Terms and Conditions

Participation

You must be 18 years or older to participate. Prices generally do not include meals, accommodations, gear, transportation, or incidentals unless otherwise noted in workshop description. You are responsible for supplying your personal needs. Participation requires acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth in my waiver & consent form sent out after registration.

Payment

You can pay by paypal,  cashiers check, money order or cash. Space is limited and accommodations will be assigned on a first come first serve basis. We encourage early registration in order to confirm your place and obtain the level of accommodations you seek.

Registration & Cancellation Policy

By registering for a Chris Olivas "workshop," participant agrees to participate in the Workshop during the time period chosen. A nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve your space in a workshop. If the workshop is canceled for any reason by Chris or Client, the nonrefundable deposit will be transferred towards another workshop of your choice. If your spot is unable to be filled, Chris has the right to keep your remaining balance to recover losses. Travel insurance is highly recommended for any cancellations so both client and Chris can recover their financial losses.  Reservations must be made in advance. Non-refundable deposit can only be applied to future workshops that are not sold out. If you select a single supplement option and cancel, you will be responsible for any hotel fee's associated with your cancellationTRAVEL INSURANCE

The safety of all the participants and the group is our first priority. For that reason, each participant attending a Chris Olivas photo workshop hereby confirms that they understand and agree to purchase the required insurance listed below, that is valid internationally, and that they will be required to provide proof of coverage prior to departure for the workshop and in order to participate.

Participants must provide at least 30 days prior to the start of the workshop their insurance emergency number, insurance email contact, and policy number in case the workshop leaders need to communicate with the insurance company should any emergency arise.

REQUIRED COVERAGE

• Accident & Sickness Medical Expense Coverage (minimum $100,000 USD)
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation of Remains (minimum $200,000 USD)
• Accidental Death / Dismemberment
• Trip Cancellation Coverage

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL COVERAGE

• Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage
• Hospital Room and Board
• Trip Delay / Interruption

Chris Olivas is not a travel insurance agency/broker or intermediary and has no obligation in assisting in the purchase of any type of travel/medical insurance.

Chris Olivas can suggest and express his opinion about different companies and policies but is not liable for any issue related to the purchase of any type of travel/medical insurance.

Chris Olivas also suggests evaluating your risk and purchasing travel insurance that covers the full value of the photo workshop and personal effects in the case of trip cancellation, loss or theft of baggage, and emergency evacuation. Chris Olivas, their owners, agents, and subsidiaries will not be held responsible for these expenses. It is vital for you to realize that if you experience a delay or find it necessary to cancel or cut short the workshop for any reason, you will lose part or the entire sum of the amount paid (see the section “Payments & Deposits and Cancellation & Refunds” in the terms and conditions above).

Travel insurance helps minimize the risk of monetary losses you would incur in the event of a delay of your departure due to weather, airline strike, missed connections, etc., your inability to travel for reasons such as illness, injury, unforeseen financial complications and other personal circumstances, or if you were required to cut the workshop short for medical or any other reasons.

There are restrictions and limitations on any insurance program. For this reason, we always recommend that you carefully read the fine print of your insurance policy.

FITNESS AND HEALTH

Chris Olivas offers a diverse range of workshops with varying physical demands, ranging from moderate to strenuous. Participants are required to review the physical level and/or hiking charts specified for each tour on the respective workshop page and carefully assess whether they meet the necessary fitness and mobility to undertake the tour. It is crucial to note that while significant hikes are explicitly mentioned in the tour descriptions, there are other physical activities involved during the tours that may not be detailed in the tour description. These activities may include, but are not limited to, boarding and disembarking vehicles, walking to the different places visited during the tour additionally to any specific hike and physical exertion mentioned in the specific workshop page.

Besides, each participant should be able to carry and manage their own photography equipment and luggage. Some hotels may not be equipped with elevators or air-conditioning.

Participants are solely responsible for accurately evaluating their physical capabilities and ensuring that they are adequately prepared for the physical demands of the tour. CHris Olivas cannot be held liable for any injuries, health complications, or dissatisfaction resulting from a participant’s failure to meet the fitness requirements or to fully comprehend the physical expectations of the tour. By engaging in our workshops, participants acknowledge and accept this responsibility.

In situations where the physical condition of a participant poses a risk to their own well-being, the well-being of other participants, or the guides, Chris Olivas reserves the right to request that the participant curtail their trip. In such cases, no refund or liability will be assumed by Chris Olivas. Additionally, any associated costs incurred as a result of the participant’s early departure, such as flight changes, accommodations, rescue services, and the like, will be the sole responsibility of the participant.

It is essential for participants to prioritize their own safety and the safety of others during the tour. By agreeing to these terms and conditions, participants acknowledge and accept that their failure to meet the physical requirements or to comply with the instructions provided by the guide may result in their exclusion from the tour without any entitlement to a refund or compensation from Chris Olivas.

If the participant has any special needs or any physical condition that might prevent him/her from fully participating, it must be listed and disclosed when filling out the Chris Olivas workshop Registration Form in the “Health & Safety information” section, and he/she send us an email to us in advance with any further questions or concerns. Chris Olivas assumes no responsibility for the participants medical care nor does it guarantee to meet their special dietary requirements.

Chris Olivas reserves the right to ask for a Clean bill of health from a doctor if it is considered necessary prior to the development of the workshop.

Please be aware that medical services and facilities might not be readily available during all or part of the workshop. This could include emergency medical care, presence of physicians, or adequate medication. Please notify us in advance of any allergies, physical / mental conditions or medications you’re currently taking that may affect your health also in the Chris Olivas workshop Registration Form.

Participants must provide the information for two emergency contacts to Chris Olivas before the workshop in the Registration form. This information will include full name, relationship, number and email. Chris Olivas will not use this information for any purpose except for informing the emergency contacts in case an emergency happens.

If Vaccinations are required for a workshop, each participant is responsible for the cost of these vaccinations and will need to show proof of vaccinations to Chris Olivas prior to the start date of the tour.

CHANGES IN SERVICES

Chris Olivas reserves the right to alter the prices of the workshop Rates for any change based on tariffs, U.S. exchange rates and supplier fees. If the group falls below the minimum requirement, the workshop is subject to cancellation or a small group supplemental fee to make the workshop possible.

Chris Olivas reserves the right to cancel or make changes to the published itinerary, including removal or substitution of tour leaders, whenever, in its judgment, conditions warrant, without consulting the participants. Participants have no right to any refund or other considerations in the event of these itinerary or tour leader changes. Chris Olivas reserves the right to cancel any workshop before departure, in which case a full refund of all amounts paid to the participants will be made. Any costs incurred by the participant to be able to participate in the tour (booking of hotel rooms on location, flights, train tickets, etc.) will not be refunded by Chris Olivas.

If changes are made, tour leaders will plan each day considering the interests of the group and the weather at hand. Be assured that Chris Olivas will make substitutions that are similar in quality and interest when possible.

If there is a change in the itinerary that requires the booking of new accommodation due to weather, accident or unforeseeable conditions, the cost of the new accommodation will be the responsibility of each participant and not Chris Olivas.

Chris Olivas is not responsible for the conditions of a third party rented vehicle, and will not be responsible for any delay or change in the workshop caused as a consequence of the service of third-party rental companies.

INCLUDED IN workshop COSTS

The inclusions on each tour are listed in the specific workshop page.

NOT INCLUDED IN workshop COSTS

Domestic or International airfare to and from the workshop beginning & ending locations; airfare tax; airport departure tax (if applicable); airport departure transfers; additional transfers or accommodations that may be required by those not traveling with the group; excess baggage charges; meals / snacks not included in the workshop as indicated on the individual workshop website page; side activities taken on your own; passport / visa expenses; individual medical or travel insurance costs; any expenses of a personal nature, such as room service, laundry, drinks & alcoholic beverages; medical expenses; photography equipment; any activities not specified in the workshop itinerary or that are listed as optional, or any items not listed in what is included on the individual information page on our website; possible fuel surcharges; exchange rate surcharges;  gratuities to the guides and drivers are customary.

AIRFARE

Airfare is NOT included in the workshop Rates provided. Before booking your airfare, please check the workshop welcome brochure for arrival and departure time specific requirements. Chris Olivas can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses on airfare due to trip cancellation or alteration. We suggest booking a refundable fare or purchasing the optional insurance in case the workshop must be canceled, postponed or altered.

SINGLE/SHARED ACCOMMODATIONS

In some workshops, a limited number of single rooms/cabins are available at an extra cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Chris Olivas will assist participants requesting a roommate. Participants will be notified if a suitable roommate is not available, in which case the single rate will be charged.

Accommodations are based on double occupancy (two people sharing a room). Requests for single occupancy are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, when available and subject to a supplemental fee at the rate stated on the individual workshop website page. The process for requesting single accommodation takes place at the moment of the booking before the workshop. Once at the destination, room assignments are final.

FOOD AND DRINK

Lunch and dinner will be taken in places convenient to the shooting areas. This will allow maximum flexibility.

During the workshop, Chris Olivas goal is to gather the entire group to have lunch or dinner together, but it is not mandatory for the participant to eat together with the group. In any case, participants must abide by the specific times for breakfast/lunch/dinner indicated by the photography Leaders so the itinerary is not compromised.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner might be taken at uncommon times following the workshop itinerary where the priority is photographing the different locations.

Food will not be included unless listed on the individual workshop website page.

LUGGAGE

In order to fit and travel comfortably, there is a maximum luggage capacity to be carried per participant. Unless confirmed in the workshop specific site or by Chris Olivas in the email information, this luggage will be a Medium suitcase/bag of 26″ in height (66 cm) with a capacity up to 75 liters and a standard Camera bag with a capacity up to 50 liters.

If this limit is exceeded by the participant, and we are forced to rent additional transport or a bigger vehicle to comfortably fit all the participants due to the extra size of the luggage, this cost will not be borne by Chris Olivas but by the participant whose luggage exceeds the determined limit.

MODEL RELEASE

Chris Olivas and its designated workshop operators and workshop leaders reserve the right to take photographs or videos during the operations of any workshop or part thereof and to use the resulting photography, videos, or recordings for promotional or commercial use. By making a reservation on a Chris Olivas workshop, the participant agrees to allow his/her likeness to be used by Chris Olivas, the authorized third parties, and the workshop operator without compensation to the participant. If the participant prefers that his/her likeness not be used, he/she must notify Chris Olivas in writing prior to departure of the expedition.

PHOTO RELEASE

Copyright in all photographs, video, and related materials (herein referred to as “workshop Materials”) created by the participant shall belong to the participant upon creation. The participant grants to Chris Olivas, their owners, agents and subsidiaries, a non-exclusive, worldwide, irrevocable license to use any workshop Materials voluntarily provided to Chris Olivas in any media for the following purposes: editorial use, promotion of this editorial use, advertising and promotion of workshops offered by Chris Olivas or promotion of workshops led by workshop Leaders representing Chris Olivas.

PARTICIPANTS PRIVACY & DATA

Chris Olivas will not share with any third parties the participants personal data (such as name, contact details, registration form details, travel preferences, and any special needs/disabilities or dietary requirements) and will use them for the operational needs related to organizing the workshop. Chris Olibas may also use the participants email to send information and newsletters related to its activity; If the participant wishes to not receive these, he/she should inform Chris Olivas upon booking.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful to the group and other participants.

Chris Olivas workshop groups are aimed at international participants without distinction of race, religion, gender, and age, and each participant must respect the other participants of the group at all times before and during the workshop.

Any use of illegal drugs or substances, committing or participating in any criminal or illegal activity & violence of any sort will not be tolerated and will result in the participant’s immediate removal from the workshop, without refund and at the participant’s expense. workshop leaders are authorized, and hereby reserve the right, to remove or exclude participants from the workshop, or any portion thereof, for actions they deem as inappropriate or disruptive to the group and the workshop without any refund or compensation.

COMPLAINTS

If the participant has a complaint, he/she should first inform the workshop leader while on the workshop so that the workshop leader can attempt to resolve and rectify the matter. If the participant is still dissatisfied, he/she should submit the complaint in writing to Chris Olivas within 30 days of the completion of the workshop.

THIRD-PARTY VENDORS AND CONTRACTORS

Chris Olivas acts only as an agent for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, sightseeing activities, or other services connected with the workshop. Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers.

Chris Olivas and its respective employees, agents, representatives, and assignees accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other incident which may be caused by the negligence, defect, default of any company or person in performing these services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided. Chris Olivas is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the workshop arranged by Chris Olivas. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy if desired, that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects as stated above in the “travel insurance” section.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY

By registering for any Chris Olivas workshop, participants certify that they have carefully read the dates, schedule of activities, the requirements, and the “Terms & Conditions” for the workshop and are aware that the workshop involves the risk of personal injury, death or loss (damage) to property. In consideration of the benefits derived by the workshop, participants voluntarily recognize and accept all risks thereof. Participants agree on behalf of themselves, their dependents, heirs, executors, and assignees, to release and hold harmless Chris Olivas, its employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, representatives, assigns and its designated tour operators (hereinafter referred to as the “workshop Operators”) from any and all claims, including but not limited to liability for delays, monetary damages, illness, injuries, death, or for the loss of or damage to property resulting directly or indirectly from any occurrences or conditions. Participants agree to abide by the conditions set forth under the “Terms & Conditions” and other sections as stated herein or elsewhere published. Participants in international tours affirm that they are covered by medical insurance, which is valid overseas. All participants affirm that they have not relied on any additional oral or written representation of the tour Operators for executing this release. Participants further acknowledge receipt of this release and understand and accept its terms and conditions. Any questions participants had concerning this release have been answered fully.

Chris Olivas organizes, promotes, and sells the workshop along with services they purchase from other suppliers. The suppliers are independent contractors and are not agents or employees of the tour Operators. They supply services that include but are not limited to, transportation, accommodations, meals, and excursions using local guides. While we endeavor to make travel arrangements with reputable suppliers, Chris Olivas is not responsible for the willful or negligent acts and/or omissions of such suppliers, their employees, agents, servants, or representatives, including, without limitation, their failure or inadequate delivery of services. All travel and arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the suppliers, air carriers and/or applicable governing laws. Chris Olivas and the suppliers providing transportation or any service can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to, but not limited to, delay, inconvenience, changes to or cancellation of itinerary, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, terrorism, defects in vehicles, breakdown in equipment, animals including transportation by animals, hiking, and any act, omission, negligence or other causes beyond their control. All such losses or expenses will be borne by the passenger, as the workshop rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. Chris Olivas is not responsible for expenses incurred by workshop participants in preparing for the workshop (i.e.: air tickets, visa/passport fees, equipment, medical expenses, individual transfers, etc.).

ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Participants are voluntarily participating in the workshop with knowledge that it involves some inherent risks and danger including, but not limited to, forces of nature, terrorism, civil unrest, strikes, wild animals (including animals used for transportation), all activities including hiking over rough terrain and in high altitude, theft, cancellation or changes in itinerary, negligent action of others or their agencies, or means of conveyance or accommodation which may not be operated nor maintained to standards common in Western countries like the United States. This includes health-related issues, and participants must be aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible during all or part of the workshop. This includes emergency medical care, the presence of physicians, and adequate medication. On expeditions of this type, it is not possible to accommodate persons with severe health problems, physical disabilities or mental illness. It is the passenger’s responsibility to judge the appropriateness of the travel activities to their own physical and mental capabilities. By forwarding the deposit, the passenger certifies they agree with these terms and conditions and that they do not have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for them or other participants. Chris Olivas and its suppliers take no responsibility for special arrangements or problems incurred by passengers unable to participate in the workshop or planned activities. The right is reserved to decline any person as a member of the workshop or to require any participant to withdraw from the workshop at any time.

INDEMNIFICATION

The participant agrees to defend and indemnify Chris Olivas, and its affiliate companies from and against any and all demands, claims or lawsuits (including without limitation, third party asserted demands, claims or lawsuits), actions, liabilities, damages, costs, losses and/or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) (collectively, “Claims and Damages”) which Chris Olivas may incur, suffer or be required to pay by reason of actions taken by the Participant, including those which result in damage to property owned by third parties, or any other Claims and Damages arising in connection with a third party claim suffered due to actions taken by the Participant. The Participant is liable to reimburse Chris Olivas for any Claims and Damages collected by third parties, during the workshop or after, as a result of or related to actions taken by the Participant.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the performance hereunder, brochures, or any other literature concerning a Chris Olivas workshops or the breach thereof, including without limitation any claim related to illness, injury, or death, shall be subject to the following conditions:

1. The dispute will be governed by California, USA law.

2. The parties agree that they will attempt in good faith to settle any and all disputes arising out of, under or in connection with this Agreement, including without limitation the validity, interpretation, performance and breach hereof, through a process of mediation in California, the USA under the supervision of a mutually agreed-upon mediator.

3. In the event that mediation fails to settle such a dispute, the parties agree that they will proceed to arbitration in California, USA, using one arbitrator pursuant to the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association;

4. The maximum amount of recovery to which a participant will be entitled under any and all circumstances will be the published cost of the participant’s workshop with Chris Olibas. This agreement to arbitrate does not waive or modify any liability release agreed by the participant.

FINAL

Additional Terms and Conditions may apply to some of the Chris Olivas workshops and will be provided with pre-workshop information mailings. By registering for a workshop with Chris Olivas, the participant agrees to the release of liability statement and the Terms and Conditions published on the website (https://cholivas.com/workshop-tour-terms-conditions) or in any printed materials.

Participants hereby acknowledge that they have read, understand and agree to, and will abide by, all the Terms and Conditions of participation in the workshop as set out above.

Participants must submit the Chris Olivas workshop registration form and Liability Waiver when doing the initial payment of the Deposit, the remaining payment, and the full payment and always prior to the start of the workshop.

Participants confirm that they have reviewed & agree to the dates and costs of the workshop and that they understand that flights are not included in the cost.