Private Photo Workshop in Portland, Maine
(Aug 8)
Photo workshop instructor Sean Rayford, working on a project about the final three months of a music venue in West Columbia, SC in 2023. Keep scrolling to see the photo from the crowd surf angle. (Photo by Kati Baldwin)
Learn how to photograph festivals and events ($650-$900)
In this documentary photography workshop in Portland, Maine we focus on festival photography at the On the Ocean Festival presented by Guster. My name is Sean and I’ll be your instructor. I’ve been working as a photojournalist for more than 25 years, with the New York Times, Getty Images and the Associated Press for more than a decade. I got my start as photographing a music festival for my high school newspaper, managed daily operations and tended bar at music venue for a decade and self self published multiple photo zines and books related to live music photography.
WHO ARE THESE PHOTO WORKSHOPS FOR?
These custom private photo workshops are for documentary photographers and photojournalists of any skill level. Or anyone who wants to learn specifically about photographing festivals. The workshops can be packaged as a half day (4 hours) or as a full day (8 hrs) of instruction.
Building Your Unique Private Workshop Experience
Before we get into the field, you’ll get a custom documentary workshop built around your interests and goals for photographing festivals. And we use this framework to tackle the challenges you face as a photographer. After your free workshop zoom consultation and diagnosis identifying those challenges, you’ll get a free workshop proposal.
This Portland workshop, available August 7 is for hobbyists and professionals who want direct instruction and focused improvement. There are no groups. No keeping up or slowing down. Whether you need help operating your camera or self publishing a photo book or zine, I’ve got you covered.
What does a workshop day look like?
We use the festival to complete a set of exercises built into the custom workshop based on your needs. If you need to work on composition and approaching subjects, we will split time doing that. If you need to work on your use of light, we spend time doing that. As someone who has spent a quarter century photographing music festivals — I’ll show you great opportunities most photographers miss, while pushing your understanding of photography and confidence with your camera to a new height.
(Book your FREE video call and get a FREE workshop proposal)
All of my photo workshops are built on two main principles. The first — I want to help you to take your relationship with photography to new heights. If you’ve been plateauing or need direction, this workshop is definitely for you. Second — I want you to have an amazing experience with your camera(s). And I want you walking away with new tools, to do those things more often on your own. One of my students recently told me she'd never felt more focused behind a camera. That's the type of result I build every workshop around.
Dakaiju performs at New Brookland Tavern in West Columbia, South Carolin in the fall of 2023. (Photo by Sean Rayford) This was part of a project titled, For the Record, documenting the final three months of the venue in West Columbia.
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
“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
MY DIAGNOSIS and WORKSHOP FRAMEWORK
During a free consultation call, we discuss your short and long term goals as a photographer. Then we identify how we can use the festival to achieve them. Then I build you a highly personalized photo workshop proposal from scratch. The call and proposal is free.
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 Portland, Maine
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 Portland cost?"
This photo workshop in Portland is $$650-$900.
Photos by workshop instructor Sean Rayford
I also offer portfolio reviews as a separate service.
This workshop is part of my 2026 East Coast Summer Photo Workshop Tour (July 20- Aug 13)
July 20-23: Mt. Airy, MD (Fireman’s Carnival)
July 29-31: New York City (Brooklyn/Coney Island)
Aug 8: Portland, ME (On the Ocean Festival)