WORKSHOP FAQ
If you are considering joining me for one of my photography workshops and have read through the descriptions, you may still be left with a few questions. Below are some of the most frequently asked. If your question is still unanswered, there's a form at the bottom of the page - please don't hesitate to contact me.
Why should I take a workshop with you?
I always feel this should be the first question when considering a workshop with anyone - so, great question. In addition to the points I made earlier, I think you should resonate with my work. When you look through my photographs and spend time viewing them, they should move you in a feeling/emotional way. I can't imagine choosing to take a workshop with someone whose work I didn't look up to and respond to - and I wouldn't expect someone to work with me who didn't respond to my work. When you have a more profound response to the artwork, the curiosity and desire for insight grow.
Next, I enjoy working with earlier-on-the-path photographers and sharing the insights I have gained from my 20+ year photographic journey. The photographic path isn't just my profession - it's my passion! Because of that, I am very overprotective of my photographic bubble. I don't allow in anything that will spoil that passion. No weddings. No editors telling me what to shoot. I follow my way and make the images that speak to me, then look for others who resonate with the work. If I didn't enjoy leading and teaching workshops - I wouldn't do it. I bring this same passion to every workshop and plan to share it with you.
For more on what makes a workshop meaningful, read this short piece here.
When do I pay?
A 50% deposit is always required to secure your workshop date/s. I recommend you make your payment at your earliest convenience to save the date. I confirm every payment. Once I receive your deposit or full amount, I mark you in my calendar and your time is reserved.
If you haven't received an email confirmation from me within 48 hours, then there may have been an issue with your checkout - email me with your order number and we will finalize the order.
What is the Additional Person cost for the Maui photo workshops?
The 5-hour INSTRUCTIVE workshop is $550 + $150 for each additional person.
The 10-hour INTENSIVE workshop is $950 + $200 for each additional person.
The 10-hour ADVENTURE workshop - contact me for details.
If you have 4 or more people interested in a workshop, please contact me beforehand to discuss options.
What camera gear specifically is best? Should I bring every lens I own?
You certainly don't need to bring everything you own. For lenses, the most common focal lengths we will use are wide angle and standard lenses, such as 16-35 and 24-70 (or equivalent). Occasionally, a 70-200 can come in handy. A stable tripod is a necessity. If you don't have one, then let me know and I will provide you with one.
A cable release (not the remote kind) is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Without it, you will be limited to 30 second exposures. With it, I will teach you to do 2+ minute exposures. These are specific to camera so I can’t supply these. Go to B&H and search for: “(YOUR CAMERA BRAND) Cable Release”
I will supply the filters and holders and provide you with a list of items that you can purchase online afterwards. I may also suggest renting an item if your kit is missing something critical.
What do I need to bring in addition to camera gear?
For Maui - you will want comfortable footwear for rocky coastlines - sneakers are ideal, with slippers as a backup. A sun hat is good to have, sunglasses and sunscreen are a necessity, and I generally like to have a light long sleeve or windbreaker for post-sunset. If you are sensitive to the sun, wearing a long sleeve UV shirt is a good idea.
What are the essentials for the landscape photographer?
A camera with manual controls, preferably a minimum lens range of 16-35mm and 24-70mm, a stable tripod, a cable release, a few ND filters, and a bag to hold the items. This is close to "the essentials". Again, in many cases I can loan out filters, or will recommend the "right ones" for purchase. I'd suggest that you wait to make any purchases until we communicate. One of the things that I really enjoy is being able to help others NOT make bad purchases. I've learned through trial and error and have made plenty of bad purchases through the years, so now give good advice when it comes to gear purchases.
Is there an "Extra Person Charge" to bring my spouse, even though they are not into photography?
In most every case - yes, there is an extra charge. There are a number of reasons I have an extra-person charge for the workshops, whether those add-on participants have an interest in photography or not. You are welcome to pay the add-on cost for an extra-person and have them join us, but I have found - the workshops tend to be not very exciting for non-photographers, and it takes away from the focus of those who are.
What if we have to cancel due to weather? What about severe weather?
It rarely happens. For the landscape photographer, weather is part of it. Oftentimes, the "poor" weather turns out to be the best light and lead to the most compelling photograph. You can't be quick to throw in the towel and quit because of poor looking weather. With that said, there are times where "severe weather" makes the conditions either unsafe or simply not feasible to work in-the-field. We will re-schedule when possible, adjust the plans to Developing and the Digital-Darkroom, or refund the time missed accordingly.
What is the time-frame for the workshop? Will we shoot sunrise?
Typically, the approximate times for Half-day workshops begin 3 1/2 hours before sunset and end 90 minutes after sunset; while Full-day workshops begin 8 hours before sunset and end 2 hours after sunset.
This may all be adjusted due to weather, tidal conditions, or moon phases, but please don’t make dinner plans for sunset time. Part of being a landscape photographer is photographing during optimal times of sweet light, and that means being out in-the-field through sunset and twilight.
Sunrise shoots will not be scheduled for first time participants. There’s simply too much information to cover in the first hours of a workshop to make the timing work.
However, if you are booking multiple days and would like the second day to be a sunrise shoot, then that can work out well.
What is your refund policy?
For Maui Workshops - If we decide the weather is too poor to work in, we will try and re-schedule. If for any reason we can't re-schedule, then your total payment will be refunded in full.
If you have to cancel with 8+ days before the workshop, then your total payment will be refunded in full.
If you cancel within 7 days of the workshop, then a portion of your payment will be refunded in full - less the amount of a $200 service charge.
I would like to book multiple days, but when I am checking out, I am not sure how to add it to the cart?
Many of my workshop participants book multiple days - it’s a great way of delving deeper, without booking the Mentoring Workshop. After you email me and we determine days that will work for both our schedules, I will send you a link to the Booking Page. From here, you can select the desired workshops, add a payment to the cart, and then add another item to the cart, before checking out. You can select and add as many items to the cart as you like. Once all the items are added, you can click on “Cart”, and proceed to checkout.
I am interested in your San Francisco Mentoring Workshop. Is that always going on?
The SF Workshops and Mentoring Programs are by appointment. I typically wait until I have 2+ participants on-board and ready-to-go, and run the private workshops back-to-back. Or, I schedule it for when I am already passing through the Bay Area - which is typically once or twice a year. Reach out and let’s discuss it!
I wanted to do your Hong Kong Workshop, and am also interested in other destination tours and workshops. Are these an option?
I have done a number of destination workshops and tours with individuals and small groups and am always interested in trying to make it work, so yes it is an option. Reach out and let me know your interests and let’s start the conversation.
Have another question not listed here or in the workshop description? Ask it here: