To ensure a smooth registration experience, please review the following policies regarding registration, payments, and cancellations. These policies are in place to protect the interests of all parties involved and to facilitate a great educational experience or photography session.
Registration and Payment Policies
Workshop Registration: To secure your spot in a workshop, a non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. Your workshop registration is not confirmed until the deposit payment is received.
Final Payment for Workshops: The remaining balance for workshop fees is due 90 days prior to the start date. Failure to make the final payment by the due date will result in the forfeiture of your reserved spot and the non-refundable deposit.
Sitting Bookings: To book a sitting (pre-arranged photography session), full payment is required at the time of booking. Your sitting is not confirmed until the payment is received.
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance immediately after paying your deposit or booking fee. Please refer to the “Travel Insurance” section for more details.
External Workshops Note: Workshops hosted through the North House Folk School or other organizations where I serve as a contract instructor may have different registration and payment policies. Be sure to inquire about the specific policies when registering for those external workshops.
2025 Cancellation Policies
To ensure a seamless experience, please review our cancellation policies carefully. While we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, these policies are in place to protect the interests of all parties involved.
Workshop Cancellations
There are no exceptions to this policy, even for medical emergencies. Cancellations must be made in writing via email or postal mail. The cancellation date is the date the written notice is received.
91+ days before workshop start date:
- If you paid in full, you will receive a refund minus the non-refundable deposit.
- If your spot is filled, the non-refundable deposit will be converted to a credit minus a $250 administration fee.
- If your spot cannot be filled, the non-refundable deposit is forfeited.
90 days or fewer before workshop start date:
- If your spot cannot be filled, the entire workshop fee is forfeited.
- If your spot is filled, you will receive a credit minus the non-refundable deposit used as an administration fee.
Credit Usage: Credits can be applied toward another workshop or print purchase within one year of the original workshop date. Credits are non-transferable and non-refundable. Credits are only usable with Bryan Hansel Photography LLC and cannot be applied to other businesses that may host a Bryan Hansel workshop.
One-on-One and Private Workshop Cancellations
Cancellations made 30+ days before the scheduled date will receive a refund minus a 50% administration fee. Cancellations made less than 30 days before are non-refundable.
Sitting Cancellations
A “sitting” refers to a pre-arranged photography session. Cancellations made 30+ days before will receive a refund minus a $100 administration fee. Cancellations made less than 30 days before are non-refundable.
General Policies
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, including the “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage, to protect against unforeseen events affecting your travel plans. Travel insurance providers offer a range of affordable plans with varying coverage levels. We suggest using a comparison site like InsureMyTrip.com to review and compare different plan options.
Fitness and Medical Considerations: Participants are responsible for ensuring they are physically fit and prepared for the demands of the workshop activities. Please be advised that Bryan Hansel Photography LLC does not assume any liability for medical care or expenses that may arise during the workshop. We reserve the right to restrict participation or remove individuals from workshop activities if we determine their fitness level puts themselves or others at risk of injury. Medical conditions, including last-minute emergencies, do not constitute exceptions to our cancellation policies. While we understand the disappointment of cancelled plans due to health issues, we strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance to safeguard against such eventualities.
Force Majeure: In the case of extraordinary circumstances beyond our control (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics), workshops may be terminated or canceled without liability. Refunds will only be provided for payments made directly to Bryan Hansel Photography LLC, excluding non-refundable deposits. No refunds will be made if the workshop is cancelled after it starts.
Government Shutdowns: In the unfortunate event of a government shutdown that restricts access to federal lands originally planned as part of the workshop itinerary, we will make every effort to adjust the schedule and incorporate alternative state or locally-governed locations in the area. While this may result in a modified experience, it allows the workshop to proceed as scheduled. Please note that refunds will not be issued solely due to a government shutdown. By securing your registration, you acknowledge and accept that such unforeseen circumstances may occur, and we will adapt the workshop itinerary accordingly to provide the best possible experience within the prevailing conditions.
Medical Emergencies: While we understand the inconvenience of medical issues, our cancellation policies remain in effect. Obtaining adequate travel insurance can provide coverage for such eventualities.
Spouse, Partner, Guest and Caregiver Attendance Policy: All participants must register and pay the full workshop fee. We maintain strict group size limits to ensure quality instruction and comply with regulations.
In special circumstances, we may accommodate essential caregivers or assistants for participants with disabilities or serious health conditions. These arrangements must be discussed with us and approved by us before your registration, and are subject to space availability and any applicable permits or regulations. In areas with strict group size limits, caregivers or assistants must pay the full fee and fit within the stated workshop size.
We cannot accommodate additional guests, including spouses or partners, beyond the set workshop group size. However, if there is an open space in the workshop, these individuals are welcome to register and pay the full fee to attend. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to create the best possible experience for all participants.
Weather: The weather is dynamic and unpredictable. Workshops go out in all weather conditions even conditions some may consider “bad.” We do so because “bad” weather can make for the most dramatic photos. Remember the Minnesota proverb, “There is no bad weather; only the wrong clothing.” On night workshops, we hope for clear skies, but partially cloudy skies can be interesting. If we get cloudy skies, we still go out. No refunds or rain checks will be provided for weather.
Workshop Cancellations: We reserve the right to cancel any workshop. If we cancel a workshop, we’ll do everything we can to reschedule. If we’re unable to accommodate you by rescheduling, you may be eligible for a full refund. Even in the unfortunate event of a cancellation, you are liable for expenses incurred, such as airline tickets, accommodations, other travel expenses, or any other expenses related to a cancellation or the workshop. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
By registering for a workshop, you agree to our cancellation policies. We reserve the right to modify these policies at our discretion. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.