Terms and Conditions
1. Booking & Deposit
A non-refundable deposit, as indicated in each photography tour description, is required at the time of booking and must be submitted together with a completed and signed booking form. A booking is only confirmed once the deposit, booking form, and proof of valid travel and medical insurance (including cancellation and curtailment coverage) have been received.
2. Client Cancellation
Participants may cancel their booking at any time by notifying the organizers via email at mihail@minkovastrophotography.com.
Please note that cancellations can disrupt planning and may affect the minimum group size required for the tour to proceed. The following terms therefore apply:
The initial deposit is strictly non-refundable.
Cancellations made more than 90 days before the tour start date incur no additional charges.
Cancellations made within 90 days of the start date are non-refundable in full.
If the canceling participant provides a suitable replacement who pays the full trip cost, a full refund (minus any payment or transfer fees) may be issued.
3. Client Responsibility
It is the participant’s responsibility to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellation, curtailment, and other potential risks. Mihail Minkov accepts no liability for participants who fail to arrange appropriate coverage. Lack of insurance does not exempt a client from the refund policy above.
4. Mandatory Insurance
All participants must hold valid travel and medical insurance that covers:
Trip cancellation or curtailment
Travel delays and interruptions
Medical treatment and hospitalization
Emergency repatriation
Personal accident or injury
Loss or theft of baggage
Third-party liability
Natural disasters or extreme weather
Proof of valid coverage must be provided prior to departure. Mihail Minkov bears no responsibility for losses incurred by participants without adequate insurance.
5. Cancellation by Mihail Minkov
We reserve the right to cancel any tour. In such cases, participants will receive a full refund of the tour fee. However, we cannot reimburse costs related to flights, accommodation, or third-party bookings.
Cancellations will only occur in cases of force majeure or insufficient enrollment (see Section 6). When possible, clients will be notified at least 90 days before the start date.
6. Under-booking & Force Majeure
“Under-booking” means not reaching the minimum number of participants required for the tour.
“Force majeure” includes events beyond our control, such as war, terrorism, civil unrest, pandemics, strikes, government restrictions, natural disasters, or extreme weather conditions.
7. Illness or Unforeseen Circumstances
If Mihail Minkov is unable to lead the tour due to illness or unforeseen events, a qualified replacement may be appointed, a new date offered, or a full refund provided.
8. Weather & Itinerary Flexibility
All itineraries are subject to change based on weather, logistics, or local conditions. Adverse weather (including heavy cloud cover affecting astrophotography) does not constitute grounds for a refund. Participants must remain flexible due to the unpredictable nature of outdoor photography.
9. Liability & Legal Jurisdiction
Mihail Minkov accepts no liability for death, personal injury, or illness unless resulting from proven negligence by the company or its representatives.
All legal matters shall be governed by Bulgarian law, with exclusive jurisdiction in Bulgarian courts. These terms comply with applicable Bulgarian, EU, and international consumer protection standards.
10. Delays, Losses & Extra Costs
We are not responsible for delays, cancellations, or disruptions caused by weather, political unrest, industrial action, or other uncontrollable factors. Any additional costs resulting from such events are the client’s responsibility.
11. Passport, Visa & Health Requirements
Participants are responsible for ensuring that they possess valid passports, visas, permits, and health documentation (including vaccinations) for the full duration of their trip. Any information provided by us is for guidance only and does not replace official government or medical advice.
12. Health & Special Requirements
Please inform us at the time of booking of any dietary, medical, or mobility needs. Some destinations may have limited access to medical facilities. Participants must carry personal medication and ensure their insurance covers emergency evacuation and medical treatment. Failure to do so may result in denied participation without refund.
13. Code of Conduct
All participants are expected to act respectfully and responsibly. Mihail Minkov reserves the right to remove any participant who behaves in a disruptive, unsafe, or inappropriate manner. Removal under such circumstances does not entitle the client to a refund.
14. Use of Likeness & Media
By joining the tour, participants grant Mihail Minkov permission to use photos or video footage in which they may appear for promotional purposes. Anyone wishing to opt out must notify us in writing before the tour begins.
15. Data Protection
All personal data is handled in accordance with the Bulgarian Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and the EU GDPR. Information is used only for tour administration and shared solely with service partners as required (e.g., hotels, transport providers).
16. Complaints & Dispute Resolution
Any issues should be raised during the tour to allow for prompt resolution. Unresolved complaints must be submitted in writing within 14 days after the tour concludes. Both parties agree to attempt mediation in Bulgaria before pursuing legal action.
17. Limitation of Liability
Mihail Minkov’s total liability for any claim will not exceed the amount paid for the tour. We are not responsible for any indirect or consequential losses.
18. Fitness to Participate
By booking, you confirm that you are physically capable of participating in the tour activities. If unsure, please consult your doctor prior to booking. We reserve the right to decline participation if a client’s health could compromise the safety or experience of others.
19. Acceptance of Terms
Submitting the booking form confirms that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions. The person signing does so on behalf of all listed participants.
20. Nature of Services & Third-Party Providers
Mihail Minkov provides educational photography experiences and may assist in coordinating logistics such as accommodation, meals, and transport.
We are not a licensed travel agent or tour operator and therefore do not offer “package holidays” under Bulgarian or EU law.
We work with a licensed and certified travel agency partner that is responsible for organizing and providing the best possible travel experience for the group. This includes all arrangements related to accommodation, meals, transportation, and other logistical details of the journey. All bookings for third-party services (such as hotels, drivers, or guides) are made through this official travel partner and the respective contracts are established directly between you and the service providers.
In case a participant is not satisfied with any part of the provided service during the tour — for example, wishes to move to another hotel, change transportation, or book alternative services — such changes can be made at their own expense. Neither I nor my partners bear any responsibility or financial liability for such personal decisions or additional arrangements.
Please also check with your travel insurance provider whether such independently made changes or arrangements qualify for reimbursement under your policy.
21. Photography Equipment
Participants are fully responsible for their photography equipment, including cameras, lenses, drones, and accessories. Mihail Minkov accepts no liability for loss, theft, or damage to personal gear. Insurance covering equipment is strongly recommended.
22. Learning Outcomes
While every effort is made to provide instruction and support, artistic results depend on individual ability and conditions. No guarantees are made regarding the quantity or quality of photographs produced.
23. Photographing People & Model Releases
Participants are responsible for obtaining necessary permissions or model releases when photographing individuals. Mihail Minkov is not liable for disputes or claims arising from unauthorized image use.
24. Personal Belongings
All personal belongings remain the responsibility of the participant. We are not liable for any loss, theft, or damage to luggage or personal items.
25. Authority of the Tour Leader
The tour leader reserves the right to make decisions in the best interest of the group, including itinerary adjustments or the removal of participants for safety or behavioral reasons.