Private Photo Workshop in Miami
Feb 12-14 + Feb 19-21 + Feb 26-28 (2027)
Photo by Sean Rayford
This travel photography workshop is for photographers who don’t want to make those photos every tourist makes. And you’ll leave this workshop with skills and strategies that you can apply on your next trip.
If you are interested in spending your day like a photojournalist in Miami, with 1-on-1 private instruction, this photography workshop is for you. Before you even pick your camera up, you’ll have an assignment or assignments built around your interests and what Miami's has to offer on the day of your workshop. We use this as a framework while addressing the specific challenges you face as a photographer.
I’ll guide you through the process a working photojournalist uses to find, approach, and execute a story. You’ll learn how to read a city, find and approach subjects, while making photos that tell real stories. In this workshop, I’ll be taking on the role of an assignment editor, helping you get to where you need to be at the right time.
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 Miami workshops are for hobbyists and professionals who want direct instruction and focused improvement. There are no groups. No keeping up or slowing down. Whether you need help operating your camera or self publishing a photo book, I’ve got you covered.
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. 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.
WHAT DOES OUR DAY LOOK LIKE?
I’ll act as an assignment editor as you take on the role of an intern photojournalist at a newspaper. We will take a look at seasonal events, themes, communities, and people that interest you and build the day around those intersections. that. Maybe you want to get better at finding and approaching subjects. We’ll spend the day on assignments where this is the focus. We’ll mix theory, strategy, execution, field work and repetition to build better habits. The workshop will be at least 8 hours long (if that’s what you want).
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 Miami
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. 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.
17. How much does a private photography workshop in Miami cost?"
Photo workshops in Miami start at $850 a day.
Photos by workshop instructor Sean Rayford
I also offer portfolio reviews as a separate service.