In order to provide the best learning environment possible VPW keeps class and tour sizes limited to 10-15 people (depending on the workshop). This is but one reason that we count on you to attend your chosen class or tour, once you have registered for it.
If you must withdraw for any reason please be aware of our refund policy as follows:
For our Local Workshops, 1 to 5 days in length and our Local 10 Week Courses, VPW requires 15 days written notice (before the workshop start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. (Email notice is acceptable.)
If you wish to transfer to a different workshop date VPW requires 7 days written notice.
Within 7 days of the workshop date all fees paid are non-refundable.
For our Master Photographer Series workshops, 1 to 5 days in length, VPW requires 30 days written notice (before the workshop start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. VPW may retain 15% of fees paid or $150 minimum in processing your refund. If the tuition is less than $500 the minimum fee drops to $50.
Within 30 days of the Master Photographer Series workshop date all fees paid are non-refundable.
For our Photo Tours, VPW works in conjunction with Sacred Earth Journeys, and we abide by their refund and cancellation policy. All tours require a non-refundable deposit of $500 USD. Full payment is required 70 days prior to departure.
All payments made are non-refundable and we strongly suggest you purchase trip cancellation insurance to cover any cancellation fees applicable.
Note: Each tour requires a minimum number of participants. Should the trip fail to achieve minimum participation, VPW & Sacred Earth Journeys reserves the right to cancel the tour and refund any deposits received or to apply a small group surcharge to each traveler. All participants will be notified a minimum of 70 days prior to departure of any changes to the advertised itinerary.
VPW can give no refunds:
If you do not show up for your registered course.
If you register for a course beyond or below your skill or ability level.
Course Cancellation:
Occasionally, we may have to cancel a course due to low enrollment. In this case, we will issue a full refund of all monies paid to VPW up to that time.
Instructor Replacement:
In the event that a listed instructor is unable to participate because of a change in his or her professional schedule, we will replace the instructor with someone of equal or similar credentials. If we cannot find a replacement in due time before the course is about to start, a particular class may have to be rescheduled.
Liability
In the event that we cancel your course, for any reason, the extent of VPW's liability is limited to the return of all monies paid. We will do everything we can to register you in another equivalent course. VPW will not be responsible for reimbursement of travel expenses of any kind.
All of our seminars, workshops and courses are designed for a specific level of photographic competence and technical ability.
In order for everyone to get the most benefit out of each workshop, it is strongly recommended that you choose a class that matches your present skill and ability level. You can find the suggested level for each course on the individual listing page(s).
If you are unsure about whether a particular course is right for you, please contact us so we can help find the best match for you.
- Beginner / General Interest: You are new to photography, and have absolutely no experience aside from taking a few family or travel shots with a fully automated camera. You have never taken a class on the subject. You have been experimenting with photography and now wish to learn the basics.
- Intermediate: You consider yourself a serious amateur and are comfortable with your camera. You have taken photography courses in the past, and have been seriously involved with photography for a period of at least 2 years.
You have a number of photographs to show off your skills, but may not have attempted to put them into a formal portfolio. You may also have experience shooting and lighting in the Studio, using either strobe or tungsten lighting, or both, but this might also be the area where you want to pick up lots of new skills. - Advanced: You consider yourself an emerging professional photographer. You are comfortable working with a variety of camera systems, formats and platforms. You have experience shooting and lighting in the studio, which includes working with talent like models and make-up artists.
You have at least 3 years experience and a portfolio, and are ready to take your photography to the next level. You are looking to complete your skills with some dedicated training in specialized areas. - Professional: You are a professional photographer. You might be looking to extend your expertise into new areas of the business, or simply take a class for personal interest.