faq

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions, if you have a query about anything else you can contact us stillsphototours@googlemail.com

HOW DO I BOOK A TOUR?
Please use the BOOK NOW link on the main menu to the left of the home page.


HOW DO I PAY FOR A TOUR?
We have 3 options of payment; cheque, bank transfer or credit/debit via PayPal.


WILL A DEPOSIT CONFIRM MY PLACE ON THE TOUR?
A deposit will 'pencil' you in on your chosen tour, but you won't be confirmed until all fees are cleared.


DO I NEED TO TAKE OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE TO GO ONE OF THE TOURS?
Yes, it is compulsory for you to take out your own private travel insurance. This insurance must cover the loss, expenses and damages, the cancellation of the tour, personal injury and accident, medical and repatriation costs, loss of baggage, belongings, personal money, flight cancellations and delays. Currently travel insurance is cheap and will give you peace of mind in any circumstance.


CAN I GO ON A WAITING LIST FOR A TOUR?
Yes, if your register with us we will put you on a waiting list and contact you should a spot become available.


WHAT IF I WANT TO PULL OUT OF A TOUR?
You can cancel your attendance on a tour by letting us know asap. If you cancel 3 months before a tour starts, you will get a complete refund. If a trip is cancelled between 2-3 months before the tour starts the deposit is not refundable. If cancellation is within 2 months of the tour, there is no entitlement for a refund. You may be able to transfer your spot to someone else you know who wants to go, please keep us informed as we may be able to help.


HOW DOES REGISTERING AS A 'STILLS' MEMBER HELP ME?
We will send you priority notification of new tours coming up before they are advertised, so you can ensure you don't miss out.
We will send you the occasional newsletter with phototips and other information and news.
We will let you know of any promotional offers available.


I'M STILL A LEARNER IN PHOTOGRAPHY, WILL THIS TOUR BE TOO COMPLICATED FOR ME TO FOLLOW?
No ,you will be fine. We tutor to every level of phototgraphic ability and as the groups are small everyone will be given personal attention and will improve.


WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING ON THE TOUR?
A camera is a must, but a light sturdy tripod will improve your shots and learning immeasurably. We will send you a more detailed list, which will vary with each destination, this will be included in your tour information pack, which will be sent to you once your tour is confirmed.


IS THERE ANYTHING I COULD GET TO BRING ALONG AND LEARN TO USE THAT WILL MAKE A BIG IMPROVEMENT TO MY PHOTOS?
Yes, a tripod as mentioned above and a basic set of filters. Bringing these along and letting us teach you how and when to use them will make a significant difference to your images. You can email me for details of what would constitute a basic filter kit and what kind of tripod and head would work best for you.


I HAVE SOME NEW ACCESSORIES I'D LIKE TO LEARN TO USE, COULD I BRING THEM?
Yes, bring along any accessories that you would like to master, we will explain the best situations to use them and you will never look back.


MY CAMERA IS VERY BASIC, WILL THIS BE OK?
We don’t specify equipment, but you will gain the most from the tours if you have a camera that can operate on manual. Our tutor will make sure you still learn a great deal about how to make any camera work at it's best for each situation. We will be looking at composition and framing which can be learnt using any camera and our tours will make even a DSLR simple to use.


ARE PARTNERS WELCOME?
We will definitely cater for partners. As our tours travel to the best locations we have a policy of catering for partners rather than leaving them stranded at a B&B.
Some tours such as the Tuscany & Abruzzo tour will see us staying at 2-3 different places - and all of the New Zealand tours necessitate us staying in a new place on most nights. Depending on numbers we offer a 'tour-in-tandem', which will take partners to different venues, shopping and sightseeing, we can even arrange specific themes such as a gastro tour if required. The partners will meet at the end of each day and stay at the same accommodation as their partner each night.


CAN I REQUEST A DESTINATION FOR A TOUR?
Yes, and when we have enough interest in a destination we will send out a notice to all registered members for a priority booking.


CAN I ARRANGE A TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY FOR A GROUP?
Yes, we can arrange a tour to most destinations to cater for a specific request, or you can organise a group of your friends.
We can also arrange a tour with another interest in mind such as golf, fishing, gastro, wine, walking or....? You suggest it and we will look at it.


stillsphototours@googlemail.com