FAQ's
 What kind of photographic experience do I need for a photo workshop?
Most of our workshops are suitable for all photographic skill levels. However, a basic understanding of camera operation is very desirable. For those who are just starting out or who need a refresher course in the fundamentals of exposure, apertures and f-stops, let us know and we will recommend the best workshop to meet your needs. If a workshop is designed for advanced photographers, such as a medium or large-format workshop, it will be clearly noted on the promotional material.
On your longer workshops, what does a typical day in the field consist of?
One thing that makes our workshops unique is our dedication to getting participants to phenomenal locations at times when the light is optimal for great photographs. That means we're often up early to capture sunrise and the wonderful early-morning light that follows. Breakfast timing will depend on the distance to our photographic location - we may have breakfast before or after the morning shoot, or have breakfast snacks en-route to our location. In the middle of the day we may have a classroom session, a field session, a critique or a siesta, depending on the particulars of the workshop. Evening shoots typically take advantage of "golden hour" light, and we often either have dinner in the field or go out as a group when we return from our location. Please refer to our itineraries for more specific details.
 What is included in the workshop fee?
Most workshops that are over two days long include transportation from the workshop origin, lodging throughout the workshop, permits, entrance fees, guide or outfitter fees, lunches, snacks and some other meals. As a result, the value of our workshops is comparable to that of our competitors. In fact, in many cases you can save time and expense with us since we've researched the best deals at hotels, and can get group rates not often offered to individuals. What we charge and what is included will vary depending on the particular workshop, however, so please consult our itineraries for specific details.
What about critiques and film processing?
Our professional photographers attempt to include two or more critiques during their workshop. If the location does not lend itself to having film processed, we may conduct a critique of past work. If there is a local lab we will conduct a critique of photographs taken on the workshop itself. For those who choose to bring large format cameras, please keep in mind that photo labs in many of the remote areas we visit may not be capable of processing large format transparencies. On a few of our workshops (i.e. Havasupai), the location is so remote and facilities so sparse that we may be unable to conduct any sort of critique. Unless otherwise indicated we do not pay for film processing.
What kinds of equipment do your participants use?
Traditional 35mm film as well as digital SLR cameras are what most people bring, although we frequently have medium and large-format photographers along, as well. "Point and shoot" cameras are certainly welcome, but please bear in mind that our photographers will be able to help mainly with composition issues, since there are fewer exposure and creative controls with that type of camera. We send a detailed equipment list to all registered participants, but a good rule of thumb is to bring a sturdy tripod, cable release, extra batteries, extra film or storage cards, a downloading device for digital, a means of cleaning your camera lens and, of course, a mind open to adventure.
I shoot digital. Do you have any classes for me?
The majority of our photographers are conversant with both film and digital formats, and both types of cameras are welcome on our trips. We also have a few workshops geared primarily for digital photographers. Our office staff can tell you more, so please call or e-mail for details. If you bring your laptop to the workshop the photographer will be able to critique your work.
What about print film?
If you are comfortable with print film feel free to use it. Just be aware that your photographer and most of your fellow participants will be using slide or sheet film. Print film can at some locations take longer than slide film to process, which may impact your ability to take part in photo critiques. Ask us before you attend your workshop if you will be affected.
 How do I keep my film safe when I fly?
Letting your film go through the carry-on x-ray machines is no longer recommended, especially if it's high-speed film. So before going to the airport, take your film out of the plastic canisters and put it in clear Ziploc bags. Then get to the airport a little early and ask one of the security personnel before going through x-ray to "hand-check" your film. They will bypass the X-ray machines and take it to equipment where it is swabbed, analyzed and - assuming it is not contaminated - they will pass it back to you. They're looking for things like anthrax and plastic explosives, so this step is one we all want to respect. Sending film in checked baggage is NEVER recommended, and FedEx shipping is a good alternative if you have large quantities. Prior to the workshop you can send your film to our office and we can hold it for you, but you must call in advance to make those arrangements.
What happens if I have to cancel a workshop?
Please visit our Policies and Guidelines page for our detailed cancellation policy.
Who do you recommend for Trip Cancellation Insurance?
We recommend Travelex. Our participants have been pleased with their service. They can be reached at 1-800-228-9792 or www.travelexinsurance.com.
What about tipping?
Normal tipping for the meals you purchase is encouraged. Tips for drivers, guides, outfitters and meals we provide are included in your fees. The photographers are compensated for their time so tipping is not expected or required. Volunteer Trip Leaders are adequately reimbursed for their expenses; again tipping is not expected or required. However, if you feel someone has gone above and beyond your expectations you may tip at your discretion.
 How do I submit images to Arizona Highways magazine?
We are affiliated with the magazine, but our organization does not have any influence over their choice of photographs. If you would like to submit work to them, please follow this link to their Photo Submission Guidelines.
Does Arizona Highways magazine accept digital submissions?
Arizona Highways has high standards for their publication, and the guidelines for submission they need you to follow are quite specific. These are the current guidelines they expect you to follow:
How do I submit images to Friends of Arizona Highways?
We're always looking for good images to be used on our Web site
and in our promotional material. We do not pay for the use of photographs,
but we will do our best to include a photographic credit.
You can either send us your original transparencies, a CD, or a DVD with your photos. Please send no more than eight (8) images per workshop attended. We will return transparencies after scanning, but we do not return CDs or DVDs unless it's requested.
We ask for the following when sending a digital submission:
- Please send no more than eight (8) images per workshop you've attended.
- Acceptable file formats are TIFF or JPEG.
- File size should be 300 dpi sized for 8.5 x 11. This equates to a file that is about 8MB. Files that are larger than 24-30 MB may be returned to sender, as they take too long to load on our computers.
- Please submit 8-bit photos rather than 16-bit.
- Enhance your photos before submitting them if they need it. What you submit should be a final product, not one that still requires a lot of level or color adjustment.
Do not submit photos with layers, as it will increase the file size. If you do some enhancing work, flatten the layers before submitting the image.
- Name your photos appropriately so that they can be distinguished from those of your fellow students. The preferred format is:
First_last_workshopname.jpg. Here is an example: JOHN_DOE_monumentvalley.jpg
- Download, fill out and submit an Image Submission Form to accompany your photos. View/Download Image Submission Form...
- Please email your submissions to one of our volunteer trip leaders, Suzanne Mathia at smathia@cox.net. Submissions sent to us on CDs or DVDs will also be accepted, but the disks will not be returned. (See Image Submission Form for mailing address.)
For more
information, please call the office at (602) 712-2004 or toll-free
(888) 790-7042.
What is the Student Usage Agreement regarding images taken on these workshops?
An important benefit associated with participating in an Arizona Highways Photography Workshop is the access that we provide you to the models and the locations where the workshops take place.
To ensure that we are able to maintain our relationships with the models and people involved in allowing us access to the locations we take you to and as well as to protect the reputation of Arizona Highways magazine, it is necessary that the usage of any images taken be limited to personal or editorial use.
We are pleased to say that it is permissible to use such images as part of a portfolio, as fine art prints, in photo contests, and to illustrate editorial content for publications such as books, magazines, newspapers, and websites.
It is necessary that you agree to the following terms:
- A student will not allow such images to be used for advertising or for promotion of any commercial products.
- A student will not license or assign rights of such images to a third party, including a stock agency, for unspecified usage that may include advertisement or other commercial use.
- A student will not allow such images to be used in any way that demeans, defames, or otherwise violates the rights of the models or property owners associated with such images.
- A student will not seek to obtain permission or releases from any person or entity for usages that are disallowed by this agreement.
What are my payment options?
You can pay over the phone, or by mail or fax using your Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover card. You can also mail us a personal check or money order.
How can I get on your list for future workshops?
Feel free to contact us at any time regarding our future workshops. A preliminary schedule of our 3 or longer day trips is generally available by late August to early September, for personal use only. Weekend workshops are updated several times a year on our website.
We maintain an “Interest List” for upcoming classes, so let us know if you cannot attend a workshop this year but would like to in the coming year, if you hear about a workshop we are planning, or wish to recommend a workshop location. You will be notified when we are ready to take reservations and asked to confirm your enrollment with a deposit.
We do not take standing reservations for particular photographers’ workshops.
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