WORKSHOP FAQs
Below you’ll find some of the most common questions about my workshops and photo tours. It’s a great place to start if you’re thinking about joining a trip and want to know what to expect. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to get in touch at info@paulalistaircollins.co.uk and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
I will carefully take into consideration your equipment and skillset for each tour. Upon booking, you will receive a recommended kit list. If you have any queries about what to take, please feel free to get in touch with me at info@paulalistaircollins.co.uk.
For most photo tours, I recommend a DSLR, bridge or mirrorless camera or similar. A zoom lens in the 100-400mm range will offer adequate range for most encounters, although a teleconverter can give extra reach for photographing shyer animals.
On many tours, a wide-angle lens of 24-105mm or a GoPro is recommended for landscapes, sunrises/sets, and creative images of approachable wildlife.
I always suggest taking as much as you can, because you never know what opportunities might arise!
Tripods are rarely necessary, and a beanbag or monopod will usually be sufficient. We may provide tripods and gimbals in some cases, such as for hide photography sessions.
Binoculars are handy for picking off animals at distance.
Yes! Firstly, if you intend to invest in any new equipment for a workshop, I'm always happy to offer advice so you find the right fit for you. I also offer discounted kit hire with Lenses For Hire (10% on UK tours, and up to 25% for overseas tours). This gives you an opportunity to try out some of the fastest lenses and top cameras at very good costs. Just ask for my advice before booking.
On some tours, there will be the opportunity to use the latest Sony kit, as part of my partnership with Sony.
In most cases, yes! I often have beginners on my workshops. As I work with small groups, I can provide help on a more individual basis to those who need it most. Some tours are more suitable for beginners than others, so it's best to ask this when you send your initial enquiry.
On most tours, I only ever take up to five participants. This ensures that everyone has a better and more intimate wildlife experience, more 1-on-1 learning, freedom, and plenty of space in each vehicle. Most importantly, we don't overwhelm animals.
On some international tours, such as to India, Italy, Japan, and Panama, I take up to a maximum of 8 participants. I run most of these with the help of a local photographer of guide, and our party will split into two 4-person groups for some activities and improve our chances of spotting rarer wildlife.
Depends! The focus is on learning photography skills and building an impressive portfolio of images, which can require early mornings and long days out to maximise photography opportunities (with a break in the middle of the day). Don't expect a "feet up" holiday, as this is about getting fantastic results and good value for money experiences.
That said, there are opportunities should you you wish to rest one day, soak up local culture or photo opportunities closer to our accommodation.
It works in everyone's favour if we pay our own meal costs, as these are difficult to precisely calculate, so you don't end up paying any more for food than you actually need to (especially if you have a smaller appetite). We will generally eat traditional, fresh local cuisine.
For some tour locations, breakfast is included, and sometimes other meals.
(For Rainforest Animals Of Panama, all meals are included).
For most tours, it is easy to cater for vegetarian and vegan diets. Anyone with a more specialised diet should speak to me before booking, as in very remote rural areas there can be a limited choice of food options.
For a few tours in the UK and Spain, we have the option of self-catering. Paul will volunteer to cook in order to be more flexible with mealtimes.
Do get in touch if you have any further questions.
In most cases, yes. Rooms are private and often en-suite (single/double occupancy).
For longer overseas photo tours (e.g. East India Tigers), we can offer shared and single occupancy. A single supplement may be offered, with any charges kept as low as possible. As the lodges and hotels we use for such trips are mostly small, family-run places, they may apply single supplements in order to cover their limited room capacity. If you’d prefer to share, we’re usually able to match guests with someone of a similar age and the same sex who is also keen to share, which can be a great way to keep costs down. Just let us know your preference in advance.
It is always best to contact me directly at info@paulalistaircollins.co.uk if you have any concerns about weather. A full recommended kit list will be sent to you upon booking, so you are wearing appropriate clothing for our scheduled activities.
Yes. The best conditions for photography and animal behaviours are often around sunrise and sunset, so I'll try to ensure that we are in good locations at these times.
Most tours require minimal to light walking on even terrain, and use transportation between photography locations. There are often plenty of photo opportunities even around our accommodation.
Even in more mountainous locations (e.g. Abruzzo Adventure, East India, Raptors Of The Pyrenees), walking is generally very short distance, and many species can be observed from roadsides. There are optional longer walks across moderate terrain for certain trickier species.
Please contact me if you have any mobility issues or concerns at info@paulalistaircollins.co.uk.
I will try to include some basic guidance on image processing and selection, to help you make the most of your images. This will be during the evening or during any spells of poor weather. We'll also explore creative ideas and techniques that we'd like to explore over the coming days.
I won't be teaching in-depth Photoshop or Lightroom from scratch, as I offer a longer dedicated course for this purpose. Do however feel free to bring along some of your photos and I'll be happy to lend some critique, if time allows.
A Welcome Pack will be sent to you upon booking, with full details of where and when to meet.
For UK-based workshops, I usually try to meet people at a landmark or station close to our photo locations.
For overseas tours, we usually meet at the airport, either in the UK or at our final destination. Please ask my advice at info@paulalistaircollins.co.uk if you have any travel related questions or queries about flights.
For popular tours, I have a waiting list for the current and following year. Details of new tours are sent out to those who subscribe to my eNewsletter.
It is best to Make An Enquiry on the relevant tour booking page, to register your interest. I will get in touch as soon as possible about whether a place is available. If a trip is over-subscribed, I will often offer an additional tour, so you shouldn't have to wait too long!
Your Welcome Pack and Final Instructions (including kit lists, and details of where and when to meet) are typically sent out 2-3 months prior to departure. In the event of delay, please contact me directly at info@paulalistaircollins.co.uk.
Yes I will. I will always prioritise your photography and be there for you to ask me questions at any time. There is a lot to learn from watching a professional wildlife photographer at work, from their shooting position to compositional choices. You can look through my camera any time to see the choices I make.