Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What equipment do I need?

Your digital camera, charger, a tripod and a rucksack. Back up batteries are well worth considering too, not to forget plenty of memory cards. Nothing worse than getting half way up a mountain only to find your batteries are low. If you have not got your own laptop we will supply all computer based equipment.

Q: Who books the hotel?

Unless you decide otherwise, we will arrange the hotel for you. You just have to settle the account on the day of departure.

Q: Do I have to stay in the hotel?

No, you can stay in any hotel of your choice or if you are local you can come from home, but we do have early starts and late finishes.

Q: I'm only a beginner. Are your Masterclasses any use to me?

All all of our classes are primarily aimed at the beginner and intermediate level of photographic knowledge. However, even the advanced practitioner would gain from these courses.

Q: As an advanced practitioner, what would I gain from your courses?

Obviously working with a group of like minded people in great locations, is always of benefit but because of our low student to tutor ratio (4:1) we are able to give you guidance and focus. Once in the classroom our critique style of constructive feedback would reinforce and widen your knowledge. Please see our Advance Practitioners Course details.

Q: Can I use my own laptop?

Most people prefer to use their own laptops to work on their images. This has a couple of major advantages: you are often more comfortable with you own computer setup, and any unfinished work can be transported home easily, ready for completion at a later date. If this is something you would like to take advantage of, please let us know so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Q: Do I need to shoot with a digital camera?

Yes, as our courses are computer based we need you to shoot with a digital camera. We can arrange hire for you if you don't own one from £10 a day.

Q: Can I bring a selection of my work with me?

Of course, in fact we encourage people to do this, though try to keep it to 10 images or so.

Q: Will I need climbing or walking equipment?

No, though some walking is required you will need to have a certain level of fitness, as we will be active for fairly long periods of time.

Q: What happens if it rains?

We will still try to go out, as some of the best shots are taken in adverse conditions. Obviously, if you feel uncomfortable using your equipment under these conditions, we will abide by your decision not to participate in this part of the workshop. It is important to keep your kit as dry as possible whilst is the field. We recommend taking some food bags that are large enough for your camera to fit in, but still enables you to use it, or purchase a ready made rain cover. On the return to the hotel it is vital that you carefully dry your equipment and not leave it in your camera bag.

Q: What clothes should I bring?

This will depend on the time of year, but there will be an amount of walking to be done, so comfortable clothes and walking shoes are the order of the day. The British weather can be a bit unpredictable so wet weather gear or a waterproof jacket is always a good idea.

Q: What if I need a break?

Then we take a break. We are never in that much of a hurry that we can't have some time out.

Q: What software will I learn?

Adobe Photoshop is our preferred program as it is industry standard and most widely used.

Q: Can I arrange a private Masterclass?

Yes, these can be arranged at a location of your choice (minimum of 4 people), or we can offer one to one tuition.

Q: Can my partner come too?

Yes of course, as a non participant they will just pay the hotel costs. Check on the Masterclass page for specific details. The course is fairly intensive so only expect to see your loved ones at breakfast and evening mealtimes.

Q: Are the rooms always en-suite?

We always try to book en-suite accommodation, but due to availability this is not always possible.

Q: What are your cancellation policies?

We require a £150 non-returnable deposit for multiple day courses and full payment for day courses, payable at the time of booking, with the balance being due 6 weeks prior to the Masterclass starting. If for any reason you need to cancel we will retain your deposit, but normally we are happy to transfer your deposit to another course. Once full payment is made and you need to cancel a workshop you will receive a refund, less the deposit, only if a replacement for you can be found.

Q: What happens if you don't get enough people booked on to the Masterclass?

Our courses rely on interaction between students and we feel that a minimum of 3 students are required to maintain the quality of learning. If a course has less than 3 students booked on it, two weeks prior to the start date, the course will be canceled. The students will be offered either a full refund or an alterative date with a 10% discount, as compensation.

DigitalMasterclass retains the right to cancel a course for any reason. In this situation all students would be offered either a full refund or an alterative date with a 10% discount, as compensation.

We would strongly suggest that you also read the "Making the Most of the Course" section.