Private PHOTO WORKSHOPS in OrlandO
Jan. 15-17 / Jan. 22-24 (2027)
Orlando / NYE 2013 / Photo by Sean Rayford
1 Day / $750
2 Days / $1100
3 Days / $1400
In this private photography workshop in Orlando we move at your pace and address your goals. No group. No slowing down or feeling left behind. I’ll serve the role of newspaper photo editor and in field mentor where you get to approach the day like a photojournalist on assignment.
My name is Sean and I’ll be your teacher, leader and mentor for this custom workshop. 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 media outlets. During that decade I’ve shot more than 500 assignments for Getty Images, The New York Times and Associated Press.
In this workshop I take your personal interests and challenges as a photographer and build you a custom experience. We begin with a zoom conversation where I learn about you and your photography.
Orlando / NYE 2013 / Photo by Sean Rayford
These workshops in Orlando are for hobbyists and professionals interested in documentary photography and looking to take their photography to the next level. It’s also for photographers who aren’t interested in the tourist scenes. During an introductory consultation call, we discuss your short and long term goals as a photographer. Then we identify how we can use Orlando to achieve these goals and I build you a custom photo workshop.
Documentary photographer and workshop instructor Sean Rayford / Photo by Kati Baldwin
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 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 to identify where you are in that journey and where you want your path to lead.
No two workshops are the same.
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)
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.
Whats the difference between a photo workshop and photo tour?
