Everyone is a Photographer Today

Technology today seems to make everyone a photographer, with inkjet printers and digital cameras in cell phones everyone can now contribute the to the royalty-free market. Many blame the current economic state, while it should take some credit, the real dilemmas facing photography started before digital cameras in the late 1970’s when the first one-hour mini-labs entered the market, thus creating a slow, chain reaction as photographers and the photo industry today scramble for new ways to survive.

When the first mini-labs entered the market, from the Nortisu QSS systems to the smaller KIS systems, the face of photography changed. Some may argue it all started with the Canon AE-1 a few years before, but in realty, the AE-1 only forced camera manufacturers to spend more money on research and development for cameras that provided more than manual modes of operation.

These one-hour, photofinishing, assembly-line machines opened the door for a new market, initially mom and pop photofinishing labs that would evolve into photo studios (by offering passport photos and baby pictures), photo copying factories and even camera stores. The long-standing camera stores, which rarely made profits on actual camera bodies (low turn-over inventory items) and only on point of sale and peripherals products like filters and frames were either forced into photofinishing and adding their own photo studios, thus ultimately competing against their own customer—the professional photographer.

The camera stores that didn’t add photofinishing mainly went out of business. Even the larger camera store chains like Fox Foto, FotoMat and even Kodak felt the competition of mom and pop mini-labs popping up everywhere. Some of the larger camera store chains bought out the smaller stores and even Kodak purchased Fox Foto only later to sell the camera stores back to Fox Foto while keeping their main photo lab.

Soon the mom and pop mini-labs and studios faced their own attacker, the large retailers, drug stores and even grocery store chains. K-Mart, Walmart, Sears, JCPenney, Walgreens, Eckards and large grocery store chains added one-hour photofinishing in their stores. This influx of these big chains in the photofinishing industry was based on the business methodology, “if we add photofinishing and drop the prices, people will come to drop their roll of film and while they wait they’ll spend at least an hour in the store shopping and the money is made up in volume sales of all our products.”

This “cheaper” photofinishing by the same quality mini-lab machines led to the original mom and pop and camera stores not being able to compete, many went out of business while others added other services like photo studios and photo copy services.

Perhaps this was one of those milestones along with fast food burgers that sociologists will say fell into the turning of America into a “convenience based” society—we want it now!

This increased popularity of photography, fast and inexpensive photofinishing led large studios, government entities (including the military) and even large corporations and industries to invest in their own mini-labs. Some invested to save time, some to save money, but all to do it “in house” especially where privacy and control was important. Some consider this the predecessor to desktop publishing, the production of the product moving closer to the creator.

Eventually the drug stores and super markets opened their own mini-labs on location, including Walmart, Eckard Drugs, K-Mart, Walgreens, super market chains and so forth. Then as digital photography came on board, the more “pro labs” and one-hour mini-labs were forced to create “products” and provide services that would cater to digital photographers. Tons of money was invested and the return (ROI) was slow that was further hampered by better-quality and lower-priced inkjet printers that became archival—the printing began to shift to the “home-lab” or “home-studio.”

At the same time, digital cameras became like computers, the market penetration became saturated with owners and products, thus the photo industry began to hurt, combined with the fact cameras now become obsolete as fast as they are introduced, unlike film cameras known for low-turnover inventory rates.

In the midst of all this, the God’s of stock photography, the Getty’s and the Corbis’s, began to swallow up the little agencies and even larger ones like Tony Stone and the Image Bank. Then royalty-free was introduced thanks to the Internet and cheaper broadband conduits of digital traffic. As bandwidth expenses and computer costs fell, Adobe Photoshop became more popular outside of professional hands, thus photographers soon were asked by editors to provide final images with post-production, gone were the film retouchers and some photographers became image-makers instead of creators of photographs. Evan photo stock agencies require special formats and sizes of images, noise and blemish free. Long are gone the 20-slides on one page.

While many photographers are facing hardships today, many fail to realize it’s not all the cause of the economy, high gasoline prices or even the digital evolution, but a combination of many factors.

The fact is, long before the latter, many magazines, even [I]Zink[/I], have never paid their photographers as they know photographers want tearsheets in hopes of being noticed by those that do pay, like [I]Vogue[/I] and [I]Vanity Fair[/I]. The photographers who will survive are those that have known this has existed before and understand how the market is pyramid shaped–the leaders are at the top of the pyramid and it’s a tough climb.

It’s been that way even before the advent of digital, just like any corporate, military or even magazine staff structure. Some start their careers in the mailroom, very few if any start at the top, unless they’re born into family and the entity allows nepotism (think Playboy, Christy Hefner; Donald Trump and his four children; even Angelina Jolie, daughter of actor Jon Voight).

On the glamour side of photography, it’s was once viewed as a negative genre, now it’s “in.” Even the use of the word “glamour” is in. While the markets are tough, one must pay their dues and often it’s “connections” but more often luck, like in all artistic career fields, being at the right place at the right time. The “breaks” often come due to nepotism, race, religion, sexual orientation (yes it’s true), political connections and again, just mere luck, being at the right place at the right time capturing the right moment (think of a few, though not many, Pulitzer prize winners.) Actors, directors and filmmakers know this concept above very well–way before digital ever arrived. It’s often said, “Many actors even change their names and religious preferences to move forward.”

Digital photography has affected everyone, from portrait shooters to established professionals, much like graphic software programs caused many corporate executives to fire their graphic arts departments (graphic artists, typesetters, writers) because suddenly they thought they could design newsletters and brochures. Desktop publishing has killed many careers. Oh, not to mention, those same executives purchase royalty-free images instead of hiring photographers for content.

In a nutshell, whether it’s glamour, fashion, editorial, commercial, weddings, etc., the digital world we all enjoy has killed many photographer’s incomes and the survivors are barely surviving as they are still doing the same or less work for cheaper prices. Part of selling images and getting those commercial contracts isn’t always talent either, though talent helps. (see above reference to politics, religion, race, connections, luck, sexual orientation, etc.)

In fact, many of the people that purchase photography products today are not professional photographers, but those that can afford the “toys” to run their in-home studio and in-home print lab. Some have these toys just for their own family use, which also has impacted professional studios and photo labs.

My best advice to photographers today, keep shooting, keep your portfolios updated, knock on doors, send mail-outs, have a beautiful website and do a lot of praying. Digital has changed the face of the world in many ways, in fact, even the watch industry is hurting because people no longer wear watches to check the time, those that do own them wear them for fashion, as we all have “watches” and even “alarm clocks” on our cell phones. Which leads to ask, “How many people have turned off their home phones and use the now cheaper cell phone for everything?”

And if you read all of this, this far, then you have passion and are truly interested in your photography, now that’s a step up from those that just want to take pretty pictures. Just my thoughts, all the best, rg sends!

Evolution of the photography related dollars:

*Camera Stores and photo studios (prior to 1979) made the money as did a few top photographers.
*Mini-labs arrive, Mom & Pop photofinishing opens up and gluts the market.
*Mom and Pops add cameras, lenses, photo studios (think just passport photos, baby pics) etc., thus becoming camera stores with photofinishing and studios that leads to the “original” camera store declines.
*Large retailers (Walmart, KMart, Walgreens, etc.) add one-hour labs (and some even photo studios and copy stations) to keep the customers in longer, drop photofinishing prices, thus killing Mom & Pop labs and studios.
*Digital cameras arrive (digital revolution)
*Pro-labs create new products for digital shooters and the pro labs invest heavily in new equipment for specialized digital output, ROI not what expected, begin to go out of business.
*Royalty free invades, thus hurting small stock agencies.
*Large stock agencies buyout smaller agencies.
*Large agencies begin to suffer because of digital photography do-it-yourself, stock agencies change contracts, take more, pay less.
*Photo studios suffer because of DIY, print at home.
*Everyone is now a photographer, their own stock agency and are driven to save money.
*The established photographer makes less and less work is requested the market dwindles for stock agencies, photographers, labs and studios.
*Today’s main buyer of top photography products are the “haves,” that can afford the toys, the majority are not professional photographers but want to shoot and feel like when when they click that shutter.

Study Photojournalism Techniques

Today, both fashion and glamour photographers are employing more photojournalistic styles, producing images that stand strong and often make statements. I’ve been fortunate enough to have almost thirty years of photojournalism experience that often kicks in when I’m photographing glamour models. If you don’t have this type of training, I recommend that you study photojournalistic images by looking through news magazines and observing what you see printed in your local paper.

A great book I highly recommend, old but still available, is The Picture: An Associated Press Guide to Good News Photography (Associated Press, 1989). It’s thin, concise, and lays it out like a dictionary. This book covers terms used to describe photojournalistic styles of photography, which are becoming more popular in photography today, and also helps give you ideas for your poses and styling of the set.

A term that most photographers without photojournalism training do not know is juxtaposition. In juxtaposition, a photojournalist tries to add a second element in the frame to help tell the story–or sometimes just to add something funny or even serious. In glamour photography, this can be applied by keeping the main focus on the actual glamour subject, but adding another model, sign, or element to enhance the story. Normally, this element will be out of focus to prevent distraction.

Still another term used in photojournalism is the picture story. While every image tells a picture story, sometimes a series of glamour photos can tell a story too. Normally, I approach all my shoots like a picture story and previsualize various poses and scenarios to accomplish that feat. This often includes a headshot, three-quarter shot, bust-up shot, and some type of shot emphasizing more of the back of the model.

Photojournalists are trained to get the shot in any situation–to keep their eyes open and constantly be looking for ways to tell stories through images. In glamour photography (and many other genres), these skills are also invaluable and well worth fostering.

Top Friends? Myspace, Facebook, etc…

I’ve often talked about therapeutic photography, or photographic therapy, the power of photography to help build or rebuild self-esteem, but here recently, I’ve also noticed another power, the social networking power.

While that topic can encompass many areas, especially with Myspace, Youtube, Facebook and other powerful social network communities, one thing they have in common, is the ability to “tag” (comment) each member in your friends network. It’s not only addictive, but those members with marketing savvy use these peripheral options along with their blogs, bulletins, announcement, photos, tagging of photos, pets, walls, groups, etc. and more as great marketing tools within the network.

This marketing of oneself is not only the selling of one’s products and talents, but of themselves and often for their own ego and self-esteem. Often a popularity contest, I have more friends, comments and tags than you! In the Myspace “pets” application, the goal isn’t to be the owner of pets, but to increase your net worth, though this is often perceived as a popularity contest more than disposable income. Many members of these sites are not only concerned about how many friends they have, but if they are on, and in what order, their friends, “Top Friends” lists.

I’ve seen many models and photographers mad at each other because they take the ranking order of the top friends feature so personal, they actually believe the ranking judges their friendship relationship and their talent amongst their friends. Personally, I rank people in my top friends list on many variables, including loyalty, friendship, length of friendship, ethics, personality traits, integrity, reliability, etc., and rarely on their actual talent. Recently, I’ve removed my top friends lists from one model and photographer website, due to rumors, as some people even group members of your top friends with personal relationships and it’s often misconstrued.

Well that’s my rant for the day, please remember to keep our military service members and their families in your prayers. God Bless, rg sends!

The Enigma of a First Time Shoot

Sometimes music and the viewing of music videos can help invigorate a model and photographer for a great shoot, especially when there is more music than words, as in the style of Enigma’s The Principals of Lust. Music also helps relax the model and photographer during their first shoot, especially if they’ve never met beforehand and their personalities are mysteries to each other.

Enigma itself is a word with Greek roots that means mysterious and ambiguous and also is used to name a machine that creates ciphers for the encryption and decryption of secret messages before and during World War II. While the machine was used commercially, as early as the 1920’s, many nations utilized the enigma machine for their government and military branches, including Nazi Germany that used the Wehrmacht Enigma Machine.

While the musical group Enigma is no war machine, its music is often a mystery to many, as Michael Cretu their group leader states in Enigma’s Virgin Records (Germany) bio, “No words can explain music, music explains itself." Cretu is steadfast to his philosophy that the Enigma type of music should not be tied to any one artist or even one language.

Photography should be similar, it should not be tied to anyone style, artist, or genre, not if you’re planning on being successful in your photographic abilities when working with a new model for the first time. Personalities vary and great photographers know how to adapt to various personalities. Herein is where music can save the day, by relaxing a new, nervous model and helping a photographer focus on a successful shoot and not a cryptic mystery.

Glamorous

While I personally prefer listening to country music, most models today listen to various types of music, including the more hip music. While conducting my Virgin Islands workshops, we have the ability to plug-in an I-Pod, or in my case, my I-Phone, which has caused me to download songs from I-Tunes, more in tune with the younger model crowd

I often use music to get my creative juices flowing, whether writing articles or books, or when photographing models on location, especially in the Virgin Island, Glamour, Beauty and the Nude workshops. I tend to choose music that will relax the models and get them moving and with glamour photography, one song that seems to get the models, and even me, flowing, is the song by Fergie called Glamorous.

I’ve included the song below for your listening. Try songs like these and other hip songs and you’ll be surprised how it will liven up the set on location with your model and if you have them, assistants too. It seems the right music will get the energy flowing, and when people are physically tired or fresh out of ideas, songs like Glamorous will seem to bring everything to life. So it’s appropriate for the current blog pick, Glamorous. Go ahead, give it a try, play it on your next shoot and see how everything will synergize and come to life. Enjoy! rg sends!

Back to the Ranch, A Great Success!

Back to the Ranch was a great success! With a support staff of almost 30 people composed of models, assistants, make-up artists, VIP instructors and myself, it was one of the largest events I’ve ever handled and we’re going to do it again. Many thanks to everyone that made it such a great event. An event like no other ever held before that will leave memories burned in people’s minds, in addition to great friendships and photographs.

It began around 2 a.m., Thursday morning, as I drove out to Canton, Texas in my packed Suburban. About 45-minutes down the road on Interstate 35 North, I made a decision that almost sent BTTR into a whirlwind of uncertainty as I opened the sunroof directly above me for some fresh air. First there was that rushing air sound, as I was driving at 70 mph, then a sucking vacuum cleaner sound like something had just flown out the roof.

That something was not planned. After a few seconds, still traveling at a high-rate of speed down the inside lane, I realized, it was the cashier’s check to pay for our lodging for the entire group of photographer attendees, my models, make-up artists, assistants and VIP’s.

A check with a value of two-digits in front of three zeros, right out the window on the busiest Interstate in Texas, often know as the death trap between San Antonio and Austin. I immediately slowed down, panicked, and pulled over inside toward the concrete barrier. I began thinking, as I cautiously, but dangerously backed up looking in my mirror for that now lost check—what if a the check had floated down into another vehicle’s grill or bumper and was head down the Interstate on it’s own? What if it had floated to the other side of the expressway and was now headed back to San Antonio?

Short of a heart attack, my thoughts raced in my head, what do I tell the folks at the Mill Creek Resort, the dog ate the check? It never worked for my teachers with homework. Then after a coming to my senses, I crossed three lanes of traffic to the shoulder side of the road, at the same time noticing a car, backing up on the access road, not just any car, a Sheriff’s deputy car. As I exited my vehicle, I ran through the grassy area between the expressway shoulder and the access road and when the deputy rolled down his window, I said, “Officer, I need your help, I just lost a high-dollar cashiers check on the expressway, and without hesitation the deputy parked, took his flashlight and helped me with the frantic search.

About fifteen minutes later and a quarter-mile of the Interstate thoroughly searched, he crossed the expressway and found it next to the concrete divider. As he crossed back to the safer shoulder, I thanked deputy S. Masters of Comal County profoundly. He told me to put the check safely away and not to place it on the dash or the visor area. As he drove off, I was still in disbelief.

Fortunately, though there were a few very minor glitches, BTTR didn’t follow the early morning format of almost giving me a heart attack, instead, with the help of 14 great models, assistants, make-up artists, the VIP instructors and the attendees, we overcame some minor quirks and pulled it off with great success. Like VIP Shelly Katz stated at the closing ceremony, “Remember, this was the first Back to the Ranch and you’ll always remember it as there will be a second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, etc., Back to the Ranch Event, but there will only be one first and you were here, that’s why I we took that group picture too.”

Harrison Funk added, “I had such a great time, I can’t wait to do it again.” I commented back Harrison with, “we will do it again.” While the attendees were in awe of the VIP’s and all the great talent, it ultimately took 30 support staff, plus the staff at Mill Creek, to pull it off. We all did it as a team, but more importantly, because of the passion. It wasn’t just another event. Like when American Idol Superstar Amy Davis sang to the group at both the opening and closing ceremonies, we felt her passion in her voice just like the passion in photography and modeling filling the air at the Mill Creek Resort in Canton.

There are many memories and more that I’m sure will be talked about for the days and years to come. Great friendships and photographs were created and we all gained some type of experience we’ll never forget.

As I drove away from the “ranch,” I opened my sunroof, though this time I made sure there was nothing in my visor and the sound of the air rushing buy as I drove down the Interstate was like a breath of fresh air, I was satisfied and so were the attendees, models, assistants, make-up artists and the VIP photographers and I thought of Eli Reed’s closing remarks the night before, “This was like a vacation, I truly enjoyed it and look forward to it again.”

Virgin Islands-Jul 09′

Date: 7/16-21/2009
Venue: U.S. Virgin Islands New!
Details: The first Virigin Islands worskhop sold-out in less than 2-weeks!  All of the VI workshops for 2008 sold-out, most sold-out a year in advance!  All of the 2008 workshops are sold-out! Here’s your chance if you missed out to book early for 2009!  Only Twelve Photographers and Six Models per workshop.  First-come, first-serve!

This will be our 19th Virgin Islands workshop.    The dates are July 16th-21st, 2009.  Fly in on July 16th (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 July 21st (Tuesday) unless you choose to stay longer in St. Thomas on your own.

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.

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

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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 five Virgin Islands workshops, so all spaces will sell fast!  We have a high return of previous attendees!

Limited to twelve photographers only!  That’s right, we’ll shoot six 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 twelve, 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, transport to and from the private location on travel days, 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.

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 (early bird, limited price, first five!) $1399 today, regular price resumes to $1899 before you know it! Save $500 now! Rates are going up with gas prices unfortunately, so save now  Guarantee your slot!

Lighting will be provided by Hensel 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.

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.  We’ll have a nice bbq event too.  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 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 3,000 students have attended Rolando’s workshops and speaking engagements in the past four 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. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided every day upon arrival.  Evening supper will be furnishe 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 all meals except three, you are responsible for all travel and your film costs and three meals. Door prizes, literature and sample products at all workshops.  The price includes three days of shooting with models.  We break the twelve photographers in teams of two, so you always work with a partner but never have to wait in line.  Models are rotated twice per day to allow for two major shoots with one model, per shoot, per day–you will photograph all six 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 maybe used in off-line, personal and web portfolios, however, you can, for an additional $50 (paid to the model by the photographer), 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 workshop in the past seven years.  Feel Free to email Rolando Gomez should you have any questions at rolando(at)rolandogomez.com

Atlanta Mansion

Date: 2/28 & 3/1/2009
Venue: Atlanta Mansion (Saturday, or Sunday, or Both!) Each workshops is a separate workshop, though you have the option to purchase both at a discount, see below!)
Details: First Come, First Serve– New!  Saturday or Sunday or both Mansion!  Only 12 photographers, with SIX beautiful models at a former Hollywood A-list, actresses mansion estate.  Filled with over 10-years of CBS, hit-show memorabilia, this is our fifth Mansion shoot–always a sell-out with top models!  Act now, price will go up!  New models too!

It’s back! Rolando’s "Glamour, Beauty & the Nude Plus, Mansion Special" in Atlanta, Feb. 28th or March 1st, 2009, a Saturday or Sunday or both, it’s your option. These are one-day workshops (option to purchase two-days below). Each special one-day workshop (one held each day, though you have the option to purchase both days) are in a celebrity mansion, over 7,000 sq. ft. that once belonged to a famous television personality!   We’ll give you the experience of over 300-plus workshops since 2002, all sell-outs!.  Normally special workshops sell-out weeks in advance, and these special workshops are not as common as other workshops–this is your chance–sign-up now!  Never will there be more than two photographers for each model!  Plenty of shooting time!  Make-up and hair is provided for the models too with a professional stylist!

Rolando Gomez, with almost 30 years as a professional photographer, provides this special workshop in one day at a private mansion.  We’ll shoot indoors and weather permitting, outdoors too!  Meet some of the models and more, found in his book Garage Glamour: Digital Nude and Beauty Photography Made Simple and his second book, Rolando Gomez’s Glamour Photography: Professional Techniques and Images  Some of the models at this workshop may also appear in his latest book, Rolando Gomez’s Posing Techinques for Glamour Photography. You can always get your books signed and/or purchased at these workshops!

You’ll learn the inside secrets of how to properly submit your images to *Playboy and other glamour venues.  Rolando’s recent sucess with Playboy includes the discovery of Playmate Holley Dorrough–earning him a Playboy finder’s fee of $5,000. He’s also provided Playboy many Special Editions models and even discovered Penthouse Pet Jana Adams (1986).  He’s sold his work to Playboy Special Editions since 1999 and you’ve probably seen this Fall (2008) full-page advertisements for Even Williams in Playboy, Sports Illustrated and Maxim to name a few magazines, featuring Playboy Playmate Monica Leigh.

The workshop is informative, educational, and hands on in a format  open to all experience levels–from beginner to advanced, with plenty of time to shoot –the workshop hours on Saturday are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Come with an open mind to learn–bring your camera, lenses and a portfolio (if you have one, not mandatory).   Lunch will be provided along with all lighting equipment!

Join now. as with all of Rolando’s workshops space is limited and this workshops sells fast! Enrollment is based on a first come, first server basis–guarantee your spot. Two photographers per model at all times, never more photographers with each model at this workshop! These are separate one-day workshops though you have the option to purchase both days below!

Rolando will cover many topics, from basics, fundamentals and concepts that you can use in glamour photography and other genres of photography as well as submission to magazines.  Emphasis on lighting, posing, and the ability to see and feel the light.  You’ll get hands on instruction and demonstrations.

Rolando will walk you through, step by step on some sets, 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 throughout the day.  The emphasis is to take photographs not pictures, but at the same time showing you why we take pictures before we can create photographs. 

(Actual Mansion Photos, click on thumbnails)

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You have two purchase options, purchase the Saturday or Sunday workshop with the link below, for $299 each and save $150 per workshop day, as the price will increase soon–this is a special holiday price it will go up! Please choose the correct payment button for either Saturday or Sunday, but if you want to attend both, you can save even more as the combined price of both is $499 saving an additional $99, at the earlybird price for the combination–a total savings of $399 when you purchase both! While the workshops are similar, they are considered two seperate workshops and the models will rotate around the mansion so you will have different looks the second day should you choose this option. Otherwise, book your Saturday slot with the button below. We offer six shooting spots each day. You work in groups of two photographers with one model at a time, though you will photograph all models before the workshop ends!
(Use this button below for reserving SATURDAY only! To reserve Saturday and Sunday at a combined, discounted price, use the third button–this first button is for Saturday only! To purchase Sunday only, the 1st of March 2009, use the second button below!)

(Use this button below for reserving SUNDAY only! To reserve Saturday and Sunday at a combined, discounted price, use the third button–this first button is for Saturday only! To purchase Saturday only, the 28th of Feb., 2009, use the first button above this one!)

(Use the button below for reserving BOTH Saturday and Sunday (28th Feb. & 1st March, 2009) at a combined discount price of $499. To reserve Saturday only, use the button above this button–do not use this button below unless you want to do both days!!)

Plus much, much more!  Over 3,000 students have attended Rolando’s workshops and speaking engagements in the past six-plus years–many returning for more than ten workshops–you just can’t get enough, and the key to successful photography is repetition and consistency.  This is a long-day format workshop for one day only!

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Make-up will be provided and images maybe used in off-line, personal and web portfolios, however, you can, for an additional $50 (paid to the model by the photographer), 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. Before you get stopped about the voluntary release structure, read this post and you’ll know why this has worked for us for over seven years successfully!

First Come, First Serve Basis–limited seating–Reserve Your Slot at the Above Link Now!

A minimum of eight people must attend, otherwise the workshop will be canceled and refunds will be immediately provided.  No refunds allowed should your plans change. On a case by case basis, we will issue partial or full credit to future workshops held only by Rolando should you have a an issue arise that would cause you to cancel/postpone. It’s common in any shoot to offer a small gratuity, this is voluntary but encouraged. Feel Free to email Rolando Gomez should you have any questions at rolando(at)rolandogomez.com

Workshops that Don’t Pay Models–BLAH!

Virgin Islands–June 09′

Date: 6/18-23/2009
Venue: U.S. Virgin Islands New!
Details: The first Virigin Islands worskhop sold-out in less than 2-weeks!  All of the VI workshops for 2008 sold-out, most sold-out a year in advance!  All of the 2008 workshops are sold-out! Here’s your chance if you missed out to book early for 2009!  Only Twelve Photographers and Six Models per workshop.  First-come, first-serve!

This will be our 18th Virgin Islands workshop.    The dates are June 18th-23rd, 2009.  Fly in on June 18th (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 June 23rd (Tuesday) unless you choose to stay longer in St. Thomas on your own.

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.

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

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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 five Virgin Islands workshops, so all spaces will sell fast!  We have a high return of previous attendees!

Limited to twelve photographers only!  That’s right, we’ll shoot six 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 twelve, period.  Book now as the 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, transport to and from the private location on travel days, 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.

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 (early bird, limited price, first five!) $1399 today, regular price resumes to $1899 before you know it! Save $500 now! Rates are going up with gas prices unfortunately, so save now  Guarantee your slot!
Lighting will be provided by Hensel 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.

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!  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.  We’ll have a nice bbq event too.  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 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 3,000 students have attended Rolando’s workshops and speaking engagements in the past four 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. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided every day upon arrival.  Evening supper will be furnishe 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 all meals except three, you are responsible for all travel and your film costs and three meals. Door prizes, literature and sample products at all workshops.  The price includes three days of shooting with models.  We break the twelve photographers in teams of two, so you always work with a partner but never have to wait in line.  Models are rotated twice per day to allow for two major shoots with one model, per shoot, per day. 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 maybe used in off-line, personal and web portfolios, however, you can, for an additional $50 (paid to the model by the photographer), 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 workshop in the past five years.  Feel Free to email Rolando Gomez should you have any questions at rolando(at)rolandogomez.com

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