South Carolina Plantations

Mar 20-24, 2024 - Sold Out

Mar 24-28, 2024 - Sold Out

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Spring in the South Carolina plantations is a delight for the senses. Colorful flowers, such as azaleas, magnolias, camellias, and wisterias, paint the pastoral landscape with their vibrant hues. Dazzling spring greenery fills the lush gardens around the stately mansions. Graceful Spanish moss drapes from oak branches and sways in the light breeze. Our group will be granted special access outside of business hours to various plantations to allow for the best photo opportunities. And on top of that, we will photograph the tranquile coastline with stark driftwood trees. Image critique and post-processing sessions will be scheduled throughout workshop. Experience Southern hospitality and a little old-world charm!

Tuition

  • $2850
  • Includes Lodging
  • Loyalty Save 10%

Max Group Size

  • 5 Students per Instructor

Instructor(s)

  • Kevin McNeal

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.
  • Photograph the beautiful South Carolina Coast with ghostly driftwood trees.
  • Small group size of 5 photographers and one instructor will ensure plenty of individual attention.
  • Lodging and ground transportation are included.
  • Post-processing instruction and image critique sessions will be provided 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.

  • Day 1: 1PM Orientation session where we'll cover the specialized photo techniques you'll be using during the workshop. That afternoon we'll visit a grand estate adorned by beautiful grounds.  For sunset we'll photograph the mysterious driftwood trees against the backdrop of South Carolina's coastline.
  • Day 2: We'll visit a couple different plantations today all with their unique characteristics. We'll get special access outside of business hours so we can photograph without the crowds and with better light.
  • 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.
  • Day 4: We shoot sunrise on the coast and then drive into Georgia to a plantation well known for the tunnel of oak trees dripping with spanish moss.
  • 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
Boneyard Beach Botany Bay South Carolina 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).  Double occupancy lodging is included in the base price.  Single rooms are available for a surcharge (see Pricing section below).  All ground transportation will be provided during the workshop. Meals, beverages, and snacks are not included in the workshop fee. You may want your own rental car for more flexibility in dining and shopping options during workshop downtime.

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

$2850/Person + Tax

Join our Loyalty Program and Get 10% Off!

 

Trip Includes:

  • 4 nights double occupancy hotel lodging.
  • Ground transportation once you arrive at the location.
  • Entrance fees to all plantations 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:

  • Flights to and from the workshop location.
  • 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 90 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.
  • Long telephoto zoom lens in the 100-600mm range.  For wildlife you will want a lens that is longer than 200mm.
  • 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.
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.