Blenheim Park Maine Master Class

After last year’s sold-out masterclass at Blenheim Park, I’m looking forward to heading back to mid-coast Maine this October (19–24, 2025) for an expanded five-day workshop—my last one for the year.

We’ve added a day and a few new locations to keep things fresh, but the heart of it remains the same: an intimate, focused space to explore portrait work as well as figure studies in a place that invites any photographer’s passion!  With a small group of dedicated photographers, the week is shaped around one-on-one mentoring, thoughtful conversation, and the kind of hands-on practice that sticks with you long after the workshop ends.

The setting is special. Blenheim Park is a private, 16-acre estate on the edge of McCurdy Pond. You’ll photograph in warm morning light by the water, inside a historic cottage with soft window light, out in the woods where the fall colors are in full bloom and in a fully equipped studio space that’s as comfortable as it is equipped.

Kerry Payne and Justin Stailey host the workshop with the kind of hospitality that makes the whole experience feel like a retreat. We’ll eat well (yes, there will be lobster and plenty of fresh oysters), share wine by the fire, and take a few low-key excursions to nearby lighthouses and quiet coastal spots that balance the structure of our days with time to breathe.

Each morning begins with a conversation—a lecture, class image reviews,  lighting  demos for that day’s lessons, and small group discussions—before moving into the day’s shooting. You’ll work with professional models in a mix of environments, and I’ll be right there with you to offer direct feedback, coaching, and support, alongside my first assistant of over 25 years who will join us for additional approaches. Whether you’re refining your lighting, learning how to direct subjects more fluidly, or chasing that subtle moment of expression, you’ll have space and guidance to go deeper into your own style.

We’ll also have access to some incredible gear—lighting from Sunbounce and Rotolight, plus the newest cameras and lenses from Fujifilm if you want to experiment. Justin will be on hand to answer any tech questions, so you can focus on your imagery capture.

But more than the tools or the teaching, this week is about creative momentum. It’s a chance to reset, to challenge yourself, and to do the kind of work that reminds you why you love photography so much. The small group format makes it easy to connect—not just with me, but with each other. Ideas are shared. Friendships formed. And more often than not, something shifts.

If that sounds like something you’ve been looking for, I hope you’ll consider joining us. There are only a few open spots, and they always go quickly.  Click here to download a PDF of the class and to register. I’d love to see you at Blenheim Park.

Click here for a complete description of - and to register for - the workshop.

Hit the CONTACT button above if you have any questions.