An Update from The Sedona Photography Symposium Regarding COVID-19

Dear Friends of the Sedona Photography Symposium –

In light of the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided that it is in the best interests of our registrants, presenters, sponsors, vendors, and Symposium team members to postpone the 2020 Sedona Photography Symposium to August, 2021. Since we don’t know what restrictions will be placed on mass gatherings at this time, we felt it was necessary to postpone this year’s event, until we have more clarity on safety precautions.

What will the 2021 Symposium look like?

The 2021 Symposium will be virtually identical to the event originally planned for this year. All of our presenters have been consulted and, with the exception of Michael Frye, who has a prior engagement, they have all committed to offer the same workshops, presentations and field outings originally scheduled for the 2020 event. In place of Michael Frye, we are excited to announce that the acclaimed landscape and wildlife photographer Brenda Tharp will be joining our distinguished lineup, delivering a presentation and breakout session on enhancing creativity and making creative impressions of nature, as well as conducting a morning field outing capturing the natural beauty of Sedona and a 1-day Workshop on Post-processing in Lightroom.

What is the date for the 2021 Symposium?

With the goal of facilitating great nighttime photography as well as photography of the beautiful Sedona landscape under dramatic monsoon skies, the 2021 Main Symposium will be held August 12-15, 2021.  Our pre-Symposium workshops will start on Sunday August 8, and our post-Symposium workshops will start on Monday Aug. 16.

What should I do about my 2020 registration?

For those of you who are registered for the 2020 Symposium, your registration will automatically be transferred to the same program for our new 2021 dates; you don’t need to do anything to make that happen, and you will be protected from any price increases that might apply next year.  In addition, you’ll also receive a nice bonus (more below).

What if I can’t attend the 2021 Symposium and I have already registered for the 2020 event? 

If our 2021 dates are not compatible with your plans, you have the option to request a full refund for part or all of your existing registration. Our normal 10% cancellation fee will be waived if you notify us on or before September 30, 2020.

What are my options if I registered for a workshop or field outing with Michael Frye?

If you are registered for the 2020 Michael Frye workshop, field outing, or breakout session, your registration will automatically be transferred to the equivalent Brenda Tharp offering in 2021; no action is necessary on your part.  Similarly, you have the option to transfer to a different offering, and again, the 10% cancellation fee will be waived if you notify us by September 30, 2020.

If I am on the waiting list for a workshop or field outing, will I still retain my place on that list?

Those of you on our current waiting lists for sold-out workshops will retain your place on the waiting list and will be moved up on the list if cancellations have occurred.

In the coming weeks, we will update our website and our ticketing site to reflect the new dates and presenter. We will notify you when those changes have been effected. While we understand that postponing the symposium may cause some inconvenience or concern, we want you to feel comfortable knowing that you have the option to cancel and receive a full refund through September 30, 2020.  We sincerely hope, however, that you will choose to allow your existing registration to be applied to our 2021 event. And we are offering a special bonus for doing so!

What is the bonus opportunity you are offering?

We are developing a new series of online learning opportunities from our Symposium presenters and other renowned photography educators, which will begin in the coming months.  This series will be available at no additional cost to current, and new, Symposium registrants.  It’s our way of saying THANKS to you for putting your faith in the Sedona Photography Symposium!

Please stay tuned for further announcements regarding our 2021 Sedona Photography Symposium and our new online series.  If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sedonaphotosym.org.

Stay Safe and we look forward to seeing you in Sedona in 2021!

-The Entire Sedona Photography Symposium Team