Private PHOTO WORKSHOP in OrlandO
(Jan. 16-24, 2027)
Documentary photographer and workshop instructor Sean Rayford / Photo by Kati Baldwin
If you’re looking for a unique personalized photo workshop in Orlando — this is for you. We move at your pace and address your goals.
My name is Sean and I’ll be your instructor, teacher, leader and mentor for this experience. I’ve been a photojournalist for more than 25 years and for the last decade I’ve been freelancing with the New York Times, Getty Images, the Associated Press and many other international legacy media outlets.
These workshops are for hobbyists and professionals looking to take their photography to the next level. There are no groups. No keeping up or slowing down.
This is not your normal workshop. During a free consultation call, we discuss your short and long term goals as a photographer. Then we identify how we can use Tampa or Orlando to achieve these goals. And I build you a personalized photo workshop proposal. No commitment needed. Because this is a personal workshop, these experiences are for beginners or professionals.
Orlando / NYE 2013 / Photo by Sean Rayford
WHAT DOES OUR DAY LOOK LIKE?
All of my photo workshops are built on two main principles. The first — I want to help you to take your understanding of and relationship with photography to new heights. And second — I want you to have an 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.
Before we ever meet in person, we will have multiple conferencing sessions, so I can learn about you — and where you want to take your photography. I’ll build your experience from scratch and pitch you a proposal for a workshop.
Everyone is at a different spot in their journey with photography. First, I need identifying where you are in that journey and where you want your path to lead.
No two workshops are the same.
Whether you seek the Gulf Coast’s waterfront culture in Tampa or the unexpected street life and cultural pockets of Orlando, I will build your workshop around you and the best of the sunshine state.
Orlando / NYE 2013 / Photo by Sean Rayford
ABOUT YOUR Sean and His Instruction:
“If you don't know where you want to go you can't set your GPS. This 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
"Imagine Indiana Jones with a camera and a mini camper, half world-changing photographer and half adventurer."
-The Free Times (Columbia, SC)
A 2001 grad from the University of South Carolina, I’ve photographed thousands of assignments and tackled more than a hundred personal projects. During January and February I snowbird in Florida where my folks live.
In 1992 I won my 8th grade photo contest and a few decades later I was finding spots on Time Magazine’s “Best Photos of the Year” and in the must follow guide to photographers on Instagram. I cover a lot of hurricanes and chase them from Louisiana to North Carolina and my work has been exhibited at The Columbia Museum of Art in South Carolina on multiple occasions. I’ve self published three photo books and more than a dozen photo zines.
Photography has been an integral part of my life and career for nearly 30 years and I love sharing what I know with others.
Before becoming a full-time photographer, I tended bar at a historic indie music venue for more than a decade. And 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.
And….. Princess Diana read to my classmates and me when I was living in Alice Springs, Australia.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FLORIDA PHOTO WORKSHOPS
1. Do I need to be a professional photographer to attend?
No.
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.
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 or theme?
Yes.
12. Can you help me get access to people or places to photograph?
Yes.
13. Do you help with editing and sequencing after the workshop?
Yes
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. Full refund within 15 days of booking, provided workshop is at least 30 days in advance. 75% refund provided workshop is 30 days in advance. 50% with 15 days notice. 25% refund with 7 days notice.
Rescheduling: No fee if more than 45 days in advance. 10% fee with 30 days notice. 30% fee with 15 days notice. 50% fee with 5 days notice. Less than 5 days, 75% fee.
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.
