Photography Workshop: Delaware State Fair

July 24-25 ($849/$1299)

*Photos made by workshop instructor Sean Rayford at the South Carolina State Fair*

A Perfect location for Documentary photography

In this private photography workshop at the Delaware State Fair you’ll have the opportunity to learn about documentary photography from a NYT, Getty, AP photojournalist with more thn 25 years of experience. The workshop begins with a zoom call where I diagnose your needs as a photograopher and I build you a custom workshop. There are so many opportunities for vsiual storytelling at a state fair, that we’ll have to take a step back and approach it with strategy.

Maybe we need to spend time on portraiture or talking to subjects. Maybe you need help with composition or challenging lighting conditions. Maybe you want want to bcome a better street photographer. Every photo is different and at a different part of their journey with the medium. There is no speeeding up or slowing down for others in a private workshop.

The worksop day starts with a hands on one-on-one lunch session, followed by a review and a break, and an evening session and final review. Prepare to spend at least six hours at the fair.

Delaware State Fair PHOTO WORKSHOPS: July 24-25

1 Day / $849

2 Days / $1299

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 Boston

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 in Delaware cost?"

Photo workshops in Delaware start at $849 a day.

Whats the difference between a photo workshop and photo tour?

This workshop is part of my 2026 East Coast Summer Photo Workshop Tour (July 20- Aug 13)

July 22-23: Mt. Airy, MD (Fireman’s Carnival)

July 24-25: Delaware State Fair (Details Coming Soon)

July 26-27: Philadelphia, PA (Spend a day like a photojournalist)

July 28: Jim Thorpe, PA (Small town storytelling)

July 29-31: New York City (Brooklyn/Coney Island)

Aug 1: Demolition Derby at the Lebanon Area Fair (Details coming soon)

Aug 2: Demolition Derby at the Orange County Fair (Details coming soon)

Aug 3-4: Coastal Rhode Island - Maritime storytelling

Aug 5-7: Boston, MA (Anti-tourist travel photography)

Aug 8: Portland, ME (On the Ocean Festival)

Aug 9: Boston, MA (Anti-tourist travel photography)

Aug 10: New York City (Brooklyn/Coney Island)

Aug 11: Demolition Derby at the Afton Fair (Details Coming Soon)

Aug 12-13: Philadelphia, PA (Spend a day like a photojournalist)

Aug 14: Washington, DC (Disaster Photojournalism Seminar) Details coming Soon