Learn Photography from a Working Photojournalist
Personalized Photography Lessons for Creatives, Business Professionals and Students
“Imagine Indiana Jones with a camera and a mini camper, half world-changing photographer and half adventurer.” -Vincent Harris (Free Times Power List) Photo by Kati Baldwin
If you're a business professional exploring your creative side, a student, another photojournalist or just looking to improve your visual storytelling — I offer one of kind personalized online photography lessons, grounded in real-world photography experiences spanning four decades.
My name is Sean, and I’ve been a photojournalist for more than 25 years. During the last ten, working on assignment for folks like The New York Times, The Washington Post, Getty Images, The Associated Press, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, NPR and many others. All the while, also working on countless personal projects — like the one you see me tackling in the photo above.
During the last decade I’ve covered 12 hurricanes, three presidential elections, numerous wildfires and riots - and a range of stories about the everyday. I’ve published more than 20,000 photos made on assignment with Getty Images and the Associated Press and I can help you learn about photography.
Why My Coaching?
Real-World Insight
Learn from someone who has navigated chaos for decades while delivering on more than a thousand photo assignments — on deadline with accuracy and purpose. I may even use adult language — if you’re an adult.
Personalized for You
Each video session we’ll identify and tackle what challenges you —be it composition, captions, editing, workflow, licensing, storytelling, lighting, portfolio building, personal projects, self publishing, pitching or assignment advice. I tailor the experience to address your personal interests, skill level and goals.
Wide-Ranging Skill Set
As a photojournalist of 25+ years, my experiences cover most types of photography. As a freelancer, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients in both news media and in commercial photography (Proctor & Gamble/Aaron’s Rentals/Facebook/Otis Elevator)
The X Experience
For the last decade I’ve been working with world class photo editors and shoulder to shoulder with Pulitzer prize winners. As a generation X photographer, I learned about photography by processing film in closets and working in darkrooms. I’ve been a photographer before and after the digital revolution. I also spent more than decade bartending before I went full-time into photography. I’ve seen the challenges.
Learn About Documentary Photography and Photojournalism:
There are many great options to learn about photography — but if you are interested in documentary photography and photojournalism, I provide a one of a kind learning experience.
Sean Rayford is a freelance photojournalist based in South Carolina working with Getty Images, The New York Times, The Associated Press and many others - offering online photography lessons.