COWBELLY WORKSHOPS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Where are you going to be teaching this year? Any chance you'll come back to Atlanta/Chicago/Boston/NYC/Austin/LA?
A: Please see the dates page of this website for upcoming workshops. If there isn’t any information there it means we haven’t planned new workshops yet! 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 register?
A: Please see the Register page of this website for information on the registration process. Registration for the all Passport workshops takes place through the Passport Workshops website.
Q: If I don’t get into registration for the next workshop, will you have a waiting list for it?
A: Yep, you bet! We will always have a wait list for a sold-out workshop, and would be happy to place your name on it. We do have cancellations from time to time, although please understand this doesn’t happen very often. It’s best to try and plan your time around being able to register when registration opens.
Q: For the Seattle Workshop, will you have discounts on lodging?
A: You bet! We will send you the group discount booking code when you register, and you can also elect to share your room with another attendee.
Q: Can I bring my dog with me?
A: Not the best idea unless you have a friend/partner/spouse who can watch them while you are in the workshop. You will be away at the workshop for 9-10 hours each day, so it’s pretty rough on the dog. It’s really best for them if you leave them at home.
Q: I’d like to book my hotel and rental car before registering. Can you save a seat for me while I do this?
A. Sorry but no! This is also a very bad idea, considering the workshop registration is first-come-first-served. Once the spaces fill up, that’s it! We’d hate to see you stuck with a hotel or car reservation before you’ve even gotten into the workshop.
Q: I’d like to get in touch with the other attendees before the workshop to plan dinners and such. Can you send me their email addresses beforehand?
A. Sorry but no! We respect our attendee’s privacy and never release their contact info unless otherwise instructed. We WILL however get you in touch with each other after you register on the private Cowbelly Workshops group to plan get-togethers and room sharing prior to the workshop.
Q: Do I need a rental car for the Cowbelly Workshops?
A: Nope! You will never need a rental car for the Seattle Cowbelly Workshops. They will always take place in a very convenient location for attendees that is central to many shops and restaurants and tourist attractions.
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 12 months. If you have been operating your business for more than 12 months and/or are an intermediate photographer please consider attending a PASSPORT workshop, which are also open to more intermediate photographers.
The Cowbelly Workshops are also 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 Seattle 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 and Passport Workshops are not open to those who live and/or work within 50 miles of Seattle- 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. 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 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 by Scott Kelby. It's a super easy read and can be purchased for under $20 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 workshops materials beforehand?
A: Sorry but no. The workshop materials aren’t available until the first day of the workshop.
Q: I can’t attend a workshop, can I just buy the 70-page workbook or CD or your pet photography contract?
A: Sorry but no! Jamie goes over each of these items in detail, and chooses not to sell them separately without detailed explanations of each.
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 Cowbelly 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: Do you have any trade secrets that you WON'T be sharing at the workshops?
A: Nope! Its a no-holds barred kind of thing.
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