Behind the Lens with Rolando Gomez

Below is Part One of our two-part interview with acclaimed glamour photographer Rolando Gomez. He will be speaking at the upcoming Austin Photo Expo on May 15&16. In addition, Rolando will be offering a very special 2 1/2 hour glamour and fashion shoot on May 14 from 7-9:30pm. To register, visit www.precision-camera.com/product/CLASS3.


Rolando Gomez’s photographic career has spanned from combat photography to glamour with numerous touch points in between. Gomez is also an accomplished instructor who regularly speaks at workshops and conventions and has authored five books on glamour photography. Rolando’s current and enduring passion—one that he has pursued for the last fifteen years—involves a concept he has coined “Photographic Therapy,” which involves helping women build and rebuild their self-esteem by seeing themselves beautifully photographic by a trained and skilled photographer.
Rolando has loved photography since he was a child, but he came to his career calling through an unlikely source—a Popsicle wrapper.

“While eating a cherry Popsicle when I was nine years old, I noticed on the wrapper that if I sent in one dollar and so many Popsicle wrappers, I’d get a free Kodak 126 instamatic camera. Three years later, while washing cars on weekends, I saved $60 to purchase a hocked Petri, 35mm rangefinder camera. When I entered high school, I knew then I wanted to pursue photography at the age of 14, so I enrolled in prerequisite classes so I could take the Journalism program as a sophomore.”

Although Rolando qualified for a college scholarship, it was not photography-based, so he turned it down in order to continue his pursuit of a career in photography. His path would continue to offer turns and new opportunities and he found himself in an unlikely but welcome position—as a trusted photographer for the U.S. Army. Rolando reveals that his decision to enlist was both personal and professional.

“I entered the active-duty U.S. Army after my first divorce as all I wanted to do was get away from the world. I was already experienced in photography and when I arrived to my first duty station at the 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry Division in Mainz, Germany, the command took notice of my photography abilities and soon I was transferred to V Corps Headquarters, Special Troops Battalion. There I was noticed by then Lt. Gen. George Joulwan who had just earned his third-star as a general and I was asked to do his official portrait.” Rolando eventually was assigned to the Army and Air Force News Service Pictorial Branch, which is similar to the Associated Press but for those two branches of the military.

Rolando explains, “We provided news stories and photographs to over 12,000 civilian newspapers back then including the Austin American-Statesman and San Antonio Express News. This assignment back to my hometown of San Antonio allowed me to complete my Bachelors Degree in Communication, summa cum laude, from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Eventually, I’d move up to the Chief, Multimedia Division, Air Force News Service, where I oversaw radio, television and photo products for the U.S. Air Force website, www.af.mil, plus I introduced color management for the Air Force flagship magazine, AIRMAN."

Although Rolando enjoyed his military assignments and the ability to excel in a craft he loved, he continued to expand his interest in other areas of photography. His affinity for glamour photography never left him and he soon launched Garageglamour.com, offering advice, workshops and expertise related to the specialty. After 17 years of military service, Rolando retired to begin his next chapter as a successful glamour photographer.

“I’d always photographed the female form, from the high school days of young girls wanting modeling portfolios to beauty pageant entry photos and more, but the Internet really propelled me faster and I haven’t looked back since as the common thread of making someone feel good with your images has kept my passion alive, and ultimately I hope others can feel that passion too and bring their skill levels up a notch, if not already there, so they can help others feel good about themselves through photography.” This interest in helping women see themselves differently has evolved into Rolando’s proclaimed specialty of “Photographic Therapy.”

Rolando’s passion is evident when he speaks of this therapy. “Imagine, a new mom, suffering from postpartum depression, yet a trained, qualified photographer can capture her inner and outer beauty so well that it helps bring her back to feeling great about herself.”

One particular case involving a client of a bariatric surgeon friend, still sticks in his mind and reminds him of the healing power photography possesses.

“This woman had come in for the “after” photo and had lost 131 pounds. I carefully asked her if I could photograph her more than just the after photos—so she agreed and I took some fantastic images of her and I gave her the entire shoot on a CD-Rom free of charge. She cried, telling me no man had ever shown interest in her until that day due to her weight. I told her I photographed her for her charisma and her photogenic beauty, it had nothing to do with weight. It’s about giving back through your lens while funneling the passion of the craft.”

Rolando’s hope is to expand the idea of Photographic Therapy by demonstrating its therapeutic benefits and encouraging more professional photographers to become trained in the specific techniques of offering this service to women across the world. Rolando’s latest book has been offered as a free download in an effort to get the word out.

“My fifth book, Photographic Therapy—The Power of Photography to Help Build or Rebuild Self-Esteem has helped me establish my philosophy on the importance of photography in helping people feel good about themselves and is available for free at www.FreePhotographyBooks.com. Since the first launch in Nov. 2009, we’ve expanded it to 105 pages, made it printable in full-color, and it’s totally free to anyone that wants it—we just ask that you sign-up through the website so you can be kept abreast of any changes or future free photography books."


Read Part Two next month where Rolando explains what he sees as the most common mistakes aspiring photographers make and how to correct them.

Tips for Excellent Easter Photos

The Easter holiday brings family and friends together in a time set for celebration, connection and…chocolate! This year, consider putting a new spin on your Easter photos and using your camera to not only capture the festivities but to help create them!

Photo Treasure Hunt: If a hunt for Easter baskets or the elusive ‘golden egg’ is part of the tradition of your holiday, consider using your camera as a fun ‘map’ to help your kids find the treasure! Use printed photographs as clues—but take the pictures so each item is distorted or shot extremely close up. Once the kids guess what’s in the picture, they’ll know where to search next. Keep your camera handy so you’ll be able to photograph them once they’ve found the secret hiding location of their Easter goodies.

Impromptu Family Portraits: If you have family members that have traveled to spend time with you this Easter, don’t forget to shoot a family portrait. It doesn’t have to be fancy but you’ll want to make sure you have a tripod so that you’re included in the photos! We have a number of high quality ones here: http://www.precision-camera.com/categories/tripods_and_monopods.php

Capturing Kids on the Hunt: Photographing kids can be notoriously challenging at times but add in the promise of free goodies and all bets are off—those little ones will turn into bolts of lightning! In instances like this, take a tip from those who shoot sports photography and make sure you’re in position to get the best pictures. Survey the outdoor area and consider which locations will allow you to best photograph their expressions and their discoveries.

Shoot on their Level: Photographing children often means trying to capture their experiences as they see them, so make sure not to tower over them (unless you’re creating a specific overhead shot). Try shooting at their level and even get down low to photograph the Easter egg hunt and other festivities. The result can create a more authentic and expressive image of your subject.

Don’t Forget the Prints: Uploads and emails of photos are great methods of sharing photographs but when it comes to holidays and special events, makes sure to order a set of prints to send to loved ones. While all of today’s digital technology is fun and easy, getting gorgeous printed photographs in the mail is more special than ever. You can upload your print order here: http://precision-camera.lifepics.com/net/Default.aspx?

Spring Break Photography Tips

You can almost hear the squeals of glee coming from kids and adults alike when Spring Break arrives. After plodding through winter weather, school, work and family commitments, the promise of a few days of freedom is enough to boost anyone’s spirits. If you’re one of those lucky souls with a getaway planned during Spring Break week, here are a few tips to help you prepare to return with some fantastic photographs:

Pack the Right Gear: Make sure you’ve got the right equipment for your trip. If you want to travel light, you may find it best to choose your compact camera in lieu of your DSLR; however, if your destination includes some amazing scenery and landscapes, you may find it’s well worth taking your DSLR to ensure you are prepared to capture the grandeur of your location. And remember to pack the battery charger, a lens cleaning cloth and an extra memory card. It will only take a few minutes to properly prepare and it will be time very well spent. If you need to pick up a memory card for your trip, we carry some of the best on the market.

See the Signs: While on your travels, make sure to photograph any interesting signs that display the uniqueness for your location. Clever street names, signs displaying unusual warnings (Javalina crossings, anyone?) and mile markers can add a very local and interesting element to your vacation library of photographs.

Define the Essence: Each location has its own personality, its own attributes and distinctive markers. While on vacation, think about what words you’d use to describe your vacation spot. Having that clarity will help you with your storytelling and assist in identifying those sights that articulate your vision.

A New Twist on Famous Landmarks: If you’re traveling to a well-known landmark, park or destination, take the opportunity to photograph it in a new and interesting way. Look at corresponding architecture, foliage and surroundings to see how to take a familiar sight and uncover a new way of viewing it. Experiment with zoom, distance, angle and lighting to unearth an interesting new perspective.

Why Photography is Good for Women's Health...

Today’s women find themselves with more tasks than time and juggling multiple roles that each have a long to-do list attached. For those ladies who say they don’t have the time to explore their love of photography, we’d like to share some good news. It turns out that a photography hobby can improve your health.

Dr. Elizabeth Weidmer-Mikhail, director of the women’s psychiatry program at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, stresses the importance of actively engaging in a hobby to deal with the tangible physical and emotional stresses that women manage during days filled with caring for others.

"Women need to do things that are soul-feeding that aren’t aimed at gratifying others,” Weidmer-Mikhail said. "Women need to take care of things, to do things that promote emotional growth. Find a satisfying hobby that doesn’t involve making money or drawing attention to yourself. It will increase your sense of self-worth, which leads to better health all around.”

Many medical professionals point to the benefits of a hobby to help with stress-reduction and related ailments. Photography is a wonderful choice because of the flexibility, low-cost of entry and creativity that can be explored.

So, the next time we send you an announcement about an upcoming event or workshop and you automatically think, “I wish I could go but I just can’t get away,” please reconsider. You do so much for those around you, and by enjoying your photography hobby and making time for yourself, you will also benefit your loved ones.