FAQ
About the Tours
Each private tour includes 2 hours of guided photography instruction with Arnel Garcia, location scouting expertise, real-time feedback on your compositions and camera settings, and post-tour editing advice. You'll visit the best vantage points at each location, timed to the optimal light conditions.
All skill levels are welcome. Arnel tailors each tour to the participant's experience level — whether you're a beginner learning the basics of exposure and composition, or an advanced photographer looking to refine your long-exposure and golden hour techniques. Please mention your experience level when booking.
All tours are private, meaning the experience is exclusively for you (and any guests you bring). This allows for fully personalized instruction and the flexibility to spend more time at locations that inspire you most.
Any camera capable of manual exposure control will work — DSLR, mirrorless, or even a smartphone with manual mode. For long-exposure photography, a tripod is highly recommended. Arnel can advise on equipment during the tour.
Booking & Availability
Simply send a message through the contact form on any tour page or visit the Contact page. Arnel will reach out within a few hours for a quick personal call to find the perfect tour for you. Once we've confirmed the details and payment has been processed, you'll receive a confirmation email with the meeting location, what to bring, and preparation tips.
After our call, I'll email you a secure payment link to confirm your booking. Payment is processed safely through Stripe.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing (email or text message). A non-refundable 10% administrative fee applies to all bookings. Refunds are based on the scheduled tour start time: 5+ days before = 90% refund; less than 5 days but 24+ hours before = 50% refund; less than 24 hours = no refund. No-shows or arrivals after 30 minutes of start time receive no refund.
Yes, rescheduling is allowed based on availability and requires a $50 rescheduling fee. Rescheduling requests must be made in writing. Please note that rescheduled dates do not guarantee identical conditions (light, weather, tides, access, crowds). If a rescheduled date is later cancelled, the cancellation will be evaluated under the standard policy using the rescheduled tour date.
Yes, custom and group bookings are available. Please contact Arnel directly to discuss your specific needs, group sizes, and pricing. For larger groups, the tour may be divided into smaller sessions to ensure everyone receives personalized attention.
Yes, San Diego's near-perfect weather makes photography possible year-round. However, certain tours are optimized for specific seasons — winter months often produce the most dramatic storm light, while summer offers the longest golden hours. Arnel can advise on the best time of year for your preferred tour.
Locations & Logistics
Each tour has a specific meeting location. Once we've confirmed your booking on our call and payment has been processed, I'll send you a direct Apple Maps or Google Maps link along with parking information and any other details you'll need to find me easily.
Dress in layers — coastal San Diego can be cool in the morning and evening, even in summer. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Bring your camera, tripod (highly recommended), extra batteries, and memory cards. Water and snacks are a good idea for longer sessions.
Most tour locations involve walking on sandy beaches and uneven terrain. Please contact Arnel in advance to discuss any mobility considerations — he can often suggest alternative vantage points that are more accessible while still offering excellent photographic opportunities.