1. Booking and Payment Terms

• Deposit: A 25% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your place on the workshop or expedition.
• Final Balance: The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than 90 days before the start of the workshop or expedition. If the final payment is not received by this date, your booking may be cancelled, and the deposit will be forfeited.
• Payment Methods: Payments can be made via [insert payment methods here].

2. Cancellations and Refunds

• Participant Cancellation:
  
  • Cancellations must be made in writing.
  • Deposits are non-refundable.
  • If you cancel more than 90 days before the start of the workshop or expedition, any payments made beyond the deposit will be refunded.
  • Cancellations made within 90 days of the start date will result in the loss of the full balance, unless a replacement participant is found. In this case, any payments made beyond the deposit may be refunded at my discretion.
• Workshop Cancellation by Andy Keen:
  
  • In the unlikely event that I need to cancel a workshop or expedition due to unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund of all payments made, including the deposit. However, I will not be responsible for any additional costs incurred, such as flights, accommodation, or other travel expenses.

3. Travel and Health Insurance

• Insurance Requirements: It is a condition of booking that all participants take out comprehensive travel and health insurance that covers any potential risks associated with the workshop or expedition, including but not limited to medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost or damaged equipment.
• Proof of Insurance: You may be asked to provide proof of insurance prior to the workshop or expedition.

4. Responsibilities, Disclaimers, and Risk Acknowledgement

• Role and Services Provided: I, Andy Keen, am a photographic guide specialising in Astrophotography, Deep Sky Imaging, and Arctic Nature. I offer and provide guiding services during the workshops and expeditions. Please note that I am not a tour operator, and therefore, my services are not subject to package travel regulations. I do not arrange flights, accommodation, or other travel services. Participants are responsible for making their own travel and accommodation arrangements.
• Personal Risk: By booking and participating in my workshops or expeditions, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. While every effort is made to ensure your safety and well-being, I cannot be held responsible for any accidents, injuries, illnesses, loss of or damage to personal property, or other unforeseen circumstances that may occur during the workshop or expedition, except in cases of gross negligence or wilful misconduct on my part.
• Aurora Borealis Disclaimer: While we make every effort to locate and observe the Aurora Borealis during our workshops and expeditions, it is important to understand that we cannot guarantee sightings. The visibility of the Northern Lights is highly dependent on local weather conditions and solar activity, which are beyond our control. However, we do offer a 100% guarantee that we will do our utmost to find and view the Aurora, within the bounds of practicality and safety. This means we will diligently monitor conditions and adjust our plans as necessary to maximise your chances, but your safety and the overall experience will always come first.
• Weather Conditions and Itinerary Modifications: The unpredictable nature of the weather, especially in the Arctic region, can affect the workshop or expedition. As such, we may need to make slight modifications to the itinerary from time to time. These changes are primarily driven by weather conditions and are made to ensure the best possible experience for all participants while prioritising safety.
• Physical Activity and Terrain: Workshops and expeditions may involve physical activities, including walking on uneven terrain, in potentially extreme weather conditions. Participants must be in good health and capable of participating in such activities. By booking, you acknowledge and accept these risks.
• Waiver of Liability: By participating in the workshop or expedition, you agree to waive any and all claims, actions, and/or demands that you may have against me, Andy Keen, for any injuries, damages, or losses arising from your participation, except in cases of gross negligence or wilful misconduct. You also agree to release and hold harmless all agents, employees, and affiliates associated with the workshop or expedition.
• Indemnification Clause: You agree to indemnify and hold me, Andy Keen, and any associated agents, employees, or affiliates harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, expenses, and costs (including legal fees) arising from your participation in the workshop or expedition.
• Third-Party Services Disclaimer: You acknowledge that I am not responsible for any third-party services that you may book in connection with the workshop or expedition, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, transportation, or additional activities such as husky sledding, snowmobiling, or other excursions. Any issues or disputes with these third-party providers must be resolved directly with them. I will not be liable for any losses, additional costs, injuries, or cancellations related to these services, including but not limited to flight cancellations, missed flights, accommodation issues, or accidents during third-party activities.
• Alcohol Consumption and Behaviour: Participants are expected to act responsibly and respect the group dynamics. Excessive alcohol consumption or any behaviour that disrupts the workshop or expedition or endangers the safety of others will not be tolerated. I reserve the right to ask anyone who breaches this policy to leave the workshop or expedition without refund.

5. Emergency Procedures

• Emergency Plan: In the event of severe weather, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen situations, I will implement an emergency plan designed to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. This may include altering the itinerary, seeking medical assistance, or cancelling specific activities. Participants are expected to follow all instructions during emergencies.

6. Booking Requirements

• Age: Participants must be at least 18 years of age. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Physical Fitness: Workshops and expeditions may involve physical activity, including walking on uneven terrain in potentially extreme weather conditions. Participants must be in good health and capable of participating in such activities.
• Equipment: Participants are responsible for bringing their own photographic equipment, clothing, and other personal items necessary for the workshop or expedition.

7. Photographic Rights

• Use of Images: I reserve the right to take photographs or video recordings during the workshop or expedition and to use these images for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to appear in these materials, please inform me in writing before the start of the workshop or expedition.

8. Force Majeure

• I will not be liable for any failure to perform, or any delay in performance of, any of my obligations under these terms that is caused by events outside my reasonable control (Force Majeure Event). A Force Majeure Event includes any act, event, non-happening, omission or accident beyond my reasonable control.

9. Amendments

• I reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. Any such amendments will be communicated to you in writing and will apply to any bookings made after the date of the amendment.

10. Governing Law

• These terms and conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Malta. Any disputes arising from or related to these terms and conditions will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Malta.

11. Participant Agreement

By paying the deposit and joining an expedition or workshop, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by these terms and conditions. You also acknowledge and accept the risks associated with participating in this workshop or expedition, and by proceeding with payment, you are effectively agreeing to these terms as if you had signed this document.