Creative Eye Workshops
Policies, Application Process, & Liability Waiver

Photography Classes & Outings

COVID PANDEMIC RULES (updated 9/6/2022):

IN-PERSON CLASSES: At this time, vaccinations and masks are optional.

ONLINE CLASSES: Some of our courses are now taught online, and it works out great! However, there are other classes (like “Get to Know Your Camera” and “Complete Exposure”) that must be taught in person.

IMPORTANT ITEM #1: If you purchase a class and then later realize that you did not meet our COVID requirements, which usually means that you didn’t read them in the first place, you will receive a partial refund equal to the amount paid minus the credit card processing fee of APPROXIMATELY 3 percent.

IMPORTANT ITEM #2: At the end of your order of classes, you’ll be taken to the “Student Application” form that must be filled out to be enrolled in the classes. If we do not receive the application, your acceptance into the classes will remain pending and you are not yet officially enrolled. So, please don’t forget to fill out the form! You know that you’ve been officially enrolled when you receive a personal congratulatory confirmation email.

IMPORTANT ITEM #3: You may only order classes for yourself, a minor child or ward seventeen years of age and older . No exceptions. Minors still must fill out their own applications, not the parents. To give classes as a gift, please send a Creative Eye Gift Card. If you order on behalf of someone else other than yourself,  your minor child, or ward, we will send you a Gift Card code for the exact amount of your class-related purchase which you can then present to the intended student. The student must then sign up for any class(es) on our website, and use that Gift Card code for payment.

AGE REQUIREMENT: Students must be a minimum of seventeen years of age at the time of the first class session. No exceptions. 

FIRST PAID, FIRST SERVED: All classes are filled on a first-paid, first-served basis, even if your application has already been approved.

APPLYING FOR CLASSES: To apply for classes or workshops, simply select your classes by adding them to your shopping cart and then fill out the Student Application form at the end of your order.

APPLICATIONS WITHOUT PAYMENT CANNOT BE PROCESSED.

There is no deadline for application. However, many of the workshops fill quickly, so prompt application is recommended.

Your participation for the entire workshop session is extremely important. If your schedule requires you to arrive after the start or to leave prior to the end of the workshop, please contact us before applying.

ACCEPTANCE

Applications are reviewed to determine if the photographer qualifies for the specific class(es). For more advanced classes, please give thought to the “Background Information” section of the application. You will receive an email providing detailed information and suggestions for preparing for the workshop.

DEPOSIT, PAYMENTS, & GIFT CARDS

We accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express) or you can mail your check, money order, or Creative Eye Gift Card to:

Mike MacDonald Photography
6200 Belmont Road
Downers Grove IL 60516

If payment is by CHECK, MONEY ORDER, or CREATIVE EYE GIFT CARD you’re application will not processed or accepted unless full payment is received within 7 days from the date on your invoice or, if your first class starts in fewer than 7 days, 48 hours prior to the start of that class. Therefore, to ensure quick placement, we recommended payment by credit card.

FEES

Workshop fees cover tuition only. Additional amenities such as travel, lodging, meals, etc. are not included unless specifically noted in the workshop description.

CANCELLATIONS, RESCHEDULING, & REFUNDS

If you have tickets to a show or a game, you lose out if you cannot attend. Everyone understands that these rules are fair. To follow are our rules:

CANCELLATIONS: If you wish to withdraw from a class, you must inform us no later than 30 days prior to the first session of your class, and we will refund your deposit or full tuition, whichever is applicable, less $50. Thereafter, the entire amount is not refundable.

RESCHEDULING: You may only reschedule into the exact same class (same class title) and only if the class is regularly recurring (scheduled at least three times a year). The perfect example of such a class is “Get to Know Your Camera,” which is held many times throughout the year. On the other hand, outings and workshops like “Starved Rock Spring Learning Adventure,” “Light & The Landscape,” and “Split Grad Filter Secrets” are only held only once a year and cannot be rescheduled. In those cases, you’d lose the full tuition.

If you need to reschedule and take the class on another date from what you signed up for, please look at the class schedule and send us an email requesting the date that you’d like to attend. You have 7 days from the time of your notification to choose a new date from the class calendar and email us with a request to be placed in that class. If you do not, you will forfeit the full tuition. Again, you must take the same class. Also, if the class is a prerequisite for other classes that you’re already scheduled to take, you must make up the class before proceeding.

A Rescheduling Fee will be charged based on when your written email notification is received prior to the First Session of the class. We will subtract the Rescheduling Fee from your paid tuition and give you a Creative Eye Gift Card for any balance left. If you have an existing gift card or workshop package, we’ll restore that value there. (If notification is made after 5:00 pm on a weekday, over a weekend, or on a holiday, the official date and time of receipt will be 9:00am the following non-holiday weekday.) Use the following schedule to determine your status:
– At least 15 days (two weeks) prior: NO CHARGE
– Fewer than 10 days: $50 or One-Third of Full Tuition* (rounded to nearest dollar), whichever is greater
– Fewer than 7 days: $75 or Half of Full Tuition* (rounded to nearest dollar), whichever is greater
– Fewer than 3 days (72 hours): $100 or Two-Thirds of Full Tuition* (rounded to nearest dollar), whichever is greater
– Fewer than 1 day (24 hours) or no notification of any kind (no show): Full Tuition*

*  FULL TUITION is the full price of the class BEFORE DISCOUNTS (like sales or Workshop Package prices). Full Tuition is the most you can be charged. 

EXAMPLE 1: You notify us by email 6 days before a class that you cannot attend. The Rescheduling Fee falls into the “Less than 7 days” category, which makes the Rescheduling Fee equal to “$75 or One-Third of the Full Tuition (round to the nearest dollar), whichever is greater.” You paid $249 for the class. One-third of that tuition is $83, which is greater than $75. Therefore, $83 is the Rescheduling Fee. You will receive a Creative Eye Gift Card in the amount of $166 ($249 – $83). If you used a gift card (or workshop package code) to pay for the class, $166 will be restored to that card.

EXAMPLE 2: You notify us by email two-and-a-half days before a class that you cannot attend. The Rescheduling Fee falls into the “Less than 3 days” category, which makes the Rescheduling Fee equal to “$100 or Two-Thirds of the Full Tuition (round to the nearest dollar), whichever is greater.” You paid $149 for the class. Two-thirds of that tuition is $99, which is less than $100. So, $100 is the Rescheduling Fee. You will receive a Creative Eye Gift Card in the amount of $49 ($249 – $83). If you used a gift card (or workshop package code) to pay for the class, $166 will be restored to that card.

IMPORTANT: If you are accepted into the rescheduled class, you will not be allowed to reschedule that class again without a full forfeiture of the tuition for that class. The schedule above no longer applies.

You have 2 weeks (14 days) from the date of your email notification of cancellation to choose a new class date,

IF WE CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE: If it is necessary for us to reschedule or cancel any class or learning adventure due to any reason other than an Act of God or inclement weather, all registered participants will be promptly notified by email or phone. The class or session(s) will be rescheduled and, if you are unable to attend, you will have the choice to attend the cancelled sessions in the future or apply your tuition (pro-rated based on the remaining sessions) to any future class, learning adventure, or any product offered by Mike MacDonald Photography, Inc./ChicagoNature.com.

In case of an Act of God all registered participants will be promptly notified by email or phone, unless there’s a catastrophe that prohibits us from doing so. A Make-up Date or Make-up Dates will be offered. If you cannot make the Make-up Date(s), you may make up the remaining session in a future class or apply your tuition (pro-rated based on the remaining sessions) to any future class, learning adventure, or any product offered by Mike MacDonald Photography, Inc./ChicagoNature.com.

In case of inclement weather all registered participants will be promptly notified by email or phone, plus:

– Learning Adventures (outings) always include a Make-up Date as part of your participation. If the original date is cancelled, you are required to attend the Make-up Date. In the event that the Make-up Date is cancelled, students may apply their tuition to any future class, learning adventure, or any product offered by Mike MacDonald Photography, Inc./ChicagoNature.com.

– Classes (workshops): During the winter months, snow is always possible. Travel time is often the issue. Prior to any session, please monitor the weather and make arrangements to attend the class. This may mean, for example, leaving your job early to get a head start on traffic. On snowy days, it’s very common for all students to make the class. If we deem it as an Act of God, please see Act of God information above.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

It is impossible to get the late student caught up on the material that is missed at the beginning of a Lecture Session. Therefore, it’s essential that you arrive on time for class, preferably fifteen minutes before class begins.

ARRIVE LATE OR MISS A LECTURE SESSION: If you arrive late or miss a lecture session (as opposed to a discussion or fully hands-on session) of a multi-session class, you will not be allowed to continue with the remainder of the class and you will not receive a refund. That’s because you already missed too much information, making it impossible to catch up on your own. This is particularly true for the first session of most classes because it’s always the most important lecture session. This includes classes like “Get to Know Your Camera,” “Make Great Pictures, Now!,” “Complete Exposure,” etc. However, there are some Unusual Exceptions. They are certain classes that are designed in a modular way, which may make it easier for you to catch up on your own without too much trouble. Obviously, if you’re late to a one-session class, just show up and learn as much as you can.

If you miss a lecture session other than the first and you’d like to pick up where you left off in a future class, you will be assessed a rescheduling fee that is pro-rated to the amount of sessions remaining in the class. For example, if you miss the last session of a 4-session class, you would pay one-quarter or 25% of the class tuition. If you miss the second lecture session, you would need to make up sessions 2, 3, and 4. This amounts to three-quarters or 75% of the class tuition. If you wish to repeat the entire class at another time, then you must pay the full tuition again.

ARRIVE LATE OR MISS A LEARNING ADVENTURE (OUTING): If you are late to a Learning Adventure, there is no penalty. But we may not be able to wait for you and you may not be able to find us. However, if you do not attend a learning adventure (outing), it will be recognized as a Full Cancellation. You may not attend the subsequent feedback session or make up any sessions.

GIFT CARDS

Gift Cards expire 5 years from the date of issue and are redeemable solely for private instruction and classes that are fully sponsored by Mike MacDonald Photography. Gift cards cannot be used to purchase Gift Cards or Coupons. There shall be no refunds or exchanges for cash or non-applicable products or services. With each redemption, the value of Gift Card is reduced and no cash will be returned. Mike MacDonald Photography does not track Gift Card ownership or values and is not responsible for loss or theft. To redeem, Gift Card must be presented to Mike MacDonald Photography at the time payment is requested. Gift Card will be returned, with a reduction in value, to owner (usually in person at first lesson). All cancellation and refund policies apply.

WORKSHOP PACKAGES

Workshop Packages are gift cards that have both a Promotional Value and a Paid Value that may only be redeemed for the individual photography classes listed for that package that are fully sponsored by Mike MacDonald Photography, Inc. (Creative Eye Workshops).

Workshop Packages cannot be used to purchase Gift Cards, Coupons, Vouchers, discounted or items on sale. Workshop Packages only applies to full-priced items.

The Promotional Value lasts for two (2) years from the printed Date of Issue and ONLY applies to the Student (printed below). The Paid Value expires five (5) years from the Date of Issue.

Workshop Packages may be redeemed by someone other than Student, however the value will take on the Paid Value, not the Promotional Value, and all prerequisites apply.

To redeem, Workshop Package Gift Card Code must be presented to Mike MacDonald Photography, Inc. at the time payment is requested. The value of the Workshop Package is stored on our website’s system. There shall be no refunds or exchanges for cash or non-applicable products or services and no cash will be returned. Mike MacDonald Photography, Inc. is not responsible for loss or theft. All cancellation and refund policies apply.

If a class is modified (lengthened, shortened, etc.), the “VALUE” and number of “SESSIONS” will be used to convert your coupon accordingly. If a class is no longer offered, then you may apply the coupon to any other class or receive a refund for the Paid Value of that specific class.

REFUNDS

If a refund is granted, and the mistake was for any reason that is of your own making (and not the fault of Mike MacDonald Photography, Inc.), like not reading or following our policies, cancelling out of a class, , etc., the amount of your refund will equal the full amount MINUS the credit card processing fee, which is APPROXIMATELY equal to three percent (3%) of the full amount. Otherwise, you will receive the full amount in return.

POLICIES

No smoking or pets allowed on the premises or in natural areas. Use of cell phones is limited to breaks and mealtimes.

Private Lessons

Private lessons need to be scheduled in advance. The fee for the first hour of the lesson is not refundable if you cancel or reschedule less than one week (7 days) from the scheduled lesson time.

For this document, Mike MacDonald Photography, Inc. will be known as “Company.”

Please carefully read this document as evidence of your concurrence. Each individual participating in a Company class or workshop must agree to the contents of this form as part the registration process. Participants under the age of majority in their home state must have this agreement acknowledged by a parent or guardian.

I am aware that the courses and activities of the Company’s program in which I am participating present certain risks including, but not limited to, bodily injury, death, illness, loss or damage to personal property, and other safety-related dangers. I further understand that outdoor courses present inherent risks of personal injury or sickness, such as falling or tripping, Lyme disease and West Nile virus, forces of nature such as lightning strikes, travel by automobile or other conveyance.

I understand these risks, recognize that these dangers cannot be eliminated, and acknowledge other dangers not mentioned may also exist. I understand the physical requirements of participation in these activities and affirm I meet these requirements, and that my physical and mental health is good, and that I am not under a doctor’s care for any condition that might endanger other participants or me. I understand that instructors may not possess the required training or equipment to handle incidents that may occur. In case of injury, accident, illness, or my inability to complete these activities, I will bear the full cost of any additional transportation or evacuation procedures performed by Company or others.

I certify that I am voluntarily participating in these activities and assume all risks, consequences, and potential liability for this participation. I hereby release Company, its employees, staff, instructors, volunteers, and representatives, as well as, Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, forest preserve districts of the Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will, and all other land managers where these activities occur from any and all liability claims, causes of action, debts, and demands that may arise as a result of my participation in these activities. In the event that a lawsuit is filed, I agree to do so only in the county of DuPage in the state of Illinois and further agree that the substantive law of the state shall apply in that action without regard to the conflict of the rules of that state. This document shall also serve as a release and assumption of risk for my heirs, personal representatives, executors, administrators, and members of my family. Company reserves the right to cancel or change activities without prior notice, and reserves the right to cancel the registration of any participant it determines fails to meet the requirements of these activities. I have had sufficient time to read this entire document. I have read and understood it, and agree to be bound by its terms.

SHOOTING CONDITIONS: Company schedules its events months in advance and does its best to predict the best times and conditions for photography. However, I understand and stipulate that Mother Nature is unpredictable and that it is impossible for Company to truly know what will happen. Therefore, I agree to hold Company harmless if conditions do not meet my expections. This includes, but is not limited to, weather, light, and growing conditions, rain, drought, lack of blooming, minimal color, lack water flow, and so forth.

PHOTOS: I shall allow Company the right to use photographs taken of me taking part in its classes, outings, or events as part of its advertising and promotional campaigns including websites, brochures, etc. without reimbursement.

MAILING LISTS & PRIVACY: I shall allow Company to place me on its mailing list and contact list to receive future news and/or promotions. I, at any time, may inform Company to remove me from its mailing list and Company. Company will not sell or share any of my personal information to any other party unless I agree.

As a parent or guardian of participant(s), I acknowledge reading this form and agree to all the provisions above. In addition to the above release and assumption of risk, I also give my permission for instructors, staff, volunteers, and emergency personnel to make necessary first aid decisions in the event of an accident, injury, or illness to the above named participant.