"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 one-of-a-kind ONLINE course will teach you how to make stunning black and white images using long-exposures ranging from a few seconds to 15+ minutes (and longer if you wish).
For those not able to commit to Marc's famous in-person workshops on this topic we have created this 10 week ONLINE format. Learn at your own pace, wherever you are in the world. Get personalized attention and feedback from your instructor and interact with like-minded students.
This course will have you immersed in learning while access to your instructor Marc is guaranteed with a small class size.
This is one of the very few courses available in North America that teaches the long exposure style of shooting. Be prepared for many shooting assignments. Be prepared to get inspired! 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.
The goal of this course is to produce stunning black and white and/or colour landscape and/or urban cityscape images using long exposure techniques. Marc has done significant work in this area so be sure to check out his website www.MarcKoegel.com and blog www.bulbexposures.com
Digital camera equipment or film in any format (including 4x5 and larger) can be used.
During the 10 weeks we spend together you will be taken through the journey required to generate beautiful black and white landscape and urban cityscape images. From camera techniques to post-production, this 10 week online course will cover it all.
You will learn how to see in black and white! And Marc will touch on how he works in color using long exposure techniques, as well.
Images above: Copyright Marc Koegel Photography
Since 2002, Marc has had 550+ students from all over the world take this online Course! 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.
For 2014, the course material, both PDF handouts and video tutorials, have been fully updated and expanded.
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 Sunday evening every two weeks (so you got 13 days to get each of them done).
Within 3 - 7 days 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 25 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.
Class 1:
Introduction to long exposure photography; shooting long exposures indoors or at night without additional equipment. Technical concerns and camera settings.
Assignment 1 given
Cass 2:
Long Exposure Photography in daylight. Overview of required equipment including ND filters, tripods and remote camera releases. Camera techniques and settings.
Cass 3:
Calculating exposure times using ND filters. Thoughts and advice on picking exposure times to achieve specific artistic effects. Marc will be using samples of his award-winning images to illustrate concepts explained in this week's lesson.
Assignment 2 given
Class 4:
Color versus black and white long exposure photograhy, with specific tips and tricks for working and seeing in black and white. Introduction to composition and image design for long exposure photography. Choosing the right lens, angle and viewpoint.
Class 5:
Composition and image design for long exposure photography continued. A discussion on previsualizing your final image and specific composition advice for sea-scapes, architecture and city-scapes, as well as landscapes.
Assignment 3 given
Class 6:
Introduction to digital workflow, black and white conversions using SilverFX Pro 2 and/or Photoshop. Once again, Marc will be demonstrating these techniques using some of his award-wining imagery.
Note: Trial software can be downloaded for free, so you can follow along even if you don't own this software currently.
Cass 7:
Introduction to more advanced shooting techniques such as panoramic imaging and bracketing exposures for increased dynamic range (a manual HDR). Marc will be showing samples of his award-winning images to illustrate these techniques.
Assignment 4 given
Class 8:
Digital workflow and post-production techniques continued. Merging several images to panoarmas to create unique visuals and perspectives. Extending tonal range by combinig two bracketed exposures of the same scene, and how this technique leads to better long exposure photographs in certain conditions.
Class 9:
The full story behind the picture: This week, Marc will discuss his entire workflow from planning a shoot to the finished images ready for print and exhibition. He will take 3 of his award-winning images from start to finish using the techiques discussed throughout this course.
Class 10:
Assignment #4 Video review and feedback
Final class. Marc will present his review of Assignment #4. Then, Marc will discuss the importance of working with a series of images and he will also present an overview of his fine-art printing workflow.
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 Sunday evening every two weeks (so you got 13 days to get each of them done).
Within 3 - 7 days 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 25 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.
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: What kind of camera and lens do I need for this course?
A: Any digital or film camera will do, as long as it has manual controls and is able to do a 'bulb' exposure. In addition to your camera, you'll also need a good sturdy tripod, a remote or cable release (so you can keep your camera's shutter open for minutes), and a ND filter.
Q: What ND filters do you recommend?
A: Marc uses ND filters made by B+W. Specifically, he uses a B+W ND 110 10 stop filter and a B+W ND 106 6 stop filter, so he can achieve a total of 16 stops of ND when both filters are stacked. For more info on filters please visit Marc's blog by clicking here.
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: No you don't. 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.
Q: Do I need to have a specific lens for this course?
A: No you don't. Any lens will do, even a kit lens that came with yor camera. Marc uses wide-angle lenses down to 18mm and wider, but you can do this course with almost any lens that you already own.
Level:
Beginner/Intermediate/Professional. Must be comfortable with personal camera operation.
Enrollment:
Maximum of only 15 participants for each course!
Equipment Needed:
Digital or Film camera (must have manual controls) and at least 1 lens.
A Tripod (!)
Remote Cable Release
ND (neutral density) Filter. Minimum of 8 stops but more is recommended (see below)
ND Filter Recommendation: Marc uses 16 stops of ND filtration. This is achieved by stacking a 10 stop and a 6 stop filter. Marc uses flters made by B+W, Hoya, Tiffen and Hitech, but any brand will work for this course.