Workshop Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2013 workshops schedule?
Please see our Calendar.
Which workshop is right for me?
Foundation Workshops require varying levels of previous photographic experience. Beginners should start with Basic Photography. Travel workshops require that you are familiar with the manual operation of your camera. 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.
What is the cutoff date for registration?
We accept registrations on a first-come first-served basis until a workshop is full. Register early! If your favorite workshop is full ask to be put on a wait list.
How do I register?
  1. Register online
  2. Call the RMSP offices at (800) 394-7677
How many participants are in a workshop?
Depending on the workshop there can be a maximum of 14, 16 or 20 students. Generally we add an assistant when registration exceeds 8 students.
What is a "Friend of RMSP"?
Once you’ve taken an RMSP course you become a "Friend" and are able to deduct $50.00 off workshop tuition.
Explain Foundation and Travel workshops?
Foundation Workshops are designed with a stair-step approach that teaches you to think, see and create with your camera. Travel workshops take you to a beautiful location with an instructor who knows the area and the light and how to get you to the perfect shooting spot.
What is included in the tuition?
Most workshop tuitions include the instruction only. Hotel stays generally are not included. Selected hotels, most of which have special RMSP rates, are noted in the accommodations section of each workshop. Transportation is included on selected workshops. Additional charges such as entrance fees/admissions to national parks and select shooting venues are extra. There are a few workshops where accommodations/meals are included which will be specified for each workshop.
How do we pay for a workshop?
Most workshops require a $300.00 deposit and the balance paid 60 days prior to the start of the workshop. Workshops that include some accommodations/meals require a $600.00 deposit and the balance paid 90 days prior to start. Payment options include personal checks, cash and Mastercard, Visa, and American Express.
What is RMSP’s cancellation policy?

Please read our cancellation policy.

Note: Workshop content may change from that advertised based on weather, access to shooting locations, and other unforeseen situations. Whenever possible, registered students will be notified ahead of time of any changes. RMSP reserves the right to cancel any program that does not meet minimum participant requirements, in which case participants will be informed as soon as possible and all money will be refunded. 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.

Travel Insurance
RMSP recommends that you purchase travel insurance to protect yourself from circumstances that may prevent you from attending a workshop. Please check with your insurance agent about this low-cost service. RMSP is not responsible for cancellations due to medical emergencies or reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets in the event of a workshop cancellation.

Other Logisitics

Hotels
Blocks of rooms are reserved on most workshops. Unless otherwise specified workshop participants make their own reservations for accommodations.
Travel
On most workshops travel is the responsibility of the workshop participant. RMSP provides a car-share list as part of the workshop e-correspondence. Participants usually get together on the first day and make arrangements to share car rides for field shoots. We encourage carpooling for the sake of camaraderie and also to reduce the impact on our environment.
Meals
You will be given breaks during the workshop to purchase and enjoy meals, however in some locations meals take a second place to shooting at the right light. It’s always a good idea to include snacks for those moments when a regular meal is not available.
Free Time
RMSP wants to make sure you get what you want, need and expect from a workshop. Expect to be busy from morning until evening every day. If you’re coming to an outdoor workshop remember that sunrises and sunsets will be part of the shooting schedule!
Spouse / Partners
On most RMSP workshops non-photographing spouses/partners are welcome to come to shooting locations and some critiques. Lectures and any other learning sessions are not open to guests. Please call our office for the guidelines for your specific workshop.

Equipment

What should I bring?
Each workshop has a list of suggested equipment which will be sent in an email approximately 90 days before the workshop begins. If you have questions about a specific workshop please give our office a call.
Film shooters
Film shooters are welcome on RMSP workshops, however only digital files will be critiqued.
Computers
All participants should bring a laptop computer for downloading, sorting, viewing and selecting images for daily critiques. Computer specifics are included in the equipment lists for each workshop. Digital lab workshops held in Missoula may have a limited number of desktop computers available for use. Please call our office if you need to reserve a computer.
Please feel free to contact us either by phone or email with any further questions you may have. We look forward to welcoming you to an RMSP Workshop!