WAIVER/TERMS & CONDITIONS

WAIVER/
RESPONSIBILITY

Maison des Rêves welcomes you! Please take a moment to review this information.

I agree to the following conditions for myself, my personal  representatives, assigns, heirs, successors and next of kin:

Maison des Rêves (hereinafter "MDR" and which includes Renée Jacobs, Wendy Hicks, Renée Jacobs Photo workshops, Maison des Rêves Holidays, Artist Residency Programs, Tours or Activities, all employees, models, vendors, and associates of theirs in any capacity) shall not be liable for any damage or loss to person or property or injury to or death of persons during the course of (or travel to or from) the workshops, holidays, tours or activities.

I ACKNOWLEDGE, agree and represent that I understand the nature of MDR activities, and that I am qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such activity. I certify that I do not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for myself or other participants; and I am aware of any associated risks created by field locations, activities and weather.  I agree to follow the guides' directions, particularly in matters of personal and group safety, including but not limited to the importance of hydration, need for nutritious snacks, altitude sickness, exhaustion, leave no trace, sunscreen, danger of overhangs, footing, vehicle safety, boat safety, common-sense safety, respect for others, etc. MDR reserves the right in its sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on a MDR activity for any reason including, but not limited to any inappropriate conduct towards staff, models, or locations. MDR staff reserves without penalty, the right to make changes to the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants. I further acknowledge that MDR does not and cannot guarantee the availability of any location, model, number of students, or activity and reserves the right to substitute at their discretion and
without compensation to me.

MDR shall not be liable for any carrier's cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a ticket to or from the participant's MDR activity.  Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant.

I FULLY UNDERSTAND that: (a) MDR activities are conducted in both indoor and outdoor environments, and that accordingly I and my photography equipment may be exposed to dangers and hazards both natural and man-made; (b) MDR activities involve risks and dangers of serious bodily injury (including permanent disability, paralysis and death), as well as risks and dangers to photography equipment; (c) these Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions, or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the MDR activity, the condition in which the MDR activity takes place, traversing uneven ground or conditions, transportation to or from MDR activities or the conduct of the MDR employees or owners (d) there may be other risks and social and economic losses either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time. I fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages I incur as a result of my participation in the MDR activity.

I HEREBY FULLY RELEASE, discharge, indemnify, hold harmless and covenant not to sue MDR, its owners, directors, agents, officers, independent contractors, models, volunteers and employees, any sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises, on which the Workshop takes place (collectively, the “Releasees”),  from all liability, claims, demands, losses or damages on my account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part; and I further agree that if, despite this release and waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement, I, or anyone on my behalf, makes a claim against any of the Releasees, I will indemnify, save and hold harmless each of the Releasees, from any litigation's expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost which may incur as a result of any such claim.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Basis of Rates: All prices are based on two persons sharing a room. All prices and fares are quoted in Euros. The rates are based on current tariffs and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. While we will do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, if it is necessary to levy a surcharge, we reserve the right to do so, and notification will be given at the time of final invoicing.

Eligibility: Participants in a MDR activity must be 18 or over. Please arrive with a working knowledge of your camera or iPad settings.

Not Included in Cost: Air transportation and related activities, transportation to and from Maison des Rêves, gratuities, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page; passport and visa expenses; baggage/accident/cancellation insurance; personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages not served at meals at MDR; and any other items not specifically noted as included.

Single/Shared Accommodations: A limited number of single rooms are available at an extra cost on a first-come, first-served basis. We will assist persons requesting a roommate. Participants will be notified if a suitable roommate is not available, in which case the single rate will be charged.

Payments, Cancellations and Refunds: To reserve space for a MDR activity, a €1000 per-person deposit is required as well as completion of the Registration form and agreement to the Terms and Conditions. Final payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure. Payments should be made by bank wire or bank check. If payments need to be made by credit card or PayPal then an additional transaction fee of 3.5% will be added. MDR may cancel your reservation if full payment has not been received by 90 days prior to departure.

€500 of the deposit is non-refundable. We strongly encourage rescheduling of your activity.

For reservations made within 90 days of the departure date, full payment is required within 5 business days of the reservation.

All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of the postmark (standard mail or electronic). If you cancel 120 days or more prior to MDR activity, a full refund less an administrative fee of €500 per person will be applied.

Per-person charges for cancellations that occur less than 120 days prior to MDR activity("Cancellation Penalty Period") are as follows: 60-120 days prior to MDR activity:  50% refund; 30-60 days prior to MDR activity: 25% refund; less than 30 days prior to MDR activity: no refund (no exceptions).  Please understand that MDR incurs non-refundable costs with vendors, models and others.  Our cancellation policy reflects that. Due to our remote location travel costs by models and vendors are incurred early. This policy also applies to pre- and post-trip extensions, and excursions. Any revisions made within the Cancellation Penalty Period, such as a change in departure date or choice of trip, are subject to this cancellation policy. Leaving a MDR activity in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of an activity. We reserve the right to cancel any activity because of inadequate enrollment that makes the trip economically infeasible to operate or because of good-faith concerns with respect to the safety, health, or welfare of the participants. If an MDR activity is canceled prior to start date, MDR will provide you with a full refund of monies paid or provide a credit toward a future MDR activity equivalent to monies paid. If we cancel the trip in progress, you will receive a prorated refund based on the number of days not completed on the tour. MDR will not be responsible for any refund for airline tickets or for any airline tickets, or transportation costs including car rentals. All refunds will be processed within 7-10 business days. We strongly suggest travel insurance to protect your investment.

Photography Itineraries: The itineraries presented on this website are subject to modification and change by MDR. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but alterations may still occur after final itineraries are sent. Health Requirements: You must be in good physical and mental health. You must be able to maintain the pace of the group throughout the tour or workshop. Any physical condition, diet, or treatment requiring special attention must be reported in writing when you register. Failure to participate in daily activities due to physical or mental health will not result in any refund. For special dietary requirements, we do our best to convey this information to restaurants and food establishments, but communication of these requirements to restaurants and food establishments is ultimately your responsibility. Please alert us at the time of registration that you have any allergies or limitations.

Photography: We reserve the right to take photographs or videos during the operation of any tour or part thereof and to use the resulting photography, videos, or recordings for promotional or commercial use. By making a reservation with a MDR activity, the participant agrees to allow his/her likeness to be used by MDR without compensation to the participant. If the participant prefers that his/her likeness not be used, he/she must notify us in writing prior to departure of the trip. Copyright in all photographs, video, and related materials created by the participant ("tour Materials") shall belong to the participant upon creation. The participant grants to MDR a non-exclusive, worldwide, irrevocable license to use any promotional materials MDR creates in any media for editorial use, promotion of MDR travel programs, or promotion of the mission of MDR.

Force Majeure: MDR will not be liable for any delay in, change to or cancellation of trips due to 'Force Majeure'. 'Force Majeure' means a circumstance beyond the reasonable control of MDR and includes, but is not limited to, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, industrial or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and strikes.

Dispute Resolution: If the participant has a complaint, he/she should first inform MDR so that MDR can attempt to rectify the matter. If the participant is still dissatisfied, he/she should submit the complaint in writing to MDR within 30 days of the completion of the adventure. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, website, brochures, or any other literature concerning this adventure, 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 the laws of France, department of the Herault; 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 France, department of the Herault 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 France, department of the Herault;  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 adventure with Maison des Rêves. This agreement to arbitrate does not waive or modify any liability release agreed by the participant.

Other: By registering for a MDR activity, the participant agrees to the Waiver/ Terms and Conditions herein.

Renée's workshops are certainly about photography, but even more importantly, they are to assist in the development of an artistic eye regarding the depiction of women and the female form. There is much to be read from a glance, a tilt of the head, a wisp of hair, the bend of a neck.  First and foremost, Renée's workshops are about applying principles of respect and admiration to the depiction of women in art. This is a digital or polaroid-only workshop.  Students will need to know how to download their digital images to a folder each evening so that their day's work can be brought to class the next day on a flash drive, external hard drive, or CD for the daily review.

ARRIVAL/SCHEDULE/MEALS

Travel to and from the workshop location is not included.  All meals will be provided during the workshop days. 

Workshops will generally start at 10 am and to end around 5 pm, subject to change for weather, light conditions or special arrangements to shoot at night. Neither exact hours nor exact models are guaranteed.

WHAT TO BRING

Besides your DSLR camera (see below), bring a body of your creative work with you to share, either a portfolio or CD of images. Your portfolio can be prints or digital images. Also, be prepared for inclement and cold weather. Many of our locations can be quite cold and drizzly. We may also be shooting at night. Bring good, waterproof walking shoes, swimming or water attire, and rain gear.

CAMERA GEAR

Students may work with a DSLR camera. Two bodies are recommended with a minimum of at least one wide-angle lens, and one portrait lens, or a zoom in the range of 24-105.  Students should bring the manuals for their cameras, several memory cards (at least 2G cards are recommended), extra batteries and necessary battery chargers. Your laptop should have image management software such as Apple’s Aperture, Adobe’s Light Room or Adobe Photoshop/Bridge. Students should make sure to have a back-up system on which to download each day’s work. This can be your laptop, a portable external hard drive storage device, flash drive, CDs or DVDs. You will need a means of getting your edited images into a folder for review each day; flash drives are the most practical, but you can also use an external hard drive, CD, or DVD. Make sure you have card readers and cables.

LANGUAGE

Workshops will be conducted in English