Free online photojournalism course

My name is Sean Rayford and I’ve been a photojournalist for more than 25 years, working with Getty Images, The New York Times, The Associated Press and others. I’ll be your instructor in this free online photojournalism course. I live in South Carolina.

In this course, you’ll find a mix of videos and some corresponding text-based lessons. I encourage students to use both of these resources. This course currently features ten lessons specific to photojournalism, five lessons on the broader subject of photography and five additional photojournalism experience videos.

As I continue publishing new videos and text based lessons I will add them here. If you’d like emails when I update this course with new lessons — and discounts on further education opportunities, you can sign up here.

If you’d like to take your learning further with personalized coaching, I offer one-on-one photojournalism and photography video call lessons tailored to your goals. These private sessions provide direct feedback from a working photojournalist with more than 25 years of experience.

PHOTOJOURNALISM LESSONS

1. What is Photojournalism?

Photojournalism is a form of documentary photography governed by ethical guardrails to ensure accurate, unbiased reporting. Because of this, photojournalism serves as a “first draft of history.” It has the power to call attention to those in need and to hold those in power accountable. Modern challenges, including declining newsroom investment, political risks, and the rise of AI and citizen photography, make photojournalism more important than ever.

(VIDEO LINK)

2. Best Camera Gear for Photojournalism

Choosing the right camera gear for photojournalism doesn’t have to be a headache. Practical experience, comfort, and understanding how to use whatever gear you have — are more important than owning the latest technology. Used gear from major brands often provide great value for aspiring photojournalists.

(VIDEO LINK)

3. Easy Caption Writing for Photojournalism

Caption writing is one of the fundamental differences between photojournalists and everyone else with a camera. A bit daunting at first, writing captions in photojournalism becomes much easier when you’ve got a strategy. (VIDEO LINK)

4. Photojournalism Tips: Lessons from 25 Years in the Field

I’ve learned a shit ton during my four decades as a photojournalist and this is my best attempt regurgitating that in digestible form. Tasty! (VIDEO LINK)

5. How to Build a Photojournalism Portfolio

Portfolios play an important role when trying to pursue projects that interest you and and an important role landing paid gigs. A portfolio will get you access and assignments. (VIDEO LINK)

6. How I Photograph Protests as a Photojournalist

I’ve photographed more than a thousand protests. Here are strategies for covering these events and staying safe in difficult scenarios. (VIDEO LINK)

7. Storytelling with Photography Made Easy

Photography is inherently a medium for storytelling — but most folks are just snapping pics and dumping photos. We can harness the power of photography for storytelling or we can watch a small group of others do it. (VIDEO LINK)

8. Photojournalism in Five Tips

A look at five important tips for new photojournalists. A shorter version of the longer tip video with a some new aproacches to the same subject matter. (VIDEO LINK)

9. Candid Photography Tips from a Photojournalist

I don’t like the term candid, but people use this vocabulary to describe my photography. Here’s my approach to capturing real moments with a camera. (VIDEO LINK)

10. How Photojournalists Get Assignments

There’s not a lot of money in photojournalism — but here’s how photojournalists get paid assignments. (VIDEO LINK)

GENERAL PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOS

1.Learn Composition in Photography

Composition is a foundation in photography. If you master light and composition you can master photography. (VIDEO LINK)

2. 53 Photography Tips

If I condensed all my photography advice into 15 minutes, this is the video I would make. (VIDEO LINK)

3. What Makes a Great Photograph?

If you listen to bad music, you’re gonna make bad music. Learn about what makes a great photograph so you can choose your best. This is a skill. (VIDEO LINK)

4. What Photographers Can Learn from Stephen King

Stephen King got up and did the work. As photojournalists, we can learn a lot from how the horror author structured his life as a creative. (VIDEO LINK)

5. Composition, Light and Storytelling: Photography 101

Harness light, composition and storytelling in your photography to win the Triple Crown. (VIDEO LINK)

EXPERIENCES IN PHOTOJOURNALISM

1. Life of a Freelance Photojournalist

I’ve been a photojournalist for more than 25 years — most the time as a freelancer. This is what it like working in the industry. (VIDEO LINK)

2. My First NYT Photo Assignment

My first assignment with the New York Times was a KKK rally at the South Carolina Statehouse. I won’t ever forget this day. (VIDEO LINK)

3. Hurricane Helene: A Photojournalist’s Journey

I covered Hurricane Helene for Getty Images from landfall in Steinhatchee, Florida to Chimney Rock, North Carolina where miles of hiking was my only way in. One of my most memorable experiences as a photojournalist. (VIDEO LINK)

4. A photojournalists View: NCAA Championship Pool Party

There’s a reflecting pool in front of the library oat the University of South Carolina and nobody is interested in getting in this thing — unless the Gamecocks win a national championship. With Dawn Staley at the helm of one program, she’s been collecting banners. (VIDEO LINK)

5. BTS: Covering Hurricane Helene as a Photojournalist

A year after Hurricane Helene slammed southern Appalachia, I gathered some of my previously unused cell phone video for a look back at the historic storm.