Today I am proud to announce that the latest iteration of JustinSchuck.com (ver 6.3) is now online and ready for your happy consumption. With this latest version you will notice the most stark change to the website since Version 1.0: the absence of the Justin Schuck Photography logo. There are now sections for my bio, photography, design, social media and marketing, charity work, and contact information. The JSP logo is also gone from the various social networking websites to reflect a change in the business.



As many of my close friends and a few of my favorite clients know, I have been winding down my business over the last 9 months to allow me to concentrate on my design and marketing projects. The last 18 months have been challenging for the business, and will continue to be so in the near term, but I feel a great sense of pride with the work I have produced. I am working hard to get "caught up" loading content into my Flickr account, as well as tying up as many loose ends as possible.


Since 1997 I have had the honor and privilege of working with amazing families, companies and individuals. My work has taken me to New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Athens, Mykonos, Scotland and Dubai. I have been so fortunate that so many people have shared in the experience with me and I look forward to growing in more creative ways going forward.


I've taken some time to ask (and answer) some question you may have about the future:


What will you do now that you won't be a photographer?
I will always be a photographer, just as I will always be a designer. I'm actually really excited that I will have loads more time to focus on my many pet projects that have taken a back seat to my production work. This includes especially my Guerrilla Photo Shoots project.


What if I want you and only you to take my photo?
Well, I'm not ruling out taking the occasional photo, even for an old client, but in terms of a business, there will be no more Justin Schuck Photography. Anyone wishing to hire me may contact me directly by email. Each inquiry will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.


Will you shoot my wedding?
Absolutely not. No way. No how. Tough toenails. Sorry. Long before I made the decision to shut down Justin Schuck Photography I made a pledge to accept no new wedding clients. I photographed my last wedding on October 3rd 2009 in Boston.


So does this mean you're going freelance?
No. I have new endeavors and projects in the pipeline that will be my primary focus.


What does this mean for Justin Schuck Photography clients?
JSP will exist until all outstanding client obligations have been met. This may require additional time to complete certain elements of pre-paid packages. I am working very hard with the limited resources available to accomplish these in a reasonably timely manner under the current circumstances.


I have sent emails or letters to my clients recommending photographers whom they can turn to for outstanding imaging services. The four individuals I most recommend are Noah Deveraux (weddings and editorial work; New York-based), Henry Villarama (weddings, commercial, public relations events and individual portraits; Washington DC-based.), Tony Veloz (fashion photography and individual portraits; Washington DC-based) and my friend Michael Dumlao (all of the above except weddings; Washington DC-based).


Wait, why are you doing this again?
I'm doing this because I love photography so much that I choose to not make work of it. I want to get back to the excitement I used to feel every time I picked up a camera. Some of that has been lost in the last couple of years, not that there haven't been many great moments because there have been great ones.


Why is your Facebook fan page still called "Justin Schuck Photography?"
Unfortunately Facebook will not let me change the name. The only way to do that would be to make a new fan page and that would take a lot of work. I hope that will be clear. If it turns out that people do not understand the purpose of the page—that is to showcase the photography of Justin Schuck—then I will address that issue if it comes up.


What's the status of Justin Schuck and Company, LLC?
I will maintain the LLC for the foreseeable future to afford the protection that it provides in all my endeavors. Since I will still be operating JSDS and L/A Events, there is still a place for the company. Soon Justin Schuck Photography will not be a part of the mix.


What happens next?
We all walk forward. That's all we can do.

Labels: Big News, design, Justin Schuck, Justin Schuck + Company, Justin Schuck Photography, JustinSchuck.com, News, Newsworthy, Website, Wedding

Having started my day feeling sick, tired and achy, the present I received in my inbox just a short time ago really made my day: "CNN Breaking News: Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter will switch from the Republican to the Democratic Party, multiple sources tell CNN."

I have had a great deal of respect and admiration for the senior senator from Pennsylvania for quite some time. He has shown for years that principles count more than party loyalty. He is a shining example of public service and MANY democrats could learn more than a thing or two about the grace and dignity Sen. Specter has shown for his office. Like many people on both sides of the aisle, Sen. Specter understands the true meaning of patriotism—using it for unification, not obstruction.

I look forward to following where Sen. Specter and the White House lead this nation. He deserves not only our gratitude for making the right decision today, but more importantly, recognition for his nearly thirty years of honorable service to this nation in the U.S. Senate.

Get the news from every perspective::
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/28/specter.party.switch/

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/04/28/source-specter-intends-switch-political-parties/

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/28/specter-will-run-as-a-democrat-in-2010/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/28/arlen-specter-switching-p_n_192298.html

http://specter.senate.gov/public/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlen_Specter

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124093451028864031.html

http://www2.arkansasonline.com/news/2009/apr/28/specter-seek-re-election-democrat/?subscriber/national

http://www.amconmag.com/blog/2009/04/28/specter-switches/

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/politics_nation/2009/04/arlen_specter_switches_parties.html

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0409/21798.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30456741/

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/04/28/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry4974413.shtml

http://www.wtov9.com/nationalnews/19311990/detail.html#-

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/specter-to-switch-parties.html?hpid=topnews

http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/index.ssf/2009/04/us_sen_arlen_specter_of_pennsy.html

http://www.npr.org/blogs/politicaljunkie/2009/04/ap_reports_sen_arlen_specter_t.html?sc=fb&cc=fp

Labels: Arlen, Big News, Democrat, News, Newsworthy, politics, Republican, Republican Party, Specter

Justin's photography will be appearing in the latest issue of Washington Spaces magazine, a sleek and informative shelter publication without the pretense. Emily Lyons' article about The Erie, an 11-unit luxury condominium residential experience. Carl Becker of Premiere Properties is the principal broker.

Take a look at the article featuring Justin's photos and to learn more about this magnificent structure, click here: http://www.washingtonspaces.com/2009/3/articles/embracing-change-in-adams-morgan

To view more photos of The Erie not appearing online or in print, check out Justin's Flickr.com photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/justinschuck/sets/72157613578253654/

Labels: Justin Schuck, News, Newsworthy, photography, washington dc

I've said this before, but it bears repeating: my friend Yogstar (Matias Vellutini) is one of the most brilliant musical minds in the world today. His proprietary console program for mixing sound by manipulating video is the most forward-looking and forward-sounding production I have ever witnessed. I am not usually struck in complete awe of someone, but the talent of Matias never ceases to astound me. His sound is fresh and the experience he creates is spectacular.



The Lemur Yogstar Show from Yogstar on Vimeo.

Since I am in DC for a couple of days working, I thought it would be fun to stop by and check in on his progress. Matias performed a portion of a set he was putting together for his first show at an event in DC on Saturday. It was sick, wicked sick. Here are some snapshots I captured of Matias working the Yogstar Show Controller (YSC) which he developed specifically for his music/video.






See the rest on my Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/justinschuck/sets/72157616907914143/

Please check out Yogstar online:
Yogstar.com
vimeo.com/user554973
www.myspace.com/yogstarmusic
www.facebook.com/pages/Yogstar-Matias-Vellutini/21759302532

(He does events. Some of his ideas for a truly transformational musical experience should be explored, sooner rather than later.)

Labels: Justin Schuck, Matias, Music, Newsworthy, Photo, photography, Podcast, Vellutini, Video, Yogstar

That's right kids, through some witty back-and-forth with @IncMagazine on Twitter.com, @JustinSchuck came up with this answer to their question "What is the best thing about being your own boss?"

See the full article at http://www.inc.com/magazine/20090301/we-asked-you-twittered.html

Labels: Justin Schuck, L/A Events, News, Newsworthy

As you may have noticed, there have been some changes to JustinSchuck.com recently. Well, it's official, I'm focusing on my corporate and commercial business. Some people may not believe this, but I actually like doing those "boring" events on Capitol Hill or at some hotel. The clients are easy to please and require relatively little production compared to weddings and families.

2008 was an extremely difficult year for me and the business, making it difficult to meet all of our obligations. It was my decision to not seek new wedding or family portrait clients after some very difficult deliberations. If you're one of my favorite families and are wondering what this means for you, drop me a line and we'll see what we can do. :-)

I've updated the site with a few images and links to Justin Schuck Photography on various social networks. I've also introduced a new special for first-time clients.

New Client Special: Running now through May 1, 2009 first-time clients will pay just $150 for up to three hours of event photography in Washington DC or New York. In addition to photo coverage, you’ll receive high resolution images on disk. We can even FTP them to a server within hours of your event or place the images online through Collages.net. It’s time you see the high-quality images our clients have come to expect. Join the Schuck family. (Ask about our assignment and extended-day specials.)

There will be an official press release coming in the relatively near future.

Labels: Big News, business, Justin Schuck, Justin Schuck + Company, New York, News, Newsworthy, Photo, photography, washington dc

I had a stroke of genius in the shower today, oddly one of the best places to find inspiration. I've only told one person, but it's big, really big. Right now I'm code-naming the project "Process Collaborative" or "Process Co-Lab" for short. ("Project Really-Good-Idea-To-Make-Lots-Of-Money" was the number two option.)

Stay tuned. I'm not kidding. Process Collaborative is going to be huge.

Follow the new blog: http://processcolab.blogspot.com

Labels: Big News, design, Justin Schuck, Newsworthy, Process Collaborative, Secret

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON DC – Justin Schuck and Company, an innovative provider of photography, design and marketing services, announced today a partnership with L/A Events of Gainesville, VA to provide a range of event planning services to existing photography and design clients. The new partnership announced this morning by company president Justin Schuck is part of the company's larger goal of "providing more opportunities to give our clients value-added services."

L/A Events is named for the middle names of the founding partners Andrea Lynn Kuchinski and Justin Andrew Schuck. Along with partner Shannon Jacobs, Kuchinski has developed custom invitations for businesses and individuals for special events. With over 14 years in the event photography business, Schuck brings his first-hand experience on both sides of the planning spectrum.

"I've done some really crazy, intense weddings and corporate events through the years. I always talk about this one wedding in 2003 that went from awesome to insane and back to awesome. The church put up scaffolding the morning of the rehearsal, and the bride wanted photos at the U.S. Capitol where the couple met among other things. It was Memorial day weekend and the limo driver disappeared while we were shooting at the capitol – which took a while because of the enhanced security and permit verification process. In the end, we piled the wedding party of 16 into a Honda Accord and a small limo. It was insane, but amazing." Schuck went on to say that the bride and groom still send him messages thanking him for his help that day. "I've had to coordinate permits, lighting equipment, and large staffs for every event under the sun, so it's a natural addition to the business."

Kuchinski, a design graduate from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY began her career in design working on brand development, logos and website design. She brings a conceptual eye and a terrific balance of print and web skills to every project. Kuchinski started planning events in New York and Washington, including several weddings. "I'm excited about teaming up with Justin. We work really well together, and by combining we can do what no other event planner can do: everything, well. I'll never say we're perfect, but we enjoy what we do and that comes out in the process and the final product."

L/A Events will be announcing the launch of it's new website in the coming weeks and asks people to expect a party. The first event of the new partnership is the "Raise for Cancer" fundraising event in Washington DC benefiting the American Institute for Cancer Research in September.



PR-LA_Events.pdf

Labels: business, Events, Justin Schuck, L/A Events, New York, News, Newsworthy, photography, Press Release, washington dc

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON DC – Justin Schuck and Company, an innovative photography, design and marketing firm, announced today that it will sell a portion of its domain holdings. The following 15 domains will be available for purchase:

ShameClothing.com
ShameBrands.com
ShameJeans.com
ShameDenim.com
AndrewLiberty.com
AndrewTennant.com
FosterIndustries.com
TheFosterCompanies.com
CrackHeadBitch.com
PunkMotherFuckers.com
PoliticsAside.net
MyGayPenPal.com
TimeIsGoingByReallyReallyReallyReallySlow.com
RolleLaw.com
LAgenceDeSchuck.com

The domain sale is set to begin on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 and will continue through September 30, 2008. All the domains being offered will have a set-price of $35 through the sale period. Domains not sold by September 30 will be sold through BuyDomains.com at variably higher prices in addition to brokerage fees.

Any inquires about specific domains should call (301) 300-1350 or email info@JustinSchuckCo.com.

PR-Domain_Sale.pdf

Labels: Domains, JSDS, Justin Schuck, News, Newsworthy, Press Release, Sale, Schuck Interactive Group

So I was sitting at my desk listening to the news this morning when a bulletin came across saying that there was a developing story related to a fire on Elm Street in Bethesda.

According to news reports, Pepco was responding to a manhole cover explosion on Thursday on the 4700 block of Elm Street in Bethesda. Pepco employees may have been working on a feeder line into a transformer when the explosion occurred shortly before 10:00am this morning.

Emergency response teams were on site investigating the explosion. As seen in the images here, smoke was billowing out of a vent in the street, and there appeared to be considerable fire and/or smoke damage to a truck belonging to First Class Plumbing, LLC of Virginia. (Their slogan: "We put the Squeeze on Pricing." Their new slogan: "We're Smokin'!")

From a photographic perspective, I was disappointed that there wasn't greater chaos, but I'm glad no one was reported as injured.

Justin Schuck Photography & Video media contact number: 301-760-7476

Read/See the NBC-4 news report:
http://www.nbc4.com/news/13425533/detail.html?dl=headlineclick

Labels: bethesda, Blog, Explosion, Fire, Fire Department, Justin Schuck, Maryland, Montgomery County, News, Newsworthy, Photo, photography, property-casualty, washington dc