WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE YOU BOOK

Things you should look for or ask before you choose your photo course or holiday

1 What else will I need to pay for?

Check carefully what’s included in the price of your course. Sometimes you are simply paying for the tutor’s time and expertise – everything else is extra. Typically you will need to pay separately for travel and some meals. But you will find some options where accommodation, board and travel is all included. Insurance, visas and vaccinations are all items you should factor into the cost for more exotic locations.

2 Local knowledge

It can be exciting to follow a professional photographer exploring a new location, but for a workshop you will usually want someone who knows the location well, so that he or she can get you to the best vantage points at the right times of day without even having to think about it.

3 What camera kit will I need?

Course leaders should provide you with a list of the key bits of kit that you should have in order to get the most out of the course – filters, tripods, lenses, laptop and so on. Do remember you can hire cameras and specialist lenses if you need, say, a super-telephoto for your photo holiday adventure.

4 What else to pack?

It is not just your photo gear you need to think about. For outdoor workshops you may well need to have decent footwear, waterproofs and thermals. The organiser should be able to give you advice if you need it.

5 Do I have to pay now?

Many popular workshops can fill up over a year in advance, so you may simply have to pay a deposit in order to book your place , with the balance being due nearer to your actual departure date...