SEWE Charleston 2026: Boykin Spaniels, Sporting Dogs, and Finding My Place

SEWE has officially become a yearly ritual for me.

Not a bucket list trip.
Not just a weekend getaway.

It feels like something I return to with intention.

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in Charleston is where sporting culture, art, training, and dogs all collide. And this year, I didn’t just attend. I moved through it differently.

South Carolina’s State Dog at SEWE Charleston

If you’ve never been to SEWE, let me paint the picture.

You cannot walk two feet without spotting a Boykin Spaniel.

As South Carolina’s state dog, the Boykin was everywhere at SEWE Charleston this year. Deep chocolate coats, soft curls, eager eyes, and that constant “what are we doing next?” energy.

One of my favorite moments was watching a gentleman gently scratch his Boykin under the chin. The dog leaned into him with complete trust. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t part of a demo. It was just connection.

That’s what I photograph.

Not just drive and instinct.
The quiet in-between.

Brittlebank Park: A Lesson Learned

Saturday at Brittlebank Park was packed. Shoulder to shoulder packed.

The weather was perfection, and rain was forecasted for Sunday afternoon. Everyone showed up early to soak it in.

Last year I did Brittlebank on Saturday. This year I learned my lesson. If you’re planning a SEWE trip, go to Brittlebank Park on Friday. It’s still lively, but you can actually breathe.

I didn’t get as close to as many demos this year simply because of the crowd. That part made me a little sad. Watching the working dogs in action up close is something special.

But SEWE isn’t just about the demos.

Wildrose Carolina and British Labradors

Even though I didn’t catch every demo front and center, I did reconnect with Steven from Wildrose Carolina and one of his gorgeous British Labradors.

Then I caught their demo with Mike on the mic, and it reminded me how much I’ve grown in understanding the sporting world.

Last year I was observing.

This year I knew what I was watching.

The steadiness. The control. The relationship between handler and dog. The quiet confidence in a well-bred British Labrador.

As a dog photographer based on the Crystal Coast in eastern North Carolina, I’m feeling more and more drawn to hunting dog and sporting dog sessions. Honest ones. Dogs in their element. Mud, marsh, dock, field.

And yes, I absolutely plan to make another Charleston trip this year for sessions.

The Gallery at The Carolina Place

I spent a good amount of time in the gallery at The Carolina Place this year.

Studying the artwork. The lighting. The framing. The way wildlife and sporting life are translated into fine art.

SEWE isn’t just dogs and demos. It’s art at a high level.

Stopping by the Garden & Gun Fieldshop and grabbing a J Stark bag didn’t hurt either.

But more than shopping, I was paying attention.

Because fine art dog photography deserves that same level of intentionality. The same respect. The same thought behind how it lives on a wall.

That’s something I bring back with me every time.

Birds of Prey and the White-Faced Owl

I made a quick stop at the Birds of Prey tent and spent a few quiet minutes learning about their birds.

The White-Faced Owl was incredibly calm. Almost regal. Just sitting there like it owned the place.

SEWE has this rhythm. Energy, movement, crowds. Then suddenly you’re face to face with something still and wild.

That contrast is part of what makes the weekend so special.

The Dogs I Loved Most

There was a Flat-Coated Retriever who was simply the happiest boy on earth. No agenda. Just love.

And one supermodel of a dog who knew exactly how to hit every angle for my camera.

I didn’t take as many photos this year. I was more present. Petting dogs. Catching up with old friends. Staying with childhood friends and laughing over dinner Friday night, realizing we had mutual friends with people like “the famous” Hunting Traveller. Anyone I don’t know, apparently he does.

SEWE feels smaller in that way. Tighter. Connected.

From Observer to Participant

The biggest shift for me this year was confidence.

I understood more.

The nuances of bird dog training. The culture. The language.

SEWE Charleston isn’t just a fun dog weekend for me anymore. It’s education. Inspiration. Alignment.

It’s where my love of fine art dog photography and the sporting world intersect.

Planning Your SEWE Trip

If you’re considering attending the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in Charleston:

• Visit Brittlebank Park on Friday
• Build in time for The Carolina Place gallery
• Spend time talking to trainers and handlers
• Pet every Boykin Spaniel you see

Trust me on that last one.

Charleston and Crystal Coast Dog Photography

If you love outdoor, coastal lifestyle dogs, whether they’re hunting in the marsh or strolling downtown Charleston, this world translates beautifully into artwork.

I photograph sporting dogs, hunting dogs, beach dogs, and city dogs who just happen to live adventurous lives.

If you’re in Charleston and want to schedule a session this year, let’s talk. I’ll be making another trip back.

And if you’re closer to eastern North Carolina, my studio is based in Newport, NC, serving the Crystal Coast and beyond.

Because these dogs deserve more than phone photos.

They deserve to be remembered in print.

Click here to learn more about my Signature Sessions or Contact me for more information.