and obviously you did that because there was an opportunity.’
I didn’t even think about that. I just enjoyed everything that
came with being outdoors. But now, looking back, what I enjoy
about both black-and-white and long exposure is the fact that
it takes photography away from reality. It’s sort of two steps
of abstraction. I like it if they go away from reality, so that
keeps me in black-and-white. And long exposure, we don’t see
the world like that. Because of that, it’s kept me fascinated.”
Koegel’s preferred methodology involves in-depth study of
locations. And while visiting new places is always exciting, he
relishes being able to return again and again for meaningful
exploration. Some of his favorite places include the Nordic
countries, Norway and Iceland in particular, as well as Japan.
Yukon, Canada. “I’ve tested the extremes. I’ve done it fully
mapped out every day: exactly what I’m going to be doing,
pre-booked all my hotels, driving maps for every day. I think
maybe that’s my German heritage coming through. And
I’ve done it like, ‘OK, I’m not gonna plan anything, I’m just
going to get lost here for a week.’ And I’ve now arrived at
what I’d call a happy medium. Because I’m excited when
I plan a trip. I want to look at what’s there, so I can’t help
myself but do a little bit of planning. But I make sure that
I leave a lot of unplanned time. That allows me a sort of
hybrid approach that seems to work very well for me.”
³ Phase One IQ3 100 Achromatic with Cambo WRS
camera, 70mm Rodenstock lens. Exposure: 360 secs., ƒ/8,
ISO 200.outdoorphotographer.com November 2019 51