WHO OWNS YOUR PHOTOGRAPH?

Join ASMP South Carolina on Saturday, December 6 in Columbia for a two-part program: a morning session with acclaimed photojournalist Sean Rayford, and an afternoon deep dive on Photography in the age of Artificial Intelligence with nationally recognized IP attorney and photographer David Deal from Virginia.

8:00 – 9:00 AM • Check-In/Coffee/Social

9:00 – 11:00 AM • Sean Rayford
Photojournalism in Today’s News Landscape – visual storytelling, ethics, access, and making impactful images in a
fast changing media world.

11:00 – 12:00 PM • Pizza Lunch at Studio

12:00 – 2:30 PM • Attorney David Deal
Photography in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – what you must know now about authorship, licensing, training data,
fair use, and protecting your work.

Featured Speakers

Sean Rayford

Columbia-based photojournalist known for powerful coverage if breaking news, politics, and culture. Sean will discuss reporting in the modern era—navigating access, safety, ethics, and speed—while keeping craft, context, and community front and center.

Deep Work and Personal Projects: Lessons From Hurricane Helene

Photojournalist Sean Rayford explores how deep work and personal projects shape a photographer’s growth and voice. Using his experiences with Hurricane Helene — he pulls back the hood on the philosophy and approach driving his most meaningful work.

Attorney David Deal

Nationally recognized intellectual property attorney focused on copyright infringement and photographer’s rights. David will unpack how AI intersects with authorship, licensing, fair use, scraping/training data, contracts, and  enforcement—sharing practical steps to protect and monetize your work in 2025 and beyond.

Sponsored by ASMP South Carolina and Spartan Photo Center

Parking available on neighboring side streets S.Shandon St. and S.Sims Ave.