Need Photographer Assistants for Virgin Islands!

[rolando]

Once again, I've been able to find some great photographers willing to assistant in the Virgin Islands. See below for more information and please contact me via PM here with all your details and a contact phone and best time to call. I would also email just in case at rolando@rolandogomez.com too, as I travel a bunch. Thanks, rg.

Want to learn white-balance techniques, how to use a Calfornia Sunbounce, OctaSunhaze, Bastard Amber gels, CTO's, figure-nude (our night shoot) lighting, beauty dishes, scrims, etc.? Want a chance to photograph a Playboy model and five other models on an exotic locale? Want to be at the same location Brad Pitt just filmed his latest movie? Want to learn by assisting? Want to spend a week in the U.S. Virgin Islands working on your tan?

I have a special Virgin Islands workshop coming up next month, dates are Nov 13th-18th, 2008 (I'd prefer if you can arrive w/me, the models and MUA on the 11th, but not necessary) and we're featuring six (may add a seventh) models--so if you'd like to spend a week on location were Brad Pitt just filmed his latest movie, this is what I'll offer for your help as a photographer's assistant. (BTW--no passport is required to visit the U.S.VI, just photo ID)

You can work for tips plus one free, two-day workshop that I offer personally (Not Samy's, Palm Beach Center, etc.) throughout the U.S..., or a $300 discount to one of next year's Back to the Ranch events. You will be provided lodging and most meals, alcholic drinks are on you. You'll also have the opportunity to come two days early with me (event is Nov. 13-18th, but you can arrive on the 11th), the models, make-up, and you can work out any shooting with the models for those two days, plus even on Thursday--that's between you and them. You can also watch me shoot for publication there too (working on my fourth book for lighting) We'll allow you to participate on the private shoot day (our last day before departure), only after the official attendess have taken their time slots. Models include at least one Playboy and FHM, Maxim models. Your responsibility is your flight, airport code is STT. I fly out of San Antonio and would prefer you fly out of SAT too, so we can travel together, but don't have too--that is very flexible (I recommend Delta, but need you to arrive NLT than 5 p.m. and depart no earlier than 9:00 a.m.) Arrival and departures are preferred mid-afternoon, not too early or late as we take a 5-minute ferry to a special island were we stay.

You cannot bring a companion, space is limted and this location, while the houses we stay in have indoor plumbing, kitchens, DSL, satelite TV, phone, etc., you will not be staying in a 4-star hotel, though the accomdations are better than a tent. This is my 17th workshop there and my 18th time personally. It gets better everytime. If you choose to apply to come, you only need jeans to travel up there and back, the rest of the time it's shorts and t-shirts, bring your razor to shave on the last day--shaving not required, though baths are (grin).

If you elect to do this, I will also deduct $300 off your own Virgin Islands workshop (along with the Back to the Ranch event) slot for a future date in 2009 (pick one from my currently posted dates) provided you book it before space runs out. This will give you an advantage when it's your turn to come back as an "official" photographer for the whole time! Let me know ASAP, as I have only limited slots for this. You will still get one, free (fee waived, you have to get there) two-day, traditional, weekend workshops I offer. If you want, you can even attend my San Antonio one-day workshop on Nov. 22nd, a Saturday.

For more information, send me your phone number and time to call. Keep in mind, you do not have to be athletic, but no serious medical conditions as some physical work is required, so don't apply if you have back problems or can't walk up stairs. The portable battery packs are 23lbs., think about three gallons of milk. It does get hot, but that's what we have the swimming pool for! The hot tub is for the night, to relax. This is the time of year where it's cooler than most VI workshops and the sun sets right over the water and earlier than the other workshops! This is the best time to be in the VI, right before peak season starts!

So in summary for assisting you get the following:

1. The opportunity to shoot before the attendees get there, choice of six or seven beautiful models to work with.

2. All lighting equipment is provided, you just bring camera, film/cards, lenses, and a great attitude. Laptops are optional, but we have DSL there too along with TV and phone. I recommend you bring something to back-up your images.

3. One free, two-day (traditional) weekend workshops on me, about a $350-499 value.

4. The possibility to earn some money off tips.

5. Lodging, meals and non-alcholic drinks.

6. Time to visit St. Thomas.

7. Optional (plus the above). If you book a slot for a 2009 workshop, you will receive a $300 discount off the advertised (todays) price for both the Back to the Ranch event and any future 2009 VI workshops if not sold-out.

To apply ASAP, first-come, first serve, PM me here with all your details and a contact phone and best time to call. I would also email just in case at rolando@rolandogomez.com. Thanks, rg sends!

(Photographed in the VI using CTO technique to color the sky)


(Last book cover shot there)


(actual location)


(Rangefinder Magazine Cover shot there, with Playboy SE Model Laura F. She will be attending, you can photograph her there.)


(Attachments below are actual photos I took at recent VI workshops, including Playboy Playmate Holley Dorrough, Playboy SE model Laura F., American Idol Superstar (most recent AI show) Amy Davis and more!)

[Jeff_Green]

Having just been an assistant for Rolando a couple months ago at this same location, I can definitely recommend it. It is definitely an experience like none other! It is a GREAT deal as you can learn from many other photographers as well as help teach other photographers. If you can fit it in your schedule, I would advise it.

You aren't having another birthday are you, Rolando?? <G>

Jeff

[David_Janaskie]

Hey Rolando you have some really great work out there. If I didn't have a gig on the 18th, I'd put my name in the hat to assist at your workshop. I can fly for free anywhere AA flys and can, normally, do so on short notice - so please keep me in mind for any future events where you may need an assistant.

Good Luck in the USVI. I'm sure it'll be blast.

Dave.

[MarcoFromHouston]

I worked as an assistant with Rolando in June 2008. I also highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity!

[rolando]

Jeff,

Thanks for the nice words. No birthday for me this time, but Fabio is going again and it's his birthday! I don't know if it will be like the last birthday bash we had, but I know some photos probably should never be published (LOL). Thanks again for all your nice words and hard work, all the best, thanks, rg sends!

(For those that missed it, we even two-stepped! ignore the camera date, it's off some one's camera that was never set to the correct date)

[rolando]

Originally Posted by MarcoFromHouston

I worked as an assistant with Rolando in June 2008. I also highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity!

Marco,

Thanks for the nice words and all your hard work at the VI. Hope to see you again, all the best, rg sends!

[rolando]

Originally Posted by David_Janaskie

Hey Rolando you have some really great work out there. If I didn't have a gig on the 18th, I'd put my name in the hat to assist at your workshop. I can fly for free anywhere AA flys and can, normally, do so on short notice - so please keep me in mind for any future events where you may need an assistant.

Good Luck in the USVI. I'm sure it'll be blast.

Dave.

Dave,

Thanks for the nice words, hopefully you can make it to a future event. Check my calendar on www.rolandogomez.net. Thanks again! rg sends!

[klynam]

As an art director (not a photographer) I spent two weeks in the Caribbean on an extensive 4-location shoot for Holiday Inn. This was about 10 years ago. Our models were lovely, but we were shooting family travel not exotic beauty. It was certainly no vacation but an incredible time and I learned a lot - but not enough. I'd really like to do something like this with RG even if I didn't get to take a single shot, just to assist and watch great photographers and models work together would be incredible. I don't think my day job my wife or my budget would go along with it...

[Citex]

I sent a pm! Hopefully I can get a budget up for this!

[OTRphoto]

errr - I'd jump at the chance.. but I'm booked for 2 weedings that weekend

[CaptainTom]

I'll echo what the others have said. I will keep the memories of the VI shoot for a long time. If you have any way possible to do this, you will not be disappointed. Just working with first class professional models makes it all worthwhile, plus you get a week with RG which will enrich your life and increase your photo skills.

[studiocygnet]

I've seen the photos and heard the stories from you other folks that have taken on this assignment before, and when I saw the thread from Rolando I thought - I hope I'm free, I hope I'm free. But no, I just got scheduled for Jury duty that starts the 18th, and there were all sorts of warnings about once you sign up on their website, you can't change it. If I'd have seen this a few days ago.... Oh well, Rolando, you sure you can't bump your workshop up a couple days, just for me

[MarcoFromHouston]

bump

[Jaime Vinas]

This would be such a cool experience. Shame I cannot bring the wife. She wouldnt approve otherwise :(

Whoever takes you up on this is going to have the time of their life.

[txphotog]

Keep us updated on future assistant openings. I would love to do this sometime but would have to plan several months ahead.