Frequently Asked Questions

May we use our own personal vehicle during the workshop sessions instead of riding with the group if transportation is provided?

Yes. However, to avoid any confusion, please let one of our staff know that you prefer to use your own vehicle. If possible, we ask that you follow our vehicle(s) or meet us at each designated workshop site. Also, we strongly encourage you to bring and use a 2-way radio (walkie-talkie) like our drivers use so that you may signal us in case of an emergency or separation from our convoy.

If we travel with the group in a vehicle that is provided, is there “assigned seating” while we are riding?

For your convenience, staying in the same vehicle--and the same seat--will allow you the freedom of keeping small, personal items at your seating area. However, if you would like to change seats after you have selected a seating position, please check with your driver so that he or she may see if or how it affects the others around you. If you have any concerns, please feel free to speak privately with your driver.

Will anyone be assisting us with our baggage while loading and unloading the vehicles?

Depending on the particular workshop, our group may be traveling between sites (for workshop sessions, indoor programs, breaks, meals, and when returning to the motel each day). This may require loading and unloading your equipment and bag(s) many times. Therefore, each person on the trip is expected to carry and move his or her own baggage to and from the vehicle. Since only you are familiar with the contents, this will ensure that your bags are handled with the care that each one requires. Please feel free to keep fragile and small personal items under your seat, and your camera on your lap. We encourage you to stow your camera bags and large items (or other items that you won’t need while en route) in the rear of the vehicles. Your driver may help to arrange those bags for best placement and efficiency. If you feel that overcrowding is occurring in your seating area, please discuss this with your driver for alternative options.

Are all our meals included in the workshop fee?

Each workshop varies, but in most cases, some meals are included. Please check your original confirmation for this information or simply ask one of our staff if you are unsure.

Are there any restrictions during meals that are included in our workshop if we are directed to order from an “open” menu?

Yes. Some meals may be served buffet-style or as pre-arranged selections. These include the choices that are provided. Other meals may be ordered from a menu--depending on our location. If ordering from an “open” menu, there are a few restrictions in place that allow us to keep down our prices. Those meals would include your choice of entree, side dishes, and non-alcoholic beverages from the menu or selection. Your workshop fee does not include appetizers, ala Carte deserts, or any alcoholic drinks when ordering from a menu. However, please feel free to place a separate order for these special items with your waitress and let her know that it is a separate bill that you intend to cover.

Will there be restrooms available while we are traveling or when we are stopped for photography?

We may be traveling to remote areas and along long stretches of roadways. Restroom facilities may not be quickly available at all times. In fact, some of our photography locations may not have a restroom at all. However, our drivers will try to make frequent “comfort stops” and will make every effort to accommodate your needs. If you need to stop before a scheduled restroom break, please give your driver as much advance notice as possible. In between the “comfort stops” at a public facility, you may want to carry tissues with you to take care of your personal needs even when a facility does not exist. As nature photographers, we have learned this: You should “go” when you can “go” to avoid needing to “go” when you can’t “go.”

Will our instructors be photographing with us during the field sessions?

Our instructors’ number one priority is to help participants to learn. At times, your instructors will have out their cameras and gear and may take some shots along with you in order to demonstrate equipment and proper field techniques as part of the workshop. The instructors are expected to assist you with proper exposure techniques and obtain an accurate meter reading; and this is often best achieved by using their own equipment. They may also help to find a different vantage point or composition, using their cameras.

Your instructors may also demonstrate certain photo techniques to small “break-out” groups as special interests deem relevant and as questions are being asked. This type of hands-on teaching is a very effective way for photographers to both hear and see how certain methods and procedures are done. Your instructors will provide you with many hours of personal attention during the workshop. This is why our instructor-to-student ratio is kept low. So, please feel free to ask questions and ask for assistance when needs arise.

Additionally, your instructors may be taking photos of you--the participants--during the workshop. These photographs may be included as part of a special photo CD that is being compiled and produced by our Workshop Recorder. This unique documentary is called the “Digital Diary,” and is available for a nominal fee. More information about the Digital Diary is included in your registration packet.

If we bring photos, will we be able to have any of them critiqued before we leave?

As time permits, our instructors will be happy to review some of your images during the workshop. An instructor may also allow up to 30-minutes after the workshop by appointment. We only request that you make prior arrangements with the instructor for scheduling purposes. Since this may involve some of the instructor’s personal time, we suggest that you ask the instructor as soon as possible so that he or she will be make allowances in their schedule.

Will we be able to get any film developed while on the workshop?

Film processing availability varies from location to location, but it is not available in most of our workshop locations for “weekend only” workshops. When possible, however, we do make such arrangements so that you may view your images before departing. Of course, this service is optional and all processing and printing fees are the responsibility of the individual photographer. Please check your original confirmation for this information or simply ask one of our staff if you are unsure.

After the workshop, are we expected to tip our instructors, drivers, or guides?

No tips are expected for the services that we render to you during your workshop. However, if you would like to show your appreciation in this way, please feel free to do so. Jerry and Barbara’s monies are donated to at least one of several wildlife rehabilitation centers that we help support. You may also make designated donations that help support the non-profit efforts that are building permanent photo/viewing blinds in the Hocking Hills State Park in south-central Ohio. The building of these special photo blinds--and an annual photo competition that serves as the primary fundraiser--are part of the mission of “Shoot the Hills,” a non-profit event sponsored by the “Friends of the Hocking Hills State Park.”