© 2026 Robert Canis
If ever there was a town synonymous with an artist it would be Turner and Margate in Kent. On this long exposure and impressionist photography workshop, 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, in his very footsteps, 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 wait for no one - especially at this time of the year when days are so short!
Notes and pre-recorded editing tutorial
In order to assist in your long exposure photography, prior to the day, briefing notes will be supplied, and following the workshop, you will receive a pre-recorded Lightroom tutorial illustrating how I, personally, edit my impressionist images which I hope you will find useful for when you process your own.
Margate photography workshop: 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. But, do not fear, I won't just lead you and let you 'loose' without an explanation of the aforementioned techniques since with such a small group size I will be able to move between each of you offering bespoke tuition on such aspects as composition, exposure, filtration and, more importantly, creativity.
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 for considering this workshop. If you have any questions, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help and ensure that you have a wonderful day filled with inspiring photography.
Thank you for dropping by and considering attending a workshop. I love nothing more than to pass on to others the knowledge I have gained over the last 30 years as a professional photographer and 15 as a workshop and tour leader. My group sizes are always small ensuring a fun and friendly group dynamic, lots of 'personal space' in which to photograph without too much fear of others getting in your way and as much tuition as you would like or feel that you need. I hope you can join me!
Although under the 'umbrella' of Workshops, please note there is a difference between the three types that I offer. To avoid any confusion, please see below.
Those taking place in the UK are classed as Workshops where learning is the primary aim, and in the case of those which are multi-day residential, very often include image critique and post-processing sessions.
Overseas trips are classed as Tours where the logistics are all taken care of and where the emphasis is on getting you to great locations at the best time of the day. Since these may include hide photography and working in cold, windy conditions where one-on-one tuition isn't practical, these are less hands-on. However, prior to the hide session or upon arriving at a location, I will give advice and suggestions on composition, lens selection and exposure.
Creative Visions is a new concept that I have designed to specifically nurture your artistic growth. They can take place in either the UK or abroad combining both workshop and tour principles. There will be critique and post-processing tutorials and, most importantly, you will be encouraged to go beyond the record and representational and instead produce more intimate creative interpretations.