REGISTRATION POLICIES AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISKS
In consideration of the services of the workshop leaders, their officers, agents, employees, and stockholders, and all other persons or entities associated with those businesses (hereinafter collectively referred to as “the Workshop Leaders”), I agree as follows:
Workshop/Tour Policies
Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Payment is due in full at time of registration unless otherwise specified.
I have a no tag-along policy. Spouses, family members, friends, etc. who are traveling with you and who have not registered are unable to partake in any group functions. Workshops are for attendees 18yrs of age and above. Pets are not allowed, with the exception of officially trained service animals.
Cancellation Policy:
- The initial $1,000 or $1,250 registration fee is non-refundable, but it is transferable to another workshop provided we are more than 120 days from the start of the workshop (a $275 administrative fee is applied to all transfers). If you are paying within 120 days from the start, the first $1,000 or $1,250 of payment is considered the initial registration fee.
- Remaining balances are due 120 days from the start of the workshop.
- If you cancel within 120 days from the start of the workshop and you are able to find someone to fill your spot, you would be entitled to receive a refund (minus your initial registration fee and a $275 administrative fee). If your are unable to fill your spot, all fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. It is highly suggested to purchase good trip insurance to cover you in such an instance.
If the workshop you are transferring to is more than your original amount paid, the remaining balance will be due to complete registration. No fees are to be returned if the transferred workshop is less than your original payment. Workshop fees can only be transferred towards another workshop or coaching program and can not be used to purchase artwork or other items for sale.
Only 1 transfer student is allowed for workshops that have a limit of 6 students. Up to 2 transfer students are allowed for workshops that have a limit of 8 students.
The Workshop Leaders reserve the right to cancel any workshop if it does not meet the required minimum enrollment (at least 2 registered attendees, unless noted otherwise). If this happens, all funds collected by non-canceling parties will be completely 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 funds collected for that trip remain non-refundable. No credits are offered in lieu of non-refundable registration fees.
Partial Payment:
Some workshops may allow for a partial payment when registering. Partial payments are subject to the same cancellation policy stated above. Following your initial partial payment you will be contacted to see how you want to pay the remaining balance. I can bill you monthly for the remaining amount if you desire. Remaining balance must be paid in full before 120 days prior to the start of the workshop (unless otherwise noted). Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of your registration. Fees already paid will be transferred to another workshop at my discretion.
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 the Workshop Leaders are 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.
The Workshop Leaders reserve the right to bring in any assistant/assistants or co-leaders on any workshop, tour or events. The Workshop Leaders also reserve the right to find a suitable replacement for the Workshop Leaders in the event of a tragic accident or unforeseen event, or for any other reason that would keep the Workshop Leaders from attending the workshop, tour or event. In addition, in the event of extraordinary events, governmental instability, extreme weather, or any other conditions, The Workshop Leaders 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.
Liability Limitation: The Workshop Leaders aim to provide a safe, educational and enjoyable experience. The Workshop Leaders assume no liability for any act, error, omission, injury, loss, delay, mishap, or damage to persons or property arising from any cause during the course of the workshop or in transit thereto. The Workshop Leaders can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in the services to be provided. The Workshop Leaders reserve the right to change our arrangements should conditions necessitate, or to cancel any aspect of the workshop due to exceptional circumstances.
You are responsible for obtaining your own travel insurance. Although the Workshop Leaders have taken reasonable steps to provide me with appropriate equipment and skilled guides so I can enjoy an activity for which I may not be skilled, the Workshop Leaders have informed me this activity is not without risk. Certain risks are inherent in each activity and cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the activity. These inherent risks are some of the same elements that contribute to the unique character of this activity and can be the cause of loss or damage to my equipment, or accidental injury, illness, or in extreme cases, permanent trauma or death.
By participating in this workshop you acknowledge that you have read the information concerning responsibility and release The Workshop Leaders, Matt Suess, his guides, instructors and any cooperating agent from any liability. The Workshop Leaders and Matt Suess will assume no liability for injury, illness, or loss of personal property or expenses thereof associated with workshop participation. You also acknowledge that The Workshop Leaders and Matt Suess has the right to refuse service to anyone at any time and that these policies are subject to change at any time.
The Workshop Leaders do not want to frighten me or reduce my enthusiasm for this activity, but believe it is important for me to know in advance what to expect and to be informed of the inherent risks. The following describes some, but not all, of those risks: weather events such as storms, lightning, and high winds; exposure to heat, cold, or cold water resulting in hyperthermia, hypothermia, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke; injuries related to hiking over uneven terrain or falling from heights such as muscle or joint strains and sprains, and broken bones; drowning in ocean waters or inland streams; injuries related to physical exertion including exhaustion, stroke, or cardiac events; and damage to photography equipment.
You also acknowledge that The Workshop Leaders have the right to refuse service to anyone at any time and that these policies are subject to change at any time.
I am aware that nature photography entails risks of injury or death to any participant. I understand the description of these inherent risks is not complete and that other unknown or unanticipated inherent risks may result in injury or death. I agree to assume and accept full responsibility for the inherent risks identified herein and those inherent risks not specifically identified. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, no one is forcing me to participate, and I elect to participate in spite of and with full knowledge of the inherent risks.
I acknowledge that engaging in this activity may require a degree of skill and knowledge different than other activities and that I have responsibilities as a participant. I acknowledge that the Workshop Leaders have been available to more fully explain to me the nature and physical demands of this activity and the inherent risks, hazards, and dangers associated with this activity. I certify that I am engaging in the activities that are posed as a danger to me or others, the Workshop Leaders have the right to ask me to leave the workshop at my own expense.
I certify that I am fully capable of participating in this activity. Therefore, I assume and accept full responsibility for myself, including all minor children in my care, custody, and control, for bodily injury, death or loss of personal property and expenses as a result of those inherent risks and dangers identified herein and those inherent risks and dangers not specifically identified, and, as a result of my negligence in participating in this activity.
I certify that I shall conduct myself in a civil manner to the Workshop Leaders and to other participants. There will be zero tolerance for rude or aggressive behavior. The Workshop Leaders will offer one warning before I will be asked to leave the group without any refund and it will be my sole responsibility both physically and financially to make arrangements to leave the group immediately.
Things beyond the control of The Workshop Leaders such as government shutdowns, acts of God, and weather can effect scheduling. In the event of a government shutdown that closes our location to the public, the workshop will not necessarily be postponed, and locations near the intended location will be considered in an effort to keep the workshop continuing.
Should an act of God force the postponement & rescheduling of a workshop, all workshop fees paid at the time of rescheduling will be transferred to a future workshop or coaching program of your choice up to 2 years in the future. No fee for this will be charged, but student is responsible for the price difference (if any) for the new workshop.
Regarding COVID, this falls under the acts of God. Should this workshop get postponed due to covid, any and all fees paid in advance will be transferred to a future workshop or coaching program of Matt Suess Photography of your choice up to two years in the future at no additional charge. Again, student is responsible for the price difference (if any) for the new workshop.
All CDC & guidelines set at the local, state and country level regarding masks, social distancing, vaccines, etc. will be strictly followed.
Should this workshop get postponed due to covid, or you are not able to attend due to your own concerns over safety, any and all fees paid in advance will be transferred to a future workshop or coaching program of mine of your choice up to two years in the future at no additional charge.
In the event that The Workshop Leaders deem it necessary to cancel the workshop for reasons outside of the above mentioned circumstances, Matt Suess Photography will provide a full refund of tuition fees which the participant(s) acknowledges as full and final settlement. In the event of a workshop cancellation airline tickets, car rentals and hotel reservations associated with participation in this workshop will not be refunded. I The Workshop Leaders strongly recommend you purchase refundable airline tickets and make refundable car and hotel reservations. I The Workshop Leaders also recommend you carry travel and camera equipment insurance.
– Unless otherwise mentioned, tuition does not include any park admission fees. Hotel / lodging, meals, car rental, any needed gear or equipment rentals, etc. are not included and is the student’s responsibility. A list of area accommodations will be emailed to you following your registration.
Photos & Video of You: Photos & Video of you may be taken during the workshop and used for advertising future workshops on websites and print media owned by Matt Suess and The Workshop Leaders and/or other sites & media that advertise workshops taught by Matt Suess. Acceptance of these terms implies that you agree to such usage with no further compensation above and beyond the photo instruction received during the workshop. If requested, Matt can send you the full-resolution images being used of yourself to keep and make prints from. This also applies to any testimonials provided in-person, online, or on any public forum.