Frequently Asked Questions

Randy Van Duinen Workshops was founded on a passion for photography, education, and travel. Led by internationally award-winning photographer and educator Randy Van Duinen, our workshops provide hands-on instruction in extraordinary destinations around the world.We believe the best way to learn photography is by photographing alongside experienced instructors in small groups. Our goal is simple—to help you create better images, grow your skills, and have an unforgettable experience along the way.

Our workshops are designed to teach, inspire, and help you become a better photographer—they're much more than a sightseeing tour with a camera. You'll receive hands-on instruction in the field, personalized guidance, and opportunities to learn composition, camera techniques, and post-processing throughout the workshop.We keep our groups small so you get plenty of individual attention, and many of our participants return year after year. Our goal is simple: to help you create extraordinary images while growing your skills and confidence as a photographer.

We understand that plans can change. We do offer refunds, subject to the terms outlined in our Terms & Conditions. Because many of our workshops involve advance commitments for accommodations, transportation, and other reservations, cancellation policies vary by workshop.We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment and cover any unforeseen circumstances that may prevent you from attending your workshop.

Our workshops can be physically demanding, and the level of activity varies depending on the destination. Many of our days begin before sunrise and end well after sunset, often involving extended periods of walking, standing, and carrying camera equipment. It is important that you are open and honest about your physical abilities when registering for a workshop.All participants are responsible for carrying their own camera gear and luggage and must be able to enter and exit vehicles without assistance unless arrangements have been made in advance. Each workshop is assigned a fitness rating so you know what to expect before registering.EasyPhotography locations are generally within a short walking distance of our transportation. Terrain is typically level or gently sloping, although some uneven or slippery surfaces may be encountered. Participants should be comfortable walking throughout the day and carrying their camera gear.ModerateThese workshops may include walks of one to two miles or more over uneven terrain with moderate elevation changes. You should be comfortable carrying your camera gear for extended periods and photographing in a variety of weather and environmental conditions.ChallengingExpect strenuous hikes, greater elevation gains, and more demanding terrain. You may encounter slippery surfaces, higher elevations, or locations that require good balance and endurance. Participants should be in good physical condition and comfortable spending long days photographing in the field.DifficultThese workshops are designed for photographers in excellent physical condition. They may involve multiple hikes of several miles, significant elevation changes, or photographing at high altitudes. Specific training or a physician's approval may be required depending on the workshop.If you're unsure whether a workshop is a good fit for your fitness level, please contact us. We're always happy to discuss the physical requirements and help you choose the workshop that's right for you.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all of our workshops, especially those that take place outside of your home country. Travel insurance provides peace of mind and can help protect your investment should unforeseen circumstances arise.Trip Insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to illness, injury, family emergencies, or other covered events.Travel Medical Insurance covers medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospitalization, and emergency treatment while traveling internationally. Your existing health insurance may not provide coverage outside your home country, so we highly recommend this protection.Medical Evacuation Insurance covers transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility in the event of an emergency. This can be especially important for workshops that take place in remote locations or involve outdoor activities.Depending on the destination, certain types of insurance may be required, and those requirements will be clearly stated on the individual workshop page.For travel, medical, and evacuation coverage, we recommend considering Ripcord by Redpoint Travel Protection, which offers comprehensive plans designed specifically for travelers and photographers. As with any insurance provider, we encourage you to review the available coverage options and choose the policy that best fits your needs.

Absolutely! Many of our workshops are wonderful experiences for non-photographers who simply enjoy traveling and exploring incredible destinations. Depending on the workshop, your guest may enjoy the local culture, architecture, food, and sightseeing while you're out photographing—or they may choose to join the group activities.Some workshops are better suited for non-photographers than others, so we're happy to help you decide which one would be the best fit. Just reach out and we'll be glad to discuss the options with you.

Every workshop is unique, so what's included will vary depending on the destination and experience. Each workshop page clearly outlines what's included, and we're always happy to answer any questions before you register.Most workshops include photography instruction, entrance fees, and some combination of accommodations, transportation, and meals. In many cases, we provide two meals per day, while others may include special group dinners or lunches. Transportation during the workshop may range from private vans and drivers to local trains, subways, or taxis, depending on what best suits the destination and photographic opportunities.Our goal is to make your experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible, allowing you to focus on learning, exploring, and creating extraordinary images. Be sure to review the individual workshop page for complete details on what's included for your chosen destination.

We intentionally keep our workshops small to provide a more personal and rewarding experience. Smaller groups mean more one-on-one instruction, easier access to photographic locations, and more time working directly with your instructor in the field.Workshops led by a single instructor are typically limited to just 5 to 7 participants, while workshops with two instructors generally accommodate 9 to 12 participants. The maximum number of participants for each workshop is always listed on the individual workshop page.Our small-group philosophy is one of the things that makes Randy Van Duinen Workshops special—it allows us to provide personalized instruction while creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.

Photography is our priority, and we carefully plan each day to make the most of the light and the locations we're visiting. Depending on the workshop schedule, lunch may be one of the included meals for the day, or it may be on your own. We always make sure there's time to enjoy a meal, relax, and recharge before heading back out with your camera.On some days, a leisurely lunch at a local café may be part of the experience, while on others it might be something quick so we can maximize our time photographing. Many workshops also include time to rest, download images, or even take a well-deserved nap before an evening shoot. The details for meals are outlined on each workshop page.

We've made preparing for your workshop easy. Visit our How to Prepare for Your Workshop page for recommendations on camera gear, packing tips, travel essentials, and other helpful information.Approximately 90 days before your workshop begins, you'll receive a detailed PDF with destination-specific information, suggested equipment, and everything you need to know to arrive prepared and ready to photograph. Our goal is to make sure you can relax, enjoy the experience, and focus on creating extraordinary images.

You don't need to be an expert photographer to join one of our workshops, but being comfortable with the basic functions of your camera will help you get the most from the experience.We recommend reviewing our How to Prepare for Your Workshop page, which outlines the camera settings and photography fundamentals you should know before you arrive. You'll also find recommendations on camera gear, packing tips, and other helpful information to make sure you're ready for an incredible photographic adventure.And don't worry, if you need a little extra help, we're always happy to provide it in the field. After all, teaching photography is what we love to do!

We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, as well as personal checks.If you'd prefer to make payments over time or need special payment arrangements, we're happy to work with you whenever possible. Simply contact us, and we'll do our best to find an option that works for you.

Weather is one thing we can't control, but it often creates some of the best photographic opportunities. Rain, fog, dramatic skies, and changing light can make for extraordinary images. If conditions change, we'll adapt our plans and make the most of the situation—great photographs aren't always made in perfect weather!Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for additional information regarding weather-related circumstances and workshop policies.

Most of our workshops are based on double occupancy, but single accommodations are available for many workshops for an additional fee. If you're interested in a private room, just let us know and we'll provide the available options and pricing.If you're traveling alone, single occupancy is not required—we're happy to pair you with a compatible roommate whenever possible. To ensure the best experience for everyone, please let us know about any special circumstances or accommodations you may need when registering for the workshop.

We're committed to helping you get the most from your workshop experience, and that starts well before you arrive. Approximately 60 to 90 days before the workshop, you'll receive detailed information to help you prepare, along with an online Zoom meeting where we'll discuss the itinerary, answer questions, and make sure you're ready for the adventure ahead.Our commitment doesn't end when the workshop is over. About 30 days after the workshop, we'll host a follow-up Zoom session to help with image critiques, post-processing questions, and anything else you may need. We're here to support you every step of the way—from registration to long after you've returned home with your photographs.

Please review our privacy and cookie policy. We promise never to sell or rent or giveaway your email address or other information we have of yours. We will never, ever spam you – we do send a newsletter, typically monthly, which we hope you’ll love but you can always opt out from. We never have access to your credit card information.