Photography Workshop: Demolition Derby at the Afton Fair

Aug. 11, 2026 ($999)

*Photo by workshop instructor Sean Rayford— from his photography zine project about mud bogs in South Carolina and Georgia.*

A Haven for Documentary photography

During this one day private photo workshop at the Afton County Fair you’ll learn about documentary photography from a NYT/Getty/AP photojournalist with private hands-on field sessions and reviews. After a diagnosis consultation call, I’ll build you a custom workshop based on your needs and goals as a photographer.

It’s a mini mentorship built into a one workshop with a demolition derby at a local fair. There’s only one spot available, so there’s no slowing down or trying catch up with other photographers.

On Aug. 11 we’ll start our day with brunch at Henry’s Drive-In or the S&S Cafe. Here, we review our itinerary for the day and your goals. Short and long term. We’ll head to the fair when doors open at 11am. Our primary goal during the first part of the workshop is building relationships with subjects and gatekeepers and getting to know the lay of the land. I’ll walk you through how I survey locations and find access.

Slowly, you’ll start making photos. We will take a short break, review and regroup for late afternoon. And by time light starts getting good, we’ll have the legwork out of the way so you can cash in.

The grandstand for the derby opens at 6:30 but track operations begin earlier than that. The derby begins at 7pm and we’ll stay late making photos. The fair ends at 11pm.

It will be a long day but we will pace ourselves and I encourage students to provide feedback on this matter though out the day. As a photojournalist who has worked many long days, I know the consequences of wearing yourself before the main event.

Instead of wasting time sitting in traffic in a parking lot at the end, we’ll use this time to review your day of photography. You’ll walk away with a portfolio worthy photo story and new skills to use on your next photo project.

*Photo by Sean Rayford — from his photography zine project about mud bogs in South Carolina and Georgia.*

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 at the fair

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. 75% refund if workshop is at least 45 days in advance. 50% refund if workshop is at least 28 days in advance. 25% refund if workshop is at least 14 days in advance.

Rescheduling: No fee if more than 75 days in advance. 30% fee with at least 21 days notice. 50% fee with at least 15 days notice. 75% fee with at least 5 days notice.

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 at the fair cost?"

Photo workshops at the fair are $999 a day.

Whats the difference between a photo workshop and photo tour?