Rolando Gomez

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is rare permission that came direct from Austria.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’ve neglected this site and other responsibilities for over a month while dealing with travels, workshops, moving, book deadlines, but more important, love, the love of close ones. 

My parents have been ill, my daughter’s house burned down in Atlanta and my best friend’s issues, all of them like a bad storm that never stops.  None of it easy, in fact, everyone including my mother are telling me I’ve lost weight, but when I look in the mirror I never saw it coming until this morning when I grabbed an old pair of jeans by mistake that fitted loosely—after examining the tag on the back thinking I grabbed a size too large, I noticed they were one waist-size-inch smaller than my normal jeans.  I guess I’ve lost weight due to mental and physical exhaustion.  No wonder my belt fastens a notch closer to the end.

Often I tell my older, private glamour clients that the extra weight they’ve gained over the years is the result of the “good life,” well what happens when you lose weight without trying?  I dunno when it comes to men, but for women, they seem to look at it as proper diet combined with exercise and welcome it like lottery winnings.  I’m looking at it as the result of life’s challenges.

Obviously there is a reason for everything and I pray that God blesses those that have affected my weight for betterment.  I pray positive results for them will follow including winning the lottery of the good life.  I pray for them.  They say after every storm is a rainbow and recently small rays of the sun seem to peer through the dark clouds, so hopefully this is a signal the rainbow is on it’s way.  My thoughts for the day, thanks, rg sends!

Studios are often perceived as a room were musicians, painters and photographers and other artists create their art, often in a building of some type, surrounded by four walls that isolate the artist from the outdoor environment.

In the case for photographers, the ideal studio includes at least one bathroom, a make-up room, an equipment storage area, a kitchen, and in some case windows that allow ambient light to filter in. The windows would of course have the ability to be “blacked out” for controlling or eliminating ambient light, or crazy onlookers from disrupting the “set” and shoot.

In some markets, like the celebrity market in Los Angeles, owning and running a studio is a business often not even owned by a photographer. Many pro photographers in the celebrity markets don’t even own a studio because they know certain studios cater to “celebs” and many publicists insist that their celebrity clients be photographed only in those studios for security, reputation of the studio (and sometimes studio owner), location and often just the pampering that’s required for their clients, like catering and a car wash and wax detail service. Yes even a car wash and waxing of a celebrity’s Bently is a required “perk” when photographing certain celebrity clients and certain studios can cater to those needs to ensure the photo session goes well.

Since most professional photographers don’t get the opportunity to photograph celebrities, most professional studios in the world don’t have car wash bays much less a sushi bar, but they all tend to have one thing in common, four walls that isolate the camera room or “shooting bay.” Hence the perception that a studio has to be a building of some type with walls that provide privacy when needed in addition to the security a structure offers-but I personally disagree with this perception.

I like to define a photography studio as any location, indoors or outdoors, were a photographer is in control or can control the elements required to conduct a photo shoot successfully. After all, it’s not hard to overpower the sun with flash, even on a bright sunny day. It’s not hard to scrim off natural sunlight when it’s harsh light at the wrong time of day or location when the shoot can’t be stopped or changed. It’s not hard to use reflectors, indoors or outdoors for that matter, nor is it hard to feed a crew on location in the Virgin Islands any more than in an indoor studio in Texas.

Personally, it’s all about control, if you can control your production and lighting, you’ll succeed and any location and what you make of it is your studio. Though weather can play havoc, for on location outdoor studios, it can do the same for the more dry, indoor types, besides, who wants their car washed and waxed on a rainy day? Thanks and don’t forget our military service members, their families and friends–God Bless! rg sends!

Well we had another wonderful workshop in Chicago, this time at a new location in the Saint Charles area and though like most workshops a few glitches can arise when dealing with weather and other elements, this workshop was one of the best ever. Many thanks to the talent and the attendees for making a smooth operation along with Stereo and Ken and the staff at Studio 3 Productions for their help and support! As always they are great hosts.

I just returned from a wonderful Glamour, Beauty and the Nude workshop in Atlanta where we had some great photographer and model attendees–not to mention one of the all-time, best, make-up artists any photographer could ask for, and like all workshops, we go for the best.

Prior to the fun and exhausting workshop, I had traveled to Palm Beach for an annual, private instruction with one of my best clients of that area. After arriving there and spending the night at a beautiful Palm Beach hotel, we did our first shoot that morning in a Palm Beach courtyard, before heading off to a wonderful resort on Captiva Island. While in Captiva, we moved locations each night before I headed out to Atlanta.

While both the Atlanta workshop and the Florida private instruction were fun and educational, photography based, they both differed in many things, from location to make-up artist budget, to obviously the group size of the photographer(s) involved. My client obviously had a larger budget, hence his decision for the one-on-one training and for flying in one of the top make-up artists from New York at a day-rate some photographers dream of achieving.

For the privacy of my client, I’ll keep the MUA’s (make-up artist) and the client’s name private, but I can assure you, the New York-based make-up artist had more tearsheets and experience than most photographers achieve in a lifetime. She came highly recommended from one of the top beauty and commercial photographers of New York, a photographer who I had introduced to my client back at the annual FotoFusion event held near Palm Beach.

Often people ask, what makes a great make-up artists and why do some, like those from New York and Los Angeles command thousands of dollars per day while others only hundreds or less per day? Well obviously the first answer is credibility, just like photography, the more credits (tearsheets, bonafide assignments, accolades, etc.) the more a creative can charge—New York and Los Angeles provide the breeding grounds for such success in credibility faster than other locations. In addition, this make-up artist from New York had paid her dues, just like the photographer of her caliber that recommended her, she had plenty of experience, she started from the bottom up too, but now she’s on top in New York.

She had gained the experience of directing, styling, and hair-styling through her career with very established publications and photographers, all an added bonus to those that hire her. Though some assignments call for separate creatives to do all the latter things, this private instruction was only limited by the passenger van we were utilizing for our driving and of course the extended-passenger golf cart on Captiva Island we rented.

Make-up artists day-rates very, depending on their base location, obviously the more expensive markets of New York and Los Angeles command greater rates than someone from hick town, USA. My client had the ability to afford the best and so he sought the best, an attitude he developed from a prior, poor experience.

While my client is no beginner, as he’s got tearsheets in other genres of photography, I have nothing against beginners working with beginners, though I highly recommend that when you can afford to move up the chain in anything photography releated, do so, it will make you better too as you can feed off someone with more experience too.

As far as the day-rate goes for a make-up artist, it all depends on the client and what that client expects the make-up artist to accomplish. I look at my A-list of MUA’s, their actual location, talent, experience and determine who is best qualified for my client while being able to meet the budget requirements.

I look at a the make-up artist’s can-do attitude and avoid those with an attitude. I look for nothing less and like my client, my decisions on who to hire come from my own previous experiences along with the goal(s) I’m trying to achieve. The make-up artist for our Atlanta workshop was as high-caliber as any photographer could ask for and she’s certainly on my A-list and she would’ve made my client proud just like the New York-based MUA, but obviously day-rates varied between the two.

Those variances were based on traditional working location of the MUA’s, their experience, their tearsheets, and their longevity of their established names. I can assure you, both have the talent my client and I would utilize for our needs—though like a patient looking for a heart-transplant would seek a surgeon with more years of experience and a bigger name, my client decided to go that course because of his own previous experience.

Much like photographers and models, make-up artists have to wait for that lucky break too, as the larger clients can afford to go with those at the top of their game, however, on occasion a chance is taken and a talent gets a lucky opportunity. It’s on these opportunities that those at the top of the A-list begin looking over their shoulders and others take notice and the evolution of rising to the top begins along with the ability to demand higher day-rates.

Passion and commitment will help bring that to life along with being at the right place at the right time and some elbow grease, but not everyone gets the luck and like a commodity, that’s why those at the top can afford to charge more—seems like a vicious circle doesn’t it? Well it can be for most creatives and that’s why some endure and others don’t.

Well I’m off to Chicago and we’re at a new location for our next Glamour, Beauty and the Nude workshop, so I hope to see you there, we have only one spot left! Thanks and God Bless, and remember to keep our military service members, their families and friends in your hearts and prayers, thanks, rg sends!

I’ll do my best to keep you posted on her success in case you miss the American Idol show, as I have a busy travel schedule, but I can assure you, Davis has beauty but more important the musical voice and talent to play musical instruments that will leave you speechless and in awe.  She deserves to win on American Idol and move on further with her singing career.  God bless Davis, her family and friends, thanks, rg sends!      (for more Amy Davis images please visit my album on her, under albums, here, www.shotcritic.com )