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Capture dark, moody urban frames that use shadow and contrast
Shoot bold, high-contrast street portraits at night where flash adds tension
Sequence your night images into a meaningful body of work that goes beyond single shots
Expert Instructor
Alex Coghe is an Italian documentary photographer, photojournalist, and editor whose work captures the raw, unvarnished realities of the human condition. Currently based in Mexico City, Coghe has spent over two decades developing a distinct visual signature characterized by high-contrast black-and-white imagery and the innovative use of Intentional Camera Movement (ICM). His career spans high-profile editorial assignments for global brands like Leica and Burberry, as well as features in premier publications such as France Football and L'Équipe. As a dedicated educator, publisher, and founder of The Street Photographer Notebook, Coghe is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of visual storytellers through his global "Gonzography" workshops and independent photography awards.
View instructor’s classesNo. You can take this class with any camera: compact, mirrorless, DSLR, or even your smartphone. While a camera with manual controls is ideal, Alex demonstrates techniques that adapt to all gear. A flash is optional but useful if you want to explore the creative flash techniques shown in the course.
Yes. One entire module is dedicated to flash as a creative storytelling tool. You’ll learn how to balance flash with ambient light, create tension and mood, use flash for silhouettes or rim-light, and avoid overexposed “flashy” results. This is one of the most unique strengths of the masterclass.
Yes, this masterclass teaches essential night photography settings like ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and focusing explained in a practical, real-world way. Instead of fixed formulas, you learn how to choose the right settings for any night scene, whether shooting with a compact camera, mirrorless, DSLR, or even your phone.
Yes. Many techniques in the class are demonstrated in a way that applies directly to phone users. You’ll learn how to work with your phone’s limitations, use manual camera apps effectively, stabilize shots, and control exposure to create cinematic night images.
Definitely. Many daytime street photographers feel uncomfortable shooting at night. This class helps bridge that gap by teaching you how to trust your instincts in low light, read the environment, and capture atmosphere without relying heavily on available light.
No. Flash is introduced as a creative tool & not a requirement. You’ll learn how to shoot atmospheric, available-light night photos and how to elevate them with flash when you want more intensity or tension.
To avoid blur, use faster shutter speeds, stabilize your camera, and master autofocus techniques for low light. This course shows practical ways to balance sharpness and motion creatively instead of fighting it.
Yes, most street photographers shoot handheld at night. This masterclass focuses on handheld techniques, including body positioning, light usage, and camera settings to keep images sharp without a tripod.
Instead of using flash just for exposure, this course teaches how to use flash to create mood, highlight subjects, and add dramatic contrast, turning ordinary scenes into compelling visual stories.
Improving focus involves using continuous autofocus modes, focusing on contrast areas, and anticipating movement. This course demonstrates real-world focusing strategies used on the street at night.
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