Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Shutter Adventures Co. tour like?
We design our trips using just a few vital guiding principles: 1) Maximize every photography opportunity. 2) Create tours that are safe, comfortable, fruitful, informative, and fun. 3) Handle all logistics so you can simply show up and shoot.
Each day, our itinerary is organized to optimize our shooting time in the best photography areas. Simply put, our days are spent immersed in the activity that we love - photography.
What kind of daily schedule can I expect on a tour?
We are usually out early for sunrise and often photograph until after sunset, typically with a midday lunch break. We aim to make photography both productive and fun without beating up our tour participants. During late fall, winter, and early spring, days are shorter, so our field time can be shorter than on spring and summer trips. On Arctic trips, with 24 hours of daylight, we may photograph during “nighttime” hours, when the light is soft and golden, and sleep during midday, when the light is harsh and “contrasty.”
What level of photography experience do I need to go on one of your trips?
Our trips are created for photographers of every skill level. No doubt, it helps to understand camera basics before your travels. Learning to use your camera is a good start. If you have questions about photography during your trip, our tour leaders will be there to answer them.
What camera gear is recommended for my tour?
Information on camera gear can be found on each tour web page.
Do I need professional camera equipment?
Quality amateur equipment will do nicely. While you may start with some basic equipment, you will find there is always something else you will want to add to your photo bag. Most of our trip participants start with two camera bodies (DSLR or mirrorless) and a few zoom lenses. As a primary camera on our trips, cell phones are not suitable equipment, but are always welcome to be used during tours.
What’s included in a photo tour?
Our trips typically include all lodging, breakfasts, land transportation, coordination, guiding and instruction, entrance fees, travel insurance for Philippine tours, as described on each tour’s web page. Not included are meals not stated in the inclusions, communication costs, laundry, travel insurance for international tours, items of a personal nature, and airfare to and from the tour’s starting point. If the tour requires camping, tent accommodation, and all meals during the entire camping trip are included.
What kind of accommodations can I expect?
We usually stay in average to upscale accommodations, but we generally avoid extravagance. Proximity to our intended photo subjects is our primary consideration when choosing accommodations.
Is it possible to have a single room or an assigned roommate?
We offer single-rooming on most tours and workshops at a single supplement fee, which we can provide upon request. Most trip fees are quoted for double/twin occupancy. You will be charged the single supplement fee if you desire single accommodations.
For the comfort of other guests, please consider single accommodations if you snore loudly, use a CPAP machine, or are an erratic sleeper.
Do you have to be physically fit to go on a tour?
Our trips are designed for people of average fitness and good health. Each of our photo tours is given a difficulty level of Easy, Moderate, or Strenuous. These ratings are available on each tour’s web page, and you can always message us for more details about a tour’s difficulty level.
Who travels on your tours?
Our trips attract people interested in maximizing their photography while traveling. Our groups are comprised of like-minded individuals - working people and retired - sharing ideas and experiences regarding nature photography, camera equipment, photo processing, landscapes, the environment, wildlife, cultures, and more. And while trip members come to us with diverse backgrounds and photographic abilities, we find all are spirited individuals who share a love of nature, the outdoors, travel, and a desire to communicate that love through photography.
How many participants are on each photo tour?
Typically, between 5 and 15 tour participants, not including the tour leaders and staff.
What is the average age of your trip participants?
Our trip participants generally range in age from their late 20s to mid-70s, with most in their mid-30s to mid-50s.
Can I bring my non-photographing spouse/partner/friend?
Absolutely! Non-photographing participants who join our trips often tell us they appreciate the places, activities, and learning they gain from our tours.
What is the minimum age for tour participation, and are children welcome?
Tour participants traveling independently must be 18 years old. Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and minors under 16 years old must be pre-approved (by us) before registration.
How do I sign up for a trip?
By registering on our website
You will have to fill out the registration form on the tour webpage and send a down payment to confirm your place(s) on our tour.
By phone
A phone call to our home office is one way to register. We will pencil in your place(s) on a tour during your call. You will have to fill out the registration form on the tour web page and send a down payment to confirm your place(s) on our tour.
By email
Send an email to [email protected] or [email protected] asking about registration details. We will reply with a registration form for you to complete. You must deposit 500 USD (for international tours) to confirm your place(s).
How far in advance do I need to book a trip?
Book as soon as you can. Some of our tours sell out just a few days after we post them on our website. Don’t be disappointed, register early to ensure a spot on the tour!
If a tour is fully booked, can I be placed on a waitlist and notified if a place becomes available?
Absolutely, call, email, or message us! If space becomes available on a waitlisted trip, we contact people on the waitlist in the order we received their names.
Can I pay for my tour with a credit card?
Yes, using our PayPal checkout on our website. We can also create online invoices using PayPal, where you can pay with your credit card. Otherwise, we accept payments via bank transfers.
When is the final payment due?
Every tour is a little different, and the final payment generally corresponds to when we need to pay our suppliers on your behalf. The final payment schedule for each tour can be found on our website. Typically, complete payment/balance of the trip fee is due at least 30 days (for local tours) and 90 days (for international tours) before the departure date.
What are your registration terms and conditions?
Terms and conditions can vary by trip. For a given tour’s web page, the terms and conditions are in the last few sections. We also send a Terms and Conditions form by email for you to electronically sign and return to us to complete your enrollment.
When should I purchase my airline tickets?
Approximately three to four months before your trip’s departure date is the usual time we buy our airline tickets. We usually coordinate with our tour participants the time to buy airline tickets and instruct them on where the trip starts and ends, and when they need to arrive for - and depart from - the tour.
Can I drive my own vehicle while on a tour in the Philippines?
We generally discourage this due to fatigue, parking issues, and the possibility of vehicles becoming separated in transit between shooting locations. Contact us if this is a necessity.
Do you help arrange international visas?
We refer our clients to a convenient visa service: for Japan (Reli Tours) | for Schengen (direct application via VFS Global)
Do you book our air travel?
No. We do not have this kind of service.
What should I carry in my carry-on bag?
We advise that you pack the following items in your carry-on luggage:
How much checked luggage can I bring?
In general, we ask trip participants to limit their gear to one large rolling duffel bag. This varies from trip to trip. Luggage space on van-based trips is minimal, and we request that you pack more judiciously.
What clothing should I bring?
Clothing depends on where you are going. A detailed clothing checklist is published on each tour web page.
Will I have access to Wi-Fi, Internet, or cell service on my tour?
On most of our trips, Wi-Fi is available at some point, sometimes for a fee. Cell service varies depending on your carrier and the service you have purchased. In really remote locations, bringing a satellite phone with you may be the only option if you need to stay in contact with family or work. Satellite phones can be rented from several online sources.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Typically, we go out unless the weather is “terrible” - but we'll do our best to ensure that you have a great time, no matter the conditions. Bad weather often brings great photography opportunities and the possibility of dramatic images. But your safety is our top priority.
Will there be any formal instruction where the group gets together to look at photos and discuss photography?
Trips designated as “workshops” include a high level of photo instruction, and we detail what is covered in our trip itineraries. Photo tours are designed to get you to the right place at the right time to accomplish the tour’s photography goals. Of course, with one or more expert photographers leading a photo tour, you always have a resource available to answer your questions and share tips, techniques, and ideas.
We design our trips using just a few vital guiding principles: 1) Maximize every photography opportunity. 2) Create tours that are safe, comfortable, fruitful, informative, and fun. 3) Handle all logistics so you can simply show up and shoot.
Each day, our itinerary is organized to optimize our shooting time in the best photography areas. Simply put, our days are spent immersed in the activity that we love - photography.
What kind of daily schedule can I expect on a tour?
We are usually out early for sunrise and often photograph until after sunset, typically with a midday lunch break. We aim to make photography both productive and fun without beating up our tour participants. During late fall, winter, and early spring, days are shorter, so our field time can be shorter than on spring and summer trips. On Arctic trips, with 24 hours of daylight, we may photograph during “nighttime” hours, when the light is soft and golden, and sleep during midday, when the light is harsh and “contrasty.”
What level of photography experience do I need to go on one of your trips?
Our trips are created for photographers of every skill level. No doubt, it helps to understand camera basics before your travels. Learning to use your camera is a good start. If you have questions about photography during your trip, our tour leaders will be there to answer them.
What camera gear is recommended for my tour?
Information on camera gear can be found on each tour web page.
Do I need professional camera equipment?
Quality amateur equipment will do nicely. While you may start with some basic equipment, you will find there is always something else you will want to add to your photo bag. Most of our trip participants start with two camera bodies (DSLR or mirrorless) and a few zoom lenses. As a primary camera on our trips, cell phones are not suitable equipment, but are always welcome to be used during tours.
What’s included in a photo tour?
Our trips typically include all lodging, breakfasts, land transportation, coordination, guiding and instruction, entrance fees, travel insurance for Philippine tours, as described on each tour’s web page. Not included are meals not stated in the inclusions, communication costs, laundry, travel insurance for international tours, items of a personal nature, and airfare to and from the tour’s starting point. If the tour requires camping, tent accommodation, and all meals during the entire camping trip are included.
What kind of accommodations can I expect?
We usually stay in average to upscale accommodations, but we generally avoid extravagance. Proximity to our intended photo subjects is our primary consideration when choosing accommodations.
Is it possible to have a single room or an assigned roommate?
We offer single-rooming on most tours and workshops at a single supplement fee, which we can provide upon request. Most trip fees are quoted for double/twin occupancy. You will be charged the single supplement fee if you desire single accommodations.
For the comfort of other guests, please consider single accommodations if you snore loudly, use a CPAP machine, or are an erratic sleeper.
Do you have to be physically fit to go on a tour?
Our trips are designed for people of average fitness and good health. Each of our photo tours is given a difficulty level of Easy, Moderate, or Strenuous. These ratings are available on each tour’s web page, and you can always message us for more details about a tour’s difficulty level.
Who travels on your tours?
Our trips attract people interested in maximizing their photography while traveling. Our groups are comprised of like-minded individuals - working people and retired - sharing ideas and experiences regarding nature photography, camera equipment, photo processing, landscapes, the environment, wildlife, cultures, and more. And while trip members come to us with diverse backgrounds and photographic abilities, we find all are spirited individuals who share a love of nature, the outdoors, travel, and a desire to communicate that love through photography.
How many participants are on each photo tour?
Typically, between 5 and 15 tour participants, not including the tour leaders and staff.
What is the average age of your trip participants?
Our trip participants generally range in age from their late 20s to mid-70s, with most in their mid-30s to mid-50s.
Can I bring my non-photographing spouse/partner/friend?
Absolutely! Non-photographing participants who join our trips often tell us they appreciate the places, activities, and learning they gain from our tours.
What is the minimum age for tour participation, and are children welcome?
Tour participants traveling independently must be 18 years old. Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and minors under 16 years old must be pre-approved (by us) before registration.
How do I sign up for a trip?
By registering on our website
You will have to fill out the registration form on the tour webpage and send a down payment to confirm your place(s) on our tour.
By phone
A phone call to our home office is one way to register. We will pencil in your place(s) on a tour during your call. You will have to fill out the registration form on the tour web page and send a down payment to confirm your place(s) on our tour.
By email
Send an email to [email protected] or [email protected] asking about registration details. We will reply with a registration form for you to complete. You must deposit 500 USD (for international tours) to confirm your place(s).
How far in advance do I need to book a trip?
Book as soon as you can. Some of our tours sell out just a few days after we post them on our website. Don’t be disappointed, register early to ensure a spot on the tour!
If a tour is fully booked, can I be placed on a waitlist and notified if a place becomes available?
Absolutely, call, email, or message us! If space becomes available on a waitlisted trip, we contact people on the waitlist in the order we received their names.
Can I pay for my tour with a credit card?
Yes, using our PayPal checkout on our website. We can also create online invoices using PayPal, where you can pay with your credit card. Otherwise, we accept payments via bank transfers.
When is the final payment due?
Every tour is a little different, and the final payment generally corresponds to when we need to pay our suppliers on your behalf. The final payment schedule for each tour can be found on our website. Typically, complete payment/balance of the trip fee is due at least 30 days (for local tours) and 90 days (for international tours) before the departure date.
What are your registration terms and conditions?
Terms and conditions can vary by trip. For a given tour’s web page, the terms and conditions are in the last few sections. We also send a Terms and Conditions form by email for you to electronically sign and return to us to complete your enrollment.
When should I purchase my airline tickets?
Approximately three to four months before your trip’s departure date is the usual time we buy our airline tickets. We usually coordinate with our tour participants the time to buy airline tickets and instruct them on where the trip starts and ends, and when they need to arrive for - and depart from - the tour.
Can I drive my own vehicle while on a tour in the Philippines?
We generally discourage this due to fatigue, parking issues, and the possibility of vehicles becoming separated in transit between shooting locations. Contact us if this is a necessity.
Do you help arrange international visas?
We refer our clients to a convenient visa service: for Japan (Reli Tours) | for Schengen (direct application via VFS Global)
Do you book our air travel?
No. We do not have this kind of service.
What should I carry in my carry-on bag?
We advise that you pack the following items in your carry-on luggage:
- medications in their original, labeled containers
- eyeglasses, contact lenses, and contact lens solution
- important documents such as a copy of your travel insurance policy, medical records, allergy information, and emergency contact information
- camera gear, memory cards, and batteries
- any valuables you bring along
How much checked luggage can I bring?
In general, we ask trip participants to limit their gear to one large rolling duffel bag. This varies from trip to trip. Luggage space on van-based trips is minimal, and we request that you pack more judiciously.
What clothing should I bring?
Clothing depends on where you are going. A detailed clothing checklist is published on each tour web page.
Will I have access to Wi-Fi, Internet, or cell service on my tour?
On most of our trips, Wi-Fi is available at some point, sometimes for a fee. Cell service varies depending on your carrier and the service you have purchased. In really remote locations, bringing a satellite phone with you may be the only option if you need to stay in contact with family or work. Satellite phones can be rented from several online sources.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Typically, we go out unless the weather is “terrible” - but we'll do our best to ensure that you have a great time, no matter the conditions. Bad weather often brings great photography opportunities and the possibility of dramatic images. But your safety is our top priority.
Will there be any formal instruction where the group gets together to look at photos and discuss photography?
Trips designated as “workshops” include a high level of photo instruction, and we detail what is covered in our trip itineraries. Photo tours are designed to get you to the right place at the right time to accomplish the tour’s photography goals. Of course, with one or more expert photographers leading a photo tour, you always have a resource available to answer your questions and share tips, techniques, and ideas.