Glamorous
October 3, 2008
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!
Virgin Islands-Nov 09′
September 30, 2008
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 20th Virgin Islands workshop. The dates are Nov. 5th-10th, 2009. Fly in on Nov. 5th (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 Nov.10th (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!)
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
Virgin Islands-Jul 09′
September 30, 2008
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!)
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
Workshops that Don’t Pay Models–BLAH!
September 19, 2008
| Will we’re getting ready to for our main event, "Back to the Ranch" (BTTR) next week, featuring some top, top photographers as guest instructors, so I’m running like a chicken with my head cutoff right now! Whew! As we line everything up for what promises to be the best event of the year, 30 photographers, 15 models, 5 VIP photographer instructors, 5 mentor/assistants, 4 make-up artists and an outstanding location, we’re actually updating the website for the ranch event, though it’s basically sold-out! It sold-out before we could even finish the website and it was just announced after the 4th of July holiday! Imagine that?
That’s what happens when you get some great models, though only a few were mentioned. Why are we able to get some great models for all our events? The answer is not hard and I took an excerpt from the BTTR website and put it here for you to see below. Often I see other workshops "poking" fun at my "releases," implying that we suprises our photography workshop attendees–not so, it’s on every photography workshop web page, and the release are always voluntary, though encouraged. Besides, other workshops provide, very questionable promotional releases. So enjoy the words below, and if you want to get in on BTTR 2009, please email me ASAP as we’ll be preselling it at a discounted rate. Thanks, see below and don’t forget our military troops, their families and friends in your prayers! rg sends! Models know in “our” photography workshops they get compensated monetarily, not with half-promises. They know we’re the best workshop to be in, not just because we have more credentials with our host alone, than other workshops have in combined instructors, but because we ensure our models (and our make-up artists) receive more than promises of photos from the VIP’s, mentors and attendees–hence why our models tend to be exclusive to our workshops and why we can provide you top models. We also require you do your part in letting the talent know you’re happy with their hard work, none of this is ever hidden, always upfront on our workshop web pages and email updates. Rest assured, when models know they’ll receive compensation for their efforts, they will give you more than a 110% effort. Our models aren’t "suckered" into signing "promotional" releases which great attorneys frown on. Our models will sign "full-releases" (with adult/porn restrictions to protect the model) not questionable promotional releases. Promotional releases are nasty and if ever challenged in court, well let’s just say, that’s probably why you’re in court. In fact, the Cambridge Dictionary defines promotional as "intended to advertise something." Advertising is a commercial. Our model release system is tested tough in the past seven years and designed to protect you and the model–there is never a question of what is promotional and what is commercial use. Promotional is the adjective for promotion. Advertising; publicity. pro·motion·al adj. Advertising is a commercial. ad·ver·tis·ing (dvr-tzng) n. The activity of attracting public attention to a product or business, as by paid announcements in the print, broadcast, or electronic media. Our model releases are always voluntary for our attendees and our workshop terms allow only use of the images in your professional printed portfolio if you choose not to sign releases with our models. We encourage full-releases, which we provide, between you and the model for a small fee–$40 (for this event) paid directly to the model. We supply the releases for the model and your protection and we never take a dime from the model. In fact, we pay for our model’s transportation, meals and lodging, more than any other workshop today. Our releases allow the use of your images taken at our workshop for your on-line portfolios, websites and commercial use. For releases to be valid, a model has to receive something of value–what’s $40 for three days of hard work? That’s barely over ten dollars per day! While you’re sleeping in bed, models are usually up at the crack of dawn in make-up. Note: If you’ve ever attended a workshop or model/photographer event where a model signed a promotional release and you failed to supply her with images or something of value, that release is invalid. Also, if a group of models signed one release for one photographer, especially if it was photo-copied and given to all the photographers, the validity is seriously questionable. Ever wonder why mentors and VIP’s in other events use their own releases and not the promotional event releases? That’s why they’re pros. We do it right for you and the model! Think of our releases as an added incentive for the models to work harder for you verses promises of prints. Knowledgeable attorneys frown on promotional releases because anything of "promotion," like posting photos on model and photography sites, forums, on-line portfolios, personal websites, etc., is in fact a "commercial" for your work and abilities. Don’t be suckered into these workshops where models are also suckered. In fact, we’ve heard the horror stories from many models of these (promotional release) workshops and it’s unfortunate. We’ve proven that professional photographers know that models need proper compensation for their talent. A workshop is a place to learn and being up front with our releases is the way it’s done in the real world of photography and modeling, not promotional promises. Again, while it’s voluntary, we encourage our releases and ask that you budget appropriately for our models so we can continue to keep our costs down and pass them on to you while supplying top-quality models who understand it’s OK to be paid for their hard work. We settle for nothing less, top models for you, happy models for your camera and models that will work with you again as they respect your professionalism. So that’s it, above, from the BTTR site, and we encourage anyone to boycott any workshop that involves models if the models are not being compensated, including their travel expenses paid for. Thanks, rg sends! |
Virgin Islands–June 09′
September 4, 2008
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!)
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
Virgin Islands, 1on1 Special–May 09′
September 4, 2008
Venue: U.S. Virgin Islands New! Special One on One Workshop, One model per photographer!
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! This is the first workshop for 2009 that features our unique one on one format–please check out the other Virgin Islands workshops for the months of April, June and August for our standard, less-expensive VI workshop where we have two photographer to one model ratios—this workshop is for a unique, one on one experience and offered on a very limited basis! Only SIX Photographers and SIX Models per workshop. You will be assigned a photographer’s assistant to help you during the entire workshop! First-come, first-serve!
This will be our 17th Virgin Islands workshop. The dates are May 14th-19th, 2009. Fly in on May 14th (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 19th (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!)
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 six photographers only! Your personal assistant will be provided by us. That’s right, we’ll shoot six 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 six 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 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 on an exotic island.
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!) $2499 today, regular price resumes to $2999 before you know it! Save $600 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–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. 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–including over 150 attendees for the past Virgin Islands workshop, many more than once, some even up to six 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. 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 for lunch. 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 six 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. 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 four years.
Make-up will be provided and images maybe 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. 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 five 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
Virgin Islands–April 09′
September 4, 2008
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 2007 sold-out, most sold-out a year in advance! Five of the six 2008 workshops are sold-out! This is the first workshop for 2009 during “Carnival” in the Virgin Islands. Here’s your chance if you missed out to book early for 2009! Only Ten Photographers and Five Models per workshop. First-come, first-serve, two slots left!
This will be our 16th Virgin Islands workshop, our second April photography workshop sold-out eight months in advance and featured the actual Playboy Playmate of that Month, Holley Dorrough, as one of the models! The dates are April 23-28th, 2009. Fly in on the 23rd 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 April 28th 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!)