FAQ

Is this a digital workshop?
We recommend a digital SLR or digital rangefinder. These more sophisticated cameras are absolutely terrific for learning. They are flexible, offer more metering options and allow for maximum creative control. Because they are digital, your images are immediately available for review. You may use film, but we don't provide on site developing and processing and therefore your successes and failures will not be apparent until you get home.

What skill levels are acceptable?
Again, this is not a beginners course. Each participant will receive instruction. As with any craft, your improvement will reflect the effort you make. We ask that you have an understanding of the controls and menu structure for your camera. Do not purchase a new camera before joining us. Buy that camera far enough in advance to become comfortable with it. Jay will teach you how to better use the more creative options these cameras offer, but it is up to you to know where these are in your camera's menu structure. Bring your owner's manual so you can refer to it during the course.

What else do I need to know?
Be comfortable in downloading your images from your camera to your laptop and be able to create a slideshow of your selected images. Also, know how to backup your images. We recommend not only backing up to your laptop, but also to a small portable hard drive (USB 2.0) 60 gig or larger, especially if you are shooting in RAW mode, which we also recommend. You may also want to bring a stack of CD or DVD blank discs as a backup to your backup. You never know with digital and since these options are easy to work with why not take some precautions.

Do you provide insurance?
No. We recommend that all participants and their spouses or partners take out trip insurance in case you need to cancel. In addition, we strongly recommend what is commonly known as extraction insurance. This is important should you have a significant medical problem and need to be airlifted back to the U.S.

Access America offers a comprehensive plan which covers both medical and dental emergencies, lost baggage insurance, missed connections and cancellation insurance for medical emergencies that prevent you from attending. MedJet Assist offers extraction insurance for individuals and families.

Insure My Trip.com also offers travel insurance. Do your due diligence. We do not endorse any of these companies. We are simply making you aware that these services exist and it would be wise to look into using them.

There is no refund for weather delay or cancellation because of weather before arrival or during the scheduled workshop. We will be out photographing in all weather. In fact, some of the best photos are captured in inclement weather. Be prepared with a light slicker and some plastic bags to cover your camera and lens. Most digital cameras don't like rain.

I can take pictures on my own. Why do I need a workshop?
Jay Maisel is one of the world's finest working photographic educators. He is going to teach you how to make far better images and as a result you will take better photographs forevermore. Guaranteed. After you return home much of what you have learned with Jay will imprint on you later.

What is a typical day like?
There are no typical days. Time will be set aside for instruction and review, but Jay will pace the day in response to whatever situations and opportunities arise.

I'm not sure I want to have my work critiqued. Do I have to?
The simple answer is no. Jay will share with you his own work to illustrate the very points he wants you to learn. You also will learn how to better edit your work. You will grow as a photographer in ways you cannot imagine. The next time you venture out to create images they will be better still. All week long you will build one day on the next. Your vision will become clearer to you and you will create an impressive body of work. Jay is your partner and guide. His primary concern is to make you a better photographer. That is what he is committed to. That is his promise to you. So don't miss this very important opportunity to interact with Jay and your fellow students which Jay feels is an essential and very valuable part of the workshop. However, it does remain an option.