2012 summer/Fall frequently asked questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the difference between workshop “seasons?”
We refer to three different “seasons” at The Workshops. In 2012, the “photography seasons” are March 7 to March 31, 2012 (Spring), June 24 to August 10 (Summer), and September 23 to October 5 (Fall). During photography seasons there is a mandatory meal plan for all participants, optional housing on campus, and optional breakfast on campus. Aside from these major differences, there are also instructor presentations, group dinners, and participant image presentations. The “off season” is the rest of the year. Digital workshops are scheduled during many of these off weeks, but may be the only class on campus. Consequently, many amenities of the photography season are not available; for example, on-campus housing is limited and no meals are served.
What is meant by a sample of work for those workshops requiring a portfolio?
Some workshops require that you submit a sample of recent photography for final admission. For complete details, visit the Portfolios section in the General Info/Information for Applicants section on our web site.
Why do I have to pay an application fee?
The application fee of $45 per calendar year is mandatory for every participant. This fee helps cover administrative costs of your registration. Most educational institutions charge such a fee.
Why is sales tax charged?
The State of New Mexico requires all businesses to collect gross receipts tax on all goods and services. In order to not pay tax, you or your company must register for tax exempt status with the State of New Mexico and pay the annual fee. The tax rate as of January 1, 2012 is 8.1875%.
Why is there sometimes a mandatory meal plan and sometimes not?
and day. Santa Fe averages 300 days of glorious sunshine, 14 inches of rain and 17.5 inches of snow each year. For up-to-date weather information and historical averages, visit www.weather.com or www.visitsantafe.com. “Typical weather” figures can be found on AccuWeather's web site.
What can my family do while I am in class?
Keep in mind that you will be very busy with your workshop. Your family might not see a lot of you! Still, Santa Fe is a major tourist destination and there are many things to do in and around Santa Fe. Check out these web sites for ideas: www.visitsantafe.com, www.santafe.org, or www.newmexico.org.
Are there any scholarships available?
The Workshops offers two scholarship programs: one for workshops January through May and one for workshops June through December. For complete details, visit the Scholarship information page on The Workshops web site.
What happens if I need to cancel a workshop?
We know that unexpected things come up that might require you to cancel your workshop. If at all possible, let us know more than 30 days before the start of your workshop. See page 74, or visit our web site, for full details about our Cancellation and Transfer Policies. We also recommend that you consider purchasing travel insurance.
What is Travel Insurance and should I buy it?
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance can protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that might prevent your attendance. We suggest a plan that offers coverage for medical and dental emergencies, lost baggage, missed connections, and trip cancellation should you have a medical problem that prevents you from attending. The Workshops is not responsible for cancellations due to medical emergencies or reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets in the event of a workshop cancellation.
See “What is the difference between workshop “seasons?” above.
How many people will be in my workshop?
All workshops held in the digital lab take a maximum of 12 participants. Nearly all photography workshops have a maximum of 14 participants. The minimum number of participants to run a workshop varies from workshop to workshop, depending on a variety of factors. In the event that a workshop must be canceled due to inadequate enrollment, all fees and deposits are refunded in full or may be transferred to another workshop within 12 months. The Workshops makes final decisions about the running of a workshop no less than 30 days before the begin date.
Will I have much free time during my workshop?
Days are busy and intense. You may find some time in the early evening to see the city. We suggest coming in a few days early or staying a few days after your workshop if you would like to take in the sights of Santa Fe, including the great museums, restaurants, and galleries.
Where should I stay while in Santa Fe?
Please read the about on-campus and Santa Fe accommodations in the General Information section on pages 71-72 or on our web site.
Do I really need to rent a car? A car is not a requirement for certain workshops if you are staying at The Workshops campus. While these participants do not necessarily need a car, a car provides added freedom and flexibility. If you do not rent a car, you will need to car pool with other workshop participants when you go on field trips. Please call to find out if a car is required for your workshop. If you are not staying on campus, you really need to have a car. Santa Fe is not readily accessible by city bus or taxi, although both are available.
What is the weather like in Santa Fe?
Santa Fe is located at 7,000 feet above sea level in the Sangre de Cristo mountains; it can take your body a day of two to adapt to the high altitude. Santa Fe is comfortably dry but can have rapid weather changes. It is common to have 30-degree temperature differences between night
© Michael Karsh
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