How experienced of a photographer do I need to be for a photo workshop?
We welcome any and all photographers from beginners to professionals. The purpose of a photography workshop is to learn new techniques and to be in the best locations at the right time . We cater each workshop to our clients from novice to professional shooters. We gear discussions to the appropriate skill level of attendees, and encourage you to bring your toughest image or camera questions. If you are a beginner, just let us know and we will plan on working with you more while in the field each day to show you different ways to master your camera. We do recommend each attendee have a SLR camera to get the most out of their workshop.
What if I have a non-shooting family member that would like to attend?
We can easily accommodate a non-shooting family member into the group. We reduce the cost for that non-photographer, and each discount will depend on the workshop. Please see the specific workshop information for the discounted amount.
What if I am an experienced photographer and do not need a lot of instruction?
We welcome all levels of photographers on our trips and find that each individual can contribute greatly to the group. If you are an expert photographer, we will help guide you to the correct location to let you use your photographic skills to their fullest extent. We will also advise you about animal behavior, in order to anticipate their actions and capture superior images.
What is included in a workshop?
Each workshop is a little different, mainly due to the location. We have documented each workshop in detail and what is covered in the “Workshop & Tours” Section. If you have a question, just ask.
What do I need to bring?
Ninety days prior to the workshop we send out a full planning package with a suggested camera equipment list as well as recommendations for personal items and clothing. In addition, you will receive a detailed itinerary with all contact information of hotels, vaccines, visa, etc required during the workshop. We also like to talk with everyone and answer any questions you might have on the workshop, discuss what that perfect image is for you so you are sure to bring the right equipment for your personal goals.
There are not any workshops dates that work for my schedule.
Because we only offer small workshops we are able to cater to custom requests for additional dates. For example, we only take two (2) photographers on our Ecuador Hummingbird photography workshop, so if other dates work for you, just let us know and we will try to put something together. Groups are limited to six (6) photographers per guide.
What is the minimum age to attend a workshop?
Our workshops are geared towards adults, therefore we ask that everyone be 16 years of age or above. Those under 18 will be required to have a parent attending the workshop.
What if I need to cancel my trip?
If you need to cancel your trip, we will do our best to fill your spot. If we can fill the spot you will receive a full refund. Please keep in mind that we have to put down large deposits to reserve lodging and facilities for the participants, and if your reservation cannot be filled it will be forfeited. We recommend purchasing trip insurance for all trips if you feel there is a chance you might not be able to attend. No refunds will be given for delays or cancellations due to weather, flights, ferries, or events beyond our control prior to, or during the workshop.
Do I need to purchase trip insurance?
Trip insurance is an optional purchase and can be purchased at an additional cost if desired by a third party insurer such as AAA and Travelex. If you feel that you need trip insurance to cover potential cancellations, trip interruptions or a medical evacuation and expenses, please purchase this additional coverage.
What amount of physical conditioning is needed for one of your workshops? What is the exposure to the elements?
Each workshop differs in what we do. For example, when we photograph the hummingbirds in Ecuador, there is limited activity and exposure as we primary photograph from the lodges, however when we photograph the Bald Eagles in Alaska, we will walk up to a couple hundred yards with our camera gear in the cold. If you are concerned about the amount of conditioning a trip requires, and the elements we will be shooting in, it is best to give us a call and we can discuss the trip you are interested in.
How do I register for the trip?
To reserve a spot on one of our trips we require a deposit as documented in the trip description, and the remainder of funds ninety (90) days before the trip start.
Just click on the “Contact Us” link on our site and then “Reserve workshop spot”, or give us a call. We will be glad to answer any questions on the photography workshops and get you signed up.