Florida Center for Creative Photography 809 Jeffords Street, Clearwater, FL 33756

"Shady"

"Fellow and potential FCCP Members: I am leaving FCCP but before I do I want you all to know why. In September 2017 I paid $1,699 to go on the Birding and Natural History Photo Tour to the Dry Tortugas trip in March 2018. The trip was organized by FCCP Director Jeff Donald. A few weeks later I had a conflict and was no longer able to make the trip. I requested a refund and never received one. I didn’t receive any reply from Jeff or anyone else. After a few weeks, I started to be concerned, and I rearranged my plans so I could make the trip after all. I informed Jeff that I was able to make the trip after all, but again never heard from him. I posted messages on the trip post, made numerous phone calls, and sent many emails. I even reached out to an FCCP assistant who sent an email to Jeff on my behalf, but still never received any response from him. In March 2018, I received notification that the trip had been postponed by one year. Once again I sent Jeff emails requesting a refund because I could not make the new date. I have never received a response. I couldn’t get refunds from American Express or Paypal because too much time had passed. Meetup can only help if payment is made through the Meetup payment processor. I did not buy trip cancellation insurance because, at payment time, the site clearly stated that in the event of a cancellation or a change in the date, FCCP will refund the money. Caveat emptor. UPDATE: There is a trip I want to go on that is the exact amount owed to me by FCCP, so I asked Jeff to apply my refund as payment for this new event. The event now shows me as attending, but it does not show as paid. I made a comment asking to show my status as paid so I can buy the recommended trip insurance, but still no response from Jeff Donald, the event coordinator."

"I bought a voucher to take an 8hr photography course for 69$ *(75%off) I joined and went to a group photo walk and WOW what a great group of photographers. I learned a lot on my first visit and that wasn't a real class, just a group activity "meetup" going for a class next week and I am very excited. The instructors are retired Photography Professors or professional photographers. They are able to teach any level and are really good at teaching. Can't wait to do more and learn more!!!!"