Workshop FAQ & Policies

FAQ

Non-photography partners are welcome to join our outdoor activities and meals, however exceptions may occur when we need to get seated in a restaurant during a busy time, or we want to go on a boat tour for icebergs or whales and they have limited space. There is no charge for non-photography partners, but to join outdoor sessions they will be required to sign the same Acknowledgement of Risk & Release of Liability form that workshop students sign.

Are service dogs allowed?

Well trained service dogs are allowed on outdoor activities wherever service animals are allowed. The parks we visit have exceptions for service animals even if dogs are not normally allowed. The same applies for most indoor places but there may be more exceptions there, for example I cannot guarantee that every place I rent for a classroom session will allow service dogs. The biggest concern would be for other workshop participants that may be allergic to dogs, in which case you may not be able to bring the service dog into a classroom session.

Why can't you accept Canadian Citizens on workshops held in Canada?

I would love to accept Canadians on my workshops in Canada! I live right next to Canada, and some of my best friends are Canadians! Unfortunately, I'm unable to accept Canadian citizens without a work permit, and getting one is complicated.

As long as none of the students are Canadian citizens, I am not required to have a work permit. I have talked at length about this with Canadian immigrations officers. I have held many workshops in Canada with American only students, and there is never an issue at the border crossing.

Once I accept Canadian citizens, I am then providing a service to Canadians, and that’s where it gets complicated. I would need to hire an immigration lawyer to work through this, and part of it means performing an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), and Canada might rule that I am competing directly with Canadians running workshops in the same areas and deny my application.

That said, I have had many Canadians ask this question so I may look into it with a lawyer to see what they say.

Physical Requirements, Safety & Risks

This is an outdoor nature photo workshop and being in relatively good health is best for the activities we have planned. There will be some hiking involved. Usually we don't hike more than a mile through the woods as a group.

Please note that this workshop often along rocky and sometimes dangerous terrain. If you venture out onto rocks at the ocean's edge you acknowledge the risk you're taking. All participants are required to sign a risk of acknowledgement form at the start of the workshop.

All students are required to sign an Acknowledgement of Risk & Release of Liability form.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

If you need to cancel your spot more than 60 days before the start date you will receive a refund minus the original deposit. Within 60 days of the start date, refunds (minus the deposit) are only sent if I can fill your spot.

If I am forced to cancel the workshop entirely because of conditions beyond my control everyone will receive a full refund.

For night workshops, I cannot offer refunds if the weather prevents us from seeing the stars at all. If we are clouded out at night we can go out for sunrise, and other daytime photography including the old smokehouse buildings, lobster boats, rocky coastline (fun for long exposures and black & white even on overcast days), etc.

Travel Insurance

You might want to consider travel insurance for flights, lodging, etc, in case you need to cancel your trip or if I am forced to cancel the workshop because of conditions beyond my control.