Developing Photographic Work With Purpose with Aline Smithson
Join acclaimed artist, editor, and educator Aline Smithson for a four-day immersive workshop designed to help photographers create significance and depth in their imagery.
Aline Smithson
Today’s fine art photography landscape asks for more than beautifully crafted images. Curators, gallerists, and editors seek work created with intention—photographs shaped by ideas, personal stories, and thoughtful interpretation. They look for artists who can articulate not only what they see, but why they see the world in a particular way. Whether rooted in personal narrative, quiet observation, or conceptual exploration, the most resonant photographic work is work that thinks as deeply as it sees.
Through a mix of lectures, guided exercises, project development, and thoughtful critique, Aline will lead participants in examining the intention behind their photographs and discovering the conceptual threads that give work its resonance. Her approach emphasizes meaning over technical perfection—she is far more interested in the thought, curiosity, and emotional intelligence that inform each image.
Students will explore contemporary genres, study successful idea-driven and narrative projects, and engage in assignments that help clarify personal vision. Shooting time on the grounds of Blenheim Park and throughout the surrounding coastal landscape will be paired with daily conversation and feedback, encouraging participants to look inward, work intuitively, and refine the ideas that anchor their images.
Participants will also develop the language essential to presenting work in the fine art ecosystem—artist statements, project summaries, sequencing considerations, and strategies for engaging with curators, editors, and exhibition venues.
Ultimately, this workshop invites photographers to reconsider how they make work, how they interpret their own lives and environments, and how depth, intention, and clarity of voice can transform their practice. Designed for photographers of all levels who are ready to strengthen their artistic purpose and develop more meaningful photographic projects, this program will leave you with a clearer sense of direction, stronger articulation, and a deeper connection to your creative voice.
NOTE: If you’d like to pay in 4 interest free payments via Klarna — proceed to checkout for this option.
LIMITED TO: 9 PARTICIPANTS
DATE: Thursday, August 6, 9:00am to Sunday, August 9, 3:30pm, 2026
TUITION: This program is $3,495 per person and includes tuition, workshop materials, gear loaners, daily refreshments and some group meals.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Hands-on instruction and mentorship with Aline Smithson
Lectures, guided assignments, group conversation, and critique
Focused development and refinement of a personal photographic project
Writing sessions dedicated to artist statements and project language
One group dinner, working lunches and refreshments during the workshop
Post-workshop class delivered via zoom to follow up on progress.
NOT INCLUDED: ACCOMMODATION & TRAVEL: Travel to and from Maine and accommodation are NOT included but wonderful nearby recommendations can be made. Food & beverage outside of shared meals noted in the itinerary, miscellaneous expenses, equipment, and insurance are not included. Because of our rural setting we do recommend you have a car for the duration of the workshop.
WHERE: Blenheim Park, Bremen, Maine. Approximately 1hr north of Portland Maine, 3hrs north of Boston and 7 minutes drive from downtown Damariscotta.
QUESTIONS? EMAIL WORKSHOP PRODUCER KERRY PAYNE STAILEY
BLENHEIM PARK MAINE
OUR BEAUTIFUL LAKESIDE SETTING:
The workshop will be held in beautiful Midcoast Maine at Blenheim Park set on 16 landscaped, lakefront acres. It’s located about 1 hour north of Portland, Maine and about 7 miles from the charming town of Damariscotta.
In addition to an inspiring workshop with likeminded artists, our lakeside setting will do wonders for your spirit too. With trails through the woods, a lake-side sauna, hammocks, kayaks and canoes available for students use, a workshop experience at Blenheim Park is not only a wonderful chance to advance your artistic vision, but a great opportunity for you to ‘reset’ from the daily grind, while building lifelong connections with other artists who share your interest in creating this type of work. Blenheim Park is home to Maine’s largest cherry orchard, cherry blossoms, lawns, woods, and manicured gardens.
GETTING HERE
Three airports serve the Midcoast region:
Portland International Jetport (PWM) – ~60 miles / 1 hr 15 min. The best selection of flights.
Bangor International Airport (BGR) – ~81 miles / 2 hours. Served by Delta, US Airways, and Allegiant.
Knox County Regional Airport (RKD) – ~27 miles / 40 minutes. Daily Cape Air flights from Boston (BOS) on Cessna C402 aircraft. Note: luggage is limited to one 50-lb checked bag, one carry-on, and a personal item.
A fourth option is to fly into Boston (BOS) and drive the 3hrs to Blenheim Park.
Rental cars are available at all airports (RKD has Budget only). Participants will carpool to field locations.
Weather
Early August in coastal Maine is warm, bright, and generally comfortable:
Highs: 72º–82ºF
Lows: 55º–65ºF
Wind: Typically mild coastal breezes
Even in summer, mornings and evenings can feel cool near the water, so layers are recommended so please come prepared for variable weather.
About Aline Smithson
Aline Smithson is a Los Angeles–based artist, filmmaker, educator, and editor whose work explores the intersection of humor, pathos, and the performative potential of photography. After an early career as a New York fashion editor, she returned to her own creative practice and has since exhibited widely, including more than 50 solo shows at institutions such as the Griffin Museum of Photography, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art, and the San Jose Museum of Art, with international exhibitions in China, Barcelona, Paris, and Santa Fe. Her work is represented in major public collections and has been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, PDN, Communication Arts, Musee Magazine, and others.
In 2007 she founded LENSCRATCH, one of the most respected online photography journals, and has since become a leading voice in the fine art photography community—curating, jurying, and reviewing for institutions and festivals across the United States, including Critical Mass, Review Santa Fe, and the Griffin Museum. She has taught for over two decades at the Los Angeles Center of Photography and at institutions such as ICP, Sante Fe Workshops, and Maine Media Workshops.
Her numerous honors include the Griffin Museum’s Rising Star Award, CENTER’s Excellence in Teaching Award, a 2022 Hasselblad Heroine designation, and the establishment of the Aline Smithson Next Generation Award in her name. Smithson is the author of several monographs, including Self & Others, Fugue State, LOST: Los Angeles, and Smiling with One Side of My Face, with her books held in the collections of MoMA, the Getty, LACMA, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, and the National Portrait Gallery in London. She works exclusively with film—except when using her iPhone.
Visit Aline’s website: https://www.alinesmithson.com
Kerry Payne Stailey
A NOTE FROM YOUR HOST, KERRY PAYNE STAILEY: “I’m truly delighted to welcome Aline Smithson to our teaching roster. Her insight, generosity, and deep commitment to the photographic journey make her a remarkable addition to our community. Not only am I big fan of her work, but I can’t wait to experience the creative magic that unfolds as you immerse yourselves in her guidance and in the beauty of Maine in summer. Having this estate filled with photographers strengthening their vision and exploring new ideas is a dream come true.”
Kerry is an Australian born, Maine based photographer and educator whose work has been published widely and exhibited internationally. She has studied photography, documentary film making and writing at the International Center of Photography, School of Visual Arts and New York University, and she has consulted to many highly respected photographers and photo educators in the course of her career. Now based in Maine, she, along with her husband Justin, owns and operates Blenheim Park Maine.
CANCELLATION and WITHDRAWAL: If you are unable to attend the following cancellation policy applies:
Withdraw 45 days or more prior to the start of your workshop and we will refund all payments made, less processing fees paid to online service providers.
Withdraw less than 45 days, but more than 30 days prior to the start of your workshop and we will refund 50% of your workshop tuition.
Withdraw 30 days or less prior to the start of your workshop, we cannot offer a refund, however you may transfer your place in the program.