Black Hills Photo Shootout FAQs.
Who can attend the shootout?
Anyone with an interest in photography at any level is welcome. Although many of the sessions will be aimed at advanced amatuer photographers, we will try to have something available for everyone. The photo workshops will be a chance for people of all levels to mingle, learn and enjoy shooting in the Hills. The keynote session and Sunday lunch presentation are open to the general public.
What is the Shootout registration fee and what is included and not included with that?
The Shootout registration fee is $175. The fee includes one admission to each of the four workshop sessions, attendance at the Friday keynote and Sunday lunch presentation, and all of the MAC Group sessions. The fee does not include entrance fees to parks, food, lodging, transportation, portfolio reviews, or dinner with the pros. If an event has an additional fee, it will be noted in the "Things to know" section within the description. There is a discounted student registration fee of $87.50. Students must be full-time and and ID is required. Please email Nicole for more information.
How can I get an awesome 2012 Shootout t-shirt?
You can order your Shootout t-shirt during registration. As long as you order your shirt prior to September 10th, you can pick it up at check-in on Friday night with no shipping charges. There will be an extremely limited number of shirts available at the event, so if you want one, you will need to pre-order it when you register for the event.
Is transportation provided?
No. Unless otherwise indicated, participants are expected to provide their own transportation. In some places, participants might be encouraged to carpool due to limited parked. Participants should be aware of travel times between areas. We will provide directions for each of the workshop locations upon check-in!
Where will classes be held?
The Black Hills State University will be our main hub for the Shootout. Most classroom sessions will be held on campus at the University. Outdoor sessions are within about a 15-30 minute drive of the campus, except for "Iconic Landscapes - Devil's Tower", "Autumn along the Belle Fourche River", and "Black Hills Backroads Jeep Tour" which are about 45 minutes away.
Where should I stay?
That is up to the individual. The 2012 Shootout will be based around Spearfish in the northern Black Hills. So places like Spearfish, Deadwood and Sturgis will be close to activities. Rapid City is a good centralized location for all activities in the Black Hills. The Black Hills does cover a good sized area, so again you should check driving times between locations. The Black Hills has an excellent and easy to navigate road system.
Here's a starting point for hotel and lodging reservations in the Black Hills.
Are meals provided?
No, none of the sessions include meals. Some of the socials might have snacks, but you should plan on eating on your own.
Is tipping okay or expected?
If you are attending a workshop where there are models (cowboys, birds of prey, portraiture, outdoor action), or a jeep tour (where the jeep owners bring their own jeeps out for the joy of it), we do highly recommend tipping these people.
What will the weather be like?
It can be many things. But for the norm that time of year will be sunny and dry during the days - highs in the 50-60s. At night, cool to cold in the higher elevations. However, we can have a heat wave or even snow that time of year, so check the forecasts before you pack! We always recommend dressing in layers that you can add or remove as the weather changes throughout the day.
What time zone will we be in?
We are on the western side of South Dakota which is in the Mountain time zone.
What should I bring with me to the Shootout?
Here is a link to a suggested pack list for the Shootout. Please keep in mind that each workshop is different, so you will want to make sure you have the appropriate gear and clothing for the workshops you have registered for.
Model Releases
All participants are responsible for supplying/obtaining any needed model releases or property releases for their photographs.
Other information
Photographers will retain all rights to their images taken during the weekend. The Black HIlls Photo Shootout and it's partners claim no ownership of any images from any photographers attending the Shootout.