The Master Class: Bringing Projects to Fruition
Jan
13
to Apr 8

The Master Class: Bringing Projects to Fruition

This invitational three-month Master Class through the Griffin Museum will include seven sessions. Photographers who have a deeply considered potential series or significant projects underway are encouraged to apply so that they can bring the work to fruition with focused intention. Research, writing, editing, sequencing, artist presentations and ideas for installation will all be discussed and class participation will be required.

SOLD OUT

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Shooting with Intention with Aline Smithson
Jan
15
to Feb 19

Shooting with Intention with Aline Smithson

A 6-session ONLINE CLASS through the Los Angeles Center of Photography

Today’s fine art photography market asks for more than beautifully, well crafted images. Curators, gallerists and editors are looking for work created with intention and/or work focused around an idea or concept. In addition, they are looking for photographers who can not only articulate their images, but interpret the world with intelligence and thoughtful analysis, whether it be work made close to home or in regions undiscovered.

Join Aline Smithson in a six-session workshop designed to help photographers create significance in their imagery. Participants will be exposed to genres of contemporary photography, projects created around ideas, and projects that tell personal stories. Aline will offer exercises so that students can identify a personal vision or a subject worth exploring, including photographing in the surrounding area. Work will be examined and critiqued thoroughly, offering students invaluable feedback as they reexamine the intention behind their photographs. She is not looking for technical expertise as much as the thought behind the photographs. Weekly assignments will be given and participation is a critical part of the learning curve.

Ultimately, the workshop will inspire participants to reconsider how they make work, how they interpret their lives and their world, and by bringing depth and meaning to their efforts. Designed for all levels of fine art photographers.

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inland seas and verdant gardens An inspirational journey through traditional and contemporary Japanese art
Apr
11
to Apr 22

inland seas and verdant gardens An inspirational journey through traditional and contemporary Japanese art

Join me in Japan for an extraordinary experience!

Next Spring, prepare for a transformational workshop experience through beauty, nature, art, and culture with artist and Lenscratch founder Aline Smithson and photographer and Karuizawa Foto Fest (and Nobechi Creative) Director George Nobechi! This special workshop will explore museums and gardens in Shikoku, visit the “Art Islands” of the Seto Inland Sea, and the historic old capital of Kyoto, each providing a unique understanding of traditional and contemporary Japanese sensibilities and art.

For more information, go HERE

SOLD OUT

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Photographing with Intention
Sep
26
to Sep 28

Photographing with Intention

Join Aline Smithson for a 2 1/2 day workshop designed to help photographers create significance in their imagery. Participants will be exposed to genres of contemporary photography, projects created around ideas, and projects that tell personal stories. Aline will offer exercises so that students can identify a personal vision or a subject worth exploring, including photographing in the surrounding area. Work will be examined and critiqued thoroughly, offering students invaluable feedback as they reexamine the intention behind their photographs. She is not looking for technical expertise as much as the thought behind the photographs.

IN PERSON

For more info go HERE

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The Next Step: Presenting Your Work to the Fine Art Market
Sep
9
to Oct 28

The Next Step: Presenting Your Work to the Fine Art Market

This workshop will help demystify the fine art market with lectures on editions and pricing to presentation and installation. It will also be an honest look at how the roadmap to success has changed and the importance of taking charge of your career is critical. Most importantly, we will craft elevated written materials to accompany your work.

More info here

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The Photographer’s Journey
Jul
12
to Jul 14

The Photographer’s Journey

This 2 ½ day ONLINE workshop will help demystify the contemporary fine art photography market and give selected lectures on ways of working, navigating the photographic waters, and ideas for moving forward.Today’s fine art photography market asks for more than beautifully, well-crafted images. Curators, gallerists and editors are looking for work created with intention and/or work focused around an idea or concept. In addition, they are looking for photographers who can not only articulate their images, but interpret the world with intelligence and thoughtful analysis, whether it be work made close to home or in regions undiscovered. For more info, go HERE!

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Making Photographs in Far Away Places: An Interactive Webinar
Apr
21
to May 5

Making Photographs in Far Away Places: An Interactive Webinar

This three-session webinar is designed to help photographers consider new ways of creating work when traveling to places far from home. The first two sessions will help give participants a tool belt of ideas to help take the work beyond classic travel photographs, exploring concepts that can expand the ways one can go beyond simply documenting the experience and creating artful and meaningful work.

This will be a relaxed class where participants can join with a glass of wine and an open mind! Aline will leave time for questions and conversation.

The third session will allow photographers to try out ideas, and share them with the group and ask questions.

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 NOW WHAT: Strategies for Mid-Career Photographers
Feb
20
to Feb 22

NOW WHAT: Strategies for Mid-Career Photographers

A two-part ONLINE webinar

Over two chilly evenings in February, cozy-up online with Aline Smithson as she advises mid-career photographers in developing new career strategies in the ever shifting photography landscape, as traditional paths to success seem to be in constant flux. For over 25 years, Aline, has been considering the photographer’s journey—for herself and others. As an artist and educator, she is a thoughtful observer of how one navigates the photographic waters and understands the importance of a photographer taking charge of their career and not waiting for things to happen. 

Over four engaging hours, Aline shares a host of ideas on how an artist presents themselves and their work and ideas for opportunities that may not have been considered. She provides concrete and out-of-the-box ideas for moving your work forward while sharing from her own experience, her knowledge of the photography world through 18 years of working on Lenscratch, and from examples set by others. 

This online program consists of presentation material, group discussions, Q&A, as well as a short assignment to be given at the end of the first evening. This is a great opportunity to reconsider who you are as a photographic artist, to understand the broader photographic landscape, and to get your questions answered. Knowing who we are as artists, why we are compelled to make work, and where we want that work to go are important considerations. We hope you can join us!

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Intention, Expression, and Articulation: The Photographer's Trifecta
Jul
31
to Aug 4

Intention, Expression, and Articulation: The Photographer's Trifecta

Today’s fine art photography market asks for more than beautiful, well-crafted images. Curators, gallerists and editors are looking for work created with intention and/or work focused around an idea or concept. In addition; they are looking for photographers who can not only articulate their images and projects, but reinterpret the world with intelligence and thoughtful analysis, whether it be work made close to home or in regions undiscovered.

Join Aline Smithson for a workshop designed to help photographers create focused projects and the articulation that surrounds the work. Participants will be exposed to genres of contemporary photography, projects created around ideas, and projects that tell personal stories. Aline will offer exercises so that students can identify a personal vision or a subject worth exploring, including photographing in the surrounding area. Photographic and written assignments will be given and participation is a critical part of the learning curve.

Ultimately, the workshop will inspire participants to reconsider how they make work, how they interpret their lives and their world, and by bringing depth and meaning to their efforts. Designed for all levels of fine art photographers.

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Private Mentoring, Portfolio Reviews, or Consultations
May
19

Private Mentoring, Portfolio Reviews, or Consultations

I work with photographers all over the world, doing private tutorials via zoom, telephone, or in person if you live in Southern California. Sessions usually last an hour and can be on a regular or as needed basis. My specialty is helping photographers focus their visions and get their work into the fine art market.

Email for more information: alinesmithson@gmail.com

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Now What? Creative Solutions for Mid-Career Photographers with Aline Smithson (Webinar)
May
13

Now What? Creative Solutions for Mid-Career Photographers with Aline Smithson (Webinar)

You’ve entered shows, perhaps you’ve attended a portfolio review, but you are treading water and your career is not moving forward. Aline Smithson will suggest ideas for rethinking this journey, putting you in the driver’s seat to keep the momentum going. She will also consider the changing photography landscape in these stressful times.

Sign up HERE

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Private Mentoring, Portfolio Reviews, or Consultations
Feb
28

Private Mentoring, Portfolio Reviews, or Consultations

I work with photographers all over the world, doing private tutorials via Zoom, phone, or in person if you live in Southern California. Sessions usually last an hour and can be on a regular or as needed basis. My specialty is helping photographers focus their visions and get their work into the fine art market.

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Photographing with Intention with the Santa Fe Workshops
Feb
7
to Feb 9

Photographing with Intention with the Santa Fe Workshops

Would you like to make fine-art photographs with purpose, photographs that transcend technical prowess to express deeper thoughts and intentions? Join Aline for this online workshop with six group sessions as she guides you you in the process of discovering how to create work that springs from a place of introspection, contemplation, and connection.

Aline presents exercises that assist you in identifying a personal vision or a subject you feel is worth exploring, and you are given ample opportunities for testing your new-found insights. To get you considering the medium in new ways, Aline exposes you to genres of contemporary photography, projects created around ideas, and projects that tell personal stories. In addition to discussing how best to present your photographs to the fine art market, Aline also meets with each participant for individual direction and feedback.

The greatest tool a photographer has is the brain. Spend six group sessions with Aline as she shares new ways of working, providing you with a toolkit of ideas for creating photographs in which you are truly engaged—and, in turn, engage your audience. Let this workshop inspire you to reconsider how you create your photographs, interpret your life and world, and bring depth and meaning to your artistic endeavors.

THIS CLASS IS SOLD OUT. To join the waitlist, go HERE

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Photographing with Intention through the International Center of Photography
Jan
9
to Jan 27

Photographing with Intention through the International Center of Photography

Today’s fine art photography market asks for more than beautiful, well-crafted images. Curators, gallerists and editors are looking for work created with intention and/or work focused around an idea or concept. In addition; they are looking for photographers who can not only articulate their images and projects, but reinterpret the world with intelligence and thoughtful analysis, whether it be work made close to home or in regions undiscovered. Join Aline Smithson for a workshop designed to help photographers create focused projects and the articulation that surrounds the work. Participants will be exposed to genres of contemporary photography, projects created around ideas, and projects that tell personal stories. Aline will offer exercises so that students can identify a personal vision or a subject worth exploring, providing a tool belt of idea to create work. Ultimately, the workshop will inspire participants to reconsider how they make work, how they interpret their lives and their world, and by bringing depth and meaning to their efforts.

Course Level / Prerequisite: Open to all skill levels. Students ranging from beginner to experienced will be successful in classes that are Open to All Skill Levels.

Courses are subject to minimum enrollment. Please register early, within five days of the start-date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation and to ensure you receive all course-related materials in time to prepare for class.

SOLD OUT! To Sign up for the waitlist, go HERE.

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WORKSHOPS
Sep
13

WORKSHOPS

I am pulling back from teaching in the Fall of 2020 to make time for my own practice. More workshops are coming in 2023.

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Intention, Expression, and Articulation: The Photographer's Trifecta
Jul
25
to Jul 29

Intention, Expression, and Articulation: The Photographer's Trifecta

Today’s fine art photography market asks for more than beautiful, well-crafted images. Curators, gallerists and editors are looking for work created with intention and/or work focused around an idea or concept. In addition; they are looking for photographers who can not only articulate their images and projects, but reinterpret the world with intelligence and thoughtful analysis, whether it be work made close to home or in regions undiscovered.

Join Aline Smithson for a workshop designed to help photographers create focused projects and the articulation that surrounds the work. Participants will be exposed to genres of contemporary photography, projects created around ideas, and projects that tell personal stories. Aline will offer exercises so that students can identify a personal vision or a subject worth exploring, including photographing in the surrounding area. Photographic and written assignments will be given and participation is a critical part of the learning curve.

Ultimately, the workshop will inspire participants to reconsider how they make work, how they interpret their lives and their world, and by bringing depth and meaning to their efforts. Designed for all levels of fine art photographers.

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DESTINATION WORKSHOP | Room to Dream: Creating Photographic Art in the South of France
Jun
2
to Jun 8

DESTINATION WORKSHOP | Room to Dream: Creating Photographic Art in the South of France

Aline will provide lectures, offering inspiration for new ways of seeing and creating work. Easy assignments will be given, leaving plenty of time to capture the beauty of the place. Afternoons may include field trips to museums, vintage open-air markets, a swim in Mediterranean, trips to Cannes or Nice, a ferry ride to the Isle of St. Marguerite or simply strolling in town with a camera in hand.

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Text and Image Webinar
May
14

Text and Image Webinar

This webinar examines the relationships between photographs and words and will give photographers a broad overview of using text and image in, on, and accompanying photographs. The photographer as storyteller is an important genre in photography as words create another layer of description, sometimes as a respite from images and sometimes as a way of elevating and complicating photographs.

SIGN UP HERE

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Now What: Strategies for Mid-Career Artists with Aline Smithson
May
2
to May 16

Now What: Strategies for Mid-Career Artists with Aline Smithson

This 2-session workshop will help mid-career photographers consider new career strategies in the ever shifting photography landscape, as traditional paths to success seem to be in constant flux.

In Part One, Aline will present ideas to inspire new ways of thinking about a photographer’s journey and then in the second session, will look at participant’s work to help brainstorm ideas to put the artist in the driver’s seat. She creates a safe, non-competitive environment for learning (and laughter).

For more info, go HERE

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Launching or Refining Your Career as a Fine-Art Photographer
Apr
20
to May 18

Launching or Refining Your Career as a Fine-Art Photographer

The year ahead reveals a fine-art photography landscape unlike any in the last thirty years of photography. The traditional path of getting your work out has changed, and the artist must think creatively about how to adapt to the new reality of selling your art. Quite a few galleries have closed their doors and others have gone virtual. In addition, photo centers and museums are looking for work that speaks to this moment in time. It can be a confusing time to be a fine-art photographer and an important time to understand the shifting sands.

This four-session, online workshop with Aline Smithson explains, uncovers, and helps demystify the current fine-art photography landscape as well as inspire each participant to present their photographs with thoughtful consideration. Aline addresses print editioning, pricing, presentation, and installation while providing a road map to taking charge of your career.

Equally important to creating a stellar and deeply considered body of work are all the elements that surround and support it—your bio, project statement, website—and the understanding of where and how to place the work. Participants work on elevating their written materials and all the varied elements that accompany their work.

Weekly assignments in between the lively group sessions are designed to develop and expand each participant’s skills and insights to their career paths. The goal of this hands-on, virtual workshop is to not only increase your knowledge of the fine-art arena, but also to present yourself and your images in a meaningful way.

For more info, go HERE

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 The Next Step: Presenting Your Work to the Fine Art Market
Jan
3
to Feb 7

The Next Step: Presenting Your Work to the Fine Art Market

  • Los Angeles Center of Photography (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Equally important to creating a stellar and deeply considered body of work are all the elements that surround it: your bio, project statement, website and the understanding where and how to place the work.

This workshop will help demystify the fine art market with lectures on editions and pricing to presentation and installation. It will also be an honest look at how the roadmap to success has changed and the importance of taking charge of your career is critical. Most importantly, we will craft elevated written materials to accompany your work.

The goal is to not only increase your knowledge of the fine art arena, but to present yourself and your work in a meaningful way.  Weekly assignments will be given.

For more information or to sign up, go HERE

View Event →
Now What? Creative Solutions for Mid-Career Photographers with Aline Smithson (Webinar)
Oct
26

Now What? Creative Solutions for Mid-Career Photographers with Aline Smithson (Webinar)

You’ve entered shows, perhaps you’ve attended a portfolio review, but you are treading water and your career is not moving forward. Aline will suggest ideas for rethinking this journey, putting you in the driver’s seat to keep the momentum going. She will also consider the changing photography landscape in these stressful times.

View Event →
Creating with Intention at ICP
Oct
13
to Nov 17

Creating with Intention at ICP

Join Aline Smithson for a workshop designed to help photographers create focused projects and the articulation that surrounds the work. Participants will be exposed to genres of contemporary photography, projects created around ideas, and projects that tell personal stories. Aline will offer exercises so that students can identify a personal vision or a subject worth exploring, providing a tool belt of idea to create work. Ultimately, the workshop will inspire participants to reconsider how they make work, how they interpret their lives and their world, and by bringing depth and meaning to their efforts.

View Event →
Private Mentoring, Portfolio Reviews, or Consultations
Oct
1
to Dec 31

Private Mentoring, Portfolio Reviews, or Consultations

I work with photographers all over the world, doing private tutorials via Skype, telephone, or in person if you live in Southern California. Sessions usually last an hour and can be on a regular or as needed basis. My specialty is helping photographers focus their visions and get their work into the fine art market.

I am taking a brief break from teaching workshops this fall, but will be back in 2023.

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Private Mentoring, Portfolio Reviews, or Consultations
Oct
1
to Dec 31

Private Mentoring, Portfolio Reviews, or Consultations

I work with photographers all over the world, doing private tutorials via Skype, telephone, or in person if you live in Southern California. Sessions usually last an hour and can be on a regular or as needed basis. My specialty is helping photographers focus their visions and get their work into the fine art market.

View Event →