Workshop FAQ’s

Thank you for your interest in my photography workshops. My number one goal is to offer you the very best photographic experience possible. In order to do that I will need your cooperation, I would really appreciate it if you could all read the additional information sheet thoroughly before sending me emails with questions. Most of the questions that you will have will be covered in the additional information sheet. Also please read through this FAQ sheet so that you will also be fully informed.

If you are unsure of your gear please provide me with your gear list and any questions or concerns you may have about your gear upon sign up so that I can offer you my recommendations.

During the workshop I will be in the field to assist you with things like: seeing the situation, tips on composition, exposure, camera settings, gear handling and much, much more.

I reserve the right to bring two over the limit along on any given workshop, trip or tour. I also reserve the right to bring in any assistants or co-leaders on any workshop, trip or tour. In the event of a tragic accident or unseen occurrence or anything else beyond my control that would keep me from attending the workshop, trip or tour I reserve the right to find a suitable replacement for myself.

Q: Are non-photographer spouses/companions allowed to attend the photo tours/classes/workshops.
A: Non-photographer spouses/companions may join any tour at full price. If you let me know in advance, I can provide a few alternative locations, places of interest etc…

Q: What skill level do I have to be at in order to attend one of your Workshops?
A: Participants are expected to have a working knowledge of their equipment including but not limited to exposure, f-stops and shutter speed.

Q: Are transportation, lodging, meals included on the workshop?
A: Only if the workshop specifically states that it is included.

Q: Are tips to the guides in each location included?
A: No. Tipping is up to each of the participants, loose guidelines/suggestions for tipping will be included in the “Additional Information Sheet” provided with each individual workshop. On most workshops you will not need to worry about this. If it is not listed than you do not need to concern yourself with it.

Q: Can I get one-on-one photo sessions with you before or after the workshop?
A: Yes. Many folks benefit from one-on-one instruction and I am happy to book a session or two for you either before or after my workshop. Please feel free to contact me via e-mail to set something up. Please know that these slots fill quickly.

Q: What happens in the event of bad weather?
A: There will be NO REFUND for weather delay or cancellation due to weather before arrival or during the scheduled workshop. In addition Denise Ippolito LLC or Denise Ippolito or A Creative Adventure is not responsible for any additional costs that may be incurred by weather delays or cancellations due to weather, flight delays, or otherwise.
Safety is always first. In the event of lightening or other severe weather conditions we may have to work inside on Photoshop, camera settings, image review, and slideshows or postpone our time in the field until the weather breaks. Every effort will be made to make it a productive workshop.

Q: What is your refund/cancellation policy.
A: I have a complete workshop policy page and all are encouraged to read it carefully.

Q: Will you be photographing during the workshop?
A: Having my camera in the field, allows me to demonstrate first hand my different techniques. It also allows me to see the scene in a photographic way, judge the light, light angle and the way it plays on the given scene. Being a photographer and using my “tool of the trade” is the best way that I can share my knowledge in the field. I find that my best help to you is sharing what I know but also what I see and why I see it from behind the camera.
*With large groups I seldom bring my full gear with me as I need to move around so frequently. In those cases, I will generally have a camera strapped on me.

Q: What is the best trip insurance company?
A: There are too many to list but here is a link to the best rated ones by Consumers Advocate

Q: What is the difference between a Photo Workshop and a Photo Tour?
A: Photo Workshops are more instruction based than photo tours and they may be combined with post-processing and/or image review sessions. Group sizes tend to be smaller as to provide individual attention to all. At most workshops, my goal is to help you learn to see creative compositions, to teach you the best camera settings for a given situation and to make sure that your exposures are correct. During either a workshop or photo tour you will not be required to work in Manual Mode, however, you are still expected to have full working knowledge of your camera and gear. Please keep in mind that these workshops and tours are not meant to be Camera 101 courses.

Photo Tours: Photo Tours are more about the location or venue. I will take care of all the behind the scenes stuff like; permits, access, best time of day or night to be there, and anything else that I need to do to make your adventure fun, easy and productive. During all photo tours I will be there to assist you, but my goal is to give you the freedom needed to explore the location and come away with your own images that reflect your unique style. I will always offer my compositional advice and/or camera settings if asked and assist you with your gear if a problem arises.