Drink, Don’t Drive, Beer and Milk are Cheaper

I just don’t understand it, beer and milk are cheaper than gas-but I don’t drink beer anymore since my active-duty days as a U.S. Army soldier spoiled me, when I was stationed in Germany, for the taste of Hefeweizen. Milk is no different, as a kid I drank it by the gallon, but with age, as with many people, I became lactose intolerant. So I’m stuck to driving usually with an occasional Red Bull or Vitamin Water in hand and like most Americans, I just don’t understand why gas is so expensive.

I’ve heard it all, from the fact that the dollar is weak against the Euro and other currencies to the government rules and regulations that impede drilling and refining here at home, thus making us more dependant on overseas oil–yet the petroleum companies are making record-breaking, billion-dollar profits. Sadly I’m starting to look at the whole U.S. way of life as a big conspiracy by the credit card companies, the petroleum industry, the pharmaceutical companies and the financial institutions to eliminate the middle-class.

A friend of mine in Atlanta, huge in commercial real estate, told me a month ago that the residential housing foreclosures are the worst he’s seen in 50-years and that commercial real estate is next and it scares him. That scares me too. I’ve been in contact with many friends in various industries and businesses, they all agree, we are in the beginning of a recession that is not getting any better–I feel it too like most Americans. Life gets tougher, but the best thing of it all, I don’t feel Americans have lost faith in the fact it will get better-though most realize the worst is yet to come.

One thing I’ve heard before, when things are down in the economy, people tend to watch more movies and read more-I’m proof of that, as this past Sunday was the first time I went to a movie theatre in probably ten years, I think it was the most inexpensive outing I’ve done this year, and it felt good. It took me away from the shrinking middle-class conspiracy for a couple of hours and it felt great. Thank goodness the theater was not too far and I didn’t eat up in gas the price of admission, though I think the buttered popcorn was cheaper than driving there.

I do my best to make my drive times shorter now, planning more than I ever would for less gas-consuming trips, especially since I drive a 4-wheel drive truck (in Texas you drive a truck or you’ll get hit by one). I used to drive slower and longer routes just so I could consume one of my favorite, non-alcoholic drinks and now I find myself exiting my Chevy Silverado Z-71 truck with a half can of Red Bull or half a bottle of Vitamin Water instead of trash that needs disposing. Maybe that’s the bright side, the floorboard of my truck stays cleaner now. That’s it, don’t forget our troops, their families and friends, God Bless, rg sends!

Still a Red Bull Drinker–Headed to Hangar-7!

Still exhausted from the Virgin Islands with only about 350 emails to answer and I’m headed to Houston for this weekend’s one-day workshop, home for a few days, then off to the Chicago Workshop next weekend. (Yes, the DVD’s are on the way, see below.) While my life is exhausting at times, it can also be exhilarating as last week I received permission, personally from Red Bull Billionaire and founder, Mr. Dietrich Mateschitz to utilize his famous Hanger-7 in Salzburg, Austria for a photo shoot.

This is rare permission that came direct from Austria.

One of the last model events held at Hangar-7 was Germany’s Next Top Model hosted by Heidi Klum, so I consider it an honor and we’re going to do it! Hangar-7 houses a restaurant, two bars, a lounge and Mateschitz’s historic Flying Bulls aircraft and more. Made almost completely of glass, the ambience is perfect for photographing models. You can see more about Hangar-7 here: http://www.hangar-7.com/#en/homepage/

While it’s generally open to the public, they do change the operating hours to accommodate private events and did I say I’m honored about this opportunity? We’re putting this together right now for early Sept., before Photokina, with some of my European sponsors.

It will be a long day today, another day without sleep and then a three-hour drive to Houston . I stayed up all night working on a proposal requested by an advertising firm for one of their top clients–can’t say much about it, but it involves a calendar, beautiful models photographed with products and the budget on this deal is amazing. The first meeting went well and I’m keeping my fingers crossed they will take my advice and sign the contracts. I might add, the client is not small, they are publicly traded on the stock exchange and they want to move forward with this just like Pirelli did in the 1960’s. I was recommended by name, and get this, by another photographer they first approached. I’ll publicly thank him later as the project is close-hold until contracts are signed–then look out!

My third book is off to the printer for proofing, soon it hits the press then the book shelves. You can read more at this link and workshops too–go here!

On those patiently waiting for the DVD, my apologies on the delays—I will be in Chicago next making sure they go out the door personally. They are coming and I hope you enjoy it is much as I did. Thanks again for your patience. While in Chicago next week we also have a two-day workshop in St. Charles, so if you want in, sign-up now, some great models and a great workshop!

On another note, look for a complete revamping of this entire website from one of the top website producing companies in the world–more on that soon!

That’s it for now, have to run to the airport to pick-up a model then off to Houston! Thanks, rg sends!

Posing a Model is Similar to Diamonds

My body aches, my shoulders, nose, ears and neck are sunburned. I’m sitting in seat 3C, legs tired, lower-back in slight pain and a few bug bites, as I enjoy another plane ride home from the Virgin Islands-thanks, Alex, Kevin, Pedro, Mark, Becky, Steve, Joe, Heidi, Jimmy and all the rest of the residents in the Virgin Islands, you help make things happen-like magazine covers and book covers!

Also a special thanks to Louis, owner of one of the most popular jewelry store chains and hotels in the “VI,” you were a great host for lunch, but letting us use your thousands upon thousands of dollars worth of necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings was very kind and I look forward in working with you again. These great accessories, from diamonds to gold, accentuated the photographs and gave us an opportunity to sway away from the traditional photos typical of the Virgin Islands-it challenged us to think about the proper way to pose a model while showcasing precious diamonds, not an easy feat if you’re used to glamour photography only.

Posing a model is similar to diamonds however, it starts rough then ends up polished to perfection, especially when a photographer understands the fundamentals of posing (as well as, of course, lighting, exposure, rapport, etc.), and realizes that models sometimes have problems getting the required pose and look. When this happens, it’s time to switch hats and work with the subject as both a coach (giving them the psychological boost in confidence they may need) and instructor (drawing on your knowledge of posing to guide them in a professional manner).

For example, during the creation of my upcoming book, Rolando Gomez’s Posing Techniques for Glamour Photography, I began working with a new model who lacked confidence in her posing abilities for the camera. A very gorgeous, vivacious, photogenic person with a true model’s figure, but during several shoots she’d grown so frustrated that she had literally decided to give up on modeling completely. I grew somewhat frustrated, too, knowing that she was loaded with talent. In fact, I’d often let her model at my workshops and every one loved her (not to mention that anywhere we’d go, men would miraculously become photographers and want to exchange phone numbers with her).

Then, on one of our shoots where she’d given up, I took a break. I went to the store and purchased an old wooden mask. When I returned to the shoot, I walked in with it on my face, looked at the model, and spoke through it in a deep, slow voice, saying, “I am the I Can Model God.” She broke out laughing-and from that point on became such a great model that she’s featured many times in my new book. She’s even on the cover!

The mask, incidentally, became her good luck charm. Tess, the model I speak of, still carries “The I Can Model God” with her to every shoot. Call it a lucky charm.

Sometimes it just takes something for a model to believe in, or someone to believe in them. A little positive reinforcement can really go a long way. Throw a diamond into the mix, then it becomes something we can cherish forever, not a memory, not a moment, not a mystery, but a commitment of faith that it can be done-and when it synergizes, then the aches, pain, sunburn and bug bites of the Virgin Islands just become the honeymoon of reality. Thanks and God Bless to everyone, rg sends!

Postive Energy–The Natural Drink

Between travels, family and personal issues, I’m far behind and neglected this blog. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to keep up with it more. I also plan on revamping the website for an easier flow for the image galleries. Seems the move to a new server has caused issues with the gallery program. I haven’t been able to upload any new images and I also want it easier to navigate while showing you some technical data. I also want to start making it a habit to add an image on every post, so some reprogramming/html is required. Look for it soon!

Now, back to the ranch. The topic today is something I’ve covered somewhat before—friends. During these trying times these past few months I’m figuring out who my true friends are and finding out, the hard way, who isn’t. I’m not going to name them, learned a long time ago that’s a good way to make someone mad, usually because you honestly missed adding their name. I guess we all go through life figuring this out at one point or another, so I’ll focus on my true friends—and before I forget, thanks! You know who you are!

I think one my biggest milestones during these trying times is figuring out, thanks to one of those dear friends, how to focus my energy positively and how not to rob myself of precious energy. Just typing this blog provides for the rejuvenation and stress relief that I need to sustain my energy levels in a proactive and positive state.

Time to get back to work and focus positively on the future, I need to shoot (you know who you are), as that always provides positive energy and rejuvenation. Time to move forward, thanks to everyone that is truly my friend and for your advice, even when not solicited. God bless to our troops too! Thanks, rg sends!