Denise Ippolito Photo-Tour Workshop Policy Page~ General Information/Deposit And Cancellation Policies

Please read my Deposit and Cancellation Policies before sending a deposit.

A non-refundable deposit is required to hold a spot for all Workshops, Photo-Cruises, and Photo-Safaris. Workshop balances are due approximately 6 -8 months before the start date of the Workshop (unless specified otherwise) and are also non-refundable. In view of the above, please check your schedule carefully before committing. If I do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date I will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. If your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance.

Denise Ippolito LLC, Denise Ippolito and/or A Creative Adventure reserves the right to cancel or change a trip/tour/workshop at any time due to lack of required number of participants, and/or reasons beyond our control that might create unsafe or undesirable travel conditions for the participants. In the rare case that we decide to cancel a workshop, we do not and cannot promise refunds, credits or re-booking. It is possible that we may choose to re-schedule the workshop for a later time or issue a credit for a future workshop or decide to issue you a refund, minus any non-refundable deposits we have paid on your behalf and/or any administrative fees. This decision is entirely at our discretion. Under no circumstances will Denise Ippolito LLC, Denise Ippolito and/or A Creative Adventure be liable for any costs incurred by a participant in relation to a trip/tour or workshop.

By attending one of my workshops, you agree to hold Denise Ippolito LLC, Denise Ippolito and/or A Creative Adventure and its employees and owners harmless for all personal injury or loss that may occur during or in connection with this trip. This is a self-led travel trip. You are responsible for your own safety at all times. When you sign up for a trip you certify that you are in good general health and that you do not have any physical or other disabilities that would place either you or other participants in danger. Only you know your physical abilities, do not push them beyond their capabilities. You and only you, are in charge of deciding if a location is safe for you to travel to.

I reserve the right to cancel any workshop if it does not meet the required minimum enrollment (2 under the total spots available-unless noted otherwise); if that happens all monies collected by non-cancelling parties will be totally refunded. Please note that if you cancel your space on any workshop and your cancellation forces the cancellation of that workshop – your deposit and/or total monies collected for that trip remain non-refundable. No credits are offered in lieu of non-refundable deposits.

*I strongly recommend that you purchase quality travel insurance.

Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options. Included with the Elite Option or available as an upgrade to the Basic & Plus Options you can also purchase "Cancel for Any Reason Coverage" that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. Do note that many plans require that you purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of my cashing your deposit check or running your credit card. Whenever purchasing travel insurance be sure to read the fine print careful even when dealing with reputable firms like TIS. There are many other companies out there that offer travel insurance, some folks use Allianz Travel Insurance Co or InsureMyTrip. With any travel insurance, it is best to check out the company thoroughly. I have no allegiance to these companies and do not make one cent from the referral or sale of the insurance. *If your trip is cancelled for any reason beyond my control, you will not be entitled to a refund and your sole remedy will be with your trip insurance provider.

On most trips a single supplement is available for those who desire their own room. Please note, however, that if we cannot find you a same sex roommate you will be charged the single supplement fee. If you are booking your own lodging this does not apply.

Most Workshops include morning and afternoon photography sessions totaling six hours or more (weather permitting), in-the-field instruction, a meet and greet and/or an introductory slide program on the evening before the tour begins, a critiquing session. International trips may have a different schedule. During either a workshop or photo tour you will not be required to work in Manual Mode, however, you are expected to have full working knowledge of your camera (how to change your ISO, aperture and shutter speed) and gear. Please keep in mind that these workshops are not meant to be Camera 101 courses.

*Non-photographer spouses/companions
May join some North American Workshop tours for $250/day (please check to see if the workshop you want is included in this-all National Parks and Refuges are excluded from this offer). This fee includes all slide programs and in-the-field sessions. Entry fees and additional costs are separate. Meals are not included. There are strict guidelines that apply and limited availability. Arrangements must be made with me in advance.

*Weather and Unforeseen Issues
There will be NO REFUND for weather delay or cancellation due to weather or any other unforeseen issues before arrival, during or after the scheduled workshop. In addition Denise Ippolito LLC, Denise Ippolito and/or A Creative Adventure is not responsible for any additional costs that may be incurred by weather delays or cancellations due to weather, flight delays, visa issues, unforeseen issues, scheduling conflicts, or otherwise.* I reserve the right to take one or two over the limit on every workshop.* I reserve the right to bring in any assistant/assistants or co-leaders on any workshop, tour or events. I also reserve the right to find a suitable replacement for myself in the event of a tragic accident or unforeseen event, or for any other reason that would keep me from attending the workshop, tour or event. In addition, in the event of extraordinary events, governmental instability, extreme weather, or any other conditions, I reserve the right to cancel or postpone the trip. All workshops, tours and excursions are subject to itinerary changes.

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and fuel surcharges incurred before trip departures will be applied to final balance due. Please note that a price increase adjustment may apply to any overseas trip.

An Administration Fee of $250.00 will be charged for any workshop switch if deemed applicable. Written notification is necessary and is at the sole discretion of Denise Ippolito.

Code of Conduct
Each participant shall conduct themselves in a civil manner not only to me but to each of the other participants. There will be zero tolerance for rude or aggressive behavior. I will offer one warning before you will be asked to leave the group without any refund whatsoever and it will be your sole responsibility both physically and financially to make arrangements to leave the group immediately. These workshops and photo tours are supposed to be fun and enjoyable to all. Please act accordingly, thank you very much.

COVID-19 and Photo Tours/Workshops

With the health and safety of my clients being paramount, I am committed to providing as safe of a workshop/tour as I can, following the up-to-date CDC travel protocols regarding communicable diseases—specifically COVID-19. 

Anytime we choose to travel, we must acknowledge the risk of contact to disease—COVID-19 or otherwise and each person shall be completely responsible for themselves at all times and will have to adhere to all measures of safety being implemented by me during the workshop. I am confident that by working together to create a safe environment we will still be able to enjoy the great outdoors and travel.

Travelers are being asked to self quarantine before and after each trip/tour.

Registration Form

Denise Ippolito LLC/Denise Ippolito/A Creative Adventure are within the capabilities of average people in good health. Some of these workshops require the capability of walking for several miles over uneven trails. If you have concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness as it relates to a trip, please contact us before sending your deposit check. By forwarding a signed registration form with your trip deposit you certify that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions of disability that would create a risk for you or other trip participants. We reserve the right to request a doctor's statement of good health. The trip leader's judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual's ability to embark upon or to continue on a given trip. Once a trip has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. We can assume no responsibility for special dietary requirements or for medical care.

Denise Ippolito LLC/Denise Ippolito/A Creative Adventure and/or their Agents act only as agents for the participant in regard to travel including, but not limited to, photographic sessions and instruction, sightseeing, meals, lodging, transportation, and all other services whether by railroad, motorcar, motor coach, boat, ship or aircraft and they assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the trip. They can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as trip fees provide for arrangements only for the times and locations stated. The transportation of baggage and photography gear is at the owner's risk entirely. The right is reserved to substitute hotels of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary or transport where deemed necessary or caused by changes in air schedules or equipment substitution.

A Release and Assumption of Risk form must be signed by each participant prior to the commencement of the trip. Participation by any trip member will be declined in absence of the signed release of liability form. No modification to the terms of the Release and Assumption of Risk form will be accepted. Should Denise Ippolito LLC/Denise Ippolito/A Creative Adventure or anyone acting on their behalf be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this agreement, the enrolling trip participant(s) agree(s) to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs. In the event a lawsuit is filed, the enrolling participant(s) agree(s) to do so solely in the County of Monmouth in the State of New Jersey Your payment of the initial deposit shall be deemed to constitute consent to the conditions above. I have had sufficient time to read all pages of this document in its entirety. I have read and understood it.

RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I am aware that during any trip or tour that I am voluntarily participating in under the arrangements of Denise Ippolito LLC/ Denise Ippolito/A Creative Adventure, a New Jersey -based LLC, and its employees, agents and associates, certain risks and dangers exist while traveling in the United States, foreign countries, and wilderness areas in any country or territory that include the possibility of property damage, bodily injury and death. There is a possibility of accident or illness occurring without access to immediate or timely medical treatment or facilities. There is a risk of tropical or communicable diseases, food related illnesses, the potential for personal injury and property damage or delay by forces of nature, wildlife or wildlife models, quarantine, political instability, terrorism, strikes, government restrictions or regulations change, thefts, pilferage and accidents during travel while on foot or by aircraft, train, automobile, van, bus, boat, ship or other conveyance. I understand that such risks cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of any trip or tour. In consideration of, and as part payment for the right to participate in such trips, tours and/or other activities and services arranged for me by Denise Ippolito LLC/Denise Ippolito/ A Creative Adventure, and its employees, agents and associates, I have and do hereby assume all risks, and hereby release Denise Ippolito/ A Creative Adventure, and its employees, agents and associates and will hold them harmless from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, debts, claims, and demands of every kind and nature, howsoever caused, which I now have or which may arise of or in connection with any of my trips or tours and participation in any activities arranged for me by Denise Ippolito LLC/Denise Ippolito/ A Creative Adventure, and its employees, agents and associates. Should Denise Ippolito LLC/Denise Ippolito/ A Creative Adventure, and its employees, agents and associates, or anyone acting on their behalf, be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify them and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs. In the event a lawsuit is filed, I agree to do so solely in the County of Monmouth in the State of New Jersey and further agree that the substantive law of that state shall apply in that action without regard to the conflict-of law rules of that state. The terms hereof shall serve as a release and assumption of all risk for me, my heirs, executors and administrators, and for all members of my family. If any part, article, paragraph, sentence or clause of this Agreement is not enforceable, the affected provision shall be curtailed and limited only to the extent necessary to bring it within the requirements of the law, and the remainder of the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. By signing this document, I acknowledge that if anyone is hurt or property is damaged during my participation in this activity, I may be found by a court of law to have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against Denise Ippolito LLC/Denise Ippolito/ A Creative Adventure, and its employees, agents and associates, on the basis of any and all claims from which I have released them. I have had sufficient time to read this entire document, I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by its terms.

All deposits and balances must be paid by personal check or money order made out to Denise Ippolito LLC. Overseas folks can pay their deposits and balances by wire transfer. The registrant is responsible for the fees on both ends.

When you sign up for a trip you certify that you are in good general health and that you do not have any physical or other disabilities that would place either you or other participants in danger.

You understand and agree that all payments made to Denise Ippolito/A Creative Adventure/Denise Ippolito LLC are nonrefundable. If you cannot attend the workshop for any reason, or if the workshop is cancelled for any reason beyond my control, your sole remedy will be your trip insurance which you should purchase; Denise Ippolito/A Creative Adventure/Denise Ippolito LLC will be under no obligation to refund any payments to you.

For example, over 90% of the deposits paid to me are immediately forwarded to my vendors and guides overseas. When the Pandemic closed tourism to those countries, the foreign vendors and guides refused to return those funds to me, instead offering only to reschedule the accommodations sometime after the pandemic. If something similar were to occur on your workshop, I would endeavor to offer you the opportunity to attend the rescheduled workshop, but I would be unable to just refund your payments that were not refunded to me by the foreign vendors. Under no circumstances will I be expected or required to refund to you your payments, which were forwarded to my vendors/guides, and not refunded to me.

Covid Release Form

RELEASE AND WAIVER. In consideration of my receiving photography workshop or instruction related services from Denise Ippolito LLC, or A Creative Adventure, or Denise Ippolito (hereinafter the “Services”), I do hereby forever release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Denise Ippolito LLC, or A Creative Adventure, or Denise Ippolito (collectively, “Service Provider”) from any and all damages, injuries, losses, liability, claims, causes of action, litigation, or demands, including but not limited to those for personal injury, sickness, or death, as well as any expenses, of any nature whatsoever which may be incurred, directly or indirectly, now or in the future, in any way related to COVID-19 and in connection with my participation in the Services or any travel related thereto.

I promise not to sue Service Provider for any of the foregoing. ASSUMPTION OF RISKS. I understand that while Service Provider has undertaken reasonable steps to lessen the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in connection with the Services, Service Provider is not responsible in any manner for any risks related to COVID-19 in connection with the Services. I understand that the World Health Organization has classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic.

I further understand that COVID-19 is a highly contagious and dangerous disease, and that contact with the virus that causes COVID-19 may result in significant personal injury or death. I am fully aware that participation in the Services (including any related travel) carries with it certain inherent risks related to COVID-19 transmission (“Inherent Risks”) that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid such risks. Inherent Risks may include, but are not limited to, (1) the risk of coming into close contact with individuals or objects that may be carrying COVID-19; (2) the risk of transmitting or contracting COVID-19, directly or indirectly, to or from other individuals; and (3) injuries and complications ranging in severity from minor to catastrophic, including death, resulting directly or indirectly from COVID-19 or the treatment thereof.

I hereby voluntarily accept and assume all risk of loss, personal injury, sickness, death, damage, and expense arising from such Inherent Risks. Furthermore, I represent and warrant that I do not suffer from any medical condition or disease that might in any way hinder or prevent me from receiving the Services, including, to my
knowledge, COVID-19. This COVID-19 Assumption of Risk, Release, and Waiver of Liability Agreement (“Agreement”) shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns.

I expressly agree that this Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by applicable laws, and that if any portion of this Agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter, and shall not be altered, modified, amended, waived or supplemented in any manner whatsoever except by a written agreement signed by both parties hereto or their duly authorized representatives. This Agreement may be executed, made and delivered electronically. This Release and Waiver is given knowingly and voluntarily.

I have read and understood this Agreement and enter into it voluntarily in consideration of the opportunity to participate in the Services. I acknowledge I am giving up legal rights and/or remedies which may otherwise be available to me.