"In case, it's not obvious enough....THANK YOU MARC.  Much gratitude for all your insightful teaching, instructive crits, and great access...all made me a better photographer!" Joanne S.

This is Marc's newest online course for everyone looking to advance their skills in black and white photography!

The goal of this course is to produce stunning black and white landscape and/or urban cityscape and architecture images using regular as well as long exposures.

This course is geared to those who are are looking for specific help with more advanced B+W post-production techniques.

4 assignments will be given that will have you out shooting and practicing the post-production techniques discussed in class.

Marc will cover several color to black and white conversion methods, the use of gradients, custom vignettes, layer masks, selections and blending of several exposures to create a refined B+W look as the final result. We'll calso cover more advanced processing techniques such as luminosity masks, stacking and smart object editing workflows.

This course will have you immersed in learning while access to your instructor Marc is guaranteed with a small class size.

Marc has welcomed students from all over the world since he started teaching this unique way of photographing in late 2006. In the past few years, Marc's long exposure photography has won numerous international awards including the IPA (International Photo Awards), Spider Awards and PX3 (Prix De La Photographie Paris). Marc's work has also been featured on numerous photography blogs and recently on the Phase One website.

Images above: Original RAW, simple B+W and final B+W

Since 2002, Marc has had 1240+ students from all over the world take his online courses! Students came from all over the world, including (but not limited to) the follwoing countries: Canada, USA, Mexico, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Turkey, Spain, The Netherlands, Italy, France, Portugal, Russia (Moscow), New Zealand

Marc's students have won several international awards, including the IPA (International Photo Awards), Spider Awards and PX3 (Prix De La Photographie Paris) using the techniques presented in this online course as well as his guidance through image reviews and critiques.

Class 1:

Introduction and overview of this online course. Discussion on the value, importance and opportunities that post production techniques offer for the fine-art black and white photographer (before and after images reviewed). Marc will also talk about how to find your vision, and how to then translate it into consistent looking images you’d be proud to add to your portfolio.

Assignment 1 given

Cass 2:

RAW workflow and file optimization. This discussion also includes tips and guidance on how to setup your camera so that you’ll get the highest quality results. Following the RAW workflow, Marc will also discuss black and white conversion techniques using Lightroom and plugins such as Silver Efex. All of this is aimed to also help you judge the potential of a RAW image, so you’ll know if and why to spend valuable time with more complex post production techniques.

Cass 3:

Assignment #1 Video review and feedback.

Video Tutorial, From RAW to Final: Landscape / Seascape Shooting.

Marc presents the full workflow of one of his award-winning images using simple processing techniques only. This is to demonstrate to you that, depending on the image, you may not need to sit for hours working in Photoshop. Stunning results can often be achieved using simple techniques and software that can learned easily.

Assignment 2 given

Class 4:

Advanced black and white conversions using techniques such as double processing in Silver Efex, Smart Filters and Black and White Processing techniques in Adobe Photoshop. These tutorials will begin to use layers, masks and selections to help you fine-tune your images according to your vision.

Class 5:

Assignment #2 Video review and feedback

Video Tutorial, From RAW to Final #2: Architecture Shooting

This week, Marc will discuss his essential Photoshop techniques and workflows, including selective sharpening, applying contrast, dodging and burning using masking and gradients. Those techniques, and the results you will be able to obtain using them, go much beyond what can be accomplished in Lightroom and plugins such as Silver Efex, Topaz, etc

Assignment 3 given

Class 6:

The importance of masking and selections. Marc will demonstrate how selections, tonal as well as physical (objects within your composition), can help to shape your images by creating depth, presence and ‘visual paths’ for your viewers to follow. Using these techniques will not only optimize your images and make them more compelling, they offer a concise methodology to help you separate your work from other photographers and achieve your personal vision.

Cass 7:

Assignment #3 Video review and feedback

Video Tutorial, From RAW to Final #3: Shooting an award-winning series of images in Iceland

This week Marc will take you on-location to Iceland, where he recently photographed the award-winning mini-series ‘Icelandic Waterfalls’. Marc shows you his RAW to Final workflow for several images, and also discusses the use of some advanced camera equipment such as tilt/shift lenses and high resolution digital backs.

Assignment 4 given

Class 8:

More advanced post production techniques explained including how to replace skies, shape clouds and blend several images (with various exposures and content).

Class 9:

Video Tutorial, From RAW to Final #4: A panoramic long exposure image

Panoramic long exposure images have often been labelled to be ‘Marc’s speciality’, so this week he will show you how he shoots, and processes some of his award-winning panoramic images. Various techniques will be shown, discussed and compared. From simple camera movement, panoramic tripod heads, tilt/shift lenses, to using highly specialized technical cameras (such as the Cambo wide) with digital backs, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the opportunities and challenges of each approach.

Class 10:

Assignment #4 Video review and feedback

Final class. Discussion and presentation of Marc’s fine-art print workflow, showing you step-by-step how to create fine-art prints for exhibition. Various print and output option will be discussed, as well as how to mount and display your artwork. Techniques covered will help you make your own prints and/or also gives valuable advice of how to obtain them from a lab (so this lesson will be useful even if you don’t print yourself).

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Here's a selection of student feedback received:

"I want to express what a joy this has been in learning from you. You are an inspired photographer and a great teacher, and I want to thank you for your video critiques and the time you invested to create the video lessons and handouts."

Jeff S.

"Marc, thank you for a very beneficial and enjoyable class. I sincerely appreciate your dedication to your students."

Sam B.

"Thanks Marc for your insight into long exposure photography and the constructive criticism of my photos. I'm very proud of the photos I now have and could not had achieved this without this class."

Ian T.

"The Google Community you created for the class was a great method to stay connected with all participants and learn from others, in addition to your spectacular reviews and videos. Your critique sessions are always quite insightful and done so in a very professional manner; I always learn a tremendous amount from your special gift of breaking images down and recommending improvements. This was my second "remote" class with you and look forward to one day taking a class from you in person. Thanks again for you guidance."

Joanne S.

"I’ve just come back from a trip de Turkey (amazing and beautiful country) and have been watching your posted reviews of our 5th assignment. It’s a fantastic learning experience, and I want to say how much I personally appreciate the time you put into it."

Greg H.

"I really apprceiated the video tutorials and video feedback of everyone's images. I learned so much and got inspired seeing what the other participants photographed. In addition to your PDF handouts it made for a truly multimedia learning experience. My only criticism is that I wish the course would have lasted longer -:) Thank you Marc."

Sebastian T.

"Your course has been a wonderful learning experience. And has taken me a step closer to the kind of photography I love the best. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you yet again for this opportunity."

Milicska J.

"I’ve really enjoyed your teaching and the techniques in producing this dramatic style of photography. Thanks for putting this course together and being able to go through and comment on each and every photo submitted."

Nis S.

"Your assignments got me out practicing and shooting. Your feedback was not only helpful but also extremely encouraging and motivating. Thank you for an amazing 10 weeks."

Sharon M.

"Thanks Marc. You have been a wonderful teacher. Even with my hearing impairment, I have easily followed your on-line tutorials and you have been so kind and positive with your feedback. This course came at the perfect time for me."

Shirley B.

"I am finding the note packages you send to be easy to follow.....thanks!"

Ron L.

"I have enjoyed the course very much. It really has stretched me, as a photographer....which is good.....and learned so much."

Jacquie C.

"I have really enjoyed this class and your feedback, thank you and I look forward to the continuation of this long exposure life style!"

Curtis J

"You have shown us step by step how to do this (long exposure photography), and what programs and techniques you are using. This has really given me something to sink my teeth into and a direction to take my hobby that gets me excited. I am super pleased. Thank you."

Mark S.

"In case, it's not obvious enough....THANK YOU MARC.  Much gratitude for all your insightful teaching, instructive crits, and great access...all made me a better photographer!"

Joanne S.

"Marc, many thanks for your review of my images. The way you look at these and your comments are incredibly helpful in giving me ideas for both building skill as a photographer, and giving me the visual tools to further understand composition."

Christopher M.

How this ONLINE Course works:

Marc is excited to be teaching in this new online format.

Every week (on Monday morning), you'll receive your lesson for the week. The lesson typically is in the form of a PDF document that you can download and study, but Marc has also prepared video tutorials for you as well. Together, these materials provide a rich learning resource that will get you out shooting using new techniques and skills.

After studying the lessons, you'll have time to shoot the bi-weekly photo assignment. Photo Assignments are due on Wednesday evening every two weeks (so you got 10 - 14 days to get each of them done).

You'll receive personalized feedback on your submitted assignments. This is where our online course really shines. Marc has reserved time to communicate and provide feedback to each student individually, something that is often a challenge in a 'traditional' workshop setting. To guarantee your access to your instructor Marc, we have limited this online class to only 15 participants. And all critiquing is done by Marc himself, not hired teaching assistants.

You upload your images to a password protected online community created using the service google plus, where only your fellow course participants and your instructor Marc can see them. Here, you can also receive comments and see the other participants images and what Marc and other's have said about them. There is also a forum were you can get in touch 24/7 with your questions and comments.

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Frequently asked questions:

Q: How is this course organized and the 'material' delivered?

A: For his online course, Marc uses a private community page created on google plus. All particpants will be pointed to and instructed how to join this private community created just for this course. This platform allows for everyone to interact, share images, questions, comment on other people's images etc. It is completely private and all content can only be seen by participnats in the course. Every Monday Marc will send an email with course content for that week. This content, which can in the form of a PDF and/or a video, is then also posted to the google plus community. Feedback for assignments are always in video format, and you will be able to see everyone's images and listen to Marc's thoughts about them (not just your own), so that you may learn from all of it.

It is important to note that interaction is not limited to Monday's only - that is the day for the 'official' handouts and tutorials, but you are free to interact 24/7. Finally, if you prefer to take this course but remain anonymous, you are welcome to join the online community with a different name (aka your nickname), or you can choose to participate using email only - in that case links to tutorial and image review video(s) will be emailed to you (but you will miss the interaction with the other students taking place on the online community).

 

Q: How much time will I need to work on this course each week?

A: A minimum of 20-30 minutes each week, plus shooting assignments. You can spend significantly more time, you will get out of this course what you put in.

 

Q: Do I have to be online at any specific times?

A: No you don't. The lessons are send via email, so you can work on them anytime, where-ever you happen to be. You submit the assignments online, and this can be done anytime before the assignment due date.

 

Q: Do I need to own any software for this course?

A: All software presented can be downloaded as free trial versions, so you can follow along and only decide to buy if you are convinced it is the right choice for you.

Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom software is available on a monthly subscription for only $10, if you don't already have this software this is an affordable way to get it.