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 out 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 photo 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 photo 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 is a shared tour?
Participants in a photo tour indicate their willingness to share or not share their tour. If they decide not to share it, they have the tutor's exclusive attention for the duration of the tour, and have full control over the pace and itinerary of the tour.
A photo tour becomes a shared tour when two separate registrants agree to 'share' the tutor's time and 'share' decisions over the pace and route of the tour. Because the attention is no longer exclusive, there is a reduction in the tour fees, making it a more economical option. This arrangement suits those who want to share ideas with other learning photographers and who wish to save on the fees.
Even if you indicate a willingness to participate in a shared tour, we cannot guarantee your tour will be shared and that you will receive the rebate. A shared tour only takes place when separate registrants indicate an interest in the same date and agree to 'share' their tours. Otherwise, tour dates are booked on a first come, first served basis, and if the first registered participant does not want to share the tour date, it will proceed as a private tour.
9. 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.
10. How much do the tours and workshops cost?
For the photo tours, prices depend on the duration, the number of people and whether it is 'shared' or not. Information on prices is available on the Photo Tours page.
For the group workshops, the price is 535€ per person. Detailed information on the features of the Group Workshops is available on the Photo Workshops page.
11. What is included or excluded from the price?
The fees for the photo tours cover our time and expertise. 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 items like international transportation to Paris, meals and beverages not explicitly listed, and medical and travel insurance.
12. How do I register?
You can use the on-line registration form to register for all activities.
For the photo tours, please indicate your preferred tour and dates, and whether you are willing to share the tour. Once we have confirmed tour availability, we will send you a confirmation e-mail with all the information, including a final quote on the fees, payment information and the starting point of the tour.
For the group workshops, once we have confirmed availability for your chosen 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.
13. When and how do I pay?
For the photo tours, once we have agreed on a date, a tour duration, the number of people involved and a final price, you will be directed to our payment page for payment via Paypal.
For the group workshops, you pay the non-refundable 135€ 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.
14. What if I need to cancel?
For photo tours, if you cancel at least two weeks prior to the arranged tour date, you will receive a full refund of the fees paid. No refunds are provided for cancellations within two weeks of the start date.
For group workshops, the 135€ reservation deposit is non-refundable. Once paid in full, the workshop fees minus the deposit are fully refundable up to two weeks prior to tour start. Within two weeks of workshop start date, 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.
