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Editorial Nude Photography, Tips, Photos
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San Antonio Glamour & Nude Photography Workshops

Date: Feb. 25th, 2012 Saturday Only!
Time: 9:30 a.m. till 5 p.m.
Location: Private Residence (NEW Models too!)
Price:$349 (new customers) $249 (previous customers, $100 loyalty discount!)

By popular demand, San Antonio hybrid photography workshop, featuring the best of both worlds, Rolando’s Editorial Nude Photography workshop combined with his traditional Glamour, Beauty & the Nude workshop–first of it’s kind for San Antonio in 2012!  This is new for 2012! two workshops into one! So far we’ve only got San Antonio and Las Vegas planned for this format–but we’ll have them going on at the same time for one price and one day!

This is a special photography workshop with five to six models and limited in size near the Northwest area of San Antonio–details given only to registered attendees. This special workshop is limited in size and featuring five to six gorgeous models. This is one of the few locations still left on the photo workshop schedule–so don’t hesitate, this is your chance for a one-day glamour photography workshop and an editorial nude workshop with many models at a great price and location!

This workshop is open to photographers of all levels, beginners to advanced, though you must be over 18-years of age. We’ll have a small lecture, hands-on photography instruction, then we shoot, shoot, shoot, gorgeous, talented models. First-come, first serve! Limited in size! Once it sells out, it’s sold-out!

Here are the particulars:

1. You must pay for your own lodging and travel, we’ll provide suggestions but anywhere near the Northwest side of San Antonio, close to Loop 1604 West and IH10 North is fine.

2. Bring your camera, preferrably a DSLR. It must have a hotshoe (where you flash slides on top) or as a minimum, a pc connection for our studio flash–we provide all equipment.

3. You must have the passion to photograph up to five beautiful models. The type of photography is glamour, beauty and nude photography for most models plus editorial nudes. You will have almost a whole day to photograph them in all their beauty, from glamour to editorial/glamour nude.

4. While it’s intense, we’ll have fun in this educational experience. We’ll provide lunch, you provide the coffee if you need it, but surely bring some Red Bull for energy because this is an energized workshop. Sign-up for this workshop only if you have the passion for photographing gorgeous models.

5. Camera requirements are any type of camera, preferably 35mm DSLR or SLR, medium or large format is optional. Lens focal range, from 24mm to 200mm, though a typical 70-200mm lens is all you need. A back-up drive to download your images is highly recommended. If you have a Sony (Minolta) camera, please ensure you have a hot shoe adapter or PC connection.

6. Professionalism is required, we’re there to capture beautiful images of beautiful models. If you have Pocket Wizard remotes, bring them too, though not required as we’ll have our own radio triggers. We’ll work with octaboxes, softboxes, reflectors, grids and more, all provided by us!

If you can meet the requirements and you have the passion to create some beautiful, unique images of gorgeous models, this is the photography workshop for you. We accept payments securely through PayPal and have other options if you prefer. This is a first-come, first-serve event as class size is limited. Model releases are optional but encouraged. This is the early-bird price, prices will soon go up, so don’t delay, book now before it’s too late! Please use the PayPal button below. We’ve used PayPal securely for almost 14-years.

Instructions for Payment: New customers, use FIRST payment button, price is $349 (early-bird price in effect now). Previous customers only, list verified, you receive a $100 loyalty discount with our early-bird pricing, please use the second PayPal button only!

New Customers Payment Button


Previous Customer Payment Button (For previous photography workshop attendees of any previous workshop location, use button below and save $100 for your loyalty. This is cross-checked off workshop attendee list, so please use appropriate button!)


Model releases for the event are $60 per model at the end of the day. These are voluntary releases, but highly encouraged as these models will be working for you. These releases are provided by us and allow you to use the images for commercial use and the only restriction is prohibited use for adult related material—nudes are artistic, editorial and glamour nude only at this workshop when it comes to nudity.

You are required to arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. local time on the workshop day. We end at 5:00 p.m.

Cancellation rules apply as this is a first-come, first-serve event limited in size. Don’t get left behind, don’t miss out on a wonderful opportunity. We can’t allow too many people on the property, it’s very limited in size, so don’t delay, act now an save before prices go up!

Las Vegas Glamour & Nude Photo Workshop

Date: Feb. 18, 2012 Saturday Only!
Time: 9:30 a.m. till 5 p.m.
Location: Near Palms Casino (NEW Models too!)
Price:$349

By popular demand, Las Vegas in 2012–take some time off during WPPI. We don’t want to take too much of your time away from the WPPI photography show, so we’re combining two workshops into one! Normally these are two separate photography workshops–but we’ll have them going on at the same time for one price and one day! This features the best of both worlds, Rolando’s Editorial Nude Photography workshop combined with his traditional Glamour, Beauty & the Nude workshop–first of it’s kind for Las Vegas in 2012! So far we’ve only got San Antonio and Las Vegas planned for this photography workshop format.

This is a special photography workshop with five models and limited in size near the Palms Casino area–details given only to registered attendees. We’re featuring five gorgeous models at this photography workshop. This is one of the few locations still left on the photo workshop schedule–so don’t hesitate, this is your chance for a one-day glamour photography workshop and an editorial nude workshop with many models at a great price and location!

This workshop is open to photographers of all levels, beginners to advanced, though you must be over 18-years of age. We’ll have a small lecture, hands-on photography instruction, then we shoot, shoot, shoot, five talented models. First-come, first serve! Limited in size! Once it sells out, it’s sold-out!

Here are the particulars:

1. You must pay for your own lodging and travel, we’ll provide suggestions but anywhere near the strip or the Palms Casino is fine.

2. Bring your camera, preferrably a DSLR. It must have a hotshoe (where you flash slides on top) or as a minimum, a pc connection for our studio flash–we provide all equipment.

3. You must have the passion to photograph up to five beautiful models. The type of photography is glamour, beauty and nude photography for most models plus editorial nudes. You will have almost a whole day to photograph them in all their beauty, from glamour to editorial/glamour nude.

4. While it’s intense, we’ll have fun in this educational experience. We’ll provide lunch, you provide the coffee if you need it, but surely bring some Red Bull for energy because this is an energized workshop.

5. Camera requirements are any type of camera, preferably 35mm DSLR or SLR, medium or large format is optional. Lens focal range, from 24mm to 200mm, though a typical 70-200mm lens is all you need. A back-up drive to download your images every evening and/orlaptop computer is highly recommended. If you have a Sony (Minolta) camera, please ensure you have a hot shoe adapter or PC connection.

6. Professionalism is required, we’re there to capture beautiful images of beautiful models. If you have Pocket Wizard remotes, bring them too, though not required as we’ll have our own radio triggers. We’ll work with beauty dishes, softboxes, reflectors and more, all provided by us!

If you can meet the requirements and you have the passion to create some beautiful, unique images, this is the workshop for you. We accept payments securely through PayPal and have other options if you prefer. This is a first-come, first-serve event as class size is limited. Model releases are optional but encouraged. This is the early-bird price, prices will go up soon, so don’t delay, book now before it’s too late! Please use the PayPal button below. We’ve used PayPal securely for 13-years.

Model releases for the event is $60 per model at the end of the day. These are voluntary releases, but highly encouraged as these models will be working for you. These releases are provided and allow you to use the images for commercial use and the only restriction is prohibited use for adult related material—nudes are artistic and glamour nude only at this workshop when it comes to nudity.

You are required to arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. local time on the workshop day. We end at 5:00 p.m both days.

Cancellation rules apply as this is a first-come, first-serve event limited in size. Don’t get left behind, don’t miss out on a wonderful opportunity. We can’t allow too many people on the property, it’s very limited in size, so don’t delay, act now an save before prices go up!

Seattle Glamour & Nude Photo Workshops

Date: March 10, 2012 (Editorial Nude) Saturday Only!
Date: March 11, 2012 (Glamour, Beauty & the Nude) Sunday Only!
Time: Each Day, 9:30 a.m. till 5 p.m.
Location: Private Residence (NEW Models too!)
Prices: Photo Workshop Prices $399 Both Workshops, $299 Editorial Nude Workshop, $199 Glamour Beauty and the Nude Workshop (Save $150 or more right now! No other discounts!)

By popular demand, Seattle in 2012 photography workshops-perhaps the only Seattle workshop in 2012. This is one of the few cities where we’re offering both the Editorial Nude and the Glamour Beauty and the Nude workshops–these are two separate workshops! Attend one, attend both. Your choice!

These are special, one-day workshops at a luxury residence near the West and downtown area of Seattle. These workshops are limited in size and we’re featuring five gorgeous models. This is one of the few locations still left on the photo workshop schedule–so don’t hesitate, this is your chance for a one-day glamour photography workshop and an editorial nude workshop with many models at a great price and location!

These workshops are open to photographers of all levels, beginners to advanced. We’ll have a small lecture, hands-on, then we shoot, shoot, shoot, five talented models. First-come, first serve! Limited in size! Once it sells out, it’s sold-out!

Here are the particulars:

1. You must pay for your own lodging and travel, we’ll provide suggestions.

2. Bring your camera, preferrably a DSLR. It must have a hotshoe (where you flash slides on top) or as a minimum, a pc connection for our studio flash–we provide all equipment.

3. You must have the passion to photograph up to five beautiful models. The type of photography is glamour, beauty and nude photography for most models. You will have almost a whole day to photograph them in all their beauty, from glamour to glamour nude.

4. While it’s intense, we’ll have fun in this educational experience. We’ll provide lunch, you provide the coffee if you need it, but surely bring some Red Bull for energy because this is an energized workshop.

5. Camera requirements are any type of camera, preferably 35mm DSLR or SLR, medium or large format is optional. Lens focal range, from 24mm to 200mm, though a typical 70-200mm lens is all you need. A back-up drive to download your images every evening and/orlaptop computer is highly recommended. If you have a Sony (Minolta) camera, please ensure you have a hot shoe adapter or PC connection.

6. Professionalism is required, we’re there to capture beautiful images of beautiful models. If you have Pocket Wizard remotes, bring them too, though not required as we’ll have our own radio triggers. We’ll work with beauty dishes, softboxes, reflectors and more, all provided by us!

If you can meet the requirements and you have the passion to create some beautiful, unique images, this is the workshop for you. We accept payments securely through PayPal and have other options if you prefer. This is a first-come, first-serve event as class size is limited. Model releases are optional. This is the early-bird price, prices will go up soon, so don’t delay, book now before it’s too late! Please use the PayPal button to select either one or both workshops. We’ve used PayPal securely for 12-years.

Choose Workshop(s)

Model releases for each event are $60 per model at the end of the day. These are voluntary releases, but highly encouraged as these models will be working for you. These releases are provided and allow you to use the images for commercial use and the only restriction is prohibited use for adult related material—nudes are artistic and glamour nude only at this workshop when it comes to nudity. Each workshop requires a separate model release as they are two separate workshops.

You are required to arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. local time on both workshop days. You may only attend the workshop(s) you sign-up for, either each one separate or both. We end at 5:00 p.m both days.

Cancellation rules apply as this is a first-come, first-serve event limited in size. Don’t get left behind, don’t miss out on a wonderful opportunity. We can’t allow too many people on the property, it’s very limited in size, so don’t delay, act now an save before prices go up!

May Moab Model Photography Workshop

Playboy Playmate Holley Dorrough in an old mine shack in the Moab.

Date: 5/3-5/7, 2012 (Arrive on Thursday, May 3, 2012, depart on Monday, May 7th.)
Venue: Moab, Utah
Details: All Previous Moab Workshops Sell Out Fast! This one will include nude models!
Note: This workshop is limited in size. Back by popular demand!

Interesting rock formations in the Moab make for great locations!

Interesting rock formations in the Moab make for great locations!

Ever want to get away, like to really get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and photograph six beautiful nude models in the Moab desert?  We’ve got an exclusive deal just for you.

Fly into either Salt Lake City or Grand Junction, rent a car, prefer an SUV or 4-wheel-drive truck, and take the scenic drive down to Moab.  Once there, stay at our recommend hotel, or a hotel of your choice, then be prepared to shoot for three solid days in the Moab environment.  This semi-private instruction workshop is limited to only four photographers, and an assistant.

If you haven’t seen my portfolio of images on RolandoGomez.com, called Moab Light, check it out now to get an idea what to expect.

Here are the particulars:

1.  You must pay for your own lodging, meals and travel, we’ll provide suggestions.

2.  You must be physically fit enough to walk a city block and lift 25 lbs.  We will be using battery portable lighting equipment and California Sunbounce reflectors.

3.  You must have the passion to photograph up to five beautiful models and patient enough for them to change into wardrobe.  The type of photography is glamour and nude photography for most models.

4.  These are long days, which means late dinners along with early mornings—you will get tired by the time you have to leave, but you will treasure every moment and leave with amazing photos.

Eleya in the Moab during the Golden Hour of sunset.

5.  Camera requirements are any type of camera, preferably 35mm DSLR or SLR, medium or large format is optional.  Lens focal range, from 24mm to 300mm, though a typical 70-200mm lens is all you need.  A back-up drive to download your images every evening and/or laptop computer is highly recommended.

6.  Professionalism is required, we’re there to capture beautiful images of beautiful models in a remote, but beautiful location. Safety is number one.

Moab Photography Workshop

Moab IV Photography Workshop, Apr. 2011

7.  The cost, $2499.  Only four slots!  Use the secure, PayPal button below for payment.

We’ve used PayPal now for over 13-years securely! If you prefer a different payment method, please contact me with all your contact information including phone number and best time to call.


If you can meet the requirements and you have the passion to create some beautiful, unique images, this is the workshop for you.  While this is our fifth trip to the Moab, this is only our third workshop style shoot in the Moab and Rolando is limiting his workshop schedule for 2012, so this is a very unique opportunity as there will not be many for 2012.  This is a first-come, first-serve event and due to limited slots, this workshop has a tighter cancellation policy (see below). Rolando will be arriving early as he and his daughter are shooting for their another photography book together on photographing nude women. Rolando has published five photography books with his sixth and seventh due out shortly.

Moab Photography Workshop

Moab IV Photography Workshop, Apr. 2011

Model releases for this event is $100 per model at the end of the event ($500 total for the entire event).  These are mandatory releases, not optional like other workshops, paid on the last day of the event.  These releases are provided and allow you to use the images for commercial use and the only restriction is use is prohibited for adult related material—nudes are artistic and glamour nude only.  We will allow time for private shooting if preplanned in advance, though this time will be very limited and additional compensation will be necessary for the talent. This workshop is open to all levels, but places an emphasis and that you seriously want to capture some great shots and take your photography up to the next level!

You are required to arrive no later than 8:00 p.m., local time, in the Moab on a Thursday and meet at a central location that evening, then be prepared to shoot all day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Departure is on Monday on your own or when you choose.  Hotel recommendations will be provided, most hotels are close together and average from $100 to $150 per night but we have a preferred location that has a special workshop rate of $99 per night, but only revealed to you upon booking your workshop slot.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodging are not included.

Artistic, glamour and exotic nudes will be available in this location.

This semi-private instruction workshop includes personal instruction from Rolando and use of his lighting gear along with the models and make-up.  You are guaranteed to produce some great images you can be proud of. Cancellation rules apply as this is a first-come, first-serve event limited to four photographers only, but more specific cancellation policies are modified to include that should you be qualified for a refund or partial refund, there will be a 30-day waiting period.

Playboy Playmate Holley Dorough in the Moab Golden Hour light.

Amazing rock formations for some great photography in the Moab.

Shot exactly as seen, the creative possibilities are endless.

Amazing images in locations scouted out in advance that are rarely photographed as these are off-road locations found through exploring.

Virgin Islands Exotic Nude Photo Workshop Exclusive!

Nude Model from Virgin Islands Workshop

This photo is from our May 2011 Exotic Nude Photography Workshop in the Virgin Islands.

Event: Virgin Islands Exotic Nude, One on One Photography Workshop (5 models, 5 photographers)
Date: May 15-22, 2012 (Early-Bird Pricing, Save $500)
Venue: U.S. Virgin Islands New! Special One on One Workshop, One model per photographer!
Details: Exclusive only to FIVE photographers, each photographer provided an assistant!

This is the third workshop that features our unique one on one format–plus, are third only, “Exotic Nudes” format along with your own personal assistant to help you get the shots!  This is our eight year in the Virgin Islands with almost 30 workshops in that period and over 500 workshops, seminars, lectures and more in the past 13 years. But this will be smaller, five photographers verses six, but five nude models to photograph!

While photographing a model nude is done more indoors than outdoors, our focus will be on outdoor, exotic nude photography. If this is not for you, then please check out the other Virgin Islands workshops for the months of April 2012 and Nov 2011 for our standard, less-expensive VI workshops where we have two photographers to one model ratios—this workshop is for a unique, one on one experience and offered on a very limited basis! Only FIVE Photographers and FIVE Models. You will be assigned a photographer’s assistant to help you during the entire workshop! First-come, first-serve, save $500 from our regular price! Four spots remain, prices will go up!

The dates are May 15-22, 2012. Fly in on May 15th (Thurs.) to St. Thomas (Airport code STT) then we ferry you over to a smaller island where it’s private, camp-style workshop–open to all levels of photography, from beginners to advanced–your departure day is May 22nd. (Tuesday) unless you choose to stay longer in St. Thomas on your own. If you are coming from Europe or from a long distance, such as the West Coast of the United States, then we will allow you to arrive a day earlier, provided you purchase your own food–lodging is provided for you only! We do have two lodging spots for “couples” for an additional $500 for your significant other–though that person may accompany you on the shoot, they are not allowed to shoot or interfere with the shoots.

This workshop promises nothing but the best ever done–this is not a foreign country, this is the U.S. Virgin Islands! No passport required for U.S. citizens, only a valid government ID card if you’re a U.S. resident. No currency conversions, no foreign language, no crazy inflated value-added taxes or worries about the food and water or your camera equipment held in customs till you pay the “bribe.” Currently a U.S. passport it not required, provided you present a government issued identification card, such as a driver’s license for U.S. citizens.

(Video below is from a typical 12 photographer Virgin Islands workshop back in 2007. The Exotic Nude photography workshop is a much greater experience as it’s more a intimate one on one setting with your own personal assistant and smaller overall group for more intense hands-on instruction.)

(All images below, photographed at previous Virgin Islands’ Workshops, actual models, equipment and location featured!)

We’ve got a place that rocks! The location was featured on HGTV this year and Brad Pitt filmed parts for one of his movies on this secluded island. It’s not your “typical tourist hotel” trap found in other workshops–this is a private paradise 10-minutes from St. Thomas giving you great sunsets, sunrises, private infinity-pool shots with the ocean blue/green waters and golden sunsets in the background.

Complete with outdoor activities and a dinner on the beach after sunset, this workshop will be better than the best workshops ever held! We even had one photographer sign-up for ten Virgin Islands workshops in the past eight years, so all spaces will sell fast! We have a high return of previous attendees! You’ll get five full shooting rotations, one per model, with each model for hours, not one hour, but hours!

Scheduled time:
Thursday, arrive, settle in, get an assistant assigned. (early arrivals allowed for those traveling long distances with prior approval)
Friday morning you’ll be given a lecture by Rolando Gomez, plus hands on instruction.
Friday, break for lunch.
Friday, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., you will be given the opportunity to learn how to over-power the sun with flash working with at least two nude models! This is a hands-on instruction class, outdoors, weather permitting.
Friday, from mid-afternoon until slightly after sunset, work one-on-one with your nude model with your own personal assistant.
Saturday, from sunrise till almost lunch, work one-on-one with your nude model with your own personal assistant.
Saturday, break for lunch–you have time to go into St. Thomas for lunch, shopping, etc.
Saturday, from mid-afternoon until slightly after sunset, work one-on-one with your nude model with your own personal assistant.
Saturday dinner on the beach, right on the waterfront!
Sunday, from sunrise till almost lunch, work one-on-one with your nude model with your own personal assistant.
Sunday, break for lunch–you have time to go into St. Thomas for lunch, shopping, etc.
Sunday, from mid-afternoon until slightly after sunset, work one-on-one with your nude model with your own personal assistant.
Monday, private shoot allocated all day, or just relax on the beach or go into St. Thomas and enjoy the town!
Tuesday, departure on a private ferry, then cab ride to the St. Thomas airport.
Wednesday, you’re home, enjoying the “new you” suntan while editing hundreds of exotic nude and editorial nude images!

The rest of your life your friends will be jealous and kicking themselves on why they didn’t go! This is a one of kind photography workshop with top nude models and top photography instruction.

Limited to five photographers only! Your personal assistant will be provided by us. That’s right, we’ll shoot five beautiful models in one on one rotatios–you will photograph every model and have an assistant to help you! Very personable one on one instruction for this event! There is no room for more than five photographers! Take advantage of the early-bird price now, as this will go up soon! This is a workshop worth booking early! We’ll be staying on a private island off St. Thomas in a “camp-like” style environment as we enjoy the use of three houses with full facilities including internet connection DSL, refrigerator, stove, satellite TV, and phone plus we’ll have breakfast and lunch. You are not charged for lodging at this location! Lodging outside of this location is your option, but not recommended.

This package includes lodging during the workshop, most drinks and most food–there are two optional evening dinners at your expense. Lunch is provided though you always have the option to venture out for your own lunch on Honeymoon Beach or St. Thomas. Your responsibility, get there! Fly into St. Thomas (airport code STT). From there you’ll have the greatest time photographing without hotel distractions, tourist distractions, etc…total focus on what we’re there for, the glamour, beauty and the nude photography of beautiful women on an exotic island. We ask that you book your flight to arrive no later than 5 p.m. and depart no earlier than 9:00 a.m. Besides, who wants to get up early when we have a small party on our last night there?

This is a first-come, first-serve, non-refundable workshop. The workshop attendees will not be staying in a hotel, we’ll be staying in fully equipped houses that are cottage style, complete with satelite TV, DSL, refrigerator, stove, etc.–your house on a private island.


Use this special button to reserve your special price of $3499! Save $500 now! Rates are going up unfortunately, so save now guarantee your slot! Regular prices resumes to $3999 soon!

Lighting is provided for sun-overpowering shots, though you may bring your own too. We’ll have some California Sunbounce scrims and reflectors, again, you may bring your own too. Make-up and hair provided for the models too–every day! We also allow for private shoot time in addition to the normal workshop hours!

Rolando will cover many topics, from basics, fundamentals and concepts that you can use in glamour photography and other genres of photography. Emphasis on lighting, posing, and the ability to see and feel the light. You’ll get hands on instruction and demonstrations. Overpowering the sun with flash will be a big focus along with beach and pool shoots.

Rolando will walk you through, step by step showing you the in’s and out’s of the image, at the same time, every photographer will have his or her time to photograph lovely, photogenic models from sunrise to sunset. The emphasis is to take photographs not pictures. Plus much, much more!

Three full-days of shooting (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and one optional day (Monday) to book a private shoots! Private shoots are optional and will be scheduled reasonably for a small additional charge–this money goes straight to the model–first come, first serve. Shooting will be from sunrise to sunset–just like if you’re on assignment for publication. The workshop attendees will stay in three beautiful “home-style” cottages with kitchens, baths, refrigerators, etc., on an exotic island. DSL internet connection is available too along with satellite TV–though who will have time to watch TV? (grin)

All proceeds are non-refundable, but we will allow you to transfer your seat to someone else should you have to change your plans. You must do the transfer on your own as we will not refund anyone due to the small size of this workshop.

Over 6,000 students have attended Rolando’s workshops and speaking engagements in the past eleven years–including over 200 attendees for the past Virgin Islands workshops, many more than once, some even up to ten VI workshops! Rolando is the only current glamour workshop instructor with national speaking credentials, photography book author, photo magazine staff writer with national and international tearsheets. Rolando also discovered the April 2006 Playboy Playmate for Playboy–she attended the April 2006 VI workshop as an actual model too! This workshop is open to all levels of photographers, from beginners to advanced–Rolando will take time to work with new photographers and will answer your questions before, during and after the workshop. We always provide gorgeous models, past models include State Beauty Pagent winner, Deal, No Deal model, Playboy Playmates, Playboy SE Models, American Idol Superstar and more!

The workshop is intense, but designed for everyone. Breakfast and lunch are available every day upon arrival. Evening supper will be furnished two of the five days. Three days of supper will be your responsibility as we’re giving you the choice of staying on the island or going to St. Thomas for lunch. Refreshments will be provided.

The price is for the workshop, lodging costs and some meals, you are responsible for all travel and your film costs if you’re not shooting digital. The price includes three days of shooting with models. We break the five photographers with your own assistant as a team of two, so you always work with an assistant, but you are the photographer only for that model each shooting rotation. Models are rotated twice per day to allow for two major shoots with one model, per shoot, per day. Friday you have class instruction, plus a shooting class where you’ll photograph two models nude, Friday is the only day where afterwards you’ll have one full rotation. All other days are two full rotations. We reserve the fourth shooting day for private shooting for a small additional fee, this is an optional day after your three solid days of shooting, for your favorite models. This system works so good we’ve had many repeat customers to the VI workshops in the past seven years.

Make-up will be provided and images may be used in off-line, personal and web portfolios, however, you can, for an additional $100 (paid to the model by the photographer), secure an unrestricted release (except for adult pay-sites or membership sites), full use, including nudity. Releases will be provided, this is optional and not mandatory but highly encouraged. This is not $100 per shooting day, but $100 for all three days for each model! (Total is $500 for all)  Most models of this caliber charge $200 and up per hour so it’s a heck of deal! We ask that you consider the make-up artist and your assistant for a small graturity, though voluntary.

First Come, First Serve Basis–limited seating–Reserve Your Slot Now!

A minimum of four photographers must attend otherwise the workshop will be canceled and refunds will be immediately provided. Rolando has never canceled a Virgin Islands workshop in the past seven years. Feel Free to email Rolando Gomez should you have any questions at gophotog (at) gmail.com

Exotic Glamour, Beauty & the Nude Virgin Islands Workshop #28

Date: April 26-May 1, 2012 (Early-Bird Pricing in Effect Right Now, Save $700)
Venue: U.S. Virgin Islands
Details: The first Virigin Islands worskhop sold-out in less than 2-weeks! Most of the VI workshops for the past eight years sold-out almost a year in advance! Here’s your chance if you missed out in the past eight years! Only Ten Photographers and Five Models per workshop. First-come, first-serve!

This a low early-bird price offered! We’re going to give you an economic recovery special price! First four attendees only then it goes up $700 After that we resume regular, early-bird pricing then full price, so save $700 now! First-come, first-serve! This will be year eight in the Virgin Islands and our 14th year conducting workshops! We’ve reduced our photographers from 12 to 10, so there is a slight price increase in 2012 but we feel this will give you a productive environment.

This will be our 28th Virgin Islands workshop. The dates are April 26-May 1, 2012. Fly in on April 26th (Thurs.) to St. Thomas (Airport code STT) then we ferry over to a smaller island where it’s private, camp-style workshop–open to all levels of photography, from beginners to advanced–your departure day is May 1st, (Tuesday) unless you choose to stay longer in St. Thomas on your own. April 23rd is our private shoot day. While not mandatory, we encourage it to work with your favorite models on a “one on one” time hourly basis.

These workshops promise to be better than the best workshops ever done–this is not a foreign country, this is the U.S. Virgin Islands! No currency conversions, no foreign language, no crazy inflated value-added taxes or worries about the food and water or your camera equipment held in customs till you pay the “bribe.” Currently a U.S. passport it not required, provided you present a government issued identification card, such as a driver’s license.

We’ve got a place that rocks! The location was featured on HGTV this year and Brad Pitt filmed parts for one of his movies on this secluded island part of the islands. It’s not your “typical tourist hotel” trap found in other workshops–this is a private paradise 10-minutes from St. Thomas giving us great sunsets, sunrises, private infinity-pool shots with the ocean blue/green waters and golden sunsets in the background.

Complete with bbq’s, outdoor activities and a dinner on the beach after sunset, this workshop will be better than the best workshops ever held! We even had one photographer sign-up for ten Virgin Islands workshops, so all spaces will sell fast! We have a high return of previous attendees!

Limited to ten photographers only! That’s right, we’ll shoot five beautiful models in groups of two photographers one model, the whole time you’re there–you will photograph every model. There is no room for more than ten photographers, period. Prices will eventually go up if not booked early! We’ll be staying on a private island off St. Thomas in a “camp-like” style environment as we enjoy the use of three houses with full facilities including internet connection DSL, refrigerator, stove, satellite TV, and phone plus we’ll have catered breakfast and lunch.

This package includes lodging during the workshop and most drinks and food–there is two optional evening dinners at your expense. Your responsibility, get there! Fly into St. Thomas. From there you’ll have the greatest time photographing without hotel distractions, tourist distractions, etc…total focus on what we’re there for, the glamour, beauty and the nude photography of beautiful women. These are outdoor nudes in a tropical setting!

This is a first-come, first-serve, non-refundable workshop. The workshop attendees will not be staying in a hotel, we’ll be staying in fully equipped houses that are cottage style, complete with satelite TV, DSL, refrigerator, stove, etc.–your house on a private island.


Use this special button to reserve your “Early Bird” price at $1299 today, regular price resumes to $1999 before you know it! Save $700 now! Rates will go up after first four attendees sign-up, so save now Guarantee your slot!

Lighting is provided for sun-overpowering shots, though you may bring your own lighting too. We’ll have some California Sunbounce scrims and reflectors, again, you may bring your own too. Make-up and hair provided for the models too.

Rolando will cover many topics, from basics, fundamentals and concepts that you can use in glamour photography and other genres of photography. Emphasis on lighting, posing, and the ability to see and feel the light. You’ll get hands on instruction and demonstrations. Overpowering the sun with flash will be a big focus along with beach and pool shoots.

Rolando will walk you through, step by step showing you the in’s and out’s of the image, at the same time, every photographer will have his or her time to photograph lovely, photogenic models from sunrise to sunset. The emphasis is to take photographs not pictures. Plus much, much more!

Three full-days of shooting and one optional day to book a private shoot! Our fourth day is reserved for private shoots. Private shoots are optional and will be scheduled reasonably for a small additional charge–this money goes straight to the model–first come, first serve. Shooting will be from sunrise to sunset–just like if you’re on assignment for publication. The workshop attendees will stay in three beautiful “home-style” cottages with kitchens, baths, refrigerators, etc., on an exotic island. DSL internet connection is available too along with satellite TV–though who will have time to watch TV? (grin) Time will be allocated to enjoy the hot tub and swimming pool during non workshop hours–yes, have fun in the sun, work hard, and capture great images!

All proceeds are non-refundable, but we will allow you to transfer your seat should you have to change your plans with at least 90-day notice. You must do the transfer on your own as we will not refund anyone due to the small size of this workshop.

Over 6,000 students have attended Rolando’s workshops and speaking engagements in the past thirteen years–Rolando is the only current glamour workshop instructor with national speaking credentials, a glamour DVD, photography book author, photo magazine staff writer with national and international tearsheets. Rolando also discovered the April 2006 Playboy Playmate for Playboy–she attended the April 2006 VI workshop as an actual model too! This workshop is open to all levels of photographers, from beginners to advanced–Rolando will take time to work with new photographers and will answer your questions before, during and after the workshop. No one is leaving the island until it’s over!

The workshop is intense, but designed for everyone. Breakfast and lunch are available every day upon arrival. Evening supper will be furnished two of the five days. Three days of supper will be your responsibility as we’re giving you the choice of staying on the island or going to St. Thomas. Refreshments will be provided.

The price is for workshop and lodging costs and most meals, you are responsible for all travel. The price includes three solid days of shooting with models. We break the ten photographers in teams of two, so you always work with a partner but never have to wait in line. Models are rotated daily to allow for major shoots with one model at a time per day–you will photograph all five models. We reserve the fourth shooting day for private shooting for a small additional fee, this is an optional day after your three solid days of shooting, for your favorite models. This system works so good we’ve had many repeat customers to the VI workshops.

Make-up will be provided and images may be used in off-line, personal and web portfolios, however, you can, for an additional $80 (paid to the model by the photographer, only once and covers all three days), secure an unrestricted release (except for adult pay-sites or membership sites), full use, including nudity. Release will be provided, this is optional and not mandatory but highly encouraged.

First Come, First Serve Basis–limited seating–Reserve Your Slot Now!

A minimum of seven people must attend otherwise the workshop will be canceled and refunds will be immediately provided. Rolando has never canceled a Virgin Islands or exotic photography workshop in the past 13 years. Feel Free to email Rolando Gomez should you have any questions at rolando(at)rolandogomez.com with a CC copy to gophotog(at)gmail(dot)com and include your contact information and best time to call.

Boston Glamour/Nude Photography Workshops

Date: Jan. 14th, 2012  (Editorial Nude) Saturday Only!
Date: Jan. 15th, 2012 (Glamour, Beauty & the Nude) Sunday Only!
Time: Each Day, 9:30 a.m. till 5 p.m.
Location: Private Residence
Prices: Farewell Photo Workshop Prices $399 Both Workshops, $299 Editorial Nude Workshop, $199 Glamour Beauty and the Nude Workshop (Save $150 or more right now! No other discounts!)

By popular demand, we’re headed to Boston in 2012 as part of our farewell photography workshop tour. This is one of the few cities where we’re offering both the Editorial Nude and the Glamour Beauty and the Nude workshops–these are two separate workshops! Attend one, attend both. Your choice!

These are special, one-day workshops at a residence in the Boston area. These workshops are limited in size and we’re featuring five gorgeous models. Once the farewell photo workshop tour ends, future workshops will be exclusive and obviously more expensive to attend–so don’t hesitate, this is your chance for a one-day glamour photography workshop with many models at a great price and location!

These workshops are open to photographers of all levels, beginners to advanced. We’ll have a small lecture, hands-on, then we shoot, shoot, shoot, five talented models. First-come, first serve! Limited in size! Once it sells out, it’s sold-out!

Here are the particulars:

1. You must pay for your own lodging and travel, we’ll provide suggestions.

2. Bring your camera, preferrably a DSLR. It must have a hotshoe (where you flash slides on top) or as a minimum, a pc connection for our studio flash–we provide all equipment.

3. You must have the passion to photograph up to five beautiful models. The type of photography is glamour, beauty and nude photography for most models. You will have almost a whole day to photograph them in all their beauty, from glamour to glamour nude.

4. While it’s intense, we’ll have fun in this educational experience. We’ll provide lunch, you provide the coffee if you need it, but surely bring some Red Bull for energy because this is an energized workshop.

5. Camera requirements are any type of camera, preferably 35mm DSLR or SLR, medium or large format is optional. Lens focal range, from 24mm to 200mm, though a typical 70-200mm lens is all you need. A back-up drive to download your images every evening and/orlaptop computer is highly recommended. If you have a Sony (Minolta) camera, please ensure you have a hot shoe adapter or PC connection.

6. Professionalism is required, we’re there to capture beautiful images of beautiful models. If you have Pocket Wizard remotes, bring them too, though not required as we’ll have our own radio triggers. We’ll work with beauty dishes, softboxes, reflectors and more, all provided by us!

If you can meet the requirements and you have the passion to create some beautiful, unique images, this is the workshop for you. We accept payments securely through PayPal and have other options if you prefer. This is a first-come, first-serve event as class size is limited. Model releases are optional. This is the early-bird price, prices will go up soon, so don’t delay, book now before it’s too late! Please use the PayPal button to select either one or both workshops. We’ve used PayPal securely for 12-years.

Choose Workshop(s)

Model releases for each event are $60 per model at the end of the day. These are voluntary releases, but highly encouraged as these models will be working for you. These releases are provided and allow you to use the images for commercial use and the only restriction is prohibited use for adult related material—nudes are artistic and glamour nude only at this workshop when it comes to nudity. Each workshop requires a separate model release as they are two separate workshops.

You are required to arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. local time on both workshop days. You may only attend the workshop(s) you sign-up for, either each one separate or both. We end at 5:00 p.m both days.

Cancellation rules apply as this is a first-come, first-serve event limited in size. Don’t get left behind, don’t miss out on a wonderful opportunity. We can’t allow too many people on the property, it’s very limited in size, so don’t delay, act now an save before prices go up!

Photo Workshop and Party at the Palms!

Photo of Mari, art direction, Playboy photographer Arny Freytag.  Photo taken after the Phoenix Mansion photography workshop.

Photo of Mari, art direction, Playboy photographer Arny Freytag. Photo taken after the Phoenix Mansion photography workshop.

Note: Just announced, next Phoenix Mansion Shoot with Arny Freytag. (info here)

I just returned from a fabulous photography, semi-private instructional workshop featuring Playboy’s top photographer, Arny Freytag.  On occasion, Arny comes out and guest instructs at some of our photography workshops, most recently the Las Vegas and Los Angeles photography workshops.  Next month he’ll join us for a day as a guest instructor at the Los Angeles (workshop info here) photography workshop held at a 6,000 sq.ft. studio location with six gorgeous models including Playboy Playmate Holley Dorrough and American Idol star, Amy Davis.

Arny also indicated he’ll make an appearance at our Las Vegas workshop and birthday bash celebration this August at the Palms Casino where we’re alway treated well from the owner and staff. This will be our third photography workshop at the Palms Casino and at our Dec. 2009 glamour photography workshop, Arny spent two days instructing our attendees as we photographed models in the luxurious, 6,200 sq.ft., Sky Villa Penthouse suite—in fact, some of those images are in my new photography lighting book, Rolando Gomez’s Lighting for Glamour Photography: Techniques for Digital Photographers.

The Palms Casino and Palms Place always provide for some great shooting and touring of the clubs for all the attendees, and this photography workshop will be the best as Playboy Playmate Holley Dorrough and I will be celebrating our birthdays on Saturday evening throughout the casino along with a few other Leos who have their birthdays very close to ours.  The workshop is on Friday and Saturday, then more fun begins Saturday evening as we head out to tour the clubs at the Palms like the Rain, The Lounge, Moon, Ghost Bar, Satellite Bar, and even the Playboy Club.

Playboy photographer Arny Freytag, Palms Casino Owner Gavin Maloof, Playboy Playmate Holley Dorrough and I at Gavin's house.

Playboy photographer Arny Freytag, Palms Casino Owner Gavin Maloof, Playboy Playmate Holley Dorrough and I at Gavin's house.

We’ve got a few slots left, so we hope to see you there, so far the guest list is looking great and our models Holley, Amy, Mari, Candice, Eleya and Heather are looking forward to pose for all those digital cameras.  We might even add a few more models to make it fun and exciting for everyone! We’ll even have our top make-up artist, Stephanie Dawn. All attendees get special room rates, so there will be no need to leave the Palms Casino during this weekend workshop and celebration.

Hopefully you’ve signed up before we run out of spaces, but regardless, don’t forget our men and women in uniform who make all our freedoms possible along with the sacrifices of their families and friends, God Bless! Rolando

Rolando’s Photography Quotes

Here are some of my favorite photography quotesmany have either heard at my photography workshops or read in my photography books.  Enjoy!

Photography quotes by Rolando Gomez

Light is the life blood of the image.

Trying to take the passion from a photographer is like trying to take a bone away from a hungry dog, you’re going to get bit, it’s going to hurt like hell and you’re going to wish you never tried.

When I take a “photograph,” it’s not just about the subject being captured in time, it’s about the intended audience with the interjection of my soul; when I take “pictures,” it’s just plain fun!

A perfect smile is when the corners of the eyes are in perfect harmony with the corners of the lips.

[Read more...]

The Triangles of Photography

Often when you hear a photographer talk about a triangle in photography, they are referencing the correlation of exposure, or how the ISO, lens aperture and camera shutter-speed affect one another to create the correct exposure in a photograph. However, the word “triangle” in photography also applies to posing, specifically the great “three triangle” pose for a single subject, and the triangles formed in posing groups of people.

When posing a single model, three triangles are often seen when a model is standing tall, her body facing the camera, and the legs are close together forming a triangle from the base of the feet to where the knees meet, then from where the knees meet to mid-thigh, then mid-thigh to the bottom of the torso. This is often seen when a beauty pageant contestant stops and faces the judges on the runway too. However as in this photograph of Tess, you can use the arms and legs to form three triangles in the sitting position. (Note: If you look closely, the body itself forms one large triangle and the points of the triangle touch the points formed by the “rule of thirds” used for proper composition and framing.)

Tess uses her arms and legs to form three triangles in the sitting pose resulting in a visually pleasing image.

Tess uses her arms and legs to form three triangles in the sitting pose resulting in a visually pleasing image.

When photographing groups of people, great wedding photographers tend to space the front row so the people in the back row are directly behind each side of the person’s shoulder joint in front of them, thus ensuring that each person’s head forms, from each row, points in the triangle in groups of two or more rows of people. Portrait photographers also utilize this technique when photographing families of three or more.

When posing groups of people, form two rows and position your subjects so they form imaginary triangles with their head position.

When posing groups of people, form two rows and position your subjects so they form imaginary triangles with their head position.

Bill Hurter, editor of Rangefinder magazine states it best in his book, The Portrait Photographer’s Guide To Posing (Amherst 20004), “The triangle is one of the most pleasing and dynamic forms in all of photography. Because the triangle is a series of three lines, two of which are diagonal, it has the result of providing direction and visual movement in a portrait. Creating triangles and exploiting natural triangles in posing is one of the most basic skills of a good composition.”

Triangles in art composition was often practiced by some of the great painters, including Rembrandt, and as photographers, we all know Rembrandt lighting is one of the most popular forms of lighting in which a triangle of light forms below the eye. As a general rule in Rembrandt lighting, the triangle of light should be as long as the nose, but no wider than the eye.

While the triangle is easier to spot when replicating Rembrandt lighting, as it’s visually there surrounded by shadows on all three sides, in posing, it tends to be more perceptual and created by the arms and legs of the body when photographing one subject, or by the heads of bodies when photographing groups of two rows or more. Rembrandt lighting itself obviously is one of the elements in the triangle of exposure, and the triangle of exposure is evident in every correctly exposed photograph.

Finding and capturing triangles in posing is more difficult for photographers because we must direct our subjects in posing, however if we can focus on that direction through proper communication, it gives us the ability to move one step higher toward the top of the pyramid of photographers and our subjects will be pleased with the results.  Well that’s it for today, please don’t forget our men and women in uniform that defend our great nation, along with the sacrifices of their friends and family, God Bless! Rolando