⇒ Do you follow a set schedule?
⇒ If there is an evening orientation and I cannot attend (usually Thur or Fri evening), should I still register?
⇒ What level of experience should I have to attend?
⇒ Can film users take a workshop?
⇒ Are cameras available for rent?
⇒ Should I bring my laptop?
⇒ What clothing should I wear?
⇒ What happens in the event of inclement weather?
⇒ Where are meals eaten? Do you accommodate for vegetarians?
⇒ How many people attend each workshop?
⇒ Can children attend?
⇒ Can a prearranged group attend a workshop?
⇒ Can classes be cancelled or postponed?
⇒ What if I decide after paying that I would like to change dates or change courses, or that I am unable to attend
 or do not want to attend?
⇒ Do you offer discounts?
⇒ Do you offer individual instruction?
⇒ Do you review portfolios and offer marketing advice?
⇒ What places do you recommend for accommodations?
⇒ Do I need a car?
⇒ How long does it take by car to get to Chesapeake City, MD (Horizon Headquarters) from major northeast cities?
⇒ Are airports and train stations available nearby?
⇒ Are facilities handicap accessible?
⇒ Do you offer gift certificates?

Do you follow a set schedule?

Each workshop follows its own schedule within the hours listed on the course page. Unless otherwise indicated on the course page, there is a mix of group instruction, one-on-one time with instructors, and creative time working alone. There is no meal plan or set schedule for meals. In some classes held in Chesapeake City, lunch is brought into the studio; this is optional, and costs $13. Some classes critique Saturday's work after dinner from 8:00-9:00PM. Some instructors review the schedule at the beginning of the class, others send an email in advance of the class.

If there is an evening orientation(usually Thurs or Fri evening) and I cannot attend, should I still register?

The evening orientation is a brief social event followed by an introduction to the course. Since we get into the substance, if you cannot attend the orientation, call us and based on your experience level we will advise you whether or not to register.

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. We also offer one-on-one instruction before some classes. Call to discuss.

Can film users take a workshop?

Yes. One-hour processing is available nearby...and if you don't want to process images during the workshop, some instructors will review your work if you scan your images and email low-res scans to them. Bear in mind that digital cameras facilitate prompt feedback which helps the learning process.

Are cameras available for rent?

If your workshop is in Chesapeake City, we rent Canon Digital Rebels for $70 a weekend (or $35/day for one day workshops). If you're taking the video class, the camera has video capability.

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 (on rare occasions 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 its benefits and drawbacks. We have never had to cancel a workshop due to weather conditions. During extended periods of rain or cold we may do some extra shooting inside. In the event severe weather prevents you from attending, call us.

Where are meals eaten? Do you accommodate for vegetarians?

Horizon does not have any formal meal plan. Each instructor decides how he/she schedules meals. As a general rule, for classes in Chesapeake City, most students take breakfast at their motel or B&B. For others, we recommend the Bohemia Cafe, which is two blocks from our studio classroom. For lunch, many classes give students the option of ordering from the Bohemia Cafe; lunch is then eaten in the studio. Cost is $13. You can bring your own lunch, or eat elsewhere if you like. For dinner, there are several fine restaurants in Chesapeake City. Generally, the instructor has dinner at one of these local restaurants and most students join him/her...but this is optional. Vegetarian food is always available.

How many people attend each workshop?

Most classes are limited to twelve, while some workshops allow even fewer. This assures substantial one-on-one time between instructors and students. See course description for specific maximum size.

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 instructor emergency. You will be notified at least 14 days in advance of a cancellation, and you can either reschedule or receive your money back. We cannot, however, be responsible for other loses, such as non-refundable travel expenses. We reserve the right to substitute instructors with someone of comparable background and ability; if the substitute instructor does not meet with your approval, you can call us to see what accommodations are appropriate under the circumstances.

What if I decide after paying that I would like to change dates or change courses, or that I am unable to attend or do not want to attend?

Our policy on rescheduling and cancellation is as follows:

• If you reschedule (to that same class or any other class of comparable length), there is no charge if done 18 or more days in advance; if you reschedule between 7 and 18 days in advance, we'll apply 50% of the workshop fee toward a future class; if less than 7 days, we will apply 25% toward a future class.
• If you cancel (i.e., do not reschedule to another class) 18 or more days in advance, we will refund 50% of whatever amount you paid. If you cancel fewer than 18 days in advance, there is no refund. To reschedule or cancel, you must notify us by email and we will respond.

Do you offer discounts?

At the close of each workshop, Horizon "alumni" receive a 10% off certificate toward any future workshop. For the bi-annual "Horizon Summit," alumni discounts do not apply, but early registrants and students received a reduced fee.

Do you offer individual instruction?

Yes, many of our instructors, including Horizon Director Steve Gottlieb, are available for one-on-one instruction. Call us for details about fees, location, and instructor availability.

Do you review portfolios and offer marketing advice?

Generally, there is not sufficient time for portfolio reviews or marketing discussions...and this would take attention away from the group generally. The exceptions are workshops on Editing Your Images, Weddings, and Web Marketing. Some instructors are available during non-class time for portfolio reviews and marketing advice ($75/half hour) and we have portfolio reviews during our bi-annual Summit in May (See Horizon Summit). 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 might be able to get a lift with a fellow student.

How long does it take to get by car to Horizon Headquarters from major northeast cities?

Horizon's headquarters in Chesapeake City, MD, is 10 miles from I-95. If there is no traffic, we are 2 1/2 hours from the Lincoln Tunnel, two hours from the White House, and about one hour from downtown Baltimore and Philly. For driving distances and directions, see Directions.

Are airports and train stations available nearby?

If the workshop is in Chesapeake City, then Philadelphia International Airport is 55 minutes away; BWI (Baltimore-Washington) is 90 minutes. AMTRAK stops in Newark, DE (25 minutes) on weekdays (not weekends) and stops routinely in Wilmington, DE (40 minutes). (Enterprise Rent-a-Car has low rates in Wilmington.) The DC/Baltimore commuter train (MARC) to Perryville, MD is 30 minutes away and runs intermittently. Cab service is generally available from Perryville and Wilmington; you might arrange a lift from a fellow student for your return.

Are facilities handicap accessible?

Most classes are up one flight of stairs; handicapped people can 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 securely online 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. You can also call us to order by phone. Gift certificates have no deadline.

⇒ Have other questions?

Drop us an email or give us a call.
info@horizonworkshops.com
410-885-2433