Northern New Mexico: Eloquent Light Photography Workshops

HOW DO I REGISTER?
Early registration is essential to avoid disappointment. Please telephone to register with a credit card for deposit to ensure enrollment in your choice of workshop.
Telephone: 505 . 983 . 2934

IS THERE A DEPOSIT?
A $300. deposit per each Santa Fe based workshop or tour or a $500. deposit per offsite workshop or tour is required at the time of your registration. The balance is due 60 days before your workshop begins. Deposits can be made via check, company purchase order, or by Master Card, Visa, American Express or Discover. Your deposit is processed on your credit card when you register. The balance due will be processed on your credit card when due. New Mexico sales tax is additional. Reservations for workshops cannot be held without a deposit.
Your attendance is contingent on receiving your completed Participant Profile and Waiver 65 days before your workshop begins and payment in full prior to the beginning of any workshop. If final payment is not received when due, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation, as per the Withdrawal & Refund Policy below.

IS THERE A REGISTRATION DEADLINE?
There are no application deadlines, but workshops do fill quickly, so we urge you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Please call to check on space availability. We can reserve space in a course of your choice via telephone and charge your deposit to your credit card.

IS THERE A WAIT LIST?
If you apply for a course that is full, we will place your name on a wait list. With any workshop program, there are usually people who withdraw at the last minute because of work, leaving space for those on a wait list. A $25. Application fee is required at the time of your application and will be refunded if we cannot provide you a space in the workshop you applied for.

WHAT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WILL I RECEIVE AFTER REGISTERING?
At the time of registration, you will receive via email a letter of confirmation of your reservation, an invoice for your workshop and the Participant Profile and Waiver once you have registered and paid your deposit. These two forms must be completed, signed and returned to our office 10 weeks before your workshop begins, so we may best prepare for your workshop participation. If you enroll less than 10 weeks before a workshop begins, a timeline will be agreed upon for the forms to be completed and returned.

Thirty days before your workshop begins, you will receive via email a welcome packet that includes recommendations of photo gear and clothing to bring; climate info; arrival and departure information; hotel and meeting information; travel directions and map and other pertinent information. We welcome your telephone calls or emails regarding photographic, travel and general workshop questions.

WHAT IS YOUR LIABILITY POLICY?
We have a liability waiver form that we require all participants to sign before their workshop. The Eloquent Light, LLC., Craig Varjabedian Photography, LLC. and our instructors are not liable for injury, accident or theft resulting from participation in our workshop program. It is the participant's responsibility to obtain information about any risks involved. Eloquent Light, LLC. reserves the right to remove any participant from the workshop at any time or for any reason. Participant signature of the Liability Waiver at the time of registration verifies understanding of rules policies and a release of liability of the Eloquent Light, LLC., Craig Varjabedian Photography, LLC., all staff and any contractors. Any questions about workshop content, requirements or risks may be directed to our office, prior to the time of registration.

DO YOU OFFER ANY PAYMENT PLAN?
We offer easy payment plans. Please call our office for more details.

DO YOU OFFER ANY DISCOUNT PLANS?
We offer a number of discount plans:
• 10% tuition discount on a second course and all additional courses in the same year.
• 10% tuition discount for each additional person attending our workshops in the same year, from the same company or the same immediate family (e.g. spouse or child), deducted from the lowest tuition.
• 10% tuition discount for all Eloquent Light Photography Workshop alumni
• 10% tuition discount for persons attending full time high school or an accredited institution of higher learning.

Some discount restrictions apply. Discounts are not applicable to offsite workshops. Discounts are not transferable, must be used in the same year and may not be compounded. Please call our office for more information.

DO YOU ACCEPT CORPORATE AND INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS?
Fee trade-outs are also possible for corporations and individuals wishing to donate photographic equipment and film that we might need in our workshop program. Please telephone with your suggestions.

WHAT IS YOUR WITHDRAWL & REFUND POLICY?
Enrollment is limited in our workshops, so once you have been accepted your participation is important to us – we are counting on you to attend. If you must withdraw from a course, we must receive written notice of your cancellation via USPS mail service, and then apply the following refund policy: Withdraw more than 60 days before the start of class and we will refund all monies paid, less $150. Withdraw 59 days or less before the start of workshop and we regrettably will be unable to offer a refund of your workshop fee. No exceptions. We do not make partial refunds for unused portions or services of a workshop for any reason whatsoever. Refunds are not transferable. If you need to transfer to another workshop, there is a transfer fee of $150.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A WORKSHOP IS CANCELLED?
In the unlikely event that we need to cancel a workshop we will refund all monies paid, in full. Notification of our cancellation will be made via either a telephone call or an e-mail to you at least 14 days prior to the beginning of a workshop. We cannot be responsible for phone messages and e-mails not being received in a timely matter due to your service providers. We cannot be responsible for non-refundable airline tickets unused or other travel arrangements because of a workshop cancellation.

SHOULD I PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE?
We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance for your workshop and travel expenses. We are registered with Access America Travel Insurance for your convenience and information is available on their website. Access America offers products that do more than protect the money you invest in your trip — they protect you in unforeseen circumstances. We suggest a plan which offers coverage for medical and dental emergencies, lost baggage, missed connections, and trip cancellation should you have a medical problem that prevents you from attending. Eloquent Light, LLC. is not responsible for cancellations due to medical emergencies or for reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets in the event of a workshop cancellation. For more information about Access America recommended products, please visit their website at: www.accessamerica.com.

WHAT ARE THE WORKSHOP COSTS?
The cost for each workshop is listed on the individual workshop description page. For the Antelope Slot Canyon workshop, the cost listed includes double occupancy lodging (a shared room). If you require your own room, the single supplement is $300., as availability permits. If we are unable to find you a roommate, you will be charged the single supplement fee on your credit card when final payment is due. New Mexico sales tax is additional for all workshops. Cost increases may occur unexpectedly due to rising costs of ground transport and accommodations among others. Eloquent Light, LLC. may be compelled to amend prices, and we reserve the right to do so without prior notice. An increase in workshop prices shall not be sufficient grounds for any refund of funds paid for the workshop other than as determined by the terms of our cancellation policy. Participants should allow for flexibility due to changes in weather or other logistical arrangements deemed necessary by Eloquent Light, LLC. or its instructors. Any film and digital processing charges you incur will be processed on your credit card on file on the Friday of your workshop.

WHAT COMPUTER AND CAMERA SKILLS ARE REQUIRED FOR A WORKSHOP?

Digital Photographers
We welcome all levels of ability. We offer personal one-on-one coaching in the field to meet your individual needs, at your own skill level. Our goal is to to help participants focus on their own original and unique photographic visions, while teaching them photographic skills and knowledge that will further their photography, not just from sunup to sundown, but for a lifetime. Just contact us to discuss the best workshop for you. Digital shooters must bring a laptop computer with editing software and have a basic working knowledge of their camera, computer and software. If you live in Santa Fe, you can use your home computer and bring images to class on a cd or jump/thumb drive. Workshop participants will need to edit their images each evening to share in class the next day.

Students must be able to do all of the following tasks on their computers (either Mac or PC):
• Copy/move files between folders.
• Create new folders and sub-folders.
• Find files using either the Mac Finder or Windows Explorer.
• Startup and shutdown the computer.
• Start and close application programs.
• Switch between open windows on the desktop.
• Check for free/available disc space.
• Understand the basic file structure of the system – where and how things are stored and how to
navigate to the desired files or applications.

While our photography workshops are focused on helping participants improve their own photographic vision, we are geared for digital photographers. Film shooters are welcome on our shooting intensive workshops – the Antelope Slot Canyon tour and other ones listed. With the unique needs of film shooters, we encourage them to contact us for a private workshop experience, tailored to their specific needs.

WILL THERE BE MUCH WALKING INVOLVED?
All our field trip locations are arrived at by automobile and most subject matter and viewpoints are within easy to moderate walking distance. Frequently trails at locations are already developed and uphill walking is limited and optional. The terrain is varied from grass, rocks, brush, etc. depending on the location.

WILL I RECEIVE INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION?
YES! You will receive individual instruction in the field and in the classroom as necessary. We will help at whatever level you are at – we will look after your needs.

WHAT WILL MY FELLOW PARTICIPANTS BE LIKE?
Our workshop groups have shown to be an enthusiastic and friendly collection of people, from college and high school students to professional working people to retired persons with a passion for photography and happy to share their experiences and knowledge. Many new friendships are forged during a workshop.

WILL I FEEL INSPIRED?
YOU BET! We feel confident that our interactive approach to photography will provide you with a new found zest and motivation that will stay with you long after the workshop.

WHAT ARE THE LOCATIONS LIKE?
Whether it is a landscape or a portrait workshop, you will benefit from our extensive experience and planning. This enables us to take you to the best locations at the right time of day, instead of spending valuable time searching around in hope of coming across a potential photograph.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP?
As we offer a variety of workshops, please call our office and we will advise you based on your skill level and needs.

ARE PHOTOGRAPHIC FIELD TRIPS PLANNED DURING THE WORKSHOP?
Yes! These workshops are hands-on and field trips to various exotic and highly photographic locations within the theme of the workshop are planned throughout the entire workshop.

WILL I NEED A CAR FOR THE WORKSHOP?
You will need a car during the Santa Fe based workshops. Transportation on field trips will be shared among participants for these workshops. Rental cars are available at the Albuquerque Airport. For the Antelope Slot Canyon workshop, all transportation to and from the Albuquerque Airport and Page, AZ. during the workshop is provided.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY INSTRUCTOR CAN’T MAKE THE WORKSHOP?
It is the nature of workshop programs that although very unlikely, a conflict might arise that a change in an instructor's schedule will not allow them to participate in a scheduled workshop. If we need to replace an instructor, we will do so with someone of equal or similar credentials and will inform you if at all possible.

HOW DO I GET TO SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO?
By driving, Santa Fe is only 6 hours from Denver, 9 hours from Dallas, 10 hours from Austin or 7.5 hours from Phoenix.

By air, most major airlines fly into the Albuquerque International Sunport, which is approximately 70 miles south of Santa Fe. Once in Albuquerque, we suggest you rent a car.

By train, Amtrak provides rail service to Lamy, located 20 miles southeast of Santa Fe. With advance reservations, Amtrak will provide transportation to Santa Fe. For information call: (800)872-7245 Amtrak, (505)466-4511 Lamy train station, (505)982-8829 shuttle to Santa Fe. Then rent a car in Santa Fe.

Maps and driving directions are provided with the welcome packet sent to you prior to the workshop.

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE?
For week-long workshops in Santa Fe: Each workshop will begin with check-in between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. at your hotel and an orientation meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the studio/classroom, and you can check out any time Saturday. Your participation in all of the workshop sessions is important and respectfully requested. We highly recommend getting dinner before the orientation, as most restaurants are closed by 9pm. Our Santa Fe based week long workshops end Friday at 10pm. Our Santa Fe based long weekend workshops end at Sunday noon.

For Offsite workshops: Each field workshop has different start/end times and arrival/departure points as noted in the individual workshop descriptions. If you need more information or have questions, please contact our office at (505) 983-2934 and we will be pleased to help you.

IF MY FAMILY COMES, WHAT CAN THEY DO IN SANTA FE WHILE I TAKE THE WORKSHOP?
Santa Fe is one of the top ten tourist destinations in the world today, with many world-class museums, festivals and children’s activities going on throughout the year, besides the abundance of art galleries. Please visit the city and state information sites below for more suggestions.

ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR PLANNING MY TRIP?

May we suggest these websites for further information on Santa Fe and New Mexico:

Santa Fe Visitors Bureau (Free city guide available)
New Mexico Department of Tourism (Free state guide available)
Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT SANTA FE?
Santa Fe is a city of 62,000 and is primarily Hispanic, Anglo and Native American. The city is located at an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level at the base of the southern Rocky Mountains in north-central New Mexico. Founded in 1607, Santa Fe is the second oldest city in the United States and is considered both the highest and oldest capital city in America. Santa Fe is considered the third largest art market in the U.S. and is one of the premier U.S. destinations and is regularly featured in a variety of articles

IF I LIVE IN SANTA FE, CAN I TAKE A WORKSHOP?
You are welcome to take a workshop that is based at our Santa Fe facility. All we ask is that you plan to attend the entire workshop. Please call our office if you have any questions.

WILL I HAVE ANY FREE TIME DURING THE WORKSHOP?
We have a planned a fairly full schedule for each workshop. We highly recommend if you wish to plan something extra, to either come in a few days before your workshop or stay later to partake of all the region has to offer.

WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO I NEED FOR MY WORKSHOP?
We will be making pictures of a variety of subjects, both in terms of size and scale as well as color and composition. If you have not exposed a roll of film in your film camera within the last 60 days, may we strongly suggest that you expose a roll and have it processed before you leave home to insure that your camera is working properly.

We suggest that you bring:

Your camera, 35mm, medium format, view camera or digital camera and one normal lens
telephoto and/or wide-angle lens, or other lenses if you have them
tripod, highly recommended to achieve successful photographs
cable release, needed with the tripod
for film shooters: a polarizing filter for color work and a yellow filter (No.8) for b&w photographs sized for your lens or lenses.
for digital shooters: Digital film (media cards), please bring two or more 2 gig cards in storage case and a laptop computer (PC or Mac), with card reader, battery, battery charger, manuals, case and any necessary cables
magnifying loupe of at least 4X (4 power) to view your slides, if shooting slide film
IMPORTANT: Please install a new battery in your camera and bring along an additional one as well.
Any other gear that you currently use and is important to your picture making.
Samples of your work to show the group and instructor the first evening. Please bring 8-12 images. If digital, bring on a CD or jump drive – image files should be jpeg or tiff at 100 dpi and 6" wide or tall. For prints, please bring 8 x 10" prints or larger. Smaller prints are not feasible for group viewing.

WHAT KIND OF FILM SHOULD I BRING?
Regarding film, because receiving feedback on your photographs is important, we request that you shoot transparency or slide film designated on the film box or canister as E-6 process for the workshop. Of course, please feel free to shoot black and white and color print film or any other type of film for your own use. If you are a large-format shooter, may we suggest some Polaroid film and an appropriate film back for immediate results. To get you started, a film that has been a unanimous choice by previous workshop participants is Kodak E100GX color slide/transparency film. If you wish to make black and white pictures, Kodak's T-MAX 100 and 400 are certainly favorites. As far as quantity of film to bring, participants in past workshops shot on average 2-3 rolls of film per day which makes for 15 rolls for the week.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BRING?
As a group we will be exploring a variety of interesting locations. Be prepared for moderate exercise and for working outside. Good practical and comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are required (no open-toed shoes allowed in the field). Loose pants, shorts and layered clothing for highly variable weather ranging in temperatures from the low 50's to the high 90's during the summer months. Evenings can be cool, so bring a light jacket or sweater. You will also need a practical hat to protect your head from the sun and a windbreaker to be comfortable with early morning or late afternoon temperatures. Afternoon showers are possible, so a rain jacket is handy. Also, sunglasses, unscented sunscreen, unscented antiperspirant, unscented skin lotion if you use it, a wrist watch, flashlight, water bottle, alarm clock, insect repellent (Yes! We sometimes have mosquitoes in New Mexico) and your personal essentials will round out what you need to bring with you. A notebook can be handy for note taking.

WHAT ARE MY HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING A WORKSHOP?
The photography workshops offered by us are within the abilities of average people in good health. We ask that you please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about the activity levels of the workshops. Some workshops require the ability to walk/hike a few miles over uneven trails, while also carrying your own photo gear, and most of the workshops are at a high elevation (like Santa Fe). By reserving a space in a workshop with a deposit, and/or paying the balance due, you certify that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions of disability that would create a risk for you or other workshop participants or workshop staff. Our judgment shall provide the final determination of an individual's ability to participate in or continue a workshop. Once a workshop has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. We assume no responsibility for medical care or for special dietary requirements.

DO I NEED TO STAY FOR THE ENTIRE WORKSHOP?
Yep! Our workshops are not revolving door experiences. We need you to plan on being with us from the start and to the end of your workshop program. Each workshop is carefully planned to bring folks together in a common goal and have you work both independently and as a team. Closure with a group is very important to such experiences as well, which is why we request that you plan on being with us for the entire week. If your plans are such that you need to leave early, may we suggest attending at another time.

NO SMOKING/ILLEGAL DRUG/ALCOHOL POLICY
There is no smoking/illegal drugs/alcohol in any of the classrooms, meal areas or rooms used by Eloquent Light, LLC. or at any field trip location, unless in a designated location.