2023 Workshop has only 3 seats left available!
Join Photographers Oliver Du Tre and Marc Koegel for this unique fine-art photography workshop!
Since 2014, Oli's and Marc's winter workshops have attracted photographers seeking not only the unique photographic opportunities but also the honest and in-depth critique and review sessions the workshops include.
The winter landscapes of Saskatchewan are nothing short of amazing. You can expect to see abandoned farms and homesteads, lone trees, grain elevators and beautiful minimalist scenes such as subtle snow drifts, fence lines and much more. All all of this with virually no other photographers around - don't tell your friends about it when you're reading this :-)) If you appreciate the work by masters such as Michael Kenna, then this workshop is most definitely for you!
Oli and Marc have scouted the area extensively and always try to make the workshop different than the previous one by putting new locations in the mix.
For 2023, we are offering an extended version of our winter workshop in Saskatchewan. In contrast to Alberta, snow is more abandunt and virtually guaranteed. The skies are even bigger and the landscape sparse with a higher number of abandoned buildings and churches. It will be cold for sure, but the photographic opportunities for winter photography make more than up for it.
Oli’s elegant photographic style and his ability to point out the unseen, seamlessly mesh with Marc's technical expertise. Together, Oliver and Marc will not only teach, but also inspire you to see the world that little bit different.
Images above: Copyright Oliver Du Tre Photography
As this is a winter workshop, you must be prepared for temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius (equals -40 Fahrenheit). Yes, we understand that this is cold, but as a trade-off this workshop will place you in one-of-a-kind locations that will yield very unique, minimalist fine-art photographs that cannot be duplicated or captured at any other time of the year!
A vital element of this workshop is the honest feedback you’ll receive on your work. You'll be working one-on-one with Oli and Marc in the field, and in the classroom the duo will provide everyone with ample in-depth reviews of their work.
This workshop will meet at the Courtyard By Marriott Saskatoon Airport. This hotel will be our base for the first 3 days / nights. For days 4 and 5, we will be in Regina where we'll be based at the Home Inn and Suites Hotel. We are planning to arrive back in the Saskatoon area by Sunday (February 12) 6pm. Note that you don't have to stay at the aformentioned hotels...you're welcome to stay anywhere in the area and simply meet the group each day.
Both of these hotels provide quick and easy access to our shooting locations. This way, we can maximize our time in the field together.
Please note that the workshop fee includes does NOT include hotel accommodation nor transportation to our photography locations. We provide maps and driving directions for everyone. If you don't want, or can, take your own car then you can also book a seat in one of our vehicle(s) during the online registration process.
We recommend you to book a room at the hotels mentioned above, but you're welcome to book anywhere else (and then simply meet us at the hotel the workshop is based in).
Please use the following dates when booking your hotels:
- Saskatoon February 8 to 10 (we begin at 9am, so you may want to book the first night on February 7th)
- Regina February 10 to 12 (we will be travelling back towards Saskatoon upon checkout on the 12th)
Digital camera equipment, or film in any format (including 4x5 and larger) can be used. You can choose to shoot in black and white and / or color.
Images above: Copyright Marc Koegel Photography
Olivier Du Tré:
Olivier Du Tré (˚1977, Ghent, Belgium) is a fine art photographer based out of Calgary, Alberta.
“Zo vader, zo zoon” the Dutch equivalent for “Like father, like son” holds true for photographer Olivier Du Tré, who credits his father as his inspiration.
“He’s a fantastic painter and a gifted photographer. As a child, I marvelled at his uncanny ability to ‘dial-in’ his Leica M3 and produce the most beautiful shots without the aid of a light meter. I don’t ever recall thinking ‘I want to become a photographer’ at that time, but because of him, I definitely knew I wanted to be an artist.”
After graduating as a graphic designer in 1998, Du Tré found his passion after enrolling in a three-year photography program at KISP in Ghent, Belgium. During this time, Olivier immersed himself in film cameras, darkroom printing techniques and black and white photography, all of which continue to play a huge role in his work today.
After seven years of traveling back and forth, Olivier decided to make Canada his permanent home in 2009.
“The move was a product of passion. I wanted to be closer to the subject matter that I found so intriguing. The majestic Rocky Mountains on one side, and the wide open spaces of the Prairies on the other. I really like the compliment/contradiction of man and nature. There’s a unique symmetry to it all.”
See Oliviers photography by visiting the following website:
Marc Koegel:
Marc Koegel is a proud father of two, a photographer, educator, writer and the director of Vancouver Photo Workshops LTD (www.vpworkshops.com).
His black and white long exposure landscapes, nudes and architectural photographs have been widely exhibited and have won numerous internationally awards such as the IPA, PX3, Spider Awards and Epson Pano Awards.
Born in Germany, Marc first came to Canada in 1996 to earn an Economics degree. He has been seriously involved with photography ever since he was given his father's camera and darkroom setup at the age of 12 (Yes I fit this stereotype).
To create his fine-art photographs, Marc works with both, film and digital processes. See Marc's photography by visiting the following websites:
Level:
Beginner/Intermediate/Professional. Must be comfortable with personal camera operation.
Enrollment:
Maximum 8 participants.
Equipment Needed:
Bring your camera (must have manual controls) and at least 1 lens. Film or Digital.
A Tripod
Remote Cable Release
If shooting film: Bring film (recommended are Fuji Across & Ilford XP2) and any color filters you may have.
If shooting digital: Consider bringing a laptop to work on your images.
Optional: additional lenses, ND filters.
We Provide:
Detailed course notes in binder.
ND Filters are available for rent ($15 each or $25 for set of two) for those who do not own them
Early-Bird Discount:
Most of our courses and workshops offer a 10% discount is applied automatically if you register before the Early-Bird Discount deadline date listed in the registration table below.
Some courses and workshops offer a discount if you're among the first 3 people who register. This discount will replace the 'standard' Early Bird Discount mentioned above, and will be applied automatically during the online registration process (as long as it is available). Check the course/workshop listing page for more details.
Group Discount:
A 5% discount will be appplied if 3 or more people register at the same time for the same workshop. (All 3 tuitions must be paid for by one credit card to be considered a group registration.) Please follow the instructions on the online registration page.
In order to provide the best learning environment possible VPW keeps class and tour sizes limited to 10-15 people (depending on the workshop). This is but one reason that we count on you to attend your chosen class or tour, once you have registered for it.
If you must withdraw for any reason please be aware of our refund policy as follows:
For our Local Lectures, Seminars, and Workshops valued at or under $100, VPW is unable to provide a cash refund. Transfers are limited to one transfer to either the same event at a later date, or a different event of equal value. VPW requires 48 hours written notice in order to make such a transfer (email notice is acceptable). The event you are transferring to must occur within 6 months of the original event you registered for. A $15 fee will be applied to all transfers.
For our Local Workshops, 1 to 5 days in length and our Local 4 to 10 Week Courses, VPW requires 30 days written notice (before the event start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. (Email notice is acceptable.)
For our Master Photographer Series workshops, 1 to 5 days in length, VPW requires 60 days written notice (before the workshop start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. VPW may retain 15% of fees paid or $150 minimum in processing your refund. If the tuition is less than $500 the minimum fee drops to $75.
Within 45 days of the Master Photographer Series workshop date all fees paid are non-refundable.
For our Photo Tours (national and international), the following charges will apply:
- If you cancel up to 3 months before the tour start date and we can fill your space, your reservation (or deposit) fee will be refunded
- There is no additional cancellation fee up to 8 weeks before the start of your tour
- From 8 weeks to 4 weeks before the tour: 25% of your balance
- From 4 weeks to 1 week before the tour: 50% of your balance
- From 1 week to 72 hours before the tour: 75% of your balance
- If you cancel within 72 hours of the start of the trip, no refund can be paid
- Transaction charges incurred on accepting and refunding payments will be deducted from the refund amount
- In the (unlikely) event that we cancel the Photo Tour, all monies paid will be refunded in full
We highly recommend that you take out travel insurance to guard yourself against monies lost due to unavoidable cancellation by either party.
Transfers (for all events over $100): If you wish to transfer to a different workshop date, VPW requires a minimum of 30 days written (email) notice. All transfers are based on availaibility, and subject to approval by VPW staff. For courses/workshops with tuition above $101, the transfer fee is $35.
Transfer Fees as based on event pricing:
Tuition of $100 and below, the transfer fee is $15
Tuition of $101 and above, the transfer fee is $35
VPW can give no refunds:
If you registered for any event valued at or under $100
If you do not show up for your registered course.
If you register for a course beyond or below your skill or ability level.
Refunds for all events valued at $101 and above (excluding Master Series Workshops):
If a student wishes to cancel their registration for any of VPW's events, and has provided written notice within the appropriate timeframe, a refund less a $50 administration fee will be provided.
Course Cancellation:
Occasionally, we may have to cancel a course due to low enrollment. In this case, we will issue a full refund of all monies paid to VPW up to that time.
Instructor Replacement:
In the event that a listed instructor is unable to participate because of a change in his or her professional schedule, we will replace the instructor with someone of equal or similar credentials. If we cannot find a replacement in due time before the course is about to start, a particular class may have to be rescheduled.
Liability
In the event that we cancel your course, for any reason, the extent of VPW's liability is limited to the return of all monies paid. We will do everything we can to register you in another equivalent course. VPW will not be responsible for reimbursement of travel expenses of any kind.
Please note: An administration charge of $50 applies to all refunds
Read complete refund and liability policy
"Bravo to Marc and Oliver for leading one of the best of the winter photography workshops. I have attended others in previous years and the 2016 workshop stands out as one of the best. Marc and Oliver again remained focused on the students... work with each of us on
composition, technique and the probing inquiry as to the "why" of our
photography."
"More important than leaving the course with only technique knowledge,
I left the course with a better understanding of myself as a
photographer."
"As the world of photography changes so does the market for photo workshops. I have attended enough of these to feel confident that I am a very good judge of what constitutes a poor vs. good vs. great workshop. Not one to settle for mediocrity I researched what I felt would be the best photo workshop covering long exposure and Minimalism. It didn’t take long for me to find Marc Keogel and Oliver Du Tre as they were offering a 3 day course in Calgary photographing the pristine prairies and the almost mystical scenery in those snowy fields.
For those of you who know Marc Keogel you know he has dedicated his life to his family and his unique business of owning and operating Vancouver Workshops in Vancouver, BC. Marc has many fine qualities but teaching photography is where he really shines. He has won many prestigious photo contests internationally and is well recognized as one of the best in his genre.
Oliver Du Tre is also a well known Black and White Minimalist photographer and his passion for his work is at another level. Oliver simply sees the world with a different set of eyes and he works extremely hard in the classroom and in the field to help each participant at any skill set. Oliver has put together a very clever and educational set of presentations which he uses to describe his approach to what is involved with making a great image.
For those of us who have attended field workshops we are all too familiar with the leader bringing their camera into the field and being more concerned with their images than your own. This is most definitely not the case with Marc and Oliver as they constantly walked around to assist in composition, technique and just overall making sure everyone was comfortable.
I am proud to have made the decision to attend this intense course which has absolutely raised the bar on my photography. I eagerly look forward to continuing my relationship with Marc and Oliver and I most certainly will be attending more amazing workshops offered by Vancouver Workshops"
"Marc's skill and enthusiasm for teaching is only matched by his incredibly inspiring photographs. Thank you for a great workshop today!"
The Fine Art Long Exposure Workshop is taught by the following instructors:
See Marc's work by visiting his website here!
See Oliver's work by visiting his website here!
Oliver Du Tre Images:
Class | Dates | Time | Seats Available: | Meeting Location: | Instructor | Registration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 Days | February 8 - 12, 2023 | 9am-6pm | Only 3 | Courtyard By Marriott Saskatoon Airport333 Aerogreen Cres, Saskatoon, SK S7L 1S4, Canada |
Olivier Du Tre & Marc Koegel | Click HERE to Register |