When are the 2008 workshops held?
We run workshops in almost every month of the year! This
Web site includes a complete schedule of our 2008 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 2008 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, Location, Shoot &
Critique and Digital Process and Print Workshops?
RMSP’s Workshop program offers four categories of workshops,
each focusing on a different aspect of the photographic experience. Foundation
workshops
give you more class time and concentrate on skill building. Location
workshops take
you to beautiful locations at the right time with an experienced instructor by your
side. Both Foundation and Location workshops include a combination of lectures,
field shoots and critiques, for a well-rounded week of learning and fun. Shoot and Critique workshops give you the opportunity to work on your portfolio. These workshops are for
photographers in the crowd who just want to shoot and get feedback. We have a wide variety of Digital Process
and Print workshops, ranging from image capture through
workflow and printing. There are progressive learning opportunities as well as topic-specific
courses.
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 moments we can help you 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.
Location/Shoot and Critique Workshops are open to anyone with a basic understanding of his or her
camera and can operate it in manual exposure mode.
Digital Process and Print Workshops
require a basic working knowledge of computers.
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 and a discount on another workshop is extended
as a courtesy. 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 three ways to register for a workshop:
- Register online at on this Web site. Simply follow the on-screen instructions.
- Call us at 800-394-7677.
- Fill out the registration form in the catalog. You may want to call
our office first to make sure the workshop is not full.
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 each workshop. In nearly every case, participants pay for
their lodging directly to the supplier. 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.
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 are
learning during their classes and to monitor their progress. Most workshops include
time for critiques of student work. 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. The amount of time
spent critiquing during a workshop depends in part on the type of workshop you are attending. Shoot and Critique workshops include the most time spent critiquing.
There are several workshops that are limited to only critiquing digital work done
during the workshop. This restriction is clearly stated in the workshop description
in the catalog and on this Web site.
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 provide itineraries for your workshops prior to the beginning
of class?
For most workshops we try to provide a tentative, basic 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 around?
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.
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?
That depends on what category of workshop you are
taking. A typical day in a Foundation or Location 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. During Shoot and Critique
workshops,
the lectures are eliminated and there are more field shoots and critiques.
Digital Process and Print workshops focus on technical instruction in the
digital lab and may or may not include any field shooting (depends on
the workshop).
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 Workshop
Director.
Can
I shoot a digital camera on RMSP workshops?
Yes, digital cameras are welcome on all our workshops.
Do I need to have a digital camera to take a workshop?
Not necessarily. On most workshops, you can shoot either
a film camera or a digital camera, however, there are a number of workshops where
only digital images can be critiqued. If critiques are important to you, you may want to
consider bringing a digital camera.
Do I need to bring my computer if I shoot a digital camera?
Unless otherwise specified, if you are planning on using
a Digital SLR on an RMSP workshop, you should be able to:
-
Download and store your images on your
own equipment throughout the workshop.
-
View your images after downloading them.
-
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 Process and Print Workshops?
Yes. RMSP recognizes that there have been an increasing
number of students who want to bring their own laptop computers to our Digital Process
and Print 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.
What
about film processing?
Film processing is available on some, but not all, of
our workshops. There are some locations where processing for E-6 film is not easily
accessible. On those workshops, we critique only digital images. Check individual
workshop listings for this information.
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