COWBELLY WORKSHOPS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do you have your dates and locations scheduled for 2011 yet? Any chance you'll come back to Atlanta/Chicago/Boston/Austin/LA?

A: The dates for the 2011 Workshops won't be set until January 2011. There will be only 2 total workshops per year starting in 2011; one workshop in Seattle sometime during the nicer weather months between late May and mid-September, and one Passport workshop with J Nichole Smith, potentially in Miami or other Southern Florida city- date TBD. Jamie has no plans to return to any of the cities she has already taught in so that she can meet the needs of photographers in different parts of the country.  

Q: How do I know if there is still space left in a workshop?

A: It will say on the dates page if the workshop is full or if there are still spaces left. Very rarely we will have 2 people both interested in the last space before we are able to update our website, in which case we give first priority to the person who contacted us first. If you have any doubts about space, please give us a shout.

Q: How do I register?

A: Please see the Register page of this website for information on the registration process. Please note that the June 2010 workshop is sold out. Registration for the September 2010 workshop will open on June 21st. Please check back here at that time and visit the register page. Registration for the August Passport NYC workshop taught with J Nichole Smith opens on May 14th.

Q: I'm going to be out of the country on registration day, can I register early?

A: Possibly, depending on your circumstances, but keep in mind that the workshops rarely fill in a matter of just a few days. Please contact us through the contact page and we'll take a look at your circumstances.

Q: I can't make it to all of the workshop days, can I just pick which days I'd like to attend and pay for those instead?

A: Sorry but the workshop is not designed to be piece-mealed, since the information on each day builds on, and refers to, information on the other days. For this reason it's not possible to register for just one or two days out of a 3-day workshop. It's a full meal deal type of thing.

Q: I heard through the grapevine that the attendees get a book full of information (written by Jamie Pflughoeft), during the workshop. Is this true?

A: Yep! In the spring of 2010 Jamie spent 50 hours taking her 28 page 'workbook' and turning it into a 70-page 'book', filled with resources and guides and notes and secret tips. The book is filled from margin to margin with intensive information on all things pet photography, and it's included with your registration fee. You also get a resource CD filled with forms, contracts and documents, and a long long vendor list with valuable links compiled over the past 7 years. Not to toot our own horn, but these add-ons are amazing.

Q: Who are these workshops right for?

A: The Cowbelly workshops are designed for photographers who are wanting to make the transition from hobbyist to professional, start a business and develop a meaningful and rewarding career in pet photography. They are NOT designed for those looking to improve their photography as a hobby, or for the casual shooter.

The Cowbelly workshops are designed for start-up pet photographers and those who have been running a business for up to 18 months. If you have been operating your business for more than 18 months please consider attending a PASSPORT workshop, which are also open to more intermediate photographers.

They are geared toward photographers who would like to focus on a documentary style of pet photography as opposed to a studio style of pet photography. Please note that no studio instruction will take place in the Cowbelly Workshop (working with pets in the studio, working with freestanding lighting, seamless paper and cyclorama walls, etc). If your primary goal is to be a studio pet photographer, take a look at the Passport workshops, co-taught with J. Nichole Smith. Studio instruction IS included in the Passport workshops. 

Out of respect to our local colleagues, the Cowbelly Workshops and Consulting sessions are also NOT available to photographers who live and/or work in Western Washington- no exceptions granted under any circumstances. Also, because of the legalities involved, we can't allow minors under age 18 at the workshops. Sorry guys!

Q: How long do the workshops last for each day?

A: Expect full 8-9 hour days each day of the workshop. We may be able to get you out in time to have dinner with your family, but there are no guarantees. Workshops start at 9am (11am on Fridays) and don't end until 7pm or later. Please expect your life to revolve around the workshop for the days that you are there. You might need a day to recover afterward too. Expect to be happy, exhilarated, but exhausted!

Q: Do I need a rental car for the workshops?

A: No. The Seattle Workshops take place in Downtown Seattle, and you can take a taxi or light rail from SEA-TAC to downtown. You don't need a car to get to places to eat, or most tourist spots, as they are all within easy walking distance. Transportation to and from shooting locations during the workshop is covered, so, again, you don't need a rental car.

Q: Where do the Seattle workshops take place?

A: The lovely Hotel Max, in downtown Seattle on the corner of 7th & Stewart, a location central to anything and everything you'd possibly need, all within a short walk to the hotel.

Q: Is there discounted lodging in Seattle?

A: Yes, discounted rooms at the Hotel Max are available to the registered workshops group, starting at $150/night, and there are also options to share a room with another attendee. Once you are registered we will get you set up with all of this information (note- we never give out other attendees' contact info before the workshop under any circumstances.). Registered attendees will have the opportunity to hook up in the private Cowbelly group on the BBN after registering and prior to the workshop to discuss sharing rooms and meeting up before the workshop.

Q: Do I need to have photography knowledge to attend the workshop?

A: Although we will cover how to properly expose an image, and go over aperture, shutter speed, ISO, depth of field, metering modes and focusing, it is expected that each attendee will have at least a basic knowledge of these aspects of photography. It is also important that you at least know that you enjoy photography in general. There is both technical and artistic knowledge required of a pet photographer, and if you have never done photography as a hobby before you may find that you don't like it as a profession. So- please try before you buy!!

If you know very little or nothing about the mechanics of photography, please pick up The Digital Photography Book (that's the name) by Scott Kelby. It's a super easy read and can be purchased for under $15 from Amazon.com.

Q: I already have an established pet photography business that is now 2/3/4/5+ years old, and would really like to learn from you, but don't really need the business side of the workshop; would it be possible to learn just your photography and post-processing from you?

A: Possibly in the future! If you are interested let us know. Although the demand thus far has been from new photographers entering the field, if we receive enough demand from established pros, either general portrait/wedding/event photographers looking to expand their services, or professional pet photographers looking for a fresh perspective, we will look at providing advanced workshops in the future. Also, take a look at the PASSPORT workshops. They are open to more intermediate and advanced photographers, and although they all contain extensive business information, they may be a better fit for you.

Q: I am scheduled to attend an upcoming workshop, can I have access to the private forum and/or workshops materials beforehand?

A: Sorry but no. The forum is currently only open to those who have already attended the workshop. We'll get you on as soon as the workshop ends, we promise!

Q: I don't want to attend the workshop and just want the contracts, workbook and CD that come with them, can I purchase them separately?

A: Sorry but no. NO Workshop materials of any kind are available for separate purchase outside the workshops to any persons under any circumstances for any reason. The are a registration perk and only available to those who attend.

Q: How soon after registering is payment due?

A: Full payment for the workshop is due at the time of registration. All spaces are first-come, first-served and there are a maximum of 15 spaces for each workshop. All payment terms and due dates are outlined in the registration form and Terms and Conditions.

Q: What happens if I need to cancel?

A: We understand that 'life' happens, so we have cancellation policies in place for registrants who need to cancel or reschedule. It is also possible to find another photographer to take your place. Please see the terms at the end of the registration form for full cancellation policies.

Q: What should I plan to bring with me?

A: Please plan to bring your camera and any lenses you use, as well as backup batteries and plenty of memory cards. There is no need to bring lighting equipment so unless you have a small lightweight flash you can leave that part of your gear at home. Please bring any marketing materials you have. Bring a large notebook for taking notes and to hold forms and a favorite pen if you are picky. If you have a laptop please bring that although it is certainly not required. If you have a laptop and don't currently own Adobe Lightroom, please download the trial version before you come. Bring your cell phone in case we need to reach each other for any reason. Bring changes of clothes. Bring comfortable walking shoes and pants you don't mind getting dirty and slobbered on! We will send you a detailed list of what you should plan to bring after you register.

Q: I can't ever attend a workshop, either the Cowbelly workshop or the international traveling Passport workshop. Do you plan to offer an online class or webinars?

A: Unfortunately no. At this time we are choosing to limit our teachings to 1 or 2 workshops per year only, and no other eductional products. Please read this blog post for more of an explanation of our work with other photographers.

Q: Is this REALLY the answer to my prayers?

A: We'd like to think so. This is NOT a get-rich quick scheme; we will NOT promise instant wealth or overnight success. We will be the first to tell you that running a business is hard, HARD work! What we WILL provide is a realistic account of what it takes to create the business of your dreams and give you the tools you need to do so.

Q: I have more questions! What should I do?

A: Email us. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Cowbelly Workshops, Pet Photography Classes, Dog Photography Classes, Editorial Workshop, Commercial Workshop 206.335.8096. workshops@cowbelly.com