FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PASSPORT PET PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF THERE IS STILL SPACE LEFT IN A PASSPORT WORKSHOP?

A: It will say on the itinerary pages for both the 3-day workshop and 1-day commercial + editorial workshop 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 FOR A PASSPORT WORKSHOP?

A: Please see the Sign Up page under the PASSPORT menu item for information on the registration process. Registration for the NYC PASSPORT workshop will open on Friday May 14th. Registration is first-come, first-served and we are taking a limited number of people for the workshop so that each of us can provide the most personal service. For that reason we encourage you to register right away if you are interested in attending.

Q: WHAT FUTURE CITIES DO YOU HAVE SCHEDULED? WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO BE IN 2011?

A. We are keeping the exact locations top-secret for now, but we hope to get to Australia (Sydney or Melbourne), London, Italy, and possibly LA, Miami, and Hawaii for future domestic locations. We will hold only one PASSPORT workshop per year during a nice-weather month for that location (and Jamie will continue to hold one Cowbelly workshop per year in Seattle sometime between June-September). If you live in or near a major city anywhere in the world and would like to have a PASSPORT workshop swing through your city, please shoot us an email and we'll put your city on the list. We hope to announce our next location in late 2010 or early 2011.  

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: WHY SHOULD I LEARN FROM YOU GUYS?

Because we have learned, through pitfalls and triumphs, how to create successful long-term careers photographing only what we love and nothing else: PETS.

We don't need to photograph babies, or children, or senior portraits to supplement our income (nothing against those styles but we love shooting pets the most!!), we are living proof that you CAN have a successful FULL TIME business photographing pets and only pets. AND, we are living proof that you can do this even in the same city as another successful full time pet photographer (we are friends, colleagues AND direct competitors!!).

Like you, we don't have big fancy studios or amazing properties, we are not 'celebrity photographers', we don't have boatloads of fancy gear, we have A LOT to learn still, and we are more like you than you know, in so many ways. The key difference being that we make a full time living providing pet photography services, and have so much knowledge on the subject it would make your head spin.

We have been living, eating, breathing, and working pet photography for a combined total of over 12 years, and have more tips to pass on than time to do it in single a 3-day weekend. (But we do our best!)

We have worked with dogs, and pet owners for many many years in various capacities, and know the pet industry inside and out. This is what sets us apart from many other photographers, and ensures our ongoing success.  

We want to help you weed through the mind-boggling steps to creating the career of your dreams, help make the process a little less intimating for you, help you feel less alone, help arm you with the tools that you need, and cheer for you when you accomplish your goals.

These are just a few of the reasons why we feel you would benefit from working with us. Please read more about us on the NYC About page on this site. 

Q: FOR THE NYC WORKSHOP, I'M PLANNING ON DRIVING, WHERE SHOULD I PARK?

A: Don't. Don't drive to Manhattan. That's our best answer for you. If you really need to drive to NYC, please contact the concierge at the hotel you will be staying at and they can help you with parking. But be forewarned- it won't come cheap! 

Q: I'D LOVE TO COME TO NYC, BUT I'M CONCERNED ABOUT COSTS. DO YOU PROVIDE DISCOUNTED LODGING?

A: Yes! We are currently working out discounts with the Mave Hotel, a hip little boutique hotel in the Flatiron District near where the workshop is being held. We are working on getting rooms for our attendees for as little as $189/night. We are also happy to pair up attendees with others who would like to share a room to cut down on costs. Please  contact us directly for questions about discounts.We plan to have them nailed down by the time registration opens on May 14th.

And when it comes to eating, rest assured that there are a veritable plethora of restaurants and cafes in every price range in the Flatiron District. You won't have to spend much on food, and you won't leave hungry. (Also remember your breakfasts and lunches are covered. [Lunch + dinner on Friday; breakfasts and lunches on Saturday and Sunday]}.

Q: I'M TRYING TO GET MY TRAVEL PLANS IN ORDER. WHAT IS THE TIMING FOR THE WORKSHOP?

A: To allow people to travel in on Friday morning to save on hotels, we will be starting the workshop at 11am on Friday, and go all the way through dinner out (fun!). Expect to roll into your hotel room after 10pm on Friday night. Saturday and Sunday will be 9am to approximately 6:30pm each day. We have also tailored Sunday evening to work for those who need to leave early, and plan to get the most important stuff done before 5:30pm or so. 

Q: WHO ARE THE 3-DAY PASSPORT WORKSHOPS DESIGNED FOR?

A: The workshops are designed for photographers who are wanting to learn how to create a successful, full time pet photography 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 PASSPORT Workshops are designed for beginners through intermediates. We will welcome photographers of any level into this group, but please keep in mind if you are a more advanced business owner, some of the content may be redundant to you, as we will have beginners in the group. We are also very strict about not having any what we like to call 'co-teaching' (those who like to offer their expertise while we are lecturing). We've had this problem with more advanced attendees in the past, and it has been disruptive to the learning environment for the attendees so we ask that more advanced professionals please be respectful of the teachers. 

But we welcome all to join, even if you have already been working as a professional pet photographer for several years, because we feel the experience will be invaluable to everyone who attends. And we can guarantee you, with a combined 12 years of pet photography knowledge from these two ladies, you WILL learn tons of new things, regardless of where you are in your business. 

We will do both location and studio-type shooting in this workshop, and given Jamie and Nichole's broad (and different) backgrounds, the PASSPORT workshops will be a benefit to all types of pet photographers, including generalist photographers who would like to add pet photography to their roster of services. (Please note however that everything we teach is geared toward the niche pet photography business).  

Out of respect to our local colleagues, the PASSPORT Workshops are not open 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: WHO ARE THE COMMERCIAL/EDITORIAL WORKSHOPS DESIGNED FOR?

Please note that the Commercial + Editorial Workshop is now sold out! Due to the demanding nature of commercial and editorial photography, the optional Monday Commercial/Editorial Workshop is limited to intermediate and advanced pet photographers who possess excellent photography skills and experience when it comes to photographing pets. If you have any questions about whether this would be a good fit for you, give us a shout and Nichole and I can help you out. 

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 6:30pm 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 exhausted, but happy and exhilarated!

Q: DO I NEED A RENTAL CAR FOR THE PASSPORT WORKSHOP?

A: No. In each case, in each city, the workshop will be held in an urban, central location that is easy to get to from any airport, train station or subway, and within a short walk of many stores, cafes and restaurants and with easy access to hotels should you decide not to stay at the hotel we've picked for the attendees. We keep convenience in mind when it comes to selecting locations, and want it to be fun, stimulating and easy for all of our attendees. So again, no, you won't need a rental car.

Q. HOW MUCH TIME WE WILL SPEND ON PHOTOGRAPHY OVER THE WEEKEND?

A: We will have 2 separate photography days- the first will be the opportunity for the attendees to break into 2 smaller groups and observe both Jamie and Nichole doing mock shoots for clients (the groups will switch places so each person can observe both Jamie and Nichole). The second day of shooting will be interactive group shooting with multiple dogs and clients with personalized interaction and help from the teachers. The mock shoots are expected to last approximately 2-3 hours, and the group shoot is expected to last approximately 2-3 hours. Expect a total of 5-6 hours of photography over the weekend.

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 and understand how to operate their cameras.

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 done very little photography before, even just as a hobby, 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 before attending a workshop. It's a super easy read and can be purchased for under $15 from Amazon.com.

Also, the Commercial + Editorial Monday workshop is designed for intermediate and advanced photographers because we believe the risks of doing this type of work are too high to recommend to beginners and the skill levels required of commercial and editorial work are more advanced.  

Q: I ALREADY HAVE AN ESTABLISHED PET PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS THAT IS NOW 2/3/4+ YEARS OLD. I KNOW THAT THE COWBELLY WORKSHOPS ARE AIMED AT BEGINNERS, WHAT ABOUT THE PASSPORT WORKSHOP? CAN I COME TO ONE OF THOSE?

A: Yep! The PASSPORT workshops are open to skill levels from beginner to intermediate. Advanced photographers are welcome to come too, but if this is you please keep in mind we are also teaching to beginners, so some (or much) of the information will be redundant to you. But come for the experience, come to learn something new, come to share a sense of community with your fellow pet togs, and most of all, come to have fun. 

Q: I AM SCHEDULED TO ATTEND AN UPCOMING WORKSHOP, CAN YOU MAIL ME THE WORKSHOP MATERIALS BEFOREHAND OR CAN I JUST PURCHASE THEM SEPARATELY?

A: Sorry but no. The workshop materials aren't given to attendees until the first day of the workshop, and are not sold separately. They are a workshop perk, and part of the registration fee. 

Q: I DON'T WANT TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOP AND JUST WANT THE CONTRACTS, WORKBOOK AND CD THAT COMES WITH IT. 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 limited spaces for each PASSPORT workshop. All payment terms and due dates are outlined in the registration form and Terms and Conditions.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMETHING COMES UP AND 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 as we expect to have waiting lists for each city. 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. Bring your flash and any (small) lighting equipment you have (light diffusers and SMALL softboxes). 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. It would also be great if you downloaded a trial of Photoshop CS5. Bring your cell phone in case we need to reach each other for any reason. Bring changes of clothes, and plenty of lightweight summer clothing. Bring comfortable walking shoes and pants you don't mind getting dirty and slobbered on! Bring sunscreen, and any medication that you need. (We will provide lots of bottled water!). And bring your sense of humor, we plan to have FUN! 

Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY TRADE SECRETS THAT YOU WON'T BE SHARING AT THE WORKSHOP?

A: Nope! Its a no-holds barred kind of thing.

But also please keep in mind we won't be teaching any commercial or editorial knowledge in the regular 3-day weekend workshop. All commercial and editorial teachings are reserved for the optional Commercial + Editorial Monday.  

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, and, like ANY small business, requires dedication, personal sacrifices, passion and a commitment to being a great business owner, and that results take TIME to realize.

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, with the ultimate goal in mind of creating not just a fun part-time weekend business, but a full fledged, full time professional pet photography business.

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