Refund Policy

In order to provide the best learning environment possible VPW keeps class and tour sizes limited to 10-15 people (depending on the workshop). This is but one reason that we count on you to attend your chosen class or tour, once you have registered for it.

If you must withdraw for any reason please be aware of our refund policy as follows:

For our Local Lectures, Seminars, and Workshops valued at or under $100, VPW is unable to provide a cash refund. Transfers are limited to one transfer to either the same event at a later date, or a different event of equal value. VPW requires 48 hours written notice in order to make such a transfer (email notice is acceptable). The event you are transferring to must occur within 6 months of the original event you registered for. A $15 fee will be applied to all transfers.

For our Local Workshops, 1 to 5 days in length and our Local 4 to 10 Week Courses, VPW requires 30 days written notice (before the event start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. (Email notice is acceptable.)

For our Master Photographer Series workshops, 1 to 5 days in length, VPW requires 60 days written notice (before the workshop start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. VPW may retain 15% of fees paid or $150 minimum in processing your refund. If the tuition is less than $500 the minimum fee drops to $75.

For our Photo Tours (both in Canada and abroad), 1 to 10 days in length, VPW requires 60 days written notice (before the event start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. VPW may retain 15% of fees paid or $150 minimum in processing your refund. If the tuition is less than $500 the minimum fee drops to $75.

Transfers (for all events over $100): If you wish to transfer to a different workshop date, VPW requires a minimum of 30 days written (email) notice. All transfers are based on availaibility, and subject to approval by VPW staff. For courses/workshops with tuition above $101, the transfer fee is $35.

Transfer Fees as based on event pricing:
Tuition of $100 and below, the transfer fee is $15
Tuition of $101 and above, the transfer fee is $35

VPW can give no refunds:

If you registered for any event valued at or under $100
If you do not show up for your registered course.
If you register for a course beyond or below your skill or ability level.

Refunds for all events valued at $101 and above (excluding Master Series Workshops):
If a student wishes to cancel their registration for any of VPW's events, and has provided written notice within the appropriate timeframe, a refund less a $50 administration fee will be provided.

Course Cancellation:

Occasionally, we may have to cancel a course due to low enrollment. In this case, we will issue a full refund of all monies paid to VPW up to that time.

Instructor Replacement:

In the event that a listed instructor is unable to participate because of a change in his or her professional schedule, we will replace the instructor with someone of equal or similar credentials. Such instructor replacement does not result in a cash refund. If we cannot find a replacement in due time before the course is about to start, a particular class may have to be rescheduled.

Liability

In the event that we cancel your course, for any reason, the extent of VPW's liability is limited to the return of all monies paid. We will do everything we can to register you in another equivalent course. VPW will not be responsible for reimbursement of travel expenses of any kind.


All of our seminars, workshops and courses are designed for a specific level of photographic competence and technical ability.

In order for everyone to get the most benefit out of each workshop, it is strongly recommended that you choose a class that matches your present skill and ability level. You can find the suggested level for each course on the individual listing page(s).

If you are unsure about whether a particular course is right for you, please contact us so we can help find the best match for you.

  • Beginner / General Interest: You are new to photography, and have absolutely no experience aside from taking a few family or travel shots with a fully automated camera. You have never taken a class on the subject. You have been experimenting with photography and now wish to learn the basics.
  • Intermediate: You consider yourself a serious amateur and are comfortable with your camera. You have taken photography courses in the past, and have been seriously involved with photography for a period of at least 2 years.

    You have a number of photographs to show off your skills, but may not have attempted to put them into a formal portfolio. You may also have experience shooting and lighting in the Studio, using either strobe or tungsten lighting, or both, but this might also be the area where you want to pick up lots of new skills.
  • Advanced: You consider yourself an emerging professional photographer. You are comfortable working with a variety of camera systems, formats and platforms. You have experience shooting and lighting in the studio, which includes working with talent like models and make-up artists.

    You have at least 3 years experience and a portfolio, and are ready to take your photography to the next level. You are looking to complete your skills with some dedicated training in specialized areas.
  • Professional: You are a professional photographer. You might be looking to extend your expertise into new areas of the business, or simply take a class for personal interest.