Questions Answered
We know that there is a lot going on at Bend Photo Tours, so here are some answers to some questions we think you might have. Don't see the solution to your question below? Feel free to CONTACT US and we'll get back to you right away!
What are your Safety Protocols?
Here is a breakdown of how we are handling our tours in connection with State and Federal Guidelines.
TRANSPORTATION
As of July 1, 2021 we are continuing to run our private tours and will drive together or meeting on location based on the tour.
For some of our workshops we are providing transportation in 12 passenger vans. Seating in the van is limited to allow for comfortable distancing between guests
PRE-TOUR PROCEDURE
Before your Tour: We ask that our guests prepare with the following for their tour date:
Monitor Health Have no symptoms of sickness for the previous two weeks (refer to CDC symptoms list)
If you’ve experienced symptoms we ask you to postpone your travels: Fever 100 degrees, sore throat or cough, difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, loss of smell or taste
Waivers: When your tour is booked, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to digitally sign your waiver. Please sign a waiver ahead of time
Meet up:
We will make a decision whether or not to meet at The Box Factory or on location for our tours.
What Sets Us Apart From Other Photo Tours in the Area?
Here at Bend Photo Tours, we cater directly to the needs of photographers and focus on your overall experience. We schedule our trips around the best light, best locations and provide thorough photo instruction in the field. Currently all our tours are private, and can be fully customizable to ensure each participant gets the most educational and enjoyable experience possible. We also provide small sized workshops maxing out at 8 people, still providing an intimate photo educational experience.
It’s also about personality. You can be an AMAZING photographer, but doesn’t mean you can necessarily convey your skills to someone else. Our personable, educated staff have the ability to not only share how to take better photos, but work with you to make sure you understand how to as well. We may be relatively new to the Bend Tour scene, but with our passion for creating the best experience possible, our hope is that you’ll want to book many more tours with us!
If you have any doubts, read what our past clients are saying about our services: Testimonials
What is a Photo Tour?
A Photo Tour is where photography is the primary objective. We work with you to give invaluable photo instruction in the field, assisting you with your compositions and mastering the technical details. Everyone from beginner to advanced can benefit from this. If you like adventure, exploration, and taking stunning photos, then you’ll have a great time on these tours!
What’s the difference between a Photo Tour, Photoshoot Tour, Photo Workshop, Photo Talks and tutoring?
I know there are a lot of different options, but this should help break down the differences:
Photo Tours, described best above, are private 1-3 person tours that range from 3-5 hours We have specific locations that tours can be booked to, or we can customize a tour specific to your photo goals.
Photo Shoot Tours are for those who want to take home stunning photos of themselves with epic Central Oregon as the background. You can choose from one of our destination tours or we can custom tailor a photo shoot experience to fit your needs.
Photo Workshops are scheduled events that focus on a specific topic or location with a photographic educational element to them. Whether the focus is The Supermoon, Fall Foliage or a trip out to Crater Lake, you'll be able to sign up in advance and book your workshop that fits your educational goals. The workshop sizes are still intimate, maxing out at 8 people, so you still get that individual attention. They are also often a little less expensive than the private tours and can be a little more robust in what they cover. This calendar is constantly updating so keep checking back regularly! And 2021 Tours are up now!
Photo Talks are for those looking to brush up on your photography skills on a variety of topics from how to work your camera, to the latest trends in the photo industry, to the best way to edit. We even offer portfolio reviews. These lectures are updated regularly, so check back and see if there's a topic you're interested in diving deeper into.
Photo Tutoring is one-on-one support with your photography questions and camera inquiries. These tutoring sessions are often held mostly inside where one of our expert photographers will work with you on your specific needs and get you to a place where you feel comfortable working your camera, and understanding the fundamentals and artistic aspects of shooting. We also offer Educational Packages if you want to combine Tutoring and Tours!
What is the bend Photo society?
Being part of the ever growing photo community in Bend, and throughout Central Oregon, we wanted to create a place where photographers of all skill levels can get together, collaborate, learn, network, grow… and so much more, so the Bend Photo Society was created. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a trained professional, we are creating a community to cater to all levels of photography. From networking events, business resources, and socials, to outings, educational talks and critiques, we have something for all photographers to grow their passion.
Launched in January 2020, we created the Bend Photo Society, a community full of activities to adhere to anyone within the photography field. Feel free to join our Bend Society Facebook Page to be in the know with our events and gatherings.
Where Can You Take Me on a Photo tour?
Central Oregon is chalked full of amazing photo locations - many of which are far from the typical tourist circuit. We've listed a few of the most popular spots here: Bend Photo Tours
However there’s a plethora of other places we can go that we haven't listed on the website as well. Just ask us if you're interested in alternative options - we love to get off the beaten path!
What Level of Photographer Do I Need to Be?
We take all types from beginners who are just learning to use their cameras to advanced users who want to hone and refine their skills or just be taken out to the ideal photo locations. Whatever level you’re at, we’ll help you learn and enjoy the art of photography. With our private tours you'll get plenty of individualized attention.
What Type of Camera Should I Bring?
We ask all participants to bring a digital camera along with a tripod. We’ll work with all types of cameras. However, for the highest quality shots, we recommend bringing a digital SLR camera or mirrorless camera with a couple detachable lenses. Wide-angle lenses are the most useful for landscape photography. If you want specific gear recommendations, just email us. Please note that we do not specialize in film photography. You can bring a film camera if you like, but we won’t be able to offer you the same level of instruction as the digital shooters.
If you want to rent or upgrade your camera gear, we recommend checking out Focal Point Photography.
Are the Trips Flexible?
Absolutely! With constantly changing weather and road conditions, we may need to modify our plans. In the event we can't go to the primary location, we have an entire arsenal of alternate locations we can hit.
What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
See our full Terms and Conditions for the cancellation policy.
If you must cancel a reservation, contact us as soon as possible. When it comes to cancellations we will do all we can to work with you to reschedule your tour if it’s within our guidelines. Any cancellations must be sent in writing so that we have record of it. Email is preferred.
Should I Have Trip Insurance?
We highly recommend having your own trip insurance in the event something unexpected happens. This will cover any portion of your deposit we are unable to refund in case you have to cancel.
How Difficult Are the Trips?
Being that we run our tours throughout Central Oregon with several micro climates surrounding the area, there are many environmental hazards to be aware of:
Potential Extreme heat in summer
Freezing temps/snow in the winter
High winds
Thunderstorms & Flash Floods
Steep, off-camber terrain
And Much More
For each trip, we list the difficulty rating.
Easy: Motorized transport to the photo locations and only short walks required. May involve periods of standing or crouching.
Moderate: Mix of motorized transport and short hikes (2-4 miles max).
Strenuous: Long hikes and or backpacking. Good level of physical fitness is needed as we’ll be on our feet most of the day.
It is important that all participants have decent mobility and physical fitness since very few of the places we visit are deemed "accessible."
Where do I meet for the tour?
We can meet you in the Box Factory and leave from there.
Where Can I Find the Detailed Terms and Conditions?
For all the details, please follow this link:
Where Can I Find your Privacy Policy?
For all the details, please follow this link:
should I tip after a tour?
That is completely up to you! If you had an experience that exceeded your expectations, and want to show gratitude to your guide, they would gratefully accept it.