Cuba Photo Workshop Terms and Conditions




Reservations and payments:
A deposit or full payment and completed registration form (by mail) will reserve a place for you on a workshop/trip. Trip fees are quoted in US dollars and must be paid in US dollars or Euro only. For workshop/trips outside the USA, full payment is due 60 days prior to departure date. If final payment is not received when due, we reserve the right to treat your reservation as canceled, as if in writing, as per our cancellation and refunds policy, below.
Price:
Any non-photographer (spouse, friend or significant other) who wishes to come along is counted as a participant and as such must pay his/her way. However, Tati Biermas offers a 10% trip discount to any non-photographer. Each workshop has its own itinerary, final payment due dates and price structure, detailing what is included and what is not included in the workshop fee. These details are on the individual workshop description page. You agree that you have read and understood these details, along with the general workshop faq.

Cancellations and refunds:
Cancellation fees are not transferable and no refunds are made for unused or missed portions or services of a workshop/trip for any reason whatsoever. You must notify us in writing of your withdrawal and cancellation. All notifications must be made via 
email. The date we receive your email notification will be used as the date you gave your notice to cancel, at which time the following fees (plus any transaction fees; credit card company fees, etc.) will apply:
·         60 days or more prior to workshop start date will be subject to a $750 USD per person fee
·         59 to 30 days prior to workshop start date will be subject to a $1200 USD per person fee
·         0 to 29 days prior to workshop there will be No Refund
If a registered participant switches from one trip to a trip departing on a later date, the cancellation policy dates are still calculated from the departure date of the originally booked trip.

Tati Biermas reserves the right to cancel any trip/workshop, at any time prior to workshop/trip start date, in which case a full refund of all funds will be given. However, she is not responsible for any expenses such as, but not limited to, non-refundable air tickets, hotel deposits, etc.

Because of the fees for trips outside the USA that are paid directly to the travel outfitter (who have very restrictive refund policies), in any unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, such as but not limited to, a medical emergency, Tati Biermas has the right to substitute a trip leader/teacher with someone of equal or similar credentials, at any time prior to the trip departure date. If such a change is necessary, you will be notified immediately. However, such a change will not be deemed sufficient grounds for a refund other than stated in the cancellation policy. Additionally, at his discretion Tati Biermas also has the option to cancel the trip any time prior to the workshop/trip departure date for any reason, such as low enrollment. In case of such a cancellation a full refund of all funds paid will be given. However, Tati Biermas is not responsible for any expenses such as, but not limited to, non-refundable air tickets, hotel deposits, etc.

Maximum participants:
All Tati Biermas´workshops are limited to a small number of participants in order to ensure adequate teaching time in the field. The maximum number of participants are listed under the workshop/trip details section of each individual workshop.
Active elements:
To enjoy the workshop/trip as intended, a minimum level of fitness is required. The workshop activities are within the capabilities of people in good health. But prepare yourself to walk lots (bring comfortable shoes). By registering for this workshop/trip you certify that you do not have any physical limitation or other condition that would create a risk for yourself or other participants. Tati Biermas reserves the right to decline to accept anyone that he considers unsuitable due to fitness level. She also reserves the right to remove from the trip, at the participant's own expense, anyone whose condition is such that it could create a hazard to them-self or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other participants on the trip. If you have concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness as it relates to a trip, please contact Tati Biermas before reserving a space.
Responsibility and liability:
You will be responsible for studying all pre-trip information; for bringing all photographic equipment, personal items and appropriate clothing; for acting in a manner considerate of fellow participants, environments, and locations. Smoking is not permitted at any time during the workshop/trip in or near the vehicles, other participants, dining areas or shooting locations. Any participation in an illegal event and/or activity during the workshop gives just cause to immediately terminate your participation in the workshop with no refund. We reserve the right at our discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on a workshop/trip.
You understand that while itineraries are carefully planned, they are not a guaranteed schedule of activities, events, or participation. There may be situations beyond our control due to weather, geography, natural history, cultural events, governmental restrictions or other situations that will cause changes in timing, locations, and activities. Tati Biermas reserves the right to make any changes in the published itinerary whenever, in her judgment, conditions warrant, or if he deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants. You understand that any of these changes are not sufficient reason for partial or complete refund.

Tati Biermas reserves the right to take photographs/video of workshop participants during the workshop/trip and to use them in connection with the advertising and promotion of future workshops.

Your registration serves as a release of liability of Tati Biermas and/or any cooperating agents/partners and a complete assumption of all risks. Tati Biermas will assume no liability for losses or additional expenses due to any act, error, omission, injury, illness, loss, delay, mishap, or damage to persons or property arising from any cause or expenses thereof associated with workshop/trip participation or in transit thereto or therefrom. The participant needs to sign a waiver of liability and hold harmless agreement on arrival at the mandatory introduction meeting to waive any claim against Tati Biermas and/or any cooperating agents/partners for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. You further agree that if you are injured or become ill, Tati Biermas, may, at your cost, arrange or supply medical treatment, evacuation or any other emergency services on your behalf as Tati BIermas deems necessary or appropriate for your safety and wellbeing.

Arrangements:
Any vaccinations, airline reservations, insurance, visa requirements (not included in the trip), and all other travel or medically related arrangements, etc., are the final responsibility of the participant. The supplier/outfitter and/or hotel(s) of all trips is subject to change without notice or compensation at Tati Biermas' discretion.

Late arrival:
If for any reason you are late arriving to a workshop, it will be your responsibility to meet up with the group. You will be expected to arrange and pay for your own way until you catch up with the group.

Accommodations:
Single accommodations are available for a supplemental cost; please see individual workshop/trip page for details. Should you wish to share a room and we cannot find someone on the trip for you to share a room with, you will be required to pay the single room supplement.

Travel documents:
You are responsible for ensuring that you have the proper travel documents including visa medical insurance). International travelers and US citizens traveling outside their country of origin are required to carry a passport, valid for six months beyond your departure date and should also have sufficient blank pages for visa and immigration stamps.
Tati Biermas cannot be held responsible should you be denied entry to a country due to non-compliance with these requirements. All trips to Cuba comply with current laws and regulations.
Participants are responsible for ensuring all necessary documentation is current and valid.

Insurance:
Visitors to Cuba now must have proof of valid medical insurance. Tati Biermas recommends you also buy refundable air ticket or travel insurance. A camera equipment insurance can be useful, too. Insurance is not included in the workshop/trip cost.

Special requests:
Specific requests such as adjacent or connecting rooms, roommate gender or special dietary needs should be advised at time of registration. Every effort will be made to secure your special requests. However we cannot guarantee that all requirements will be met and have no liability to you if they are not met.

Baggage:
Please check with your international carrier or travel agency for luggage details as weight restrictions on some routes on air flights may apply also ask about baggage restrictions applicable to your international flights.
Workshop/trip prices include the handling of two pieces of baggage per person at the destination. Baggage and personal effects are handled the at owner's risk throughout the travel program.


Any claim or dispute in connection with this Agreement shall be submitted to Tati Biermas of Cozoomel, in Cozumel, Mexico. Any award shall provide for the payment of reasonable attorney's fees, costs and disbursements to the prevailing party and a judgment thereon may be entered by the appropriate court in Cozumel, Mexico. This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of Mexico. Any disputes will be resolved under Mexican Law. The municipal court of the city of Cozumel, State of Quintana Roo, Mexico, will have complete and absolute jurisdiction regarding any legal action.
You agree that no oral representations, statements or other inducements apart from the foregoing written above have been made. This Agreement sets forth our entire understanding and may not be modified except in writing. By registering for a workshop/trip, you agree that you are 18 years or age or older, and that you have carefully read, fully understand and agree to all the contents of the Terms and Conditions listed above. All Terms and Conditions are subject to change without notice.