Thank you for your interest in the Pennsylvania Photography Workshops offered by Uncovering Media, LLC and led by Jim Cheney of UncoveringPA.com. We have put together this page to answer some frequently asked questions that people have about our tours. If you need more information, feel free to use the contact form at the bottom of the page or email [email protected].
What happens after I sign up?
After paying for a workshop, you will be emailed a receipt, which is the confirmation of your booking.
If you do not receive this email within 48 hours of signing up for your workshop, please contact me at [email protected].
Approximately 7 days prior to the workshop, we will email you our full contact information, along with further instructions such as where to meet. If you need other assistance, such as recommended hotels, necessary equipment, etc., feel free to ask at any time.
What skill levels are your workshops recommended for?
Our workshops are geared to beginner and intermediate-level photographers. However, those with more knowledge are welcome to join on any of our workshops. We will give you as much space as you want, though at some sites you may need to stay near the group. Signing up gives you a chance to learn a bit about the history of an area, photograph with a group after dark, and/or access a place that is closed to the general public.
Abandoned workshops tend to be less structured and have attendees ranging from beginners to experts.
What kind of equipment should I have?
Most participants have a DSLR or mirrorless camera. However, just about anything can work, though some of the information we provide may not apply to some smartphones and point-and-shoots.
We strongly recommend a sturdy tripod for our workshops as most occur at times or places with low light. You may be able to get away without one, but it will greatly limit the type of shots you can take.
If you have a neutral density or polarizing filter, those can greatly help in some shooting situations. Most workshops include at least a primer on recommended filters, and we can usually provide at least some instruction during the workshop if you need help.
Click here for a list of equipment used by instructor Jim Cheney.
What is the maximum group size?
Generally, groups will be capped at 8-12 photographers, though we may make exceptions from time to time. On occasion, we also may bring in a second instructor, which may increase the size of the workshop.
The maximum number of participants is listed on each workshop page. We reserve the right to increase this number by no more than 25% under special circumstances.
Will I have to sign a waiver?
All attendees will be required to sign a waiver prior to the workshop beginning, and some workshops require a second waiver to be signed for the owners of the location. Refusal to sign a waiver will result in a forfeiture of money paid in accordance with the cancelation policy below. If you have any questions about the waivers, please contact us before booking to ask.
If children are allowed at the workshop, a waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian for anyone under the age of 18.
What are your Covid policies?
Attending a photography workshop during the pandemic carries a risk and all participants will be asked to acknowledge this when signing the waiver.
For all workshops, masks will not be required unless local regulations require wearing them or the site owner requests they be worn. We will ask all participants to maintain social distance during the workshop.
While masks are not required, you are welcome to wear one. Instructors will have masks with them, and if you’d like us to wear a mask when working with you one-on-one, we are happy to do so.
As regulations can change at any time, note that these policies can change. We will always follow local regulations regarding mask wearing, group size, etc. and we ask that all participants do so as well. If you are unable to follow these rules, we kindly ask you to not attend a workshop at this time.
What is your cancelation policy?
Workshops are fully refundable (minus a 10% cancelation fee) if canceled more than 14 days before the workshop. If you cancel more than 14 days before your workshop, you may opt instead to transfer 100% of your paid price as credit towards another scheduled workshop that has space.
If you cancel less than 14 days before the workshop, no refund will be offered.
At any time, you may also give or sell (for your purchase price or less) your spot in the workshop. If you do this, there will be no transfer fees. However, you must notify us via email prior to the start of the workshop with the name, email, and phone number of the person taking your spot.
If you have tested positive for Covid-19 within 5 days of the workshop or meet the current CDC guidelines for quarantining at the time of the workshop, we ask that you not come. We will provide a full refund if you are unable to come due to a Covid-related issue.
Note that some individual workshops may have different cancelation policies. Any cancelation information written on the workshop pages supersedes what’s written here.
Do you cancel workshops?
We strive to never cancel a workshop. However, from time to time dangerous weather, changes in site accessibility, sickness, etc. may force cancelations, even at the last minute. In the event of a cancelation, we will do our best to provide a make-up date.
You may transfer your payment to the make-up date, select another workshop, or receive a full refund. We are not responsible for any other expenses incurred such as, but not limited to, accommodation, transportation, etc.
Do your workshops have a minimum number of participants?
All workshops have a minimum number of participants in order for them to be held. The number varies based on the workshop. We will notify you at least 7 days prior to the workshop date if we must cancel due to not meeting our minimums. You may transfer your payment to another workshop or receive a 100% refund. We are not responsible for any other expenses incurred such as, but not limited to, accommodation, transportation, etc.
If you want to inquire about the minimum participant numbers prior to purchasing space, feel free to use the contact form at the bottom of the page or email me at [email protected].
Can I bring a model or props with me?
Generally speaking models and large props are not allowed on our workshops. Small props may be allowed if they don’t interfere with the other attendees and won’t have a lasting effect on the workshop site. Decisions on small props will be made on a case-by-case basis. The decision of the instructor or site administrator is final and is subject to change as the workshop progresses.
If bringing a specific prop is of importance to you, please contact us prior to booking a space.
Are workshops handicapped accessible?
Some are and some aren’t. Many historic buildings and hikes aren’t, but some tours can be made accessible for those with needs. Please contact us prior to booking a space to discuss any needs you may have so that we can work together to provide a great workshop for you.
Any workshops that involve a reasonable amount of walking will list the approximate distance covered during the workshop.
Are your workshops kid-friendly?
Some are and some aren’t. If children are not allowed, it will state the minimum participant age on the workshop page.
All participants planning to take photos must buy a ticket, regardless of age. A waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian for every child attending the workshop.
As a parent myself, I know that even the best-behaved children have bad days. If a child is disruptive to the group, we may ask you to step away until the child is no longer disruptive or to leave the workshop entirely. No refunds will be provided and the decisions of the instructor or site administrator in this regard are final.
If children are allowed on the workshop, only those 16 or older will be allowed to attend without a parent or guardian present, assuming the workshop page doesn’t require minors to be with adults at all times. However, they must have a waiver signed by their parent/guardian prior to the start of the workshop.
Last updated: January 18, 2023
If you have any further questions, please fill out the form below, and I’ll get back to you soon.