Margate: Art of Long Exposure & Impressionism

If ever there was a town synonymous with an artist it would be Turner and Margate. On this long exposure and impressionist photography workshop in Margate, Kent, you will essentially be mastering two creative techniques in a single day! Join me in the footsteps of one of the most influential artists and be inspired by the very views and skies that continually drew J.M.W. Turner back time and again.

The Margate of today can still be recognised in his impressionist works and it is here that we will walk and, with our cameras, explore such techniques as long exposure and ICM in order to arrive at our own personal and unique interpretations.

As you can see, rather than visiting a number of different locations along the Thanet coast, I have decided to hold this workshop in just one. Margate offers so much variety and from my experience, more considered, thoughtful compositions come as a result of spending time at a single site as opposed to in a car. After all, the tide - and time - waits for no one! 

TIMING
Needless to say, with coastal photography, timing is of the essence and the date has been specifically chosen in order for us to capitalise on the tide's ebb and flow. A tidal pool, sweeping harbour arm, slipways and the beach at low tide will provide us with all the ingredients that we require for both minimalist long-exposure and impressionist compositions.

FORMAT
The day will begin in Margate train station's cafe where, over coffee, we will look at setting up cameras, and through using my tablet, show a selection of long exposure and impressionist images during which we will discuss technique and composition. Much easier to do, I feel, in a warm and 'calm' environment than on a potentially chilly beach! Once we're out shooting, Intermittently, I'll move between you offering bespoke tuition and after an hour and a half or so, we'll return to the cafe for a hot drink and use of the facilities before moving along to the far side of the bay. Given the time of the year, it's important, I feel, that there are intermittent breaks and given the cafe's so close, why not make good use of it! It's also a great opportunity to unwind a little and chat amongst ourselves, and, perhaps, resolve any equipment or compositional issues. 

Once refreshed, we'll continue for a short while before heading back inside another cafe for lunch. The workshop concludes by capturing long exposure and impressionist interpretations of slipways, the harbour and sunset reflections on wet sand. 

NOTES AND PRE-RECORDED EDITING TUTORIAL
In order to assist in your long exposure and impressionist photography, prior to the day, briefing notes will be supplied as well as pre-recorded Lightroom tutorial illustrating how I edit my impressionist images.  

SPONSORED BY LEE FILTERS
In order to produce ICM and long exposure photographs, strong (10 and 5/6 stop) ND filters are required along with a 2 or 3-stop ND graduated filter. Should you have these; great, but if not don't worry I have several (including holders and adaptors) that Lee Filters have kindly donated for use on my workshops. You must notify me at the time of booking as this will work on a first come first served basis. 

FINALLY...
Thank you very much indeed for considering this long exposure and impressionist photography workshop in Margate, Kent. Should you have any questions - however small or insignificant you think they might be - then do drop me a line. I’m here to help and provide you with a wonderful day of inspirational photography.