Every photo tour I lead is different in one way or another. The information provided here is intended only as a general overview of what you can expect during the event. Please read the specific information posted with each tour for details.

What is Included?

It varies with each event. On some tours, all you need to do is get yourself and your camera to the beginning location and I’ll take it from there, providing all meals, lodging, and transportation. On others, particular the one-day events, only guiding and photo instruction is included.

Group Size

Enrollment is strictly limited and varies with each tour. Typically, a tour has between 4 and 12 participants, but may have more if there is a co-leader. On all tours lasting longer than a day, I have assistants who take care of the basic housekeeping chores. This allows me to spend my time guiding and teaching photography.

Transportation

Each photo tour has a beginning location, which will be the host hotel for overnight events and a field location for one-day events. On some photo tours, all you need to do is get to that locality and all transportation after that is included. On most of the shorter tours, transportation is not included and you will be asked to drive. Carpooling is encouraged during these events. Boat transportation is included on all tours that require it.

Food

On some of the longer photo tours, the registration fee includes ALL meals during the tour, and includes wine, coffee, and dessert in the evenings. On shorter events, meals other than lunch are typically not included. During field workshops we usually have lunch in the field, which is included. Snacks, soft drinks, and water are provided during ALL events.

Alcohol

"House" red and white wine are available in the evenings after dinner on most major photo tours. On tours where we prepare dinner for you, house red and white wine are provided with your meal. If you desire another type of alcoholic beverage you must bring it yourself. On tours where we eat dinner at restaurants, you must pay for any alcoholic beverages you order, regardless of whether meals are included as part of registration.

Lodging

All lodging during most major photo tours is included in the registration fee. On shorter tours, lodging may or may not be included. If included on any tour, lodging is double occupancy, with the option of a single occupancy upgrade. On some tours, we stay at rental lodges or other types of facilities at which we cannot offer this option.

Tips and Miscellaneous Fees

The registration fee for most major photo tours includes all restaurant and other service tips during the tour, as well as all incidental fees such as parking, admission, etc. Items of a personal nature, such as phone calls and laundry service are not included. On shorter tours and one-day events, these expenses are generally not included.

Policy for Tour Leaders and Assistants Taking Their Own Pictures

Have you ever participated in a photo tour during which the leader seemed more interested in taking photos himself than in helping you with yours? That won’t happen on my tours. The leader policy is not to photograph unless a spectacular or rare situation presents itself. The policy for assistants is that once they have attended to any participant needs, they may photograph alongside them. Oftentimes, it is helpful for participants when leaders set up their cameras to demonstrate their approach to a scene. I do this often and occasionally I might even trip the shutter while I’m at it. But the bottom line is that my job is to help YOU make the best photos you possibly can.

Smoking Policy

All events are designated “Non Smoking.” You may not smoke in group vehicles, lodging facilities, or while in the presence of other participants. However, these photo tours take place in the Great Outdoors, so there will many opportunities to light up without breaking the rules.

Health Considerations

Participants should be in good physical health. While none of these tours requires strenuous physical activity, some tours entail hiking moderate distances, short bank scrambling, climbing into and out of boats, sun and wind exposure, and minor rock hopping. The fact that we are often shooting from sunrise to sunset requires a level of physical exertion that may not be normal for some persons. Read the specific information provided for each tour and contact me if you have any concerns.

Liability

A release waiver is included in the information you will receive when you register. All participants must sign this waiver prior to the start of the tour.

Trip Planning Information

When you register for any event, we'll will promptly send confirmation along with detailed information to help you plan your trip. If you sign up for major photo tour, the information will include a questionnaire to tell us about your knowledge level, general interests, and any specific things you’d like to get out of the tour. I use this form to help tailor instruction to each participant. Also included for major tours will be a packing list and specifications for submitting critique and introduction photos.

Registration Information and Refund Policy

To register for any event, simply send me your email address and physical mailing address, along with a check for the deposit (or full payment, depending on the tour and when you register). I am unable to accept credit cards as payment for photo tours. The deposit or full amount due is listed is listed for each event. For all events that allow deposits, full payment is due within 60 days of the tour date.

Tours often fill very quickly. To make sure your space is not taken while your check is in the mail, you can email or leave a phone message informing me that you have sent your payment. I will hold your spot for five business days pending arrival of your payment. Be sure to let me know for which tour you registered.

Cancellation Policy:

• 30 days prior to departure: Full refund.
• 0 to 30 days prior to departure: Full refund if your vacancy is filled; otherwise, you will be charged 25% of the tour fee.
• If for some reason the event is canceled, you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. However, we cannot be responsible for any non-refundable travel expenses you may have incurred. You are urged to purchase travel protection insurance.

Guarantee

I have a simple goal. I want to give you the best photography experience you’ve ever had. To achieve this, I pick great locations at optimal times and organize events to give you the best experience possible. From the moment the event begins until the final goodbyes, my goal is to help you make great photos and make sure you have a great time doing it. If you feel like I have not lived up to this goal, I’ll refund your registration fee. It’s that simple.