South Carolina Plantations

Mar 21-25, 2027 - Coming Soon!

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Step into a world of timeless beauty and Southern charm as we explore South Carolina's most iconic plantations and coastal treasures during peak spring bloom. Vibrant azaleas, camellias, magnolias, and wisteria burst to life, painting the gardens in a kaleidoscope of color. Towering oaks draped in delicate Spanish moss create a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere perfect for photography. Enjoy exclusive, private access to historic plantations outside of public hours—giving you the ideal light and peaceful settings to capture your best images. We'll also visit serene coastal locations featuring weathered driftwood trees, peaceful beaches, and picturesque piers. With thoughtfully scheduled image critiques and hands-on post-processing sessions, this workshop offers the perfect blend of creative growth, scenic wonder, and Southern hospitality.

Tuition

Max Group Size

  • 8 Students Max

Instructor(s)

  • Kevin McNeal
  • Shane McDermott

Physical Intensity

South Carolina Plantations Photo Workshop

Highlights

  • Experience prime spring conditions in the pastoral plantations of South Carolina. Colorful flowers, dazzling greens, and majestic oak trees will transport you to a bygone era.
  • Special access outside of business hours is granted to our group at some plantations for the best photo opportunities.
  • Capture the beautiful South Carolina Coast with ghostly driftwood trees and photogenic piers.
  • Small group size of 5 students and 1 pro instructor will ensure plenty of individual attention.
  • Ground transportation provided.
  • Post-processing instruction and image critique sessions will be scheduled throughout the workshop.

Itinerary

The exact itinerary will be flexible based on the weather and current conditions.  Our job is to get you to the best places at the best times.  The itinerary below is just an example of what you can expect.  On cloudy days, we will be able to photograph longer than on days when it is sunny.

  • Day 1: We meet at 1PM at the Springhill Suites by Marriott Charleston Airport for an orientation session where we'll cover the specialized photo techniques you'll be using and discuss the itinerary in more detail. That afternoon we visit a grand estate adorned by beautiful grounds.  For sunset we'll get our feet wet and photograph the mysterious driftwood trees against the backdrop of South Carolina's coastline.
  • Day 2: We are up early to visit a couple different plantations with their unique characteristics. With special access outside of business hours, we can photograph without the crowds and with better light.  There are many compositions with the gardens, flowers, and mossy oak trees.
  • Day 3: Today we photograph one of our favorite plantations both in the morning before they open and again in the evening after they close to the public. You'll be able to fully indulge in the beauty and romantic allure of the flowering gardens, arching oaks, and Spanish moss.  During the midday hours we hold a group image critique session to help you improve your photographic eye.
  • Day 4: We return to the coast to shoot sunrise, concentrating on some of the beautiful piers. We return to town and hold a classroom session where you'll learn many useful post-processing techniques to take your images to the next level.  That afternoon we return to the plantations and focus on macro images of the beautiful flowers.
  • Day 5: Today is our final sunrise shoot and we decide to go back to the coast.  We even get some great photo ops with some of the seabirds! We return to town and the workshop will conclude no later than noon.
South Carolina Plantations Photo Workshop
South Carolina Plantations Photo Workshop
South Carolina Plantations Photo Workshop

Logistics

This workshop is rated Easy for all activity levels.  Short walks around the different plantations are required for the best photos.  Depending on light levels, shots can be taken either handheld or with a tripod.  A tripod and macro lens are recommended for close-up photography.

We will be based in Charleston, South Carolina (airport code CHS).  Lodging is not included in the workshop fee.  After booking, we will send you information to book your room at the Springhill Suites in Charleston at our discounted rate. You are welcome to stay wherever you like in Charleston - you'll just need to come to the Springhill Suites each day for the workshop outings.

Ground transportation will be provided for all photo outings. Please note that transportation will not be available during workshop downtime.  Having your own rental car will provide more flexibility in dining and shopping options.

We will send out much more detailed information to help you plan for the workshop as we get closer to the dates. We will also hold a pre-workshop Zoom Meeting to ensure you are setup for success.

Pricing

*Coming Soon*

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Trip Includes:

  • Ground transportation once you arrive at the gateway hotel.
  • Entrance fees to all plantations and parks we visit.
  • Special access outside of business hours to several plantations
  • Photography guiding and instruction
  • Post-processing and image critique
  • Pre-workshop zoom meeting.

 

Trip Does NOT Include:

  • Hotel accommodations in Charleston.
  • Flights from your home to Charleston.
  • Meals, beverages and snacks.
  • Instructor Gratuities.

 

When you complete the checkout process, you will be given the option to either pay the full amount or put down a 50% deposit.  If you pay the deposit, the remaining amount will be charged 120 days prior to the credit card we have on file.  See our full Terms and Conditions.

South Carolina Plantations Photo Workshop
South Carolina Plantations Photo Workshop
South Carolina Plantations Photo Workshop
South Carolina Plantations Photo Workshop

Recommended Camera Gear

  • Digital SLR or mirrorless camera body.
  • Wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range.
  • Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
  • Telephoto lens in the 70-200mm range.  A 100-400mm may give more flexibility if we have any wildlife encounters.
  • Macro lens if you want to do close-up photography.
  • Sturdy tripod and ballhead.
  • An L-bracket is highly recommended for your camera!
  • Circular polarizers are recommended and ND filters can come in handy for longer exposures on the coast.  If you like shooting with grads, bring them along.
  • A monopod can be useful for quickly shooting at the plantations.
  • Backpack to carry your gear.
  • Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
  • Laptop if you wish to backup your photos.

Personal Gear List

  • Sturdy footwear and long pants.
  • Warm jacket for cool mornings
  • Waterproof shell or rain jacket.
  • Sandals or water shoes for shooting on the coast
  • Headlamp
  • Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sun Hat.
  • Water bottle.

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Kevin Profile

Kevin McNeal

Photography Instructor

Kevin McNeal is a Washington-State photographer who is passionate about photographing grand landscapes that reflect the most unique places on earth. Capturing moments of magic light and transferring this to print is the ultimate goal. His images hold a combination of perseverance, patience, and dedication to capture landscapes in fresh ways. The stories of how these images are rendered come across in the feelings the images convey. He has traveled all over North America, shooting diverse landscapes and finding remote places with the hope that we can convey to the public that this earth is worth caring for. His award winning images can be seen in galleries and showings across the United States.  He was recently invited to the Art Wolfe Art Gallery for the Environmental Photography Invitational. Kevin was the grand winner of the Landscape category for the Natures Best Magazine and was selected for the Smithsonian National Museum of History in Washington D.C..  He is a regular contributor to publications like Outdoor Photographer.

Artist’s Statement

“I believe that the Earth shares secrets with us that only can be discovered by trying to understand our position on this planet. We are never fully intimate with the planet but are given brief moments that make our souls want more. These glimpses of nature’s power are fleeting and never the same twice. I also believe it is important to share with those who want it. The treasures that await us given the patience that is out there. What I try to do is bring some of that magic to my images to share with the rest of the world. Each of my images tells a story that everyone can relate to in some way whether it is success, fear, or challenging oneself to overcome obstacles

View Kevin's Portfolio.

Shane McDermott

Shane McDermott

Photography Instructor

Shane is a seasoned photography instructor with more than 25 years behind the camera and over ten years of experience leading photo workshops. His work is rooted in presence, patience, and a deep relationship with light, shaped by a lifetime spent exploring both creative expression and the natural world.

For more than 30 years, Shane’s practice of yoga and meditation has helped him see beyond surface appearances, and he brings that same awareness into the field. He doesn’t just teach people how to photograph beautiful places; he helps them slow down, truly see, and develop their own creative vision.

Many photographers arrive at iconic locations chasing “the shot” they’ve seen before. Shane gently guides them away from imitation and into genuine discovery, helping them understand how light, form, color, and texture can speak directly to their own sensibility. His passion is helping participants move from simply capturing a scene to creating something that feels alive and deeply personal.

That creative process continues after the cameras are packed away. Shane also guides photographers through RAW processing, adjustment layers, and thoughtful image development, helping them translate the emotion and magic they felt in the field into finished photographs that reflect their own vision and passion.