PrIVATE Photography EXPERIENCES in South Carolina
Learn about documentary photography and experience the American South with a private workshop led by South Carolina photojournalist Sean Rayford
“Imagine Indiana Jones with a camera and a mini camper, half world-changing photographer and half adventurer.” -Free Times Power List: "Who Shaped Arts, Food and Culture in Columbia this Year?" Photo of workshop instructor, Sean Rayford, by Kati Baldwin.
Do you want to do something more meaningful with your camera, while learning about photography? Maybe you’ve faced challenges approaching subjects or following through on personal projects? Maybe, you’ve found difficulty editing, culling and sequencing? Maybe you want to do some street photography in Charleston or see the mountains of Southern Appalachia? Maybe you want to self-publish in physical format with a photo zine or a photo book?
Or maybe, you just want to have an awesome experience with your camera in the American South.
My name is Sean and I know that alligators don’t swim into the Lower Saluda. I know where to find boiled peanuts and where a Lt. Governor assassinated the first editor of the capital city daily newspaper — and I lead documentary photography workshops in Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Asheville (NC).
As a photojournalist based in Columbia, South Carolina, I’ve covered the Palmetto State since 1997. A 2001 University of South Carolina alumnus, I’ve photographed thousands of assignments and tackled more than a hundred personal projects in the Carolinas.
My photos have found their way into Time Magazine’s “Best Photos of the Year” and The Columbia Museum of Art. And The National Gallery Of Art Library purchased one of my photo zines. That was a fun surprise.
Before becoming a full-time photographer, I tended bar at a historic indie music venue for more than a decade. And the last ten years, I’ve regularly worked with the New York Times, Getty Images, The Associated Press and others.
Learn more about a Documentary Photography Workshop in Columbia, SC.
Prior to working at the music club, I was an assistant manager at a record store and a DJ at a college radio station. Music has played a very significant role in my life and a large percentage of my friends are musicians.
I like the outdoors, rivers, boats and bicycles. I roll in a micro camper-van. I’ve self published three photo books, more than a dozen photo zines and my life has revolved around visual storytelling for 30 years. My earliest years were spent in the Australian Outback — where Princess Diana read to my classmates and me in Alice Springs.
My photography workshops are private sessions that include two 30-minute discovery calls. This lets me cater the workshop to your needs and interests — and a 60-minute follow-up for final feedback. In addition, multi-day workshops will have in-person feedback scheduled for the final day.
Neither lodging, travel nor dining are included in the price but I’d be happy to recommend options. Workshops are available each year, November-July. You’ll have in-person access to me for at least eight hours each day. But if you don’t want someone over your shoulder, I can also just help you with the leg work and planning — and on the back-end, for a project you’d like to pursue.
What might our day look like? In Charleston? In Columbia? In Myrtle Beach? In Western North Carolina?
Charleston, SC Photography Workshop
1 Day / $1000
3 Days / $2200
5 Days / $3000
Columbia, SC Photography Workshop
1 Day / $500
3 Days / $1000
5 Days / $1800
Myrtle Beach, SC Photography Workshop
1 Day / $1000
3 Days / $2200
5 Days / $3000
Asheville / Western NC Photography Workshop
1 Day / $1100
3 Days / $2200
5 Days / $3000
Frequently Asked Questions about Carolina Photography Workshops
1. Do I need to be a professional photographer to attend?
No.
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.
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 or theme?
Yes.
12. Can you help me get access to people or places to photograph?
Yes.
13. Do you help with editing and sequencing after the workshop?
Yes
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. Full refund within 15 days of booking, provided workshop is at least 30 days in advance. 75% refund provided workshop is 30 days in advance. 50% with 15 days notice. 25% refund with 7 days notice.
Rescheduling: No fee if more than 45 days in advance. 10% fee with 30 days notice. 30% fee with 15 days notice. 50% fee with 5 days notice. Less than 5 days, 75% fee.
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.
