From my first photo shoot in Drumheller. I basically took the original photo and mirrored it for an unexpected surprise.

Date: 6/7–6/10, 2012 (Arrive on Thursday, June. 7, 2012, depart on Sunday evening, June 10th)
Venue: Drumheller, Alberta, Canada
Details: Limited in Size, Personal, Semi-Private Instruction Format

Ever want to get away, like to really get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and photograph beautiful models? We’ve got an exclusive photography experience just for you—but only if you want to experience something very few photographers will ever have in their portfolio—wolves and models, plus a few more surprises like “hoodoo’s!” While there is somewhat of a workshop feel to this exotic shoot, because of the size, it’s more like a “semi-private” instruction course. More personal, more intimate, more time for shooting, more hands—on instruction than a larger workshop group.

Arrive into Calgary, Alberta, Canada, then travel less than two hours to Drumheller, Alberta, Canada. We’ll meet there at a recommended hotel—given only to the participants. This semi-private instruction format is limited to only four photographers, and an assistant. We’ll have at least three if not four models for your shooting pleasure.

We'll work with purebred wolves like this timber wolf using professional wolf handlers.

While the weather will be warmer than my recent shoot with the wolves, here is a great blog post (click here, new window opens) to give you an idea of how my first shoot with the wolves went, though remember, we’ve got some other concepts you’ll be able to capture so your photo shoots will be unique to this photography experience. The idea is simple, create some extraordinary photos very, very, few people in our world will ever have in their portfolios—separating you from the pack of other photographers and you’ll be guided all the way by Rolando, personally! For safety, we’ll have assistants and professionally trained wolf handlers.

Here are the particulars:

1. You must pay for your own lodging, meals and travel, we’ll provide suggestions and the recommended hotel of choice. This will also provide for “working” lunches and dinners where we can all discuss the day’s events and the upcoming shoots.

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

3. You must have the passion to photograph up to four beautiful models and patient enough for them to change into wardrobe. The type of photography is glamour, beauty and nude photography for most models, but the focus is capturing the beauty of the female form with wolves and other interesting items like “hoodoo” rock formations.

"Hoodoo's" are located in the area along with other old architecture we'll utilize in our shoot.

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.

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 with wild animals. Safety is number one.

7. The cost, $1299 plus your meals and logistics. Because this is a very small group, no discounts apply. 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 second trip to the Drumheller area, this is our first semi-private instruction format for this shoot and this might be the only time Rolando offers this format. Rolando is limiting his workshop schedule for 2012, so this is a very unique opportunity as future years are looking very limited as Rolando shifts his focus on a more on-line format. This is a first-come, first-serve event and due to limited slots, this workshop has a tighter cancellation policy (see below).

Here is an example photo of the possiblities not normally found in a photographer's portfolio.

Model releases for this event is $100 per model at the end of the event ($400 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 by Rolando 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. 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  that you seriously want to capture some great shots and take your photography up to the next level! You must be over 18-years of age to attend.

You are required to arrive no later than 7:00 p.m., local time, in Drumheller 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 your choice, you can leave that Sunday night or Monday on your own or when you choose. Hotel recommendations will be provided, most hotels are close together and average from $100 to $160 per night but we have a preferred locationt, but only revealed to you upon booking your workshop slot. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodging are not included. While we might consolidate transportation once we get started, transportation is not provided to get from your point of origin and Drumheller. We’ll do our best to “group” everyone to save on travel once we all arrive in Drumheller.

This semi-private instruction format 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. This is not a typical format and because of the limited size of the class, there are no refunds or cancellations allowed, however, we’ll consider everyone on a case by case basis should an emergency arise. Should a cancellation refund be approved, there is a 30-day waiting period. We require a minimum of two photographers for this workshop, but should we not meet that requirement, then you are entitled to a full refund.