Photography Workshops by Sean Rayford
I'm Sean, a photojournalist of more than 25 years, freelancing with the New York Times, Getty Images, the Associated Press for the last decade. Before I did photography full time, I bartended at a live music venue. I’m still very much a working photojournalist, but I also teach photography workshops built around your interests and goals — at your pace. Most of the workshops are based around documentary photography and photojournalism.
2026 Summer Photo Workshop Tour DATES
Workshop instructor Sean Rayford / Photo by Kati Baldwin
FLORIDA
Jacksonville / Daytona PHOTO WORKSHOP [Jan. 8-10, 2027] $750+
ORLANDO, FLORIDA PHOTO WORKSHOP [Jan 15-17 + Jan 22-24, 2027] $750+
Tampa, FLORIDA PHOTO WORKSHOP [Jan 29-31, 2027 + Feb 5-7, 2027] $825+
Miami, FLORIDA PHOTO WORKSHOP [Feb 12-14 + Feb 19-21 + Feb 26-28, 2027] $850+
Maryland
Small Town Maryland Carnival Workshop (Mt. Airy) [July 22-23] $750+
Maine
Portland, ME (On the Ocean Festival) [AUG 8] $650+
Massachusetts
Boston [Aug 4-7, Aug 9] $900+
NEW YORK
NYC: Brooklyn / Coney Island [July 29-31, Aug 10-11] $1000+
North Carolina
Fall foliage: North Carolina mountains [Sept. 25-27, Oct. 2-4, Oct. 9-11, Oct. 16-18] $1200+
Pennsylvania
Poconos / Jim Thorpe Photo Workshop [July 27] $800+
Philadelphia photo workshop [July 24-26] [Aug 12-13] $850+
Rhode Island
Coastal Rhode Island / Point Judith Photo Workshop [August 1-3]$850+
South Carolina
MYRTLE BEACH, SC PHOTO WORKSHOP [July 3-5] $899+
SEC Tailgate Photo Workshop in Columbia SC [Nov. 5-7] $699
CHARLESTON, SC PHOTO WORKSHOP [Nov. 13-15 + Nov. 20-22] $899
Sports PhotograPhy Workshop in Columbia, SC [Nov. 28] $350
The Power of the Personal Project: COLUMBIA, SC [DEC. 4-6] $499
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. As a 2001 grad from the University of South Carolina, I’ve photographed thousands of assignments and tackled more than a hundred personal projects in the Carolinas.
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.
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.
And….. Princess Diana read to my classmates and me when I was living in Alice Springs, Australia.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS
Why did you chose these locations for your workshops?
Because I live in South Carolina and travel frequently as a photojournalist in a micro camper van. Most of the locations are inspired by road trips I’ve taken or assignments I’ve done.
Can beginners attend these workshops?
Yes.
Will working professional photographers also benefit from these workshops?
Yes.
What gear should I bring?
Camera gear, computer, phone, weather appropriate clothing. If you want to rent gear, I’ll advise you. Just ask.
Do you give feedback or critique?
Yes, that’s a huge part of these workshops. In fact, most begin with a diagnosis process.
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
