Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to a number of our frequently asked questions, if you have any more questions please message us via our Contact Form on the About page.

Mobility & access on walkshops?

Each walkshop location will have different terrain, there may be footpaths, beach, mud track, pavement, stairs, inclines, etc. The walks are always pretty easy going with loads of stops for photography plus there will be places to pause and rest if needed.

We try to choose locations with as much access as possible for wheelchair use, but sadly not all locations offer 100% access. Each walkshop will detail the amount of access available and any issues along the route. Please get in touch with any thoughts or questions.

What happens with bad weather & cancellations?

What with it being the UK weather is sometimes and issue. After over 100 walkshops we’ve only cancelled a handful of times in the past and often you can get some fantastic images in poor weather BUT sometimes we will have to cancel.

We will try to notify all attendees at least 2 hours in advance on the morning of the event if it sadly is to be cancelled. All pre-payments will then be refunded as soon as possible. Please ensure you check the email you booked with before attending to check to see if there is a cancellation notification or other information.

We may need to cancel due to illness and will notify attendees asap.

How do I book & pay?

Payments for walkshops and classes may be made either in advance online via PayPal or cash in person at the start of the event (please book online for both).

A booking fee will be added.

NO BOOKING FEE IF CASH

If you pay in cash on the day just pay the event fee and we’ll absorb the booking fee – it saves on the inconvenience of having all the loose change in person on the walk.

Are there any age restrictions?

All ages very welcome, if under 16 please be accompanied by an adult.

The adult is welcome to come along for free if not participating in the walkshops, but we would suggest you consider taking part, photography is a great activity for families to do together.

Paul is DBS checked, child protection trained and has 10 years of experience in teaching young people photography. If your young person is studying photography please let us know on the day.

What are the minimum & maximum numbers for walkshops?

Group size is limited to 15 per workshop and booking must be done in advance so we can maximise learning and support for all attendees.

Unless stated otherwise, group workshops will only operate with a minimum of four photographers. In the event of your workshop being cancelled due to there being less than four participants your payment will be refunded in full.

What Equipment is Required?

All you have to do is bring along your camera to take part. It can be anything from a digital compact through to a DSLR and if you want to shoot 35mm film, cool! If you don’t have your own camera we have a selection of digital compacts you are free to borrow for the workshop (please let us know in advance). We can even offer 35mm SLRs for you to use if you like.

Many people just bring along the camera they have in their pocket everyday, their smartphone and you’ll learn loads that’ll make a big difference to your mobile photography.

A tripod is not necessary for most daytime walkshops but you are welcome to bring it.

For night or long exposure walkshops we recommend a tripod and if possible a remote trigger for your camera.

What is Strong Island?

We set up the first Strong Island website back in 2008 to nurture and share the incredible creative scene Southsea and Portsmouth has. We then became a company in 2011 before also setting up Strong Island Clothing Co, Strong Island Media and Strong Island Recordings in 2012.