Online Mentoring FAQ’s
What is the maximum bookable session time?
Ideally no more than 2 hours in any one session.
How can I choose / increase the number of hours I want?
After clicking the ‘Buy Now’ button you will be taken to the Paypal checkout area where you can type in the quantity of hours you would like.
Do I have to have a Paypal account to buy courses / training?
No, you don’t. In the checkout area, underneath the Paypal login there is a link entitled “Pay with Debit or Credit card”. Simply click this link and you will be able to pay using the normal section of commonly available cards (i.e. VISA, Delta, Electron, MasterCard, Eurocard, American Express, Discover and Maestro cards).
Where do I send the files I want to talk about?
You will be supplied with an email address after you have bought your hour(s) together with a range of potential dates / times. All suggested times will be time-zone specific and written in the email you’ll receive such as 10AM GMT (Greenwich Meantime) for UK calls or CET (Central European Time) and so on.
What happens if I miss my allocated time slot?
Unless you have given us 24hrs notice that you would like change the session to a different date / time to the one previously agreed you will forfeit your fee.
What happens if you need to postpone our session?
If due to exceptional circumstances we need to postpone your session you will be contacted ahead of the previously agreed date / time. We can either arrange another time / date or offer you a full refund on that session as per our refund policy.
What do I need to have installed to use the online mentoring?
We use Skype to do all our online tutorials. It’s free to use, reasonably stable and available on a number of different platforms from PC’s to Macs and smartphones. You can download it here from www.skype.com. In addition to this, you will need either a head set (headphones with a microphone for speaking into) or a microphone / web cam enabled computer display or mobile phone. Please note: the majority of the session will be spoken with only occasional messages typed, i.e. useful web address or online photographic resources. Please ensure that you have Skype installed and working before the session so no time is lost.
What if the connection keeps cutting out?
If there is a technical problem for whatever reason that prevents the session taking place you will be emailed an alternate date / time to continue the session. If the problem prevents the session from beginning in the first place then you will be offered the option of either an alternate date or a refund on your session by email.
General FAQ’s
When do you run your courses?
1-2-1 Coaching and Online Tutoring take place on a mutually agreed time / date prior to the session. Group courses take place on either 1 or 2 days over a weekend. Weekday group courses are available by special arrangement.
Can I choose a specific date when booking ?
Yes, you can specify a preferred date to the comments box as you proceed through the Paypal payment pages. Better still, please give us a call on 07866 430979 or drop us an email to check place availability prior to booking. If you are interested in buying a buying a course gift voucher on behalf of somebody please contact us using this form.
Where do you run your courses?
Mainly in London, UK unless otherwise specified. If you would like to arrange training in another location or country please contact us using this form.
Is there a minimum age for students?
Yes. The minimum age is 12 years old. All children between 12-18 yrs old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during their course as per our child protection policy. You’ll be pleased to also know there’s no maximum age limit. We encourage parents to get actively involved in their children’s passion for photography.
Will there be any photography equipment provided?
No, generally students will use their own photographic gear so that they can become more familiar with it. Principally the group courses favour DSLR cameras so we can review the results afterwards as part of the course.
Can I choose a specific date for my course before booking?
Yes. Simply email us in advance of placing your order or give us a call on 07866 430979 to check date/time availability.
What about adverse weather conditions / cancellations?
Generally speaking, where it is a practical training course or 1-2-1 coaching I shoot all weathers so rain and bad weather don’t affect your ability to take a great photograph. In addition to this we keep in contact with students up until the day of course in case there are any exceptional changes that we feel might compromise your training experience. In the event of a postponement we will move your course to the next mutually convenient date or offer you a full refund as per our refund policy.
How do I pay for a lesson?
All lessons need to be paid for in advance and online using a credit or debit card on the courses page here.
Is there anything I should bring?
Warm clothing or layers. Even on a sunny day the wind chill can steal your warmth should the sun dip behind the clouds. Sensible footwear is a must, i.e. trainers, walking shoes anything that covers or supports the ankles. If you have any food intolerances or allergies please bring appropriate light snacks and enough water.
Is there anything I should leave behind?
Anything unnecessary or expensive. Always travel light. If you honestly don’t think you are going to use something then it’s just simpler if those items are left at home.
Is there a particular camera brand, lens system you would recommend?
Not really, as every camera has it’s own charm and personality and that’s part of the appeal of photography. Simply put there is no de facto “best camera / lens for everything”. Different combinations of cameras and bodies lend themselves more to different activities and this is something that will be touched upon in your training.
Is a smartphone ‘enough’ of a camera?
No. They’re better suited to making making calls and sending emails whereas a DSLR camera offers a much broader range of creative possibilities. You can bring either a DSLR camera or analogue SLR camera for 1-2-1 sessions.
Should I ask before I take someone’s photograph?
Ideally yes. Whilst a ‘posed’ photograph might not have the same impact as a ‘candid’ one you need to respect another person’s right to privacy. If somebody objects to your photograph, you should delete the image without reservation right away. You are responsible for your own behaviour at all times and trouble can always be avoided by displaying the right attitude.
Updated 14.12.2015.
Terms & Conditions
Additional Questions
If you have any other questions about the photography training sessions please use the form below.
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