Private Photo WorkshopS in Boston

Aug 5-7, Aug. 9 (2026) Register by July 28

Photo workshop instructor Sean Rayford, working on a project about the final three months of a music venue in West Columbia, SC in 2023. Keep scrolling to see the photo from the crowd surf angle. (Photo by Kati Baldwin)

WHO ARE THESE PHOTO WORKSHOPS FOR? ($899+)

These custom private photo workshops in Boston are for photographers who travel, but don’t want to make photos that tourists make. It’s for folks who want to spend a day learning from a photojournalist with more than 25 years experience, freelancing with the New York Times, Getty Images, the Associated Press and others — including The Boston Globe. In this workshop I’ll show you how I explore a new big city, as a photojournalist from South Carolina. You’ll leave this workshop with skills and strategies to implement on your next trip.

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Building Your Unique Private Workshop Experience

Before we get into the field, you’ll have a custom documentary workshop built around your interests and goals. We use this framework to tackle the challenges you may face as a photographer. After a zoom consultation that diagnoses those challenges, you’ll get a custom workshop outline.

Dakaiju performs at New Brookland Tavern in West Columbia, South Carolin in the fall of 2023. (Photo by Sean Rayford) This was part of a project titled, For the Record, documenting the final three months of the venue in West Columbia.

These Boston workshops, available Aug 4-6 and 8-9 are for hobbyists and professionals who want direct instruction and focused improvement. There are no groups. No keeping up or slowing down.

What does a workshop day look like?

The day of the workshop, I’ll guide you through the process a working photojournalist uses to find, approach, and tell stories. You’ll learn how to tackle a big city and how to find and photograph people. In this workshop, I’ll be taking on the role of an assignment editor and in-field mentor.

At the heart of this workshop is documentary storytelling, specific to the still image.

All of my photo workshops are built on two main principles. The first — I want to help you to take your relationship with photography to new heights. If you’ve been plateauing or need direction, this workshop is definitely for you. Second — I want you to have an amazing experience with your camera(s). And I want you walking away with new tools, to do those things more often on your own. One of my students recently told me she'd never felt more focused behind a camera. That's the type of result I build every workshop around.

For these workshops, I’ll act as an assignment editor that needs to fill up the pages of a newspaper with photo essays. We will take a look at seasonal events or themes that interest you and roll from there. Boston has a lot to offer. If you want to get better at finding and approaching subjects, we’ll spend the entire day working on this. Or maybe, it’s composition that you want to work on.

Boston PHOTO WORKSHOPS: Aug 4-6, 8-9

1 Day / $899

2 Days / $1350

What photographers say about Sean’s Instruction

“If you don't know where you want to go, you can't set your GPS. This [workshop] reeled me in and I feel like I have a trajectory. I can set my GPS now. I think it gave me chills.”

-Elisa

“Hearing directly from someone actively working at a high level shortens the learning curve and gives clear direction on how to carve out space for yourself. Sean doesn’t sugarcoat challenges, but provides guidance to make the work sustainable and approachable. I feel more prepared to focus, stay ethical, and continue producing meaningful work without getting lost in the noise.”

-Katherine Beard

“Sean has WAY more experience in the documentary photography/photojournalism and he was able to help me figure out a path to what I see as success.

-Jim Conyers

“As someone trying to break into the industry it was really helpful to finally speak with someone who has so much experience. I found Sean's ability to provide advice on a one on one basis really beneficial. Sean listened to where I was in my career, gave me realistic expectations about the industry, and encouraged me to start my own site to host photo essays.”

-Thomas Hunter

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:

"Imagine Indiana Jones with a camera and a mini camper, half world-changing photographer and half adventurer." -The Free Times (Columbia, SC)

As a photojournalist based in Columbia, South Carolina, I’ve covered the Palmetto State since 1997. In 1983, Princess Diana read to my classmates and me when I was living in Alice Springs, Australia.

A 2001 grad from the University of South Carolina, I’ve photographed thousands of assignments and tackled more than a hundred personal projects. In 2021, one of my photos was published in Time Magazine’s “Best Photos of the Year” and my photographs have been exhibited at The Columbia Museum of Art on multiple occasions. I’ve self published three photo books and more than a dozen photo zines. During the months of January and February I snowbird in Florida. My folks live near Daytona.

Photography has been an integral part of my life and career for nearly 30 years and I love sharing these types of experiences with others.

Before becoming a full-time photographer, I tended bar at a historic indie music venue for more than a decade. Before the music club, I was an assistant manager at a record store and an on-air DJ at WUSC 90.FM. Music has played a very significant role in my life and most of my friends are probably musicians.

I like the outdoors, rivers and boats. My everyday driver is a micro camper-van.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PHOTO WORKSHOPS in Boston

1. Do I need to be a professional photographer to attend?

No. Because it’s a private and personalized workshop, you can be anywhere in your journey with photography.

2. What kind of photography will we focus on?

Documentary photography that aligns with your personal interests.

3. What gear should I bring?

Camera gear, computer, phone, weather appropriate clothing.

4. Will we be walking a lot?

If you want an active experience, I can provide that. If you don’t want to or can’t — I’ve got a million ideas that don’t require much physical activity.

5. Do you give feedback or critique?

Yes.

6. Can you help me with a personal project or photo zine?

Yes.

7. Can I choose my own dates?

Yes. But dates and workshops are limited.

8. Are travel, lodging, or meals included?

No

9. Can two people attend together?

Yes, please inquire further.

10. What happens during the discovery call?

We figure out where your interests and curiosities intersect with the workshop location so I can plan an experience that you can’t get anywhere else.

11. Can I focus on a specific subject, project or theme?

Yes. I would encourage this.

12. Can you help me get access to people or places to photograph?

Yes. I’ll walk you through my process and help connect you when appropriate.

13. Do you help with editing and sequencing after the workshop?

Yes. We can spend part of the workshop reviewing and sequencing your images so you leave with a cohesive body of work, not just a folder of files.

14. Do you offer any student discounts or scholarships?

Yes. 20% to students who prove recent enrollment

15. What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Cancellation: Full refund if workshop is at least 90 days in advance. 75% refund if workshop is at least 45 days in advance. 50% refund if workshop is at least 28 days in advance. 25% refund if workshop is at least 14 days in advance.

Rescheduling: No fee if more than 75 days in advance. 30% fee with at least 21 days notice. 50% fee with at least 15 days notice. 75% fee with at least 5 days notice.

16. Do I need to be in good shape or active to do this?

No. We will cater the personal workshop to your interests and abilities.

17. How much does a private photography workshop in Boston cost?"

Photo workshops in Boston start at $950 a day.

Whats the difference between a photo workshop and photo tour?