can travel 6 to 20 feet.

. if your child needs quick bursts of fun this summer pick up a few Cranium Grab & Go games. Super Jacks, Hoppity Winks, Marbles, Mancala, Sudoku, Tic Tac Toe, Marbles, Checkers and more. Cheap fun and great for travel! www.cranium.com

. the perfect gift for high school graduates, a laundry bag that holds 2 weeks of laundry. What I love is the bag has stain fighting tips written all over it.  In the handy tin bucket are the basic ingredients you need to get started: mild bleach, mild detergent, laundry powder and stain remover. www.lindysues.com

. another site you must visit www.wireandtwine.com

. you all know that i'm obsessed with cupcakes. My favorite cupcake bakeries include New York's www.billysbakerynyc.com and California's www.sprinklescupcakes.com. So naturally I adore this tee at www.johnnycupcakes.com.  And BTW I think I found new cupcake friends, check out cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com

What I need now... a Pilates reformer. Pilates is a wonderful form of exercise, it focuses on precision and  control  while it helps strength and lengthen your body. I am so addicted  that now I want my own reformer. I encourage men & women to sign up for a few classes.  www.gaiam.com

The Gossip

The Project I am going to make a book. I will publish it. Name to be determined.  The Project is to archive the people who captured the visual essence of life.

What you will send me: A black and white self portrait & the photograph that captures your style  (make sure they both are your favorite because remember it's going to be published) And the most important piece I wil need is this answered: What are the 10 things you hope to attain in your lifetime. (Each one should be one line) This is a question that most of us don't think of. Most of us get caught up in the doldrums of daily life and forget to seek out the larger picture. At some point we have to see the end of the road and recognize what we ultimately want attain in this life. I then hope you will start to cross things off your list!

Send me these things: your first and last name, state you live in, your URL and company name.

Maybe there will be one book maybe 100 and you never know who else will be behind this. Important note- This is your list of what YOU would like to attain.

 kailee@bludomain.com

Wow !!!!  Hundreds of people sent me their images and lists. This is so exciting. Plus one book will be devoted to the photographers who you see as Mentors. 

10 THINGS I HOPE TO ATTAIN IN MY LIFETIME

Texas. Michele Anderson.  www.pinkletoes.com

1. A whole month where I get a good night’s sleep every night.

2. A photo session where my two boys are snapping right along side me.

3. A 5D.

4. The opportunity to *really* give back to someone who *really* needs it.

5. Just one Disney World vacation.

6. To learn to speak another language…fluently.

7. To be 100% debt free…no car loans, no mortgage, nada.

8. The courage to drop an insane amount of money on a pair of shoes and not think twice.

9. Grandmotherhood.

10. The opportunity to photograph those grandchildren.

 

California's Amanda Peixoto- Elkins

Who's That Girl???

My name... Amanda Peixoto-Elkins
Where I live... Camarillo, CA
My style... casual. creative. fun.

My website....  www.amandaelkinsphotography.com 

The piece of equipment I can't part with... my 50mm

The album company I use... still choosing a favorite

A website I visit often... Bloglines. All my (many) favorite blogs are there so I just check the ones who show as UPDATED that day. Huge time saver! :)

One thing I do daily for my business... Behind the scenes work. Editing, marketing... and always learning new things. ah! and waiting for the shootsac website to launch so I can order mine (hint) www.shootsac.com

What I charge for an 4 x 6... $6

3 things you'll find on my desk... my blackberry, post it notes (all over) and baby items

Something you must have in every business.... A genuine passion for what you do and someone who believes in you (and rubs your shoulder while you finish proofing and holds the baby so you can get work done).I love you bebe!

Something I always have with me during a photo shoot... besides my camera? A great smile

If I could have someone shoot a portrait of me if would be ... Andre Schiliro or Nigel Barker  Oh, and Jessica Claire for a boudoir session. She rocks!

A challenge I face in my company... balance between my personal and professional life

If not a photographer I would have been an... interior designer

A blog I must read daily..... Gizmodo and dpreview.com

Amanda's favorite image of recent

Something I like.... potatoes...anytime! Everyday if possible!

Something I don't like.... vegetables

Something I like.... cooking

Something I don't like... IRONING!!!!

Something I like... Sunny days...makes me happy!

Something I don't like... watching the news (makes me depressed). The world is a scary place

The brand of shampoo I use... it's a brazilian brand called Natura. Must stock on those everytime I go home!

Something I must have for summer... a Brazilian bikini

I generally go to bed around.... well...it depends on the night. My husband and I love  watching Heroes, Lost, CSI LAS VEGAS, The office... so right after them.

My favorite spa treatment... a well done pedicure

3 things next to my bed... The Da Vinci Code book, in Portuguese (which I never read), a Victoria's secret lotion and a picture of me, my husband and son when he was 1 year old

A bad habit of mine is... drinking coke (can't help it!) and yes I have read all the bad things about it..and my friend Julie has sent me an e-mail containing horrible facts about it...and still I CAN'T HELP IT!!!

A vending machine favorite... Chocolate bars!

The car I drive... Toyota 4runner

If I won 5.8 million dollars in the lotto, the first thing I would buy
is..... wow! maybe I'd be able to afford a house in California! Maybe...lol

You'll never find me... drinking coffee

I heart.... my beautiful family. Without them nothing would matter

The Gossip

The Project  I am going to make a book. I will publish it. Name to be determined.  The Project is to archive the people who captured the visual essence of life.

What you will send me: A black and white self portrait & the photograph that captures your style  (make sure they both are your favorite because remember it's going to be published) And the most important piece I wil need is this answered: What are the 10 things you hope to attain in your lifetime. (Each one should be one line) This is a question that most of us don't think of. Most of us get caught up in the doldrums of daily life and forget to seek out the larger picture. At some point we have to see the end of the road and recognize what we ultimately want attain in this life. I then hope you will start to cross things off your list!

Send me these things: your first and last name, state you live in, your URL and company name.

Maybe there will be one book maybe 100 and you never know who else will be behind this. Important note- This is your list of what YOU would like to attain.

 kailee@bludomain.com

Wow !!!!   I can't  believe how many people took the time today to send me their contents for the PROJECT. 

10 THINGS I HOPE TO ATTAIN IN MY LIFETIME

California.    Nicole Colinarez.  www.leilajay.com

1. Earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in English

2. Visit The Great Pyramid of Giza

3. Kiss my husband while standing under the Eiffel Tower

4. Raise children who are upstanding individuals and who do something to make the world a better place

5. Swim with dolphins

6. Earn enough through photography to lessen the financial burden on my husband

7. Write a book

8. Learn to surf

9. Own a home in New Zealand

10. Become a high school teacher

Massachusetts Bob Pattison

Blu News-   "To Give People What They Want"   In 5-6 weeks where will you be?

Who's That Guy???

My name...  Bob Pattison   
Where I live... Cohasset, Massachusetts
My style... relaxed, easy-going, spontaneous
My website ....www.pattisonphoto.com

The piece of equipment I can't part with... Canon 5D and my
picture-in-picture monitor for editing photos and watching the Red Sox at
the same time

The album company I use... Asuka Book

A website I visit often... I'm a major blog stalker...Blu's,  [b]ecker,  Boutwell's and especially Jasmine Star the most appealing
thing about her blog, besides the fact that she is beautiful and a talented photographer; she is an amazing writer!

One thing I do daily for my business... look at other photographer's websites for inspiration

What I charge for an 8x10... $30

3 things you'll find on my desk... stacks of CD's and DVD's, magazines, unopened mail

Something you must have in every business.... patience, creativity, a sense of humor, and a good accountant!

Something I always have with me during a photo shoot...my wife and partner, Orbit Sweet Mint gum, extra batteries, Gary Fong Lightsphere

If I could have someone shoot a portrait of me if would be ... Mark Seliger   

A challenge I face in my company... finding the time to do more self-promotion, marketing, advertising, etc.

If not a photographer I would have been a ....Navy fighter pilot with a stint as a Blue Angel!

Bob's favorite image of recent

What do you think happens to you when you die...I'll let you know when I find out

What's your drink... IBC Rootbeer

Something you’ll always find in my car... car seats, XM Radio, loose change, receipts, and some kind of sports equipment

What I ate for breakfast.. Rosemary-Olive Oil Bagel and Nantucket Nectars
Orange Mango Juice

Something I must have for Summer... Canon 1D Mark III or maybe just a nice vacation with my family

I'm annoyed by...indecision, non-HD TV shows

Something I love to indulge in...ice cream!!!

Boxers or briefs... Boxers

A favorite beauty product of mine...Dial for Men Bodywash

If I needed therapy it would be for... impatience

I'm happiest when... I'm playing catch with my son; Cameron(7), listening to my daughter Reese's(4-1/2) crazy stories, letting my son Lincoln(2 months) fall asleep on my chest, or doing just about anything with my wife, Tricia

If they made a movie about my life, it would be...a straight to video, cult
classic

MUSIC LAB

Kailee is pleased to announce Blu's new source of inspiration, Jessica Hughes. Once a week she will introduce some all-new originals and a sparkling assortment of tunes that will influence you and make your brain happy! Click on the songs below while you work.

www.jessicahughes.com

1. The Bravery - Time Won't Let Me Go
I'm loving this song. Who hasn't felt like this sometime in their life?

2. Tim Armstrong - Into Action
If you are/were an Op Ivy fan or Rancid fan you'll recognize his name.
Gotta love that ska beat. This guy is so cool. His new album releases on May 22nd and he's giving it away for free. If you want to download it you can go to his my space page at http://www.myspace.com/rancid on May 22nd.

3. Fall Out Boy - Dance, Dance I've had a busy week. I've needed the energy music to keep me going. :)

4.Peter Bjorn & John - Young Folks A calmer song for you guys.

5. My flashback. :) New Order - Regret

And the applause!  We love Jessica!

Guess who is days away from being a daddy for the first time. Blu's Creative Director, Zahari. The countdown is on!  Zahari's adorable wife is due June 4th.

Win a $100.00 giftcard to your favorite online store just by posting on the BLOG as a comment your answer.  You must put the day you think she will have the baby and the time of day AM or PM. The comment can go under any post until Monday. You can only post once and you must put a valid email address. Then the wait is on until the baby is born.

How adorable is she!

Happy Friday!! If you are ever looking for a good Happy Hour check out www.unthirsty.com

Need to shop check out www.jansdotter.com

The Project  I am going to make a book. I will publish it. Name to be determined.  The Project is to archive the people who captured the visual essence of life.

What you will send me: A black and white self portrait & the photograph that captures your style  (make sure they both are your favorite because remember it's going to be published) And the most important piece I wil need is this answered: What are the 10 things you hope to attain in your lifetime. (Each one should be one line) This is a question that most of us don't think of. Most of us get caught up in the doldrums of daily life and forget to seek out the larger picture. At some point we have to see the end of the road and recognize what we ultimately want attain in this life. I then hope you will start to cross things off your list!

Send these things, your first and last name, state you live in, and your URL and company name.

Maybe there will be one book maybe 100 and you never know who else will be behind this. Important note- This is your list of what YOU would like to attain.

 kailee@bludomain.com

BTW a few on my list

1. to take a long-tail boat ride on the back canals of Thailand, Burma, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia

2. to run a marathon

3. to rent a cottage in Bali, hire a chef, have daily Balinese massages and take boat trips with the local fisherman for one week.

 

 

Indiana's Shelly Valentine

Who's That Girl???

My name...Shelly Valentine
Where I live...Fishers, IN
My style...young & fresh!
My website ....www.shellyvalentinephoto.com

The piece of equipment I can't part with...my 5D

The album company I use...Pictage for prints...Leather Craftsmen

A website I visit often...bhphotovideo.com I'm always adding to my wish list!

One thing I do daily for my business...since this is my first year full-time...PRAY!

What I charge for an 4 x 6...$7.00

3 things you'll find on my desk...a cup of coffee, a piece of paper all scribbled on, & a calculator...I can't add!

Something you must have in every business....someone who supports you..i love my husband!

Something I always have with me during a photo shoot...tylenol

If I could have someone shoot a portrait of me if would be ...Mario Testino

A challenge I face in my company...myself!...I'm always my worst critic

If not a photographer I would have been a ....teacher

A blog I must read daily other than Blu's .....   Jessica Strickland's

Shelly's favorite image of recent

Something I like....my dog Lucy

Something I don't like....when she pees on the carpet

Something I like....sleeping in

Something I don't like...being late

Something I like...eating out

Something I don't like...doing laundry

The brand of shampoo I use...I have a rotation...right now Pantene

Something I must have for summer...a tan

I generally go to bed around....11:30

My favorite spa treatment...pedicure

3 things next to my bed...a fan, my Bible, water

A bad habit of mine is...not picking up after myself

A vending machine favorite...cheetos

The car I drive...Mitsubishi Diamante

If I won 5.8 million dollars in the lotto, the first thing I would buy
is.....actually I would pay off my school loans

You'll never find me...awake before the sun comes up

I heart....my job!

Kailee's Gossip

. Well it's very true that I need help in figuring out my own messed-up love life. I think females typically do not have the same mating preferences throughout their lives. I think mine change daily.

I do know one thing, I know how I want to present myself on my wedding day.

Classy, girlie and absolutely pretty.

I love these photos!  Becky Hill is behind these hot shots www.beckyhillphotography.com and  make-up "it" girl www.soniaroselli.com

 

. need a new cocktail recipe?

Key Lime Martini

Ingredients. 1 1/4 oz Midori melon liqueur . 3/4 oz vanilla vodka. 1 oz whipping cream or milk.  Directions. Shake ingredients with ice. Rim a chilled martini glass with finely crumbled graham crackers. Poor mixture into martini glass. Enjoy!

. another summer favorite: juice-box-size pinot grigio and more delicious drinks. www.threethieves.com

If you are trying to lose weight or be healthy - trade your martini for a white wine spritzer. Mix 3 oz. of club soda with 3 oz. of wine!

If you don't drink cocktails spice up a glass of ice tea by adding 2 cups of pomegranate juice, 3 limes (thinly sliced) and 1/4 cup of sugar.

. if you have all the time in the world peek inside www.shopscadonline.com

. if you want to spend all day sending out crazy love letters check out sprintsweets.com

. if you are looking for an alluring alternative to My Space check out www.virb.com. Virb allows users to create profiles, share content, listen to music, watch videos, allows for Flickr integration and widescreen video.

Genius flash programmer Zahari celebrated his birthday this weekend and guess who is days away from being a daddy for the first time. The countdown is on!  Zahari's adorable wife is due June 4th.

Win a $100.00 giftcard to your favorite online store just by posting on the BLOG as a comment your answer.  You must put the day you think she will have the baby and the time of day AM or PM. The comment can go under any post until Monday. You can only post once and you must put a valid email address.  Then the wait is on until the baby is born.

How adorable is she!

Maxim announces it's HOT 100 List.

1. Lindsay Lohan
2. Jessica Alba
3. Scarlett Johansson
4. Christina Aguilera
5. Jessica Biel
6. Ali Larter
7. Eva Mendes
8. Rihanna
9. Eva Longoria
10. Fergie

Speaking of women.  What are 5 common complaints women have with men.

1. He's not affectionate enough

2. He doesn't listen to me

3. He doesn't help around the house

4. He raises his voice when we argue

5. He never wants to discuss tough issues

. for only $25.00 you can make the perfect Raman Noodles, no more soggy noodles. A great gift for college students or high school graduates. www.audiocubes.com

. another favorite! The Original Snoopy Sno Cone Machine. www.fredflare.com

. just because your taking out the trash doesn't mean you have to look trashy!  How hot are these trash bags www.organize-everything.com

. innovative invitations for the ultra-stylish people. www.bonniesstylepress.com

. sundresses for under $30.00. Summer dresses + flip flops = boys!  www.target.com & www.oldnavy.com

 

Illinois's Kari Abate

Who's That Girl???

My name... Kari Abate of Sarah Petty Photography

Where I live... Springfield, Illinois

My style... Editorial, evolving.

My website .... www.sarahpettyseniors.com

The piece of equipment I can't part with... Canon 70-20mm fixed 2.8 lens

The album company I use... White House Custom Colour for coffee table books and Queensberry for albums

A website I visit often... www.homestarrunner.com

One thing I do daily for my business... Respond to leads promptly.

What I charge for an 4 x 6... $120

3 things you'll find on my desk... Water, spiral notebook, Wacom tablet.

Something you must have in every business....

Fun!!!

Something I always have with me during a photo shoot... Music

If I could have someone shoot a portrait of me if would be... Sally Mann, Parker Pfister or Ben Chrisman

A challenge I face in my company... Finding time to get it all done.

If not a photographer I would have been a .... Writer.

A blog besides Blu that I must read daily.....
smartypants.diaryland.com

Kari's favorite image of recent

Something I like.... camping

Something I don't like.... rained out camping trips

Something I like.... poetry

Something I don't like... math

Something I like... microbrews

Something I don't like... hangovers

The brand of shampoo I use... This week? Garnier Fructis

Something I must have for summer... road trips!

I generally go to bed around.... 11 p.m.

My favorite spa treatment... massage

3 things next to my bed... books, running shoes and cowboy boots

A bad habit of mine is... procrastinating

A vending machine favorite... mmmm...Snickers satisfies.

The car I drive... Dodge Grand Caravan SPORT!!

If I won 5.8 million dollars in the lotto, the first thing I would buy is..... a trip to Europe

You'll never find me...  sitting still.

I heart.... making an elaborate brunch on Sunday mornings with my daughters and my better half

BLU NEWS

BluDomain is 5-6 weeks out from the NEW BLU. Spread the word & the love. BluDomain will be "the new addiction" ha ha! Enroll in Blu therapy now!  hint hint.

Blu's Baby Pool

. Genius flash programmer Zahari celebrated his birthday this weekend and guess who is days away from being a daddy for the first time. The countdown is on!  Zahari's adorable wife is due June 4th.

Win a $100.00 giftcard to your favorite online store just by posting on the BLOG as a comment your answer.  You must put the day you think she will have the baby and the time of day AM or PM. The comment can go under any post until Monday. You can only post once and you must put a valid email address.  Then the wait is on until the baby is born.

How adorable is she!

. If you are looking for me on Friday you will find me with a tub of popcorn and tickets to Shrek. Join me??  Will Shrek continue to break records this weekend? The first Shrek grossed $268 million and Shrek 2 topped that by selling $441 million in ticket sales. www.shrek.com

. if you need someone to constantly nag you to "drink 48 ounces of water today, then you will love www.hassleme.co.uk.

. my weekly addiction is US Weekly, In Touch, Life & Style, People Magazine and www.pinkisthenewblog.com and if you are like me and love gossip check out www.splashnewsonline.com

. did you know that Atlantic salmon is the majority of salmon sold in stores and that fresh salmon has only a mild scent.

. if you are a serious performance athlete grab a pair of Kaenon shades. www.kaenon.com

. rumor has it that Britney Spears has been  getting a new treatment called Lipo Dissolve. So you know what's hot now! Lipo Dissolve is advertised as a “breakthrough medical technology” that can help dissolve fat permanently. Read more at www.fig.com

. sit your baby down in style. A sophisticated take on the more traditional high chair and bouncy seat.  www.estella-nyc.com

. click here to see the must-have shoes if your baby is starting to show signs of being high maintenance.

. dance off more than 400 calories with the new released Rock Your Body work-out. www.amazon.com

. did you know if you crave chocolate you may really need magnesium.

. Motorola has officially unveiled the RAZR 2 today. A slimmer, sleeker and more powerful phone than it's successor.  www.motorola.com

 

 

 

 

Mother's Day Winners Announced

Congratulations to our Mother's Day Winner       

What she wins: a SHOOTSAC camera bag by Jessica Claire www.shootsac.com

Rules: Send us a short, no longer than a paragraph, letter on why she is the best mom or why you are the best mom!

The winning paragraph:

Because my wife worked her entire life to get into medical school, graduated at the top of her class, earned a spot in one of the most competitive residencies, then agreed to marry me and give me the family I always wanted.  She knew that something would have to give...she had to pick two out of three...best mother to our son, best wife to her husband or best doctor to her patients.  She chose US and we are so lucky!  Her photography brings her such joy but she currently wears a pleather (that is not a typo "p") black fanny pack because she is too frugal to spend our money on something like a shoot sac...she would LOVE it and look so cute with it over her shoulder!   - John (her husband)

We had hundreds of wonderful stories and testimonials about motherhood. So thank you for taking the time to participate in our fun contests!  Everyone at Blu loves learning about so many beautiful people. 

Congratulations to our Mother's Day Winner

Jamie Dietz

I loved this entry. "Isabella" was born Mother's Day weekend. I love the whole hospital scene, the Dr. Pepper soda can and the exhausted Jamie. And I just can't believe they thought of Blu after giving birth to this beautiful baby.

Rules: take a photo of your mother, or have someone take a photo of you! One of your children must be in the photo or one of your mother's children must be in the photo. Put a can of soda somewhere in the photo.

What they win:  a $300.00 gift certificate to Pottery Barn or Smith & Hawken

Hundreds of entries, these were some of my favorites below. So they all receive a $10.00 gift certificate to Starbucks.

Claim your prize: email kailee@bludomain.com and send me your mailing address (and remember I order all prizes within 24 hours and then they are shipped. If you don't receive yours send smoke signals)

 

   

Arkansas's John Chandler Blair

Who's That Guy???

My name... John Chandler Blair
Where I live... Mountain Home, Arkansas
My style...  my style,,, you know I use some tired description,,, like artistic documentary,,, but the truth is.. I just shoot what I like.  Some portraits,, some moments,,, candids,,, posed,, playful,,, sexy,, private,, fun,, and on and on.  So,, I guess my style is really Blair-esque. (hang in there,,, it WILL become a popular term)

My website .... www.b2weddings.com

The piece of equipment I can't part with...  70-200 2.8 IS  (that thing is awesome)

The album company I use... Leather Craftsmen and Laguna

A website I visit often... Focus on Image.  It's a great little community of some of the industry's most talented photographers, sharing and learning from one another.  www.prophotofocusonimage.com

One thing I do daily for my business... Nearly every day... I edit.  I spend hours and hours doing the behind the scenes, boring as can be computer work that our clients know nothing of.  I always hear how easy it is to shoot weddings, but that Saturday is the easy part... through the week, I'm killing myself with editing and office work to make each Saturday look easy.

What I charge for an 8x10... $23.00

3 things you'll find on my desk... cup of coffee, Claritin-D and a red bra.  (the bra isn't mine)

Something you must have in every business.... the ability to say "I don't care what other photographers are doing or if they like what I'm doing". Well, I guess that works if the business is photography related.

Something I always have with me during a photo shoot... extra CF cards.  I'm not going to limit my creativity by limiting my available number of shots.

If I could have someone shoot a portrait of me if would be ... Man, there are so many talented photographers to choose from, so I have to rely on so much more than talent.  Mark Gardner www.markgardnerphotography.com and Brad Emmons, www.bpimages.com both know me well enough that they could really get me to relax and it would show in the photographs.  Just the fact that they would let me be myself and not ask me to say cheese.  I really don't get traditional photography.

A challenge I face in my company... getting people past the fact that I live in rural Arkansas.

If not a photographer I would have been a .... I'd most likely still be a paramedic, or a porn star.  It's really a toss up.(doesn't every guy want to be a porn star?)

John's most favorite image of recent.

What do you think happens to you when you die... you get covered up with a sheet and stuck in the cooler. After that,,, we'll see.

What's your drink... coffee  with Splenda or a great glass of Cab Pinotage

Something you’ll always find in my car... toothbrush, cologne and a razor.

What I ate for breakfast.. Oatmeal with Splenda

Something I must have for Summer... sunscreen for my bald head

I'm annoyed by... people who smack and chew with their mouth open.

Something I love to indulge in... Cheetos,,,  and shamefully,  Desperate Housewives

Boxers or briefs... ahhh, boxer briefs. 

A favorite beauty product of mine... ProActiv

If I needed therapy it would be for... Man, my job has caused me to be toooo tuned in to women's shoes and handbags.  My man card is in serious jeopardy.

I'm happiest when... I get a few minutes alone, early in the morning with my wife, Trisha.  We've got four kids, so quiet times are rare.

If they made a movie about my life, it would be... directed by Quentin Tarantino,,, and he could do whatever he wanted with the script.  I'm sure he'd come up with something almost as bizarre as my reality.

Happy Mother's Day Mama!

love this photo. She had the baby a few days later! Evan Reid Koral

$420.00 Weekend

the deal- I have the weekend off from posting so I can spend time with my mama!

negotiation- you send me a picture of "a mama" holding a sign that says "mama" and I grant your request for a $420.00 website. If you don't have a "mama" nearby then find one ( he he) send everything to kailee@bludomain.com.  And you can take a picture of yourself or have someone take a picture of you if you are a mama!

expiration- starts now and lasts until Sunday at midnight. You must have your photo & request in by Sunday at midnight.

why- first of all 21 posts on the BLOG & 159 emails in my INBOX begging and pleading and threatening to start a petition if I don't oblige. second reason my mama is flying into Denver to spend the weekend with me. It's going to be 85 degrees in Denver and all I want to do is shop, eat, drink cocktails, shop, eat and play. (did you notice there is no work mentioned) third reason - I would love to post on Monday a series of mom photographs because I personally think MOMS rock! fourth reason- Blu is glowing about the NEW Blu launching soon and every day should be a celebration of what's to come.  The last reason- We realize you just paid your taxes. ( wink wink).

I hope all mothers have a beautiful Mother's Day.  Pamper yourself, spoil yourself, and indulge in what truly makes you happy.

. Happy Mother's Day to project director Aundrea who has been a mom for 14 years! I love

her children Ashlee & Terran. She is our only mom on staff.

 

www.jessicahughes.com

Kailee is pleased to announce Blu's new source of inspiration, Jessica Hughes. Once a week she will introduce some all-new originals and a sparkling assortment of tunes that will influence you and make your brain happy! Click on the songs below while you work.

1. Wheatus - Teanage Dirtbage

2. The Shins - Phantom Limb

3. Angels and Airwaves - The Adventure
I love this band. One of my favorites. This band helped me cope through
my Mom's death in November, so this is my Mother's day gift to her. Very
emotional music. Something everyone can relate to.

4. Weezer - Perfect Situation
Who can resist these guys? :)

5. My deja vu flash back. :) Clubin' at DV8  in SLC. Hey Gabby...
It's a fun one, eh? I have it rotating on my pod, and have to start
jumping around when it comes on. :)