FAQs |
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Do you follow a set schedule? Unless otherwise indicated in the course schedule, courses take place over weekends and include a mix of group instruction, one-on-one time with instructors, and creative time working alone. Most workshops begin with a reception/orientation, including refreshments, from 6:30-8:00 PM on Friday. Saturday breakfast is usually at 8:30, lunch is 12:30, and dinner is 6:30. After dinner, most instructors review the day's work from 8:00-9:00. Sunday breakfast is at 8:30, lunch is 12:30, and the weekend concludes with editing and a review of work from 1:30-3:00. Instructors may modify this schedule to accommodate his/her own course needs; you'll be told of any changes on Friday evening. If I cannot attend the evening orientation, should I still register? The evening orientation is a combination social event and course introduction. On occasion, students have skipped Friday evening without major damage. If you will be unable to make it, call us and based on your experience level we will advise you on registration. What level of experience should I have to attend? Individual course descriptions indicate the level that is appropriate for that course. For beginners, as well as those who want a brief refresher on camera functions, we offer a Camera Basics course on some Friday afternoons from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Do you prefer for students to use digital or film? Either one is fine, but digital facilitates prompt feedback. If your workshop is in Chesapeake City, a Canon Digital Rebel XT camera can be rented for $60 a weekend. For film shooters, one-hour processing is available nearby. Some teachers may be willing to review your work if you scan your images and email low-res scans to them. Should I bring my laptop? Most definitely, along with your card reader and image editing program (if that relates to your course). The workshop will have computers available if you cannot supply your own (very occasionally you may have to share with another student). What clothing should I wear? We move in and out during the day so it's best to dress casually and in layers. In winter, dress for extra warmth, down to your socks. Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers are a must. What happens in the event of inclement weather? Photographically speaking, every kind of weather condition has plusses and minuses. During extended periods of rain or cold we do some shooting inside. We have never had to cancel a workshop due to weather conditions; in the event of very severe weather that prevents you from attending, call us to reschedule to a future workshop. Where are meals eaten? Do you accommodate for vegetarians? If I am not on the meal plan, what are my options? Some workshops offer meal plans, especially those at our Chesapeake City headquarters. Breakfast and lunch are generally taken in the classroom, and Saturday dinner is at a local restaurant. Vegetarian food is available. Whether or not there is a meal plan, each workshop will take breaks for meals. There will be different restaurant options available depending on the workshop location. The instructor will have suggestions and generally, the students join the instructor. How many people attend each workshop? To assure one-on-one time with students, most classes are limited to twelve, while some workshops allow even fewer. See course description for specific numbers. Can children attend? Yes, if they are sixteen or older and mature. (Children fourteen and older can attend if accompanied by a supervising adult. A workshop shared by a child and parent or grandparent can be a wonderful experience.) A legally responsible adult must sign a liability release for a minor. Can a prearranged group attend a workshop? Yes, your group can join in with individual participants, or we may be able to dedicate a workshop exclusively to your group, particularly if it is held during the week. Can classes be cancelled or postponed? A class may be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, or may be postponed by the instructor in unusual circumstances. You will be notified at least 14 days in advance of class, and you can either reschedule or receive your money back. We cannot, however, be responsible for other loses, such as non-refundable travel expenses.
What if I decide after paying that I cannot, or do not want to, attend . . . or that I need to change dates? Some individual workshops have the cancellation/refund policy set out on the relevent course page. When the policy is not specifically indicated, then our general policy is as follows: There is no charge to reschedule 18 or more days in advance; between 5 and 18 days in advance, 50% of the workshop fee and 100% of the meal fee will be refunded; if less than 5 days, only the meal fee will be refunded. If you cancel and do not reschedule to another class, there is a $100 handling fee 18 or more days in advance. If you cancel fewer than 18 days in advance, only your meal fee will be refunded. To reschedule or cancel, please notify us by email. Do you offer discounts? At the close of each workshop, all "alumni" receive a 10% off certificate toward any future workshop. For the annual "Horizon Summit," early enrollees and students received a reduced fee, but alumni discounts do not apply. Do you offer individual instruction? Yes, many of our instructors are available, either before or after a workshop or other pre-arranged dates. Call us for details about fees, location, and instructor availability. Generally, there is not sufficient time or general interest for portfolio reviews or discussion of marketing. The exceptions are the one day Editing Your Images class, a portion of the Wedding workshop, and during our annual Summit in May (See Horizon Summit). Some instructors are available during non-class time on a fee basis for portfolio reviews, marketing advice, and general instruction. Call us for further information.What places do you recommend for accommodations? Each Horizon location offers a range of lodging opportunities. See the list of lodgings for details. You are not required to stay at any of the listed locations. Do I need a car? No, not so long as you are lodging overnight near the class location. During the day we move around from one place to another, but once you've arrived (by train and cab, for example) there are always enough cars to escort you wherever the class is going. At the end of the workshop, you may be able to get a lift with a fellow student. How long does it take to get to Horizon Headquarters from major northeast cities? All Horizon locations are near I-95. If there is no traffic, Chesapeake City (our main location) is 2 1/2 hours from the Lincoln Tunnel, two hours from the White House, and about one hour from downtown Baltimore and Philly. Other Horizon locations are nearby. For driving distances and directions, see Directions. Are airports and train stations available nearby? That depends on the workshop location. If the workshop is in Chesapeake City, then Philadelphia International is 50 minutes away; BWI (Baltimore-Washington) is 80 minutes. AMTRAK stops in Newark, DE (25 minutes) on weekdays (not weekends) and stops routinely in Wilmington, DE (40 minutes). The DC/Baltimore commuter train (MARC) to Perryville, MD is 30 minutes away and runs intermittently. Cab service is generally available; you might arrange a lift from a fellow student for your return. Are facilities handicap accessible? Some classrooms are up one flight of stairs; you will receive assistance as needed. However, much of the fieldwork will be difficult for those with handicaps. Do you offer gift certificates? Yes. You can either register someone for a specific course and date (and we can send them a gift certificate if you wish), or you can purchase a certificate that lets them choose the course and date by selecting the Gift Certificate option from the course drop-down menu. Standard Gift Certificate increments are $100, $200 and $400. Alternatively, you may purchase a certificate for a custom amount. Call us for details. Gift certificates are good for a minimum of one year from the purchase date (the span during which the certificate is valid is indicated on the registration page). ? Have other questions? Drop us an email or give us a call. |
Horizon Photography Workshops • 98 Bohemia Ave., P.O. Box 9 • Chesapeake
City MD 21915
(410) 885-2433 • E-mail: info@horizonworkshops.com
