Newport, Rhode Island Photo Workshops
Two-Day Private Photography Workshop — $1,699
Sept. 19-20, 2026 / Sept. 26-27, 2026 / June 26-27, 2027 / July 10-11, 2027 / July 17-18, 2027 / July 24-25, 2027
Newport, Rhode Island is one of the most visually stunning destinations in North America.
It’s a photographer’s playground. And why I teach private 1-on-1 photography workshops here. And as a micro campervan road warrior and freelance photojournalist, regularly working with NYT, Getty Images and AP — I have high confidence that Newport is special.
That’s coming from someone who lives near Charleston, SC. But Newport tops Charleston.
What does each day of the workshop look Like?
Day 1
We meet for breakfast at Frannklin Spa, a favorite spot of the Adirondack Schooner sailboat crew. Here, we review your photography and talk about your goals for the workshop. Then we head to the Cliff Walk for the first in-field session of the workshop. After the Cliff Walk, we’ll take a sailboat cruise around the Newport Harbor. If you’re not getting a look a Newport on a boat, you’re missing out.
We’ll be back to the dock for a 1pm lunch — with numerous downtown restaurants available nearby. Here, we review photos you made on the Cliff Walk and on the sailboat.
Late afternoon provides us a 120 minute break and we’ll spend the evening downtown photographing the scene at the docks.
Day 2
We meet at sunrise at the Cliff Walk, and take a second swing at the mansion seascape. Then it’s breakfast at Cru Cafe this time where we review your photos from the evening before and that morning.
This is when we switch our mode of transportation again. Preferably, we use e-bikes, but if you’re not comfortable with that, we will use the shuttle. But a bicycle is the best option. It lets us move at our own pace.
What is included in the workshop price of $1699?
My time, the sailboat experiences and a bike rental is included for the two day private photography workshop. Meals, lodging and other forms of transportation are the responsibility of the student.
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.
This is not a group photo tour. You won’t get lost in the mix or have to slow down for others. We do this at your pace, planned around your interests.
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 Rhode Island
1. How much do I need to know about photography for this workshop
Because it’s a private and personalized workshop I cater to beginners, working professionals and everyone in between.
2. What kind of photography will we focus on?
Documentary style 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 ideas and options that don’t require as much physical activity.
5. Do you give feedback or critique?
Yes. During some meal breaks we review photos.
6. Can you help me with a personal project or photo zine?
Yes.
8. Are travel, lodging, or meals included?
No
9. Can two people attend together?
Yes, please inquire further. Email Sean.
10. Can I focus on a specific subject, project or theme?
Yes. I would encourage this.
11. 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.
12. 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?
Not on this workshop.
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. 50% refund provided workshop is 30 days in advance. 25% with 15 days notice.
What if it rains and is a washout? I’ll transform our experience inside to warf shops, restaurants and bars and a mansion tour — while using the weather for mood.
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 Rhode Island cost?"
Two day private photo workshops in Newport, Rhode Island are $1699
Photos by workshop instructor Sean Rayford
Also avaible: online portfolio reviews