Frequently Asked Questions
How advanced do I need to be?
Anyone will find our workshops to be a great learning experience. Our participants vary from beginners to advanced amateur. You should, however, be familiar with your equipment and its operation.
What kind and how much equipment should I bring?
We’ll send you a checklist approximately 30 days prior to your event. But briefly, we believe lenses in the 24mm to 300mm range will be most useful. Some way to do close-ups is recommended as well. While we may not do a lot of flash photography, if you have a flash – bring it. Bring lots of film (20 rolls), extra batteries and digital shooters - don’t forget your memory cards. To see the entire list of suggested things to bring, please click here.
What time do we start, where do we meet, and when is it over?
Events start on Wednesday evening with a social hour at 6:00 PM at the hotel. The first program begins at 7:00 PM. The meeting location is normally a classroom of the hotel. Events should end around noon on Sunday.
What will classroom work cover?
Topics include equipment use and maintenance, field techniques, composition and critiques of your past or current work. These sessions usually take place after lunch when available light is least conducive for good photography. Conditions may cause us to vary from this schedule but you van be assured that the topics will be covered and your work critiqued.
Is transportation provided?
Each participant is responsible for his/her own transportation. However, car-pooling during the event is encouraged both to minimize the number of vehicles at shooting locations and to get to know one another
Is film processing available?
This very much depends on location. The closer we are to labs, the better our chances to arrange for overnight processing. For most of our events, proximity to processing won’t be a problem - for a few, it will be.
How do I handle lodging reservations?
Our hotels/motels have set a block of rooms aside for our events. We recommended that you reserve lodging as soon as you register for an event. When you make reservations, be sure to mention that you’re with Great American Photography Workshops to ensure you get our group rate.
Does it matter wich medium I use - digital, print film, or slides?
Several of our participants use digital or print film. Some come prepared to photograph in more than one medium. Our objective is to teach and enhance skills in the fundamentals of nature photography - sound techniques and good composition. These skills cross all borders between media. So, regardless of your medium of choice, there’s something for you at a GAPW event.
How should I dress?
Come prepared for anything and bring an extra layer of warm clothes when working at higher altitudes or in cooler climates. Good boots, gloves and a hat are essential to stay dry and warm. If you have Internet access, check the weather forecast at www.weather.com before you leave home.
Does weather ever alter events?
Only if there is an element of danger.
What’s the difference between a Workshop and a Tour?
Please go to Event Types
How much “hands-on” help will I get in the field?
This sometimes depends on you. Our faculty is highly qualified but they haven’t mastered mind-reading. So, if you need or want help, just ask. As our faculty make their rounds, you may be asked “How are things going?”. If you say “okay”. they’ll move along. If you say “What do you think of this composition?”, they’ll fall all over themselves to help. Sometimes, they might ask to take a peek through your viewfinder as in “Let’s see what you’ve got there”. Our faculty takes their responsibility as teachers very seriously and they’ll give you as much - or as little - attention as you feel you need.
How do I register for an event?
We accept MasterCard, Visa, personal checks and money orders.
- By Phone
Call our office at:
(866) 747-GAPW. - By Fax
Print the registration form and fax it to:
(865) 981-3234. - By Mail
Print the registration form and mail to:
GAPW
902 Broyles Ave
Maryville, TN 37801
What are my payment options?
You may pay with your MC/Visa or check in full at the time of registration or may choose our option of one-half the tuition at time of registration; the other half of your fee will be automatically charged 60 days before your event. If you wish to choose this option, just let us know when you register.
How much is tuition?
With few exceptions, all events are priced at $795.
What’s included in my tuition?
Each attendee will receive a set of workshop notes compiled from the key points from all of our event leaders. Tuition also includes all lectures, fieldwork and critiques of your slides in our general sessions. Travel costs, film processing, lodging, entrance fees, and meals are not included.
What happens if I have to cancel?
If you cancel 60 or more days prior to the event we will refund your tuition less a $50 handling charge. If you cancel between 60 days and 30 days your tuition will be refunded only if we fill your slot. There is no refund for cancellations less than thirty days before the event.