Need Assistants

[rolando]

I have a need for some good photographers willing to assist in the Virgin Islands May 14-19, though you can come as early as May 12th. 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 and I'm headed to the Daytona workshop tomorrow. 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 at least five 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 May 14-19th (I'd prefer if you can arrive w/me, the models and MUA on the 12th, but not necessary) and we're featuring five (may add a sixth) 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 October'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, but you can arrive on the 14th with the other photographers too. The models, make-up and I arrive two days early, so if you arrive early, 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. Your responsibility is your flight, airport code is STT. Airfare is cheap right now, almost 50% off from last year. 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 where 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 20th workshop there and my 21st 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). Hats and caps are optional, but recommended.

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 Oct. 2009 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.

For more information, send me your phone number and best 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!

So in summary for assisting you get the following:

1. The opportunity to shoot before the attendees get there, choice of five or six 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 or 2010 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)


(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.)

[brad]

Aww.. for my birthday? You shouldn't have.

Would if I could.. awesome opportunity.

[CaptainTom]

Just my $.02.
If there is any way you can manage to go to this seminar and work with Rolando, you've absolutely got to take it.

I went to one a year or so ago and it was one of the highlights of my 60 yrs on earth. You will learn a lot, have a great time, learn some more, meet great folks, work hard, play hard, enjoy every minute.

If you have any specific questions, PM me with them and I'll do my best to help you out.

[janikphoto]

Sounds like fun... especially if the model in picture number two is returning this year!!!

[doctahjones]

holy crap air IS cheap! $400 rt on delta from dfw....

gah, if i wasn't moving on may 22nd i would so try and do this. maybe next time!

[photonewb]

Originally Posted by brad

Aww.. for my birthday? You shouldn't have.

Would if I could.. awesome opportunity.

just the location and models alone would be worth the trip...ahhh if only

[CaptainTom]

I took a TPF T-shirt.

[Abel]

lol @ tom! Awesome!!

man i always miss out on these opportunities... :(

[84young]

so all we basically pay for is air travel and alcohol?

[epoh]

Man.. I remember when you did this last year thinking I sure hope by next year I can work something out! But of course instead my hubby is laid off and I am budgeting groceries and whatnot. :( I am super jealous of whoever gets to go.

[rcgsavage]

Why do my finals have to last until the 15th

[Coelus]

Dang it, work changed vacation policy because of the economy and forced us to take it all at certain times only. Not really in position to skips a weeks pay right now.

[VisualOddity]

OMG! I would kill to do this! (ok, maybe not literally, but close) Vacation isn't the issue, I can always get that if it's really needed, I just don't have the cash to do it lol... Oh how I hate the economy! lol... :/

[photonewb]

just out of curiosity I looked up a ticket...Houston has to fly to Newark, NJ to Puerto Rico, to the Virgin Islands...at a cost of 800+

rofl...wtf....rofl

[hotshot38]

SA to Charlotte Amalie $492 one stop