Steve Nichols  Imaging
PROFESSIONAL
Glamour Photography Workshops

An Independent Company not affiliated with any other company or organization
since my beginning in 2001.

 

Photo of Playmate Lindsey Vuolo

Workshop Photo of Playmate Lindsey Vuolo © Steve Nichols 2004
 

We are conducting workshops at various locations and times around the U.S.   These group workshops are 2 hours in length, where you will be shooting, one-on-one, with one of the top professional glamour models in the world that you've seen in your favorite mens' magazines.  Handouts will be given that cover posing, pearls of wisdom accumulated over 30 years of shooting, and professional lighting techniques.  You will learn the secrets of the top pros from a full-time professional photographer and how we create the beautiful images you've seen in your favorite magazines.  I will be coaching/tutoring as you shoot.  We  have a very high percentage of repeat students which is why we forego a lecture in favor of handouts which cover everything we used to lecture about.

Required Equipment:

  1. A 35mm or Medium-format camera with fresh or extra batteries, (with manual  shooting mode option),  and plenty of memory card(s). 
  2. A Lens hood for each lens you'll be using.. The hood is vital to eliminate flare from the back or accent lights which will save you a lot of work in Photoshop.

  3. (ISO 100 film if you use film.)
     

Zoom lenses are great, working focal length ranges from 35-200mm.  (I shoot with Nikon F 100, Fuji Finepix S2, 28-105mm and 80-200mm zoom lenses.)  I do strongly discourage Twin Lens Reflex cameras, they are just too slow and you won't get as many shots as you would with other systems.

No Point and Shoot cameras.   These cameras do not synchronize with studio lighting.  (You can rent recommended equipment from Professional camera stores if need be.)  

Class size limited to 6.  We provide studio lighting and backdrops, and hand-out materials for your later reference.  You will get 2 (sometimes 3) one-on-one shooting rotations. You should get  around 150 images.  Our 1/2 day workshops run around 3 hours, and here you'll get 3 rotations, and should get around 200 images.  All you have to do is frame, focus and shoot.    

We are also conducting All-Day and Half-Day workshops, with the same models mentioned above, in  Chicago and  Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.  These workshops will sometimes feature a 35 minute morning lecture, (depends on how many new students vs. repeat students)  beginning at 9:00 AM, then  one-on-one shooting from 9:30-12:30. (our models will feature lingerie, bikini, and sometimes less...) lunch,  and more shooting from 1:00-4:00 PM.  I will provide and set up a comprehensive professional lighting scheme. You will get 5-6 one-on-one rotations and should get 3-400 images. The key to maximum rotations is each photographer being ready to step right up and go when your turn is at hand. Equipment issues that happen right when you are ready to shoot also can affect rotations and shooting times. You'll be spending many happy hours admiring your work and editing. One recent student went home with over 1,500 images from a weekend of workshops. He still isn't finished editing. You will not be shooting like paparazzi in the studio or suite. Sometimes, when outdoors, we allow more than one photographer to shoot as long as they don't distract the model or the primary photographer.  (We're not using flashes in this setting.) The class will vote on this. Classes limited to 6 photographers.
Contact me for additional information. Dates will not coincide with Glamourcon shows.  These workshops are separate from and independent of the Glamourcon shows.

I am frequently asked about nudity. Our models are classy ladies, and almost all of them are uncomfortable being nude in front of a group of strangers. Can't blame them. We do not pander to photographers using nude amateur TFP mall-models as bait, where almost any naked female will do.  I don't believe in these 'peep' shoots, especially the paparazzi-style events, which to me are not much more than a gang-bang with cameras. Much too sleazy for top 'A'-list models. No teaching, no learning, no class. You can have all the skin you want at strip clubs. So, NO nudity in group classes.

Private Centerfold Workshops 
 
I have been asked occasionally if I would ever offer an exclusive Private workshop, for just one student.  You can now book a Private Centerfold shoot. We can tailor this to suit your needs, indoors/outdoors, studio/location. We will cover a full variety of lighting schemes;  you will learn how to use/mix  ambient light, strobe, tungsten, bounce lighting, accent lights with gels, grids, diffusers, barndoors.  You will learn how and when to use soft boxes, umbrellas, and bounce-lighting.  Details on all will be explained.  We'll be shooting content for our models' websites.  They are expecting professional results, which is what we'll give them.  **All of our models are promised copies of all of your pictures (
JPEGS ONLY, NO RAW please) on a CD/DVD right after the shoot if possible; this is part of their compensation and is not negotiable. You will keep all of your original image files.**
Here's an option if your budget is tight:  you can book a private with your own model, location  and makeup artist.  You can find models on One Model Place for example, same for makeup artists if you need one.  I'll simply provide the mentoring.  We'll meet at your location. E-mail me for details on costs.
I consider this an 'advanced' class, for students who are ready to step up from the group classes and go for the photographic brass ring.  You will be getting advanced results, and you'll be able to shoot professional-quality work, better than many pros who don't shoot at this level.
These classes are designed to get you to the next level in your shooting. I'm excited to offer this, there's clearly a market there.  The work being done in these classes is just outstanding.
If you are interested, contact me soon for availability and prices. These are selling very quickly.
**These are reserved for students who have worked with me in previous workshops, and again no point-and-shoot cameras.
 
Your photos are for your portfolios only. They are not to be sold to any third party without the explicit written permission of the model.  If you have a personal web presence you must get our model's approval of any images of her that you intend to post beforehand. (You can bring a Model Release and negotiate directly with the model after the class for other image usage.) **Photographers must be 18 years of age or over.**


Group Workshop Etiquette

  • ONE PHOTOGRAPHER SHOOTS AT A TIME in the studio or suite... (multiple cameras clicking is too distracting for the models and the photographer). I must deliver what I advertise, which is one-on-one shooting.  On location, we may allow more than one shooter if the class votes in favor of, but the key is not distracting the model or primary photographer.

  • We ask that people who are not shooting please do not distract the model while she is working with the photographer of the moment. If you want to converse with a classmate, please do so quietly away from the shooting area. You get professional results in  a professional environment.

  • Digital shooters -  We recommend that you preview your first image only per set or location on the LCD. After that I suggest that you turn off the preview function and just shoot like you were using film.  Why waste shooting time previewing all your shots when you can do that after your rotation? It's up to you how you want to use your time. When we change the lighting/setup you can check your first image again.  **Recommend you come in a little early to Custom White Balance your camera.** Know how to read your histograms.  Don't rely on your LCD to evaluate exposures...

  • Everyone will shoot in a structured time-frame, (which will be the same for all) then the next person shoots, and we just keep the rotation going until our time is up. 

  •  NO VIDEO permitted. 

  • Please be very familiar with how your camera functions. Read your camera and flash manuals and know how all of the buttons and features work. Know your camera's flash sync speed! Practice before you come to class. I just don't know enough about the particulars of how all of your cameras work. So I can't field camera-specific questions .  THIS IS NOT A CLASS FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW HOW TO OPERATE THEIR CAMERAS AND FLASHES.

  • You will be shooting very experienced professional models, and they don't need much directing.    Over-directing a top professional model is like telling your dentist how to do your teeth.  You can give them some direction if need be, just don't over-do it Our models want you to get your best shot.   

  • We WILL NOT re-build a set in the middle of a shoot. Don't ask.

  • These are just common courtesy matters that help to ensure that everyone gets their fair share of quality shooting time. More great shots for everyone's portfolios. This etiquette section has evolved from our experiences in previous workshops and very good suggestions from attendees on how to improve the classes. 

  • Photographers who can't follow these guidelines may be asked to leave the class, especially if a model is mistreated. 

(These behavioral guidelines will be strictly enforced by an 800# gorilla...)


MODELS

Our models are very busy shooting with top professional photographers and are just not available for amateur photographers. Our workshops offer an incredible shooting and learning opportunity. A very high percentage of my students are repeat customers.

We hire only the absolute best in Playmates, Pets, and cover models. Our goal is to offer you the ultimate unforgettable educational glamour shooting experience, with a lot more shooting and minimal directing.  (Why waste time directing an amateur model when you could be shooting with a stunning professional model?) Our models have not and do not do workshops anywhere else.  Makes no sense to hire a model who's already worked that market.

Which models have we been working with?  In 2002, Penthouse Pet Aria Giovanni, Linda O'Neil, Playboy model  Dita Von Teese,  and Playmate Debra Jo Fondren....all just gorgeous, outstanding professionals and wonderful to work with.  Julie Cialini , who is the Playmate of the Year for 1995. Playmate Devin Devasquez.  Playmate Lindsey Vuolo.  Glori Anne Gilbert was Fantastic in Chicago! Playmates Rebecca Scott, Angela Melini, Elke Jeinsen,   Becky Delossantos, and Barbara Moore.  Not to forget Penthouse Pet of the Year 2004, Victoria Zdrok, and this July Penthouse Pet of the Year 2003, Sunny Leone. Penthouse Pet Aimee Sweet.  Film star/Penthouse Pet Dahlia Grey, Playmate/Actress Angela Little.

Photo of Dita Von Teese
Workshop Photos of Playboy Cover Model
Dita Von Teese
© Steve Nichols 2001
 
Playmate Barbara Moore
© Steve Nichols 2004
 

**Please read carefully both Workshop pages (2) before you Register**

All-Day  Workshops require a minimum of 7 Participants to go forward.
***Payment, Cancellation and Refund information is on the next workshops
page.***
You may use PayPal  (which is free to join) for Credit Card payment - or mail Money Orders

 **We reserve the right to substitute a model if necessary due to circumstances beyond our control without the penalty of refunds or substitutions.**

Last-minute Communications:
I'm traveling on Fridays. Best to call me at the hotel or on my cell if need be... sometimes I have limited access to email when I'm traveling, so Fri. through Monday, no emails please.
 

Schedule for 200
REGISTRATION DEADLINE for MAY in L.A. is APRIL 8

 

WORKSHOPS

 LOCATION
Click on Link to see

DATES

Click on Tab for Pricing/Sign-up

MODELS
Click on name to see Model

GROUP

L.A. MAY 17

 

TBA

PRIVATES

L.A. MAY 17-18

 

TBA

GROUPS & PRIVATES

CHICAGO AUG 22-24  

TBA

         

 

  SEND ME AN EMAIL TO GET ON A WAITING LIST FOR ANY SOLD-OUT CLASSES
To see the models,
 click on their names in the table above.  


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