Friday Night Talkshow 12/12 Transcript/PhotoLIFE OomPoppaMowMow Snook & Kate Stockholm

Wurlitzer: Kate, what is PhotoLIFE?

Kate: PhotoLIFE is a professional photography system.

Wurlitzer: What is PhotoLIFE 3.0 and what are the new features, Oom?

Oom: It’s the 3rd generation PhotoLIFE studio designed for professional SL photographers.

Wurlitzer: Kate, What kind of contest was PhotoLIFE involved with & when was it held?

Kate: The contest was announced in September to find the 2009 Face of PhotoLIFE.

Wurlitzer: Oom, What kind of requirements and participation were you looking for regarding the new face of PhotoLIFE?

Oom: We wanted the face of PhotoLIFE to be somebody who has a desire to work, the knowledge to interact with many diverse groups, and also the kindness to help

others.

Wurlitzer: What were the steps for somebody who was interested in entering the Face of PhotoLIFE contest and how many entries did you receive, Oom?

Oom: We had in the hundreds… never been a total count; people were entering even after the event was over. The process was to fill out a note card application that had several questions regarding SL experience, and basic knowledge such as knowing how to tell directions.

Wurlitzer: Kate, Who is Opium Fashion Agency and what roles did they have in working with PhotoLIFE?

Kate: Opium Fashion Agency is a subsidiary of PhotoLIFE, managed by Alianna Logan, and does customized runway fashion shows and consultations.

Wurlitzer: What were the prizes involved in the Face of PhotoLIFE contest, Kate?

Kate: The Top 7 received 3000L in prize money and a PhotoLIFE 2.0 studio (8000L value)

The grand prize was 20000L, Casa Italiana Home (15000L value), Opium Top Model Consideration, Haute Style & Co. 5000L Gift Card, Adam and Eve multibuy set (up to 2800L value)

Wurlitzer: Kate, How many different events were planned to prepare for the PhotoLIFE 2.0 contest?

Kate: The contest spanned 2 months!

9/01 - 10/01 the contest opens; a questionnaire, join a group, a headshot and a body shot using the PhotoLIFE 2.0 studio.

10/11 Top 20 Party, top 20 entries were announced.

10/12 Top 10 Fashion Scavenger/Treasure Hunt - top 5 finishers earned a place in the top 10. Later that day the top 10 and two alternates were announced.

10/26 Top 5 Pageant public event - the top ten and alternates were given 2000L each to create photographs that spoke to creativity and confidence and model two gowns. A panel of judges selected the Top 7.

11/02 Face of PhotoLIFE crown.

Wurlitzer: Oom, How many judges were involved with the PhotoLIFE 2.0 contest, what did they base their critiques on, and how did you go about selecting them?

Oom: After the initial round of selection, we held a fashion hunt that gave the top 20 the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to take information and go out and find answers quickly. The top 5 of the fashion hunt made it into the final 12 (ten plus 2 alternates). The other 5 were selected based solely on a 1 on 1 interview with Alianna, Mallory, and Myself. Then a major event was held for those finalists to demonstrate their runway skills, answer a question they had no preparation time for, and demonstrate their ability to be photographed with 2 photo submissions. There were 5 judges at this event. They were to select the top 5 and 2 alternates. Their were: Maggie Mahoney, Torrid Midnight, Azufr3 Catteneo, Forda Fairlane, and myself. These judges were selected based upon their experience in the product fashion industry and their relationship with PhotoLIFE. The judges were given scorecards based upon a formal look, a casual look, and the answer to a pre selected question that the contestants had no preparation time for. The final selection for the Face of PhotoLIFE was done solely by me. This was in many was, filling a job position. This was someone that we'd be working with closely for 12 months. That person had to be someone I felt personally could do what we needed.

Wurlitzer: What happened to all the final entries that did not make the competition, Oom?

Oom: We created a group called the Face of PhotoLIFE where we posted information so that entries could follow along and be apart of events like the fashion hunt. We even offered cash prizes to those entries who weren’t in the final standings. The group became a family of friends that wanted to be close to each other… and we really found it to be a great bunch of ladies. Some of which we're working with today based upon the friendships we struck up from the competition.

Wurlitzer: Kate, Who were the top 20 of the Faces of PhotoLIFE 2.0?

Kate: 1. Abandoon Nacht; 2. Avona Ryba; 3. Ayanna Mubble; 4. Cami Bamboo; 5. Colleen Criss; 6. Distracting Nighbor; 7. Gamp Lane; 8. Ida Boomhauer; 9. Josephine Kiranov;10. Jula Carnell; 11. Kate Stockholm; 12. Livia Mastroianni; 13. Musetta Fieschi; 14. Nienna Smythe; 15. Payton Heron; 16. Pris Telling; 17. Raphaella Nightfire; 18. RubyStarlight Writer; 19. Sami Kutanaga; 20. Sapphire Coakes.

Wurlitzer: Oom, Did you feel the final winner of the Face of PhotoLIFE competition closely resembles the concept of PhotoLIFE 2.0?

Oom: I had several ladies that I believed would all do a great job as the Face of PhotoLIFE. We had the pleasure of getting to know Kate throughout the contest, and she showed a strong interest in the day to day activities. She was also obviously in demand by fashion agencies in SL as a new up and comer. We also realize that PhotoLIFE is relatively new and also creating a strong presence. So I quickly began to see how PhotoLIFE and Kate both seemed to be at the same time and place as far as growth and development. Kate's a joy to have around and has already added a great deal to our program.

Wurlitzer: What’s the story behind the inspiration and creation of PhotoLIFE, Oom?

Oom: Simply put, there was a need in SL for a higher level of quality in a photography studio. I had several occasions where people close to me had worked with product that simply failed to perform. It honestly reminds me a lot of the Dyson vacuum company. The guy contacted the manufacturers about a new concept in vacuums. He was turned down. He came out with his own company. The rest is history. I actually contacted this company about helping with their program. In fairness it was simple IM to the creator, but I was told they really didn’t need the help. I decided to put something together myself and began contacting photographers who might want to contribute. The first studio version was the OM-10 and we began to get a strong positive response from users.

Wurlitzer: Kate, What new features have been added to the PhotoLIFE 3.0 Professional Photography Studio?

Kate: 3.0 will have all the features of 2.0 plus a new color panel that gives a large array of options for colors on lighting and backdrops, a new pose stand system that was requested by Ludwig Prinz and a new lighting system.

Wurlitzer: What are some frequently asked questions people have asked regarding the PhotoLIFE 2.0 Professional Photography Studio, Kate?

Kate: Most are concerned about adding textures and poses, which of course, you can do.

Wurlitzer: Oom, What are the pros & cons you have noticed with photography studios in Second Life?

Oom: Pros - convenience and accessibility and in world creativity…

Oom: Cons: Poor scripting schematics, lack of education.

Wurlitzer: Kate, What can PhotoLIFE 2.0 do?

Kate: It has a backdrop and floor texture controller. It also incorporates special effects, and alpha texture controller and two particle effects, a texture library browser, texture brightness control, ambient light selectors, a prop rezzing system, scene memory, hide/show components and a model gazer.

Wurlitzer: What can't PhotoLIFE 2.0 do, Kate?

Kate: It can't generate creativity, which comes from the photographer and model.

Wurlitzer: Oom, When is the official release of PhotoLIFE 3.0?

Oom: We're working very hard to release before Christmas.

Wurlitzer: Kate, Why do you feel PhotoLIFE is one of the best tools a photographer can use to express using their creativity from Second Life?

Kate: The components work very smoothly and logically with very low lag allowing the photographer to get into a creative flow.

Wurlitzer: Oom, How many people helped out with the production of PhotoLIFE and what were their key roles? 

Oom: Well I did all the scripting and building myself. I have worked with a few artists for textures. The input I get now is from my group of top photographers we call Cp's (PhotoLIFE Certified Photographers). My original photographer contributor was a lady by the name of Maggie Mahoney. She was doing full time photography at the time and I found her from a classified ad. She's now a major contributor in the SL fashion realm and the CEO of Runway magazine. Beyond that we have so many people from all of our owners who've sent us note cards or called us in IM's giving us suggestions and we've been grateful for the real team spirit they've shown. Just so many people have been a part of this.

Wurlitzer: Kate, What is the 12 12 campaign and how does that work?

Kate: Twelve PhotoLIFE promotional events in 2009, once a month, with designers like Alphamale, Lionskins, Mythology, and Dollyrock where we will be giving away studios to lucky winners.

Wurlitzer: Kate, Who can you contact for more information on the 12 12 campaign event?

Kate: Colleen Criss.

Wurlitzer: Oom, What are the requirements if you would like to become a PhotoLIFE Certified Photographer?

Oom: 

***PhotoLIFE must be the primary photography studio.

***Must portray a level of photography that is both unique and excellent in style.

***Maintain a strong customer support program and approval rating.

***Operating a photography studio that does photography for the general public in Second Life for a minimum of 90 days.

***The photography studio should contain an entry area where visitors teleport to.

***The entry area should have an easily accessible pricelist that doesn't fluctuate more than once a month.

***The entry area should have a gallery for visitors to see work samples.

***Be able to provide portfolio work and compose THiNC Book or like products.

Wurlitzer: Kate, Where is the main location for PhotoLIFE?

Kate: The Opium sim.

Wurlitzer: What’s the price range for PhotoLIFE 2.0, Kate?

Kate: Starts at 8000L.

Wurlitzer: Kate, What are your favorite way of promoting PhotoLIFE 2.0?

Kate: The 12 12 tour, of course!

Wurlitzer: Oom, What are your future plans regarding PhotoLIFE?

Oom: Studio content - creation of a large inventory of textures, props and poses.

Wurlitzer: Kate, What are some groups that members can join regarding PhotoLIFE?

Kate: Team PhotoLIFE and Certified PhotoLIFE.

Wurlitzer: What are some of your goals for PhotoLIFE in the future, Oom?

Oom: We prefer to announce our goals as we're about to reach them. Be assured we have many.

Wurlitzer: Kate, If you weren’t involved with PhotoLIFE, what you have been doing?

Kate: I write a blog called "Confessions of a Beauty Contestant". I am a junior officer in Runway Kidz, a model support group. I was a finalist, Miss Sweden, in the 2009 Miss Virtual World pageant where I was awarded Miss Congeniality. I am primarily a fashion model and was recently nominated as Runway model of the year.

Wurlitzer: What do you like to do in your spare time in SL away from PhotoLIFE, Kate?

Kate: In my spare time I help new users as an SL Mentor.

Wurlitzer: Oom, Where do you see PhotoLIFE 6months from now?

Oom: The same consumer friendly company that has always had a down to earth staff who strives for excellence. I think that concept should be the same for brand new companies or fortune 500 companies.

Wurlitzer: Kate, What would you like PhotoLIFE to be known for in Second Life?

Kate: Well, what I like best about the PhotoLIFE team is the passion and commitment quality they bring to photography in Second Life.