Mt. Airy, MD Carnival PHOTO WORKSHOP
July 22—23, 2026 (SOLD OUT)
I grew up in Mt. Airy, Maryland and the highlight every summer was the annual Fireman’s carnival. This year, I’m hosting private full day custom built photo workshops centered around an evening of photography at my small, hometown carnival. My name is Sean and I’ve been a photojournalist for more than 25 years, freelancing for the New York Times, Getty Images, The Associated Press and others for a decade. If you’re looking for a unique workshop, this is for you. Regardless of your photography experience.
The workshop process begins with a Zoom conversation. From there, I’ll build you a custom photo workshop focused on your needs.
One day: $750 / Two days: $1150
Photos made at the South Carolina State Fair by workshop instructor Sean Rayford
The Small Town Carnival/Fair Workshop Experience
We will spend the morning with field exercises and hands on instruction to prepare you for an evening at the carnival. After lunch, we take a break and meet up later in the early evening for a night of photography at the carnival. Our morning session will dictate how we approach the evening. If you need to work on composition that’s what we tackle. And that’s the beauty of a private workshop.
No speeding up or slowing down for others. Whatever your skill level, you’ll learn how to approach a scene and capture real moments.
I chose this workshop event location because fairs and carnivals are some of my favorite things to photograph. And when a photographer is engaged it’s much easier to learn.
This workshop is part of my East Coast Summer Tour:
July 22-23: Mt. Airy, MD (Fireman’s Carnival)
July 29-31: New York City (Brooklyn/Coney Island)
Aug 8: Portland, ME (On the Ocean Festival)
Aug 10: New York City (Brooklyn/Coney Island)
Aug 11: Demolition Derby (Coming Soon)
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.
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.
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.
And….. Princess Diana read to my classmates and me when I was living in Alice Springs, Australia.