When are the 2010 workshops held?
We run workshops in almost every month of the year! This Web site includes a complete schedule of our 2010 workshops. You can access the schedule via the home page under “Workshops” or “RMSP Calendar” for a listing of what’s offered in any particular month of the year. This information is also available in our 2010 course catalog.    

What is the cut off date for enrollment?
We accept registration on a first-come, first-served basis until a workshop is full. We recommend that students enroll as early as possible because our enrollment is limited. We will accept enrollment up to the start of the workshop if space is available.

How many students are in a workshop?
Generally, a full workshop has 16 students. We try to keep the student to teacher ratio at 8:1, which means that we add an assistant when enrollment exceeds 8 students.

Do workshops fill up early?
Yes, this is becoming more and more the case. If you know that you want to enroll in a particular workshop we recommend that you go ahead and sign up so that you aren’t disappointed to learn that it’s already full. We do keep waiting lists on all full workshops. If you notice on this Web site that a workshop is full, please call our office and ask to be put on the waiting list. When a space opens up on a workshop, we call the first person on the waiting list to see if he/she wants the spot.

What does “Friend of RMSP” mean?
You’re a Friend of RMSP if you have taken any course with us in the past. This “Friend” designation entitles you to a $50 savings on any workshop you take with us.

What are the differences between Foundation & Beyond Foundation Workshops?
Our Foundation Workshops are designed with a stair-step approach that teaches you to think, see and create with your camera. Lightroom® for Photographers teaches you the basics of organizing and editing your images. These are skill building workshops that lay the foundation for your photography practice.

Our Beyond Foundation workshops offer a multitude of possibilities. You can focus on a specific skill set such as people or macro, explore the digital environment or take a trip to a beautiful location.

How do I know which workshop is best for me?
In terms of learning photography and digital imaging, RMSP workshops appeal to a wide range of experience levels. Beginning photographers or those new to digital imaging can certainly gain a broad understanding in a relatively short period of time in our “basic” or beginning workshops. The instruction in these workshops is rarely too basic for most self-described “self taught” participants. A certain amount of review can be helpful and provide an opportunity to fill in gaps in existing knowledge. With a foundation having been laid, intermediate or advanced learning can then involve creative expansion and technical mastery in successive levels. Please read the workshop descriptions carefully in the catalog and/or on this Web site. Ultimately, it may be helpful to contact a knowledgeable staff member to assist you in making a decision. Generally, after speaking with you for just a few minutess we can help determine where you will fit into our programs.

Are there any prerequisites for enrolling?
Foundation Workshops require varying levels of previous photographic experience. Beginners should start with Basic Photography. If you are uncertain about where you should begin, please call and we will be happy to help you decide what class is right for you.

Are there extra lab or location fees that I will need to pay?
No, there are no additional lab or location fees to pay to RMSP, however entrance fees to national parks and admission fees to selected shooting venues are paid by the participants. Please call our office for more information.

Do you ever cancel a workshop due to low enrollment?
Yes, but only rarely. On those occasions, we make the decision as early as we can so that those who have already enrolled can make other plans. Tuition is refunded in full. Our decision to cancel a workshop is typically made at least 90 days before the workshop is scheduled to run. RMSP is not responsible for any losses incurred as a result of a course cancellation. We encourage participants to purchase refundable airline tickets and consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance.

What is the procedure for registering for a workshop?
There are two ways to register for a workshop:

1. Register online. Simply follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Call us at 800-394-7677.

What is the minimum cost of reserving a spot on the roster?
To reserve a spot on a workshop you must pay the tuition deposit of $300.

When is the balance due for my tuition?
The balance of your tuition is due 60 days before the workshop begins.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept personal checks, cash, Mastercard, Visa and American Express.

What if I sign up and later have to cancel?
If you have to cancel after signing up, please notify us as soon as possible. In addition, please remember to cancel any lodging/transportation arrangements that you have made for yourself. CANCELLATION POLICY

Logisitics

Where do I stay during the workshop?
Blocks of rooms have been reserved at hotels, motels or comfortable cabins for most workshops. In nearly every case, participants pay for their lodging directly to the provider. Information on lodging at the workshop location is sent to registered participants as soon as it is available. This information is also available on this Web site under each individual workshop listing.

Does RMSP make travel arrangements or hotel reservations for the participants?
Group room blocks have been set up for all workshops, however, it is the responsibility of the participant to book their individual room reservations. Details about accommodations can be found on this Web site under each workshop’s “Accommodations” button.

Unless otherwise stated, students provide their own transportation during workshops. If you fly in, renting a car is often a necessity. We do, however, encourage carpooling as a means of reducing impact on resources and fostering camaraderie among participants. We collect names of students who are willing to share rental costs (or take riders in their own cars), and we will make that information available to enrolled students..

Do RMSP workshops include accommodations, meals or travel and transportation in the cost of tuition?
Tuition costs do not include additional expenses associated with a workshop such as for accommodations or meals. Travel and transportation costs are also the additional financial responsibility of the participant unless otherwise noted for a specific workshop.

What about meals?
Workshop schedules are designed to give students adequate time for meals. That being said, however, there may be times when field shoots are scheduled during traditional meal times so that we can take advantage of good light. It’s always wise for students to carry snacks with them that can “tide them over” when out in the field. Students are responsible for their own meals on RMSP workshops. There may be one or two group meals for all the students scheduled during the workshop, but primarily students are free to eat alone or in small groups.

Is there much free time on a workshop?
At RMSP, we’re known for our teaching. We recognize that students want to learn a lot on our workshops and we want to give them their money’s worth. Workshops generally go from morning until evening. You won’t have a lot of free time on a workshop. Some instructors may give you an afternoon or a couple of evenings off, but you should really plan to be going non-stop throughout the week. If you’re coming for a workshop that is held outdoors, remember that shooting sunrise and/or sunset is something you don’t want to miss.

How does a workshop critique work?
Critiques are a great way to reinforce what students learn during their classes and to monitor their progress. Most workshops include time for critiques of student work. Most often these are critiques of photographs shot during the workshop. In addition, instructors sometimes ask students to bring along past work for a quick review or critique. Typically, the day after a shoot, the instructor will ask students to edit their work from the previous day and choose a certain number of images to be presented to the group for critique by the instructor. The work is projected in front of the class and the instructor will constructively evaluate the work. Critiques are supportive and constructive.

What if I want to bring my spouse/partner along?
On most RMSP workshops, spouses are welcome to attend selected workshop activities. As long as your spouse or partner is not photographing, he or she would be able to go on field shoots with the group and attend group critiques. Lectures and other classroom sessions are not open to guests.

Do you provided itineraries for your workshops?
For most workshops we provide a tentative itinerary. Keep in mind that because field workshops are so dependent on the weather and catching the right light, itineraries always remain subject to change.

How do I get to Missoula?
Missoula is located in the far western part of Montana, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It’s easy to travel by air to Missoula. Airlines that fly into Missoula include Delta, United, Northwest, Allegiant and Horizon Air, with many arrivals and departures each day. All major car rental companies are represented here.

What’s so special about Missoula?
There are many things that make Missoula special.
Missoula Page

What is a typical day like?
A typical day in a workshop starts with an early morning shoot, followed by an afternoon lecture and critique session, wrapping up with an evening shoot when the light is best. Lab based workshops you spend mornings, afternoons and some evenings in the computer lab with time for breaks and meals.

How much support will I get from the instructor and assistant?
Part of our Mission Statement is that we support the photographic goals a student sets for him/herself. We’re actually known for it. Students will have access to instructors and assistants who will provide the support and feedback students need to continue to improve their photography.

What kinds of facilities do you have in Missoula?
The facilities for our Missoula-based programs provide students with a professional, up-to-date environment for learning the craft of photography.

How much hiking or other physical activity is involved?
This depends on the workshop. Typical shooting locations on a field workshop are fairly close to where the vehicles are parked. Others require a bit of hiking. If hiking is involved, we will let prospective participants know so they can judge accordingly as to whether or not they would feel comfortable with the physical activity required.

Equipment

What do I need to bring?
An equipment and supplies list for a particular workshop will be sent to enrolled students approximately 90 days before the workshop begins. If you need information sooner than that, call our office and speak to our Workshops Director.

Can I shoot a film camera on RMSP workshops?
Yes, film cameras are welcome on all our workshops. However, only digital images are critiqued.

Do I need to bring my computer if I shoot a digital camera?
In most cases, participants find it easiest to bring their own laptop for storage, editing and viewing their images. A photo storage viewer is also an option. Unless otherwise specified, if you are planning on using a Digital SLR on an RMSP workshop, you should be able to:

1. Download and store your images on your own equipment throughout the workshop.
2. View your images after downloading them.
3. Select and transfer specific images for daily critiques.

In most cases, participants find it easiest to bring their own laptop for storage, editing and viewing their images. A photo storage viewer is also an option.

Can I work on my own laptop computer in your digital labs?
Yes. RMSP recognizes that there have been an increasing number of students who want to bring their own laptop computers to our lab based workshops. Taking this into consideration, we have reconfigured our digital labs to accommodate those participants who prefer to use their own laptops. Upon enrollment we provide a list of laptop requirements to ensure it has the capabilities necessary for our workshops. In general, for either PC or Mac users, if your laptop was purchased in the last two years, it should be sufficient. If you bring your own laptop, you will need to have the latest versions of the software we are using in our curriculum installed on your computer. Please see the equipment and supplies list or call our office for more details.