Payment and Cancellation Policy
A deposit is required upon registration to secure your spot in the workshop. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment, including expenses for flights, lodging, and unforeseen circumstances. Travel insurance is affordable and readily available; a list of providers can be found here. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you assume full financial responsibility for any losses incurred.
The total cost for any Landscape and Nature Photography Workshop (the “Workshop”) provided by Michael Shainblum Photography is listed as “Instruction” on the specific Workshop’s webpage. This Instruction is subject to the terms of this Payment & Cancellation Policy and the Terms & Conditions on our website.
The Instruction fee can be paid in two ways: (1) in full upon registration, or (2) through a deposit at registration, with the remaining balance due 60 days before the Workshop starts. If the full Instruction fee is not received by the due date, Michael Shainblum Photography reserves the right to cancel your reservation and retain any payments made.
If you need to cancel your registration, notify Michael Shainblum Photography via email. The effective date of cancellation is when the notice is sent (the date/time sent for electronic communications). Refunds are processed according to the following schedule:
- More than 90 days before the Workshop: Any payments made are fully refundable minus a $200 administrative fee.
- 60 to 90 days before the Workshop: The deposit is forfeited, but the remaining balance will not be due. If the spot is filled, you will receive a full refund minus a $200 administrative fee.
- 30 to 60 days before the Workshop: 75% of your total payment is forfeited. If the spot is filled, you will receive a full refund minus a $200 administrative fee. However, filling the spot on short notice is unlikely.
- Less than 30 days before the Workshop: No refunds are given. If the spot is filled, you will receive a full refund minus a $200 administrative fee. However, filling the spot on short notice is highly unlikely.
In the rare event that a Workshop cannot be held due to unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather, travel restrictions, or other uncontrollable events, the Workshop will be postponed until the following year. We highly recommend avoiding non-refundable airline tickets and strongly encourage trip cancellation insurance.
Terms and Conditions
Thank you for choosing Michael Shainblum Photography for your photography workshop. Michael Shainblum Photography is referred to below as “Michael Shainblum Photography,” and you may be referred to as the “Client.”
By registering for a Landscape and Nature Photography Workshop, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions:
- Service
The date, location, and Instruction fee for your Workshop are listed on the specific Workshop’s webpage. During the Workshop, Michael Shainblum Photography will provide in-field photography instruction and location guidance as detailed on the webpage. While recommendations for lodging, food, and transportation will be made, Michael Shainblum Photography is not responsible for providing these services unless specified in the Workshop page description. - Instruction Fee; Method of Payment
The total cost for the Workshop is the Instruction Fee listed on the webpage. The Instruction Fee must be paid either in full upon registration or through a deposit at registration, with the remaining balance due 60 days before the Workshop. If full Tuition is not received by the due date, Michael Shainblum Photography reserves the right to cancel your reservation and retain any payments made. - Cancellation by Client; Refund
- More than 90 days before the Workshop: Any payments made are fully refundable minus a $200 administrative fee.
- 60 to 90 days before the Workshop: Your deposit is forfeited, but you will not owe the remaining balance. If the spot is filled, you will receive a full refund minus a $200 administrative fee.
- 30 to 60 days before the Workshop: 75% of your total payment is forfeited. If the spot is filled, you will receive a full refund minus a $200 administrative fee.
- Less than 30 days before the Workshop: No refunds are given. If the spot is filled, you will receive a full refund minus a $200 administrative fee. However, the closer to the trip, the less likely it is that the spot will be filled.
- Cancellation by Michael Shainblum Photography
Michael Shainblum Photography may cancel the Workshop due to inadequate enrollment or safety concerns. If a Workshop is canceled before it starts, it will be postponed and rescheduled for another date. Otherwise, you will be eligible for a full refund. If a Workshop is canceled while already in progress, you will receive a prorated refund based on the days not completed. - Travel Insurance
We strongly encourage all Clients to purchase travel insurance to protect against emergencies before or during the Workshop. This insurance can cover trip cancellation or interruption, illness, injury, damage, loss or theft of baggage, and emergency assistance. If you do not purchase travel insurance, you assume full financial responsibility for any losses incurred. - Pandemic and Infectious Disease Outbreak
Workshops may be canceled or postponed due to infectious disease outbreaks, epidemics, or pandemics. If a Workshop is postponed or canceled due to such an event 60 days or more before it starts, you can apply your Instruction Fee to a future Workshop or receive a full refund of any payments beyond the non-refundable deposit. No refunds will be given for cancellations less than 60 days before the Workshop due to such events. - Force Majeure
Neither party is liable for delays or failures to perform due to events beyond their control, including natural disasters, terrorism, government actions, epidemics, pandemics, and other unforeseeable events. Written notice of such events must be given within five business days. - Photographs by Michael Shainblum Photography & Use of Likeness
Michael Shainblum Photography reserves the right to take and use photographs and videos during Workshops for commercial or promotional purposes. By participating, you agree to allow your likeness to be used without compensation. If you prefer not to have your likeness used, notify us in writing before the Workshop starts. You retain copyright to any photographs and videos you take during the Workshop. - Assumption of Risk; Release of Liability; Indemnification
You acknowledge that Workshops and outdoor adventure photography involve inherent risks. You assume all risks associated with the Workshop and release Michael Shainblum Photography from liability for any injury, death, loss, or harm that may occur. You agree to indemnify and hold Michael Shainblum Photography harmless from any claims arising from your actions during the Workshop. - No Warranty
Michael Shainblum Photography provides no warranty, express or implied, for the Workshop. The sole warranty is the commitment to use commercially reasonable efforts to perform obligations and Services as defined. - Miscellaneous Provisions
- Attorney Fees: Michael Shainblum Photography is entitled to recover attorney fees or costs in the event of legal action to enforce these terms or collect Tuition.
- Amendments: These Terms and Conditions may be amended and posted on the Michael Shainblum Photography website. Clients will be notified of changes.
- Governing Law; Venue: All claims related to the Workshop are governed by California state laws. The exclusive venue for any lawsuit is the San Francisco Superior Court in San Francisco, California.
- Assignment: Michael Shainblum Photography may assign its rights or obligations without Client consent. Clients may not assign rights without resulting in automatic cancellation.
- Breach & Damages: Michael Shainblum Photography is not liable for special or consequential damages, including travel expenses. The sole remedy for breach is a refund of the Instruction Fee paid.