Booking Terms & Cancellation Policy

By submitting a deposit or payment for a workshop or photo tour, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to the following policies set by Yuri Choufour, operating as Yuri Choufour Photography (hereinafter referred to as “YCP”). These policies form part of the booking agreement between participants and YCP.

1. Registration & Payment Schedule

Each tour requires a non-refundable deposit (typically 25–50% of the total price) to secure your spot.

Group sizes are intentionally kept small to maximize photography opportunities, and reservations are limited. Deposits secure one of these limited spots and allow planning and commitments to be made with local operators well in advance of the tour.

The remaining balance is due in full 6 months prior to the start date. Failure to make this payment may result in forfeiture of your reserved spot.

Payments must be completed through the secure online store, where most major credit cards are accepted.

All prices are listed in USD.

2. Transfers & Credits

Deposits and payments are non-refundable, but spots may be transferable under rare circumstances.

If approved by YCP, participants may sell or transfer their spot to another individual prior to departure, provided the replacement participant is suitable for the tour.

In rare cases, YCP may assist in helping find a replacement participant, though this cannot be guaranteed.

At YCP’s discretion, participants may be offered a credit for a future workshop, subject to availability.

Private tours are an exception. Because these trips involve custom itineraries arranged for a specific group, credits are not possible. Refunds will only be issued if the tour itself is cancelled.

3. Tour Cancellation by Organizer

YCP reserves the right to cancel a workshop or photo tour if necessary due to insufficient participants, safety concerns, unforeseen logistical challenges, changes in travel conditions, government restrictions, or other circumstances beyond our control.

If a tour is cancelled by YCP due to insufficient participants or operational reasons, all deposits and payments made directly to YCP for the tour will be refunded in full.

If a tour is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to government restrictions, natural disasters, political instability, or other force majeure events, refunds will be subject to the policies of local operators and service providers. In such cases, YCP will make reasonable efforts to obtain refunds or credits on behalf of participants but cannot guarantee reimbursement.

YCP is not responsible for participant expenses outside the tour fee, including but not limited to flights, travel arrangements, visas, insurance, or other associated costs.

4. Participant Responsibility & Risk

Participants acknowledge that wildlife photography and remote travel involve inherent risks, including but not limited to weather conditions, terrain hazards, wildlife encounters, and logistical challenges.

By booking a workshop or photo tour, participants agree that YCP is not liable for personal injury, equipment damage, travel delays, or other losses incurred during the trip, except where required by applicable law.

5. Insurance & Travel Requirements

All participants are required to obtain trip cancellation and interruption insurance, medical insurance, and emergency evacuation coverage. Proof of insurance may be required up to 6 months prior to the start date of the tour.

Participants are responsible for arriving at the designated starting location on time. YCP is not responsible for delays, missed connections, or additional costs resulting from airline disruptions, travel delays, or other transportation issues beyond our control.

Participants are responsible for ensuring they meet all passport, visa, health, and entry requirements for the destination country. YCP is not responsible for costs or losses resulting from a participant’s inability to travel, enter a country, or participate in the tour.

By purchasing a spot on a workshop or photo tour, participants acknowledge that they accept and agree to these policies.

6. Tour Structure & Local Operators

Yuri Choufour Photography acts as the host and photography instructor for these tours. Local transportation, accommodation, and guiding services are provided by partner operators in the destination country.

Participants acknowledge that these services are operated by independent third-party providers.

7. Itinerary Flexibility

Wildlife photography expeditions operate in dynamic environments where weather, wildlife behavior, safety considerations, and logistical conditions may change.

Participants acknowledge that the itinerary may be modified, adjusted, or re-sequenced at the discretion of the tour leader or local operators to provide the best possible experience and ensure participant safety.

Such changes do not constitute grounds for refunds or compensation.

8. Wildlife & Photography Expectations

Wildlife sightings and other photographic opportunities cannot be guaranteed.

Animal behavior, weather conditions, and environmental factors vary and are beyond the control of the tour leader or operators.

Participants acknowledge that photography tours and workshops involve uncertainty and that specific sightings or photographic outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

9. Payment Disputes & Chargebacks

By submitting a deposit or payment for a workshop or photo tour, participants acknowledge that they have read and agree to these policies.

Deposits are non-refundable and represent a reservation fee securing a limited spot on the tour.

Participants agree not to initiate credit card chargebacks or payment disputes for deposits or payments made in accordance with these policies.

Any disputes regarding payments must be addressed directly with YCP.

10. Participant Conduct

Participants are expected to behave in a respectful and responsible manner throughout the duration of the workshop or photo tour.

YCP reserves the right to remove any participant from a workshop or tour if their behavior is deemed unsafe, disruptive to the group, damaging to property, or in violation of local regulations or wildlife guidelines.

In such cases, no refunds will be issued and the participant will be responsible for any additional costs incurred as a result of their removal from the tour.

Last updated: March 2026