Booking, Payments & Policies
- What’s included in the price?
All photography workshops include expert tuition, guiding, and access to carefully selected locations. If we are shooting from a hide or taking a boat, then this is also included. Full details are listed on each workshop page. For private guiding trips it is optional to use my vehicle for which there is a charge to cover my costs. - Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Travel to and from the workshop, any accommodation, meals, snacks, drinks and personal expenses are typically not included. - Do I need to pay a deposit to secure my place?
Yes, for all bookings a 25% deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due one month before the event. - When is the final balance due?
The remaining balance is usually due one month before the workshop or guiding trip. - What payment methods do you accept?
All my workshops can be booked on Humanitix using all major credit and debit cards. They charge a small fee is charged by them. Alternative you can book workshops and private guiding direct and pay via bank transfer. Other methods may be available on request. - Are there any booking fees or transaction charges?
If you book a workshop via Humanitix there is a booking fee to cover their costs. If you book via email and bank transfer there should be no fees. There are small fees for international transfers (I use Wise which is a very competitive option). Humanitix are an ethical social enterprise who offer an event booking service like EventBrite. There is however one key difference – 100% of their profits go to workwhile causes. - What are your cancellation terms
All bookings are subject to my standard terms and conditions. If you cancel a photography workshop with more than 30 days notice you can change to another date or receive a full refund. At less than 30 days notice moneys paid are not refundable. For multiday guiding services a non-refundable deposit is required to secure booking. - Can I transfer my booking to another date or person?
Yes, if you find someone else to come instead of you just let me know the new details and I am happy to credit the booking to the new attendee. - Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes, gift vouchers are available and make a great present for photographers. Just email me if you would like one and at what value
Experience, Learning and Group Size
- Do I need to be an experienced photographer to join?
No—workshops are suitable for a range of experience levels, from enthusiastic beginners to advanced photographers. That said, my beginner workshops specifically target what those new to photography need to learn so it does make sense to start here. - How many people are in each workshop group?
Groups are kept small to ensure a personal and high-quality experience. The minimum and maximum numbers are stated on each workshop page. - Will I get one-to-one guidance during the workshop?
I mostly work on a small group basis. So some tuition is to the whole group. But I also take questions and try to spend time individually with each participant. There is always the option to hire me for a 121 workshop in which case I am all yours for the duration. - Will I learn editing as well as shooting?
My workshops are in the field and do not cover editing. I do offer 121 editing classes over zoom as a follow-up (there is a cost for this). - How much hands-on photography time will I get?
The majority of the workshop is spent actively photographing in the field. - Will I receive feedback on my images after the workshop?
Yes—informal feedback is provided during the workshop. I also encourage you to share a few photos with me on social media or by WhatsApp and I am happy to provide feedback on these.
Equipment and Preparation
- What camera gear should I bring?
Well let us start with what you have. But ideally a DSLR or mirrorless camera along with a zoom lens is suitable on most workshops. I do share specific information about requirements on each workshop page. - Do I need a long lens for wildlife photography?
Yes a telephoto lens is recommended. Of course a prime (fixed) lens can be fantastic in some situations too. And a wider angle lens may still get some good environmental photos on Freshwater workshop for example. - Can I still join if I don’t have professional equipment?
Absolutely—good technique matters more than expensive gear. - Are tripods or other accessories essential?
Tripods are useful in some situations but not normally required. As a wildlife photographer we are often moving around and quickly responding to dynamic situations – I rarely use a tripod. - What clothing and outdoor gear do you recommend?
These are outdoor workshops so dress for the Scottish weather! —layers, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear are essential. Ideally wear green or dark and muted colours too.
Conditions, Wildlife and Expectations
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Workshops run in most conditions, and we adapt plans to make the most of the situation. That said as per my terms and conditions I will cancel workshops if it looks unsafe to continue or likely to be miserable! In these cases, a transfer to an alternative workshop or full refund is offered. - What happens if wildlife activity is limited?
Wildlife is unpredictable, we are not photographing in a zoo! That said with experience and local knowledge I seek to maximise the chances of seeing target species. Where wildlife sightings can be hit and miss I always offer workshops over multiple days which significantly increases our changes of seeing wildlife. - What time of day do workshops typically run?
Often early mornings and late afternoons, when wildlife activity is at its best. This is stated on the specific workshop pages. - How physically demanding are the workshops?
Most are accessible to anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Details vary by location.
Logistics and Practicalities
- Is transport provided during the workshop?
This varies by workshop. Unless stated otherwise you are responsible for getting to the meeting point for the workshop and we are on foot from there. - Are accommodation and meals included?
No, I do not offer accommodation and meals on workshops or during private guiding. These are your responsibility. - Where do we meet and how do I get there?
Locations of workshops are indicated on each workshop page. Joining instructions are sent out a week prior to each event with an exact meeting location. - Can non-photographers or partners attend?
My workshops are designed for photographers. Non-photographers can attend but they need to pay the full fee as my costs are still the same.
Health, Safety and Accessibility
- What health and safety measures are in place?
Safety is a top priority for me. I have a robust Health and Safety Policy on my website. Risk assessments are carried out for each workshop. - Are your workshops suitable for people with limited mobility or accessibility needs?
I try to make my workshops as accessible as possible. Everybody should be able to enjoy nature. That said some locations are more accessible than others. Please review specific workshops for accessibility information and get in touch with me about your specific requirements. - What happens in case of emergency or illness during a workshop?
Appropriate procedures are in place, and assistance will be provided in the unlikely event that it is needed. I hold a current outdoor first aid qualification and have previous experience in a mountain search and rescue team.
Photos, Privacy and Insurance
- Will photos taken during the workshop be used for marketing, and can I opt out?
Images taken on the day may be used for promotional purposes, but you can opt out at any time either by emailing me in advance or by saying on the day. - Do I need travel or photography insurance?
Yes, participants are responsible for arranging their own insurance. - Am I responsible for my own equipment and personal belongings?
Yes, you are responsible for your own gear and valuables at all times.
Any Other Questions
If you have managed to think of a question I have not, please just drop me an email and I will be happy to help you. I aim to get back to all enquiries within 24 hours.