Dirt road lined with large trees and overhanging branches, text overlay 'Wild Photo Adventure'

South Carolina’s Southern Charms & Lighthouses

South Carolina's coastline offers a treasure trove of photographic opportunities, blending natural beauty with rich history and architectural charm. This two-day workshop is designed to immerse photographers in some of the state’s most iconic coastal and historic locations. From the haunting driftwood landscapes of Botany Bay’s Boneyard Beach to the stately lighthouses at Morris Island and Hunting Island, every stop is a chance to capture breathtaking scenes. Participants will also explore the serene gardens of Magnolia Plantation, the timeless ruins of Old Sheldon Church, and the vibrant charm of Harbour Town Lighthouse. Whether you're drawn to dramatic sunrises, intricate details, or unique compositions, this workshop will inspire and elevate your photography skills.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Iconic Lighthouses : Photograph the historic Morris Island Lighthouse, Capture the majestic Hunting Island Lighthouse, Explore the charm of the Harbour Town Lighthouse.

  • Natural Wonders: Discover the otherworldly driftwood landscape at Botany Bay’s Boneyard Beach, Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Hunting Island State Park.

  • Historic and Scenic Locations: Step back in time at the Old Sheldon Church Ruins, Wander the exquisite grounds of Magnolia Plantation & Gardens.

  • Golden Hour and Beyond: Master sunrise and sunset photography at stunning coastal and historic locations. Develop your skills in diverse lighting conditions, from soft morning hues to the dramatic shadows of dusk.

  • Guided Experience: Receive expert tips on composition, exposure, and creative techniques tailored to each location. Connect with fellow photography enthusiasts while exploring South Carolina’s coastal gems.

This photo adventure workshop offers participants a comprehensive exploration of South Carolina’s Southern Charms & Lighthouses, blending technical instruction with hands-on practice in a variety of coastal settings including two lighthouse sunrises and a sunset.

Beach with driftwood and ocean waves under blue sky.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

  • Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

  • Location: Charleston-West Ashley, SC

  •  Arrival:

    • Check-in at hotel

  • 5:00 pm Meet & Greeat

    • Welcome and introductions.

    • Brief overview of the workshop itinerary, tips, and objectives.

    • Gear check and Q&A session.

    • Group Dinner

  • Historic Downtown Charleston (Optional for early arrivals – by NOON)

    • Exploring the historic district. Focus on Rainbow Row, a series of pastel-colored historic homes. Capture the vibrant colors, architectural details, and the interplay of light and shadow in the early morning.

    • Walk through the nearby cobblestone streets, photographing the iconic ironwork, hidden alleyways, and charming doors that define Charleston’s unique architecture.

  •  Day 2: Lighthouse Sunrise & Plantation 

  • Morris Island Lighthouse (Sunrise at 6:40 am)

    • Start the day with a sunrise shoot at Morris Island Lighthouse. Although not accessible by land, you can capture stunning views from Folly Beach. Focus on long exposures, capturing the lighthouse against the rising sun and the waves.

    • Experiment with compositions that include the surrounding beach and tidal pools.

    • Breakfast: a café at Folly Beach & Pier

  • Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

    • Travel to Magnolia Plantation, one of Charleston’s most famous and picturesque locations. Here, you’ll focus on landscape photography, capturing the lush gardens, ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss, and reflective ponds.

    • Practice macro photography with the vibrant flowers, as well as wildlife photography if the opportunity arises. 

  • Day 3: Boneyard Beach, Church Ruins & Lighthouse  

    • Botany Bay Island Boneyard Beach

      o   Botany Bay is remote and rugged. It has what’s called a boneyard beach for the dozens of trees over the years that have fallen due to erosion, hurricanes and other storms. 

    o   Stop for Lunch

  • Old Sheldon Church Ruins

    • These gorgeous ruins from a bygone era are found amongst majestic oaks and scattered ancient graves.

  • Sunset at Hunting Island Lighthouse (Sunset 7:57 pm)

    • Travel to Hunting Island State Park for a sunset shoot. Hunting Island Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in South Carolina open to the public, offering the opportunity to shoot from its observation deck.

    • Focus on capturing the lighthouse in the golden hour, experimenting with various perspectives, and using the changing light to highlight the structure and its surroundings.

    • Hotel in Bluffton, SC

  • Day 4: Lighthouse Sunrise

  • Harbour Town Lighthouse, Hilton Head Island (Sunrise 6:36 am)

    • Begin the day with a sunrise shoot at the Harbour Town Lighthouse on Hilton Head Island. Known for its distinctive red and white stripes, this lighthouse offers great photo opportunities with the marina and yachts in the background.

    • Practice architectural photography and capturing reflections in the water.

  • Lunch & Review

    • A waterside restaurant in Harbour Town for lunch and a portfolio review.

    • Travel to Savannah, GA

April 28-May 1,2025

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SOLD OUT

$600

Silhouette of a person wearing a graduation cap

Limited Spots Available - Max 10 Guests

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Easy / Moderate / Hiking

Icon of a person hiking with a backpack and a walking stick.

What to Bring / Additional Information:

  • DSLR/Mirrorless Camera with a variety of lenses (wide-angle, telephoto, etc.)

  • Tripod for stability during low-light conditions

  • Extra batteries and memory cards

  • Polarizing filters, Remote Trigger (optional)

  • Comfortable hiking shoes that can get wet or a spare pair of shoes

  • Hat, and sunscreen

  • Water and snacks

  • Be prepared for uneven terrain; some locations may require light hiking.

  • Make sure to respect the natural environment and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Historic brick church ruins surrounded by trees and a black iron fence.
Tall white South Carolina lighthouse with black top, surrounded by trees, enclosed by a white picket fence.
Pastoral landscape with lush green grass, a wooden fence, and trees draped with Spanish moss under a cloudy sky.
Red and white striped lighthouse with RBC logo on Hilton Head Island, surrounded by trees and buildings.

What’s Included

All Necessary Permits

All Photography Education

Limited Ground Transportation (car pool)

What’s Not Included

Airfare

Hotel Accommodations

All Meals

Alcohol & Snacks

Cancellation Policy

Any cancellation must be done in writing. If you don’t get a cancellation confirmation, we did not get the cancellation request.

Photography Workshops Only:

Full payment is due at the time of registration.

Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the scheduled workshop will result in a refund, less a service charge of 20%.
Cancellations made between 8-29 days prior to the scheduled workshop will result in credit towards another workshop or overnight workshop, less a service charge of 50%.
Cancellations or no shows less than 7 days prior to the scheduled workshop will be NON-REFUNDABLE for any reason.

Photo Overnight Workshops (Overnight stays involved):

Full payment is due at the time of registration.

Cancellations made at least 60 days prior to the scheduled photo overnight workshop will result in a refund, less a service charge of $150.
Cancellations made 60 – 31 days prior to the scheduled photo overnight workshop will result in 50% forfeit of the total cost and 50% credit towards another workshop or overnight workshop.
Cancellations made 30 – 15 days prior to the scheduled photo tour or overnight workshop will result in 70% forfeit of the total cost and 30% credit towards another workshop or overnight workshop
Cancellations (or no shows) made less than 14 days prior to the scheduled photo overnight workshop will be NON-REFUNDABLE for any reason.

If you are due a refund according to applicable cancellation policy above, you will receive a credit, less $150 service charge, via your original method of payment. Please allow 7-10 business days for the refund to appear on your account.