Pop-Up Photography Workshop
Once in a Blue Moon
May 27–31, 2026
Tybee Island, Little Tybee Island & Wassaw Island, Georgia – plus Bonaventure Cemetery and Fort Pulaski
Instructor: Molly Roberts
Half Moon Over Back River, Tybee Island © Nancy McCrary
Overview:
May is one of the most beautiful times to experience the Georgia coast. With average temperatures ranging from 57° to 82°F and hurricane season still weeks away, conditions are ideal for exploring barrier islands, photographing coastal landscapes, immersing ourselves in the history of Fort Pulaski, walking amongst the gardens and statuary of Bonaventure Cemetery, and enjoying both sunrise and sunset boat excursions.
This immersive workshop combines photography, nature, and creative development. From pristine beaches, maritime forests, architecture and history to curated editing sessions and spontaneous “pop-up” tutorials, participants will refine both their craft and their visual storytelling.
Highlights include photographing under May’s rare Full Blue Moon, along with guided instruction on topics such as sequencing images, preparing portfolios, and approaching galleries.
The Experience
Throughout the workshop, participants will explore:
- The untouched landscapes of Little Tybee Island
- The rich ecology and history of Wassaw Island
- The coastal charm and architecture of Tybee Island
- The statuary and gardens of Bonaventure Cemetery
- The architecture and history of Fort Pulaski
This experience is designed not only to reconnect you with unspoiled natural environments, but also to deepen how you create, edit, and present your photographic work.
Wassaw Island Aerial, courtesy of the US Fish and Wildlife Service
Instruction:
We are honored to welcome Molly Roberts as our instructor. See bio below.
Molly will lead:
- Daily shooting sessions
- Group critiques and portfolio reviews
- Informal “pop-up” tutorials on editing, sequencing, publishing, and more
Her approach is highly interactive—participants are encouraged to ask questions, seek feedback, and engage throughout the experience.
Boat Excursions:
On Thursday and Saturday, we’ll embark on private chartered boat tours with Sundial Charter Tours, led by Captain René Heidt, a master naturalist with deep knowledge of the region’s ecology and history.
- Small groups (maximum 6 participants per boat)
- Sunrise and sunset excursions through creeks and estuaries
- Exceptional opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography
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Captain Rene and her boat at Little Tybee Island, GA © Nancy McCrary
Captain Rene and her boat at Little Tybee Island, GA © Nancy McCrary
Accommodations & Gathering Space:
Participants will stay on Tybee Island, which offers a variety of clean, safe hotels and Airbnbs—many beachfront and reasonably priced.
We will gather daily at The House, our shared space for:
- Image reviews and presentations
- Evening discussions
- Social hours with light food and beverages
Instructor Bio: Molly Roberts
Molly Roberts is a documentary photographer, visual editor, and curator based in Baltimore, Maryland, with a career spanning over 35 years.
She held the position of photo editor with leading publications including The Washington Post Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, USA Weekend, and National Geographic Magazine. Her work has earned numerous honors, including NPPA awards and recognition from Communication Arts and the Society of Publication Designers.
A 2019 Knight Foundation Fellow, Molly earned her Master’s degree in Visual Communication from Ohio University, where she focused on creative process and photographic history.
She is an experienced educator, mentor, and portfolio reviewer, and has led workshops and participated in major photography festivals and institutions nationwide. Molly also collaborates on book projects and co-hosts the photography podcast 10fps.
Oyster Catcher Eggs, Little Tybee Island © Nancy McCrary
Sample Itinerary:
Wednesday – Arrival (Tybee Island)
- Afternoon arrival and exploration
- 4:00 PM: Welcome gathering at The House (wine & light fare)
- Group dinner and evening beach photography
Thursday – Wassaw Island (Sunset Excursion)
Classroom with Molly in the morning where she’ll discuss where we’re going and what we’ll be shooting, with Q&A
5-hour boat trip out to Wassaw Island for sunset
- Guided exploration focused on wildlife, history, and landscape
- Extended shooting session during golden hour
- Light fare picnic dinner while on Wassaw
Friday – Bonaventure Cemetery + Fort Pulaski
Morning shooting at Bonaventure Cemetery – gardens, and statuary, overlooking the Bull River from a high bluff
Late afternoon at Fort Pulaski on the mouth of Savannah River – history, architecture, river views
Bonaventure Cemetery, courtesy of Bonaventure Historical Society.
Saturday – Sunrise: Little Tybee Island and Pelican Island
- 5:15 AM departure (private boat)
- Sunrise shoot with breakfast and coffee provided on Little Tybee
- Pelican Island for boneyard beach in the soft morning light
- Return around 9:00 AM
- Afternoon: Editing & sequencing session with Molly
- Evening: Beach photography (moon, stars, people, architecture)
What’s Included:
- Instruction and mentorship from Molly Roberts
- Access to The House (workspace, gatherings, refreshments)
- Welcome social with food and beverages
- Private sunrise boat trip to Little Tybee Island
- Breakfast biscuits and coffee for LIttle Tybee Island sunrise trip
- Private sunset boat trip to Wassaw Island for sunset
- Light dinner fare for Wassaw Island boat trip
- Shooting at Bonaventure Cemetery and Fort Pulaski
- Group reviews and pop-up tutorials
- Post-workshop zoom group critique of our images
What’s Not Included:
- Transportation to/from Tybee Island
- Lodging accommodations
- Meals (other than the two mentioned above)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
FEE: $2800
Please contact Nancy for reservation and payment information. nancy@sxsemagazine.com
Additional Information
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for unforeseen changes. Providers such as Allianz have been reliable in past experiences.
For questions please contact:
nancy@sxsemagazine.com
