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 Entertainment | February 2008 
Cancun UjENA Jam '08 Breaks the Records
 PRWeb
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| The Jams offer a unique opportunity to bring together fashion photography talent with companies and products that are seeking a bold, sensual, new look. The next Jams will happen in Sitges, Spain May 3-12, Guadalajara, July 9-14, Puerto Vallarta August 23-Sept. 1 and San Jose del Cabo October 18-27.
For more information go to UjenaJam.com. | | |
Cancun - Participants came from all parts of the world to this one-of-a-kind convention of models and photographers united by a single theme: to get ahead in the highly competitive field of fashion photography. The mission was accomplished at the January 2008 Ujena Jam held on the streets, beaches and jungles of Mexico's premiere resort destination, Cancun.
The weeklong event, held January 13-22, attracted a record-setting number of aspiring models and photographers vying for $30,000 in prizes, scholarships, gifts and a career-defining break with UjENA or one of its prestige partners. Created and organized by California based swimwear manufacturer UjENA, this was one of the biggest talent search "Jams" in the company's 24-year history.
"The name of the game in this business is exposure," says UjENA founder and CEO Bob Anderson, and he's not referring to the tanned and tone flesh on display. This year's participants were also featured in a 30-minute telecast of the event aired on cable channels internationally. Unlike reality shows that offer fame and fortune to a handful of people, the UjENA Jams are open to anyone with a dream, as this year's winners illustrate.
Costa Rica's Karla Arce won the Jam's Top Model award, adding this honor to an already established career in print and television. Arce hosted the telecast of the Jam and hopes this and other contacts made in Cancun expand her career outside Central America.
"It was a fantastic and fun experience," says Arce, who has participated in several talent searches. "Everyone was so friendly and supportive; it was like a big family." Arce plans on returning to the big UjENA International Annual Jam in Puerto Vallarta in August.
In the photographer's division a self-taught photographer, Richard Sigmon from Portland Oregon, took top honors. This being his third Jam, Sigmon had originally attended the event as a guest and was inspired to give license to his own artistic talent. Sigmon credits the UjENA Jam for the knowledge, advice and encouragement that spurred him on to win.
Jam-Packed with Events and Workshops
While the UjENA Jam focuses on photo shoots and workshops designed to further careers in print, fashion and fitness photography, the week is packed with activities to put the participants at ease and promote a healthy, active lifestyle.
A 5K run/walk is a fixture at UjENA Jams, not surprising since CEO Anderson is also the creator and founding publisher of Runner's World magazine. All of the competing models are required to participate in the run/walk, adding a much-needed component of fitness into an industry plagued by substance and diet abuse. Gift certificates, packages and $1,000 in cash are awarded at the finish line. This year's model winner, Melissa Kaniuk of Vancouver, also placed in the top ten of the UjENA Model Search. Local runner Rodriquez Gerardo finished the course in 18:17 minutes and was the overall winner.
Networking is built into the week with specific casting calls between participants and representatives from UjENA and a host of its industry partners. Informative workshops are provided on photography, posing and professional makeup.
A convention isn't complete without the parties. UjENA's Cancun Jam featured a Beach Party, Party by the Sea, Clubkini Party, Foam Party and a Costume Party; events were hosted by Senor Frogs, Dady 'O, Coco Bongo, Basic Discotheque and The City Cancun Nightclub. On the final night of the event, local hot spot the Bulldog Club hosted the awards ceremony and celebration.
This year's event awarded dozens of contracts and career-building opportunities to models and photographers from UjENA, Piel Dorada, Solomodels, MrMovietimes, MH Photography, Sede Deportiva, Fobfire, offSpot, Mapache, Savvy.com, American Model, D'Antro Magazine, Nikon, TinBu, Christine Club and MorfMobile. Maxim en Espanol chose eleven models to be featured in upcoming issues!
In addition to Arce and Kaniuk, other UjENA Model Search winners were: Nicole Lamar (Oregon), Amanda Bill (Florida), Claire Hall (Toronto), Aurora Rodrigues (Puerto Vallarta), Jill Harding (Costa Rica), Kimberly Romaine (New York), Andria Lea (Missouri), Dany (Puerto Vallarta), and Cancun's own Adianez Hernandez.
Finishing in the top five of the photographers' competition were Montreal's Norm Edwards (Montreal), Mathew Altenbach (Florida), Mark Haas (New Jersey) and Steve Evans (Idaho). Awards also went to model Sara Souza (Arizona) and photographer Cainnun Greg (Florida) making this year's event one of the successful ever.
The UjENA Jams are growing in participation and scope with the addition of fishing and golf tournaments. This year a soccer tournament has been added to the annual Puerto Vallarta event. The Jams offer a unique opportunity to bring together fashion photography talent with companies and products that are seeking a bold, sensual, new look. The next Jams will happen in Sitges, Spain May 3-12, Guadalajara, July 9-14, Puerto Vallarta August 23-Sept. 1 and San Jose del Cabo October 18-27. For more information go to UjenaJam.com. |
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