Photography Class in Columbia, SC

Photography course Instructor Sean Rayford crowd surfs at New Brookland

Course instructor Sean Rayford (Photo by Kati Baldwin)

Saturday, August 22, 2026 - 10am-2pm (Venue: TBA)

Full Course: $239 early bird (register before July 1, 2026)

Ten students max

Learn about photography in Columbia, SC with a single day of instruction. This one day course features three 75 minute classes covering camera basics, light, composition, timing and storytelling. Taught by photojournalist Sean Rayford (Getty Images/New York Times/Associated Press), the course is available twice a year.


Class 1: Getting Out of Auto Mode

Knobs, buttons, terms, and exposure. The basics of intentional photography.

Class 2: Light, Composition and Timing

How to see light, where to stand and when to push the button.

Class 3: Visual Storytelling

Bring intent and narrative to your photography.

(Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

Use the form below to sign up for class and workshop announcements via email.

What students say after learning with Sean Rayford

“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

(Photo by Sean Rayford)

(Photo by Sean Rayford)

(Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)