Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Age Requirement
Expeditions open to non-photographers; small-group limitation
Photographic Experience and Critique Sessions
Hiking and Physical Shape
Travel Insurance


AGE REQUIREMENT

Q: Why do you require participant to be 25? There are younger people interested in photography also.

A: Our expeditions are travel tours led by one person, the expedition leader, who will endeavor to make your photo experience a memorable one. As we will take our meals in restaurants or other public places, we don't want the expedition leader to be also responsible for minors and/or underage drinking.

Q: I would like to participate on one of your 3-day tours with my son who is 19. Would that be possible?

A: Our age requirement is 25, however we can make exceptions if a minor over the age of 18 is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian taking part in the expedition and who will be responsible for him or her. The parent or guardian will have to sign a special liability disclaimer.
But please understand also that these are photo tours, and unless the youth is interested in photography or is a student of photography, he/she may become impatient with the slow pace of our excursions during which we spend ample time photographing.


DOUBLE ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS

Q: How do you accommodate single participants who want the cost based on double room accommodations?

A: We will try to pair up participants willing to share, according to gender. However we cannot guarantee that you will receive the cost based on double room accommodations due to the fact that our groups are small and we may not have another sign-up willing to share. You have to be prepared to pay the single supplement if that is the case. The best scenario is traveling with a companion and booking a double room together.

EXPEDITIONS OPEN TO NON-PHOTOGRAPHERS; SMALL-GROUP LIMITATION

Q: My spouse is not a photographer but would like to come along with me. Will the trip be boring for him? Will he have to pay or can we get a discount?

A: Non-photographers are most welcome on our 3-day tours/expeditions since these are not technical workshops but guided tours that take into consideration the light and time of day best for photography, and they are enjoyed by anyone, with or without a camera. They are an education in the art of seeing (as opposed to just looking) and appreciating nature's beauty and different cultures, and there is no formal photo instruction that would bore non-photographers. Advice on composition, light and choice of subjects is given to those photographers who need it, as we go along, one on one - this is not a "six cameras around one flower" type of instruction. All can observe and photograph what they like, or just enjoy the adventure, within the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the group and under the guidance of the trip leader. So anyone - spouse or friend - who wishes to come along, although not a photographer, is counted as a participant and as such must pay his/her way. Our groups being also limited in size and very small, we cannot take on non-paying clients or give a discount.

Q: Your groups are very small. Why? Wouldn't it be more lucrative for you to take bigger groups?

A: Yes, we limit our expeditions to 6 participants and our 3-day tours to 8 and still offer competitive prices. In order to give attention to all participants, it is essential that the group be small. Our objective is not to make money, but to share our passion for photography, travel and interest in world cultures with like-minded people. In places such as India and since we are interested in photographing people, it is much better for all concerned if only a handful of participants (already plenty enough) wander in a small village rather than a bus load. How would you feel if you were one of the villagers? Being a small group gives us the advantage of making impromptu stops along the way and enjoying quality time with local people, which would be difficult with 12 people or more. It is also more congenial when we share meals to be a small group at one table, rather than taking several tables. Another reason is our hotel accommodations. We don't book big chain hotels on our expeditions, but stay in small, quaint, historic establishments which don't have that many rooms. True, you will find other organizers that take on larger groups and yet charge double what we charge, but we prioritize quality over quantity. So space being limited, we encourage you to register early.

PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE and CRITIQUE SESSIONS

Q: I'm not an experienced photographer- how technical is this 3-day tour? I am a little worried that everyone else will be a pro, and I'll look like a goof!!

A: Don't worry about your level of photo experience. Our expeditions are open to all levels, from beginners to advanced. They are not technical, however you do need to know how to operate your camera and the basics about lenses. Our trips are aimed at practicing the skills of seeing - we usually look but we don't really "see" -, of developing one's vision, of being patient to get the right moment, of getting the right composition - things one does not have the liberty to do when on regular tourist tours. With the millions digital cameras sold today, every subject in the world has been covered, mostly in a boring way. So we'll develop a new way of looking at things while having fun traveling and discovering new vistas. All is done is a friendly and relaxed manner.

Q: Do you give critique sessions on work shot by a participant?

A: Our expeditions/3-day tours are not workshops. They are travel opportunities designed to help you sharpen your photographic skills hands-on in the field, and learn how to see and capture the spirit of place through composition, light and choice of subjects. We put the emphasis on photographing during the best times of day, as well as on the travel experience and cultural exchange. That means we'll usually be out before dawn or in the early morning, spend time exploring a location, have our meals, and return after sunset. There is little time left for photo critique sessions. So no, there are no critique sessions.
However in trips not reaching maximum capacity, when there are only 2 or 3 participants, the expedition leader will be happy to informally critique a few samples of work done during the expedition, when asked and if time allows.

Q: How will I benefit from the expedition leader's experience?

A: Carole, the expedition leader on all 3-day tours/expeditions, has given lectures and slide presentations at National Geographic Society, Rotary Club of Haiti, Imaging Professionals of the Southwest (NM), camera clubs and artists associations. On some expeditions (as indicated in itinerary) she will show participants short digital presentations of her work ahead of a shooting excursion, explaining what to expect and how to photograph it best. You will also have the opportunity of observing how a photographer explores and goes about capturing story-telling images of a new area. She will share her expertise with you and give you advice in the field to improve your photography - should you want it. Some advanced participants join us to enjoy the company of fellow photographers, but don't need advice and prefer to shoot on their own, and that's perfectly alright.

Q: What can I expect from the expeditions?

A: You can expect to improve your photography, develop your personal vision, make new friends, discover new horizons and new cultures, have fun, experience adventure, be in awe of this wonderful planet, deepen or rekindle your passion for photography, and come back with memorable photos and anecdotes.


HIKING and PHYSICAL SHAPE

Q: I see you have scheduled some hiking. How in shape should I be to participate?

A: Our hikes level is easy to moderate, depending on location, and no particular skills are required. Still, they will be more enjoyable to you if you are in shape and participants should be in good physical condition. However, our hikes are done at a non-competitive pace, with casual photography stops along the trails and rest stops as necessary. Also, please note that New Mexico climate is not what you may be used to. Our altitudes (5000' in Albuquerque, 7000' in Santa Fe and higher in Taos and the north) as well as the prevalent dryness can take some getting used to. We stress the need to drink water regularly, even when not thirsty, from the time you arrive in Albuquerque, to avoid dehydration.
In France, there will be a lot of walking in Paris and Annecy as this is the best way to explore the cities, but it's mainly all flat terrain. In Chamonix we are accompanied by a professional mountain guide and the hikes are easy to moderate.

Q: Do I have to go on the scheduled hike?

A: We certainly won't force anyone. Some hikes are optional. Some constitute the main part of the expedition. The expedition leader will follow the scheduled itinerary and guide the hikers. It is in your interest to follow the group and take advantage of this photo opportunity, but if you prefer to rest or shop, it's your choice. There is however no refund for missed excursion.


TRAVEL INSURANCE

Q: I have health insurance. Why do I need to purchase travel medical insurance?

A: We require you purchase mandatory travel insurance for the duration of any expedition to France and to India and week-long expedition in New Mexico, covering medical and cancellation expenses, to be on the safe side. Your health insurance or credit card insurance may not cover you abroad or on a trip. What if something happens to you during the expedition and you need to be hospitalized or repatriated? Unless we receive a copy of your policy with the balance due, we won't be able to accept you. The cost of insurance for a week or two is not much and really worth the expense for the peace of mind of all involved. We strongly recommend that our 3-day tours participants also get insured.

Last revised 08/28/14