FAQs

A non-refundable 50% down payment will reserve your place in a workshop. The remaining 50% is due 90 days before each workshop. Within the 90 day window prior to the workshop, 100% payment is required. Workshop reservations are not fully reserved until the workshop waiver is returned to scottshieldsphoto@gmail.com. Waivers will be emailed out after receipt of first payment. 

Because my enterprise is a small business and I need to make my own financial commitments, transfers to another workshop will be limited to 120 days before the workshop date. 

Also at 120 days, workshops that do not meet minimum attendance will be cancelled. Payments to Scott Shields Photo Workshops (SSPW) will be refunded or applied to another workshop, at your discretion. Refunds are limited only to fees paid to SSPW. SSPW is not responsible for non-refundable payments to travel , lodging or other travel related services. 

TRIP INSURANCE is strongly recommended to cover financial outlays if you are unable to attend.

TRIP INSURANCE is strongly recommended to cover financial outlays if you are unable to attend. You may want Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance. 

Also, make sure you have health insurance that covers the region that we are visiting. Optionally, you may also want emergency medical evacuation insurance to cover medical transfer back home.

Knowledge of your own camera equipment is essential. Purchasing new equipment prior to a workshop is not recommended, as it takes away from valuable workshop time to learn. Make new purchases early to give yourself time with your new camera, tripod or lens before the workshop. If you are unfamiliar with your own equipment, please bring the appropriate manual that we can use when there is a break in shooting.

Snacks. Always bring snacks. If we get good light or a great subject, we may delay or even miss a meal.

Workshops will NOT be cancelled for weather. If inclement weather occurs, we will pivot to classes on photography subjects: Color in Photography, Photographic Composition, Long Exposure Photography, Night Sky Photography, Aurora Photography, PhotoPills, and many others. If you can control the weather, please order up nice clouds for the days and clear skies for the night photography.

Equipment recommendations will be given by email well in advance of a workshop. Generally a tripod (travel tripod if walking), super wide lens, mid-range, telephoto and/or super telephoto will be required, depending on the workshop. A polarizing filter and ND filters are optional, but may be recommended. The standard recommendations of sufficient memory cards, extra charged batteries, and lens/sensor cleaning supplies go without saying. A lightweight backpack or sling bag is recommended for walking tours. 

Dress in layers for the overnight low. Bring rain gear for you and your camera. 

Snacks. Always bring snacks. If we get good light or a great subject, we may delay or even miss a meal. 

I will push the group to get the best locations and opportunities for shooting at the best possible times. Depending upon conditions, this may mean getting up early for sunrise, and staying up late for sunset or night photography. I will work in breaks for meals, and a mid-day break when possible. Although not often, we may miss a mealtime to push for more content. Please bring sufficient snacks to tide you over. In the end, you will be tired, but it will be worth the effort. If you feel like whining, eat a snack of chimp your photos. 😉

Snacks. Always bring snacks. If we get good light or a great subject, we may delay or even miss a meal.