Frequently Asked Questions

Image by Chris Richman

Location & Hotel Information

Marriott Research Triangle Park 4700 Guardian Dr, Durham, NC 27703

Group rate $164/night.

Book by Thursday, May 7th, 2026 to get the room block rate!

Parking is free if you are staying at the hotel.

Book Your Room

Frequently Asked Questions

How many instructors can I sign up for?

Attendees sign up to learn with one instructor for the entire four days. This ensures that you have a full deep dive learning experience with your instructor

How many students are in each class?

The point of East Coast School is to give attendees the most in depth learning experience possible. For that reason class sizes are kept small. 20-30 people max in each class ensures that you’ll have ample time for questions. Once a class fills, registration will close for that class.

What's the closest airport?

Our host hotel is conveniently located less than 5 minutes from Raleigh Durham International Airport.

Can I switch classes after I register?

You may switch a class 30 days before the event pending there is room in the other class. If all other classes are full, you’ll remain in your currently registered class. Transfers from one year to another is not permitted,

What's the refund policy?

Deadlines:

● 120 days before: Full Refund

● 119 – 61 days before: 50% Cancellation Fee

● Within 60 days: No refunds

● Within 30 days: No transfers

Course transfers:

● Request to transfer from one course to another: Requests must be made at least 30 days prior to the start of the course. Course transfers are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.

● Transfer from one member to another member is allowed prior to the start of class.

● Transfer from one year to another year is not permitted.

E-mail requests to ppncinfo@gmail.com

Are there shooting opportunities outside of class

Yes! We have shooting bays most evenings where you can get hands on experience with a in a variety of different setups

What's included in tuition

Tuition includes all four days of education, lunch each day, and all evening shootouts and activities.

Can I bring my spouse?

Significant others are welcome to attend all evening events with the purchase of a meal ticket however they will not be able to attend any classes.

What do I need to bring?

Some classes require nothing more than note taking materials while hands on classes may require lights, cameras and more. Be sure to check the course description for what to bring.

What if I'm new to photography?

If you’re just starting out then this is the place for you! You’ll learn more in these four days that you would in months or years with trial and error.

Will I receive PPA Merits?

Yes, if you’re a PPA member, you’ll receive 2 service merits. If you volunteer as a speaker assistant you’ll receive 1 merit per day (max of 3)

Membership rules receiving member discount

If you join PPNC as a member and you cancel your membership before you have paid what equals the member discount for events you attend, you will owe the organization the difference between dues already paid and the discount you received for attending the events.

Daily Schedule

Sunday June 7th

5pm – 7pm | Registration Opens

6:30pm - 8pm BONUS class (You must be pre-registered to attend!)
7pm Until | Meet and greet in lobby bar

This will be your first great moment of ECS. Get together and meet some of the other students, staff and teachers. This is your launching pad for the relationships you will come away from this great week of learning with.