1. Why should I take this tour or workshop?
Going on a Paris Photo Tour or Workshop with Better Paris Photos will provide opportunities for improvement for beginner and experienced photographers alike, an introduction to some of the best photographic sites in Paris at the right times, and some background information about the city and its inhabitants. Sophie's skill as a photographer combined with her expertise as a teacher/instructor make for an informative and fun time spent together.
2. I am a beginner photographer. Will this tour or workshop help me?
The tours and workshops are designed to provide something for all skill levels. Extra time will be spent with people who need more guidance with operating their camera and understanding basic photography principles. You will want to take some time to get familiar with your camera, and feel free to bring the manual with you so we can review some useful functions.
3. I am an experienced photographer. What will I get of of these activities?
Even the most experienced photographers can learn from sharing ideas and getting feedback from other photographers. In addition to providing new ideas to improve your photography, you benefit from our intimate knowledge of the best, and often most unknown, photography sites in Paris. With us, you can save valuable time usually lost searching out the right spots, the right angles and the right time of day. You will even learn a little about the places we visit as we go.
4. What equipment do I need?
No need to run to the store! Bring your camera (film, digital, compact, bridge or SLR) and a good pair of walking shoes. If you have several lenses, bring a couple of them, keeping in mind the need for quick reaction in street scenes. In the end, the aim of these activities are to help you achieve your photographic objectives with the equipment that you already have.
5. How many people do you take on your group workshops?
Small groups are always best. The maximum number of participants during the group workshops is eight.
6. I am travelling with a companion who is not a photographer. Can he/she come along?
Travel companions with or without cameras are always welcome.
On the private tours, the basic tour rate allows for two people, but the second need not be a photographer. For more than two people, a supplementary fee applies for each additional person.
Companions are also welcome on the group workshops, although they wouldn't normally participate in instructional activities. There are of course plenty of activities in Paris for the non-photographer companion to pursue during the instructional activities, on which we will gladly offer suggestions.
7. Where do the tours and workshops start and end?
For the private tours, we will pre-determine a starting place depending on the agreed itinerary. From there we will have a short introductory and orientation session over a coffee or tea in a typical Parisian café before heading out on the streets. At the end of the tour, Sophie will provide you with directions to get back to your hotel.
For the group workshops, we will meet at a pre-arranged location -- usually a typical café -- late afternoon on the day prior to Day 1 of the itinerary. After a short aperitif at the café, the assembled group will return to Sophie's apartment for dinner, followed by a two-hour session covering orientation for the week and discussion of photographic techniques. On each morning during the regular itinerary, we will meet at a pre-arranged time and location.
8. What if it rains?
Great photographs are possible in all kinds of weather, even the most inclement. Photo tours will not be cancelled due to rain but we may consider alternative itineraries and subject matter if necessary.
9. How much do the tours and workshops cost?
For the private tours, prices depend on the duration and the number of people. Information on prices is available on the Photo Tours page.
For the group workshops, the price is 495€ per person. Detailed information on the features of the Group Workshops is available on the Photo Workshops page.
10. What is included or excluded from the price?
The fees for the private tours cover our time and expertise, and a short manual on the "Essential Elements of Photography", which you will receive electronically at the time of payment. Meals and snacks are not included. Some customized tours might require entrance fees, and these will be added to the final rates quoted.
Fees for the group workshops include additional items such as certain specified meals, and metro tickets.
Fees do not include things like international transportation to Paris, meals and beverages not explicitly listed, and medical and travel insurance.
11. How do I register?
You can use the on-line registration form to register for all activities. For the private tours, please indicate your preferred tour and dates. We will confirm availability and provide a final quote on the fees. Once we have confirmed we will send you a confirmation e-mail with all the information, including the starting point of the tour.
For the group workshops, once we have confirmed availability for your choosen dates, we will send you an information package and an electronic invoice. A deposit is required at the time of confirmation to reserve a spot on the chosen workshop.
12. When and how do I pay?
For the private tours, once we have agreed on a date, a tour duration, the number of people involved and a final price, you will receive an email with a link for payment via Paypal.
For the group workshops, you pay the non-refundable 100€ deposit once reservation is confirmed to hold a spot on the workshop. The balance is payable 45 days prior to departure. Payments for workshops can be made by secure on-line connection via PayPal, or by money wire transfer.
13. What if I need to cancel?
For private tours, if you cancel at least two weeks prior to the arranged tour date, we will refund you 75% of the fees paid. No refunds are provided for cancellations within two weeks of the tour date.
For group workshops, the 100€ reservation deposit is non-refundable. Once paid in full, 50% of the full tour price is refundable up to two weeks prior to tour start. Within two weeks of tour start, no refunds are possible.
More detailed information about some of the above questions is set out in our Terms and Conditions, which all tour participants must formally accept at the time of registration for a tour.
