What kind of experience do I need to attend a photo workshop?

We are open to all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.  If you are a beginner, please let us know beforehand so we can give you additional guidance.

What is a typical day on one of your workshops?

Most days and locations, we start out before sunrise and end after sunset, in order to capture the beautiful light.  During the day, field sessions and photo critiques will take place to learn new techniques.  There will also be time for personal and group exploration and relaxation, just be prepared to have your camera along with you most of the day.  We will end our day with a nice meal, and a little relaxation.  We’ll make sure we get a full night’s rest for the next day.

What is included in the workshop fee?

Your fee includes lodging, transportation in China, permits/entrance fees, all breakfasts and guide fee.

What kind of camera equipment should  I bring?

Cameras  -  It’s always a good idea to bring two camera bodies anywhere, especially traveling overseas, just in case something happens to one.  I recommend anything from a 35mm to a medium format camera.  That being said, traveling light is a good idea, so don’t overdo it.  A lighter load makes it easier to maneuver through crowds and hike to the places we need to get to.  At several places we’ll encounter it’s going to be easier to hold your camera in your hand.

Lenses – You’ll find that you’ll utilize all varieties of focus length lenses during this trip.  It’s a good idea to have a wide angle lens for tight quarters as well as a telephoto one.  I usually have all my bases covered by bringing everything from wide to a 200-300mm telephoto lens.

Media Storage or film – For digital photographers, you’ll want to make sure to bring plenty of storage space.  Bringing spare hard drives to backup your photos at the end of the day is highly recommended, plus plenty of memory cards for your cameras during the shooting days. 

For film users, bring plenty (plus more than you think you’ll use) of the film of your choice overseas.  Depending on which film stock you prefer to shoot with, you should be able to get additional rolls while in China, but it’s best to bring your own just in case.  Make sure all rolls are in a waterproof sealed plastic bag.

Batteries – For both film and digital bodies, you want to make sure you have at least 2 spare sets of batteries.  There’s nothing like a good shooting day being stopped by dead batteries!  (FYI) China’s voltage is 110 volts.

Filters – I always carry a polarizer and graduated ND filters in my kit and I always use them.  Film users should bring color correction filters to compensate, especially shooting B&W film.

Tripod – To me, this is as essential as bringing the camera itself.  Even though they are bulky and heavy, it will definitely help you take better photographs.

Rain gear – Another essential item for your camera.  In China and many other locations, the best photographs are taken when the weather is sub-par.  Make sure you have the proper rain cover for your cameras and all your gear.

Other gear that you might want to consider bringing:

Shutter release cable
Flash
Cleaning kit
Reflector

What happens if I have to cancel my reservation for a workshop?

You must notify us in writing via email of your cancellation.

If you cancel your reservation more than 60 days before the starting date of the workshop, you will get a refund in full minus a $30 handling charge.

If you cancel 45 days prior to the starting date of the workshop, only 50% of the total fee (including the deposit payment) can be refunded.

If you cancel 30 days before the starting date of the workshop, no refund can be made.  Sorry.

What about Trip Cancellation Insurance?

We do not require that you purchase travel insurance, but it is highly recommended to protect yourself from any unforeseen circumstances. With the purchase of insurance you will also be covered, while traveling, for lost or delayed baggage, missed flights, trip interruption or cancellation, accident and sickness related medical expenses, and emergency medical transportation. We recommend Travelex. They can be reached at 1-800-228-9792 or www.travelexinsurance.com.

If you choose to decline the purchase of travel insurance, you must submit in writing to acknowledge that Paper Lantern Photography Workshops is not liable for any such occurrences.

What are my payment options?

At this point, payments can only be made with personal check, cashier check, or money order.

What is traveling in China like?

For the most part the areas we will visit are peaceful and beautiful, but as you know, China is one of the most populated countries in the world, so be prepared to be in some extremely crowded and congested locations.  You’ll need to be aware and take caution when crossing streets, drivers in China are not as forgiving as drivers in the United States.

Language can be a barrier, but we will be there to translate, and will do our best to make you feel at home.  As it was told to me once by a bed-and-breakfast mama, “there is really no language barrier, we’re all intelligent people, there’s always a way around it.”

Be prepared to adapt to local cuisine.  Food in China may contain different spices and ingredients that you might not be used to.  We highly encourage you to give it a try though, as food experiences are a great thing about traveling.  In most cases, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

What about health concerns?

China does not present any disease risks.  With that said, you should always be cautious of what you eat and where you eat.  Tap water is only clean enough for showers and brushing your teeth, and is off limits to drinking.  Either buy your water or boil it before consumption.

Cold and flu viruses are common in any country during certain seasons and the added stress and excitement of travel and leave people more susceptible to catching something.

We HIGHLY recommend you bring your own stomach and cold/flu medicine from your home country.  It will be cheaper and you know what medicine works best for you, so do bring your own medicines.

What about tipping?

Tipping for meals is encouraged, although it is not a custom in China to do so. Tipping local drivers, guides and outfitters is encouraged.

How can I get on your list for future workshops?

Please CONTACT US and express your interest in being on our mailing list for future workshops/events.

Please CONTACT US with your questions and we'll answer them for you.