Classes

Think second shooting means playing sidekick and staying out of the way? Think again! It’s an essential, skilled role that can boost your confidence, grow your portfolio, and open doors to future opportunities. Drawing on over a decade of experience, I’ll walk you through how to get booked for second shooting gigs and how to prepare yourself to show up ready and professional. We’ll cover the important questions to ask leads before the wedding, how to know what and when to shoot on the big day, and how to support the lead photographer without stepping on toes. You’ll learn how to support the lead with professionalism and purpose while still creating work you’re proud to call your own. You’ll also learn insider tips on leaving such a great impression on couples that your name becomes part of their glowing reviews—helping you get hired again and again.

This class is perfect for photographers new to weddings or anyone looking to sharpen their second shooting skills with practical advice, clear expectations, and a warm, encouraging approach.

Boudoir is so much more than women in lingerie….It’s intimacy, expression, and connection. It is also men and couples.

In this hands-on class, we’ll explore how expanding beyond traditional women’s boudoir can transform both your portfolio and your business.

Pam will open with a brief discussion on safety, boundaries, and consent, ensuring photographers understand how to create a safe and respectful environment for all clients. You’ll also receive a free guide packed with marketing strategies, preparation tips, and client communication tips to help you confidently book and deliver these powerful sessions.

From there, Pam will briefly demonstrate how she works as a guide rather than a posing coach, helping clients drop into their own natural presence instead of stiff poses. She’ll show how subtle direction based on natural body language, trust-building, and intentional interaction create images that feel authentic, raw, and deeply connected.

You’ll then move into shooting bays with models where you can practice, experiment, and capture portfolio-worthy images. Pam will circulate throughout the class, offering real-time feedback, posing ideas, and hands-on support so you leave with both skills and usable content.

By the end of the class, you’ll not only walk away with stunning images, but also a new perspective on what boudoir can bring for your brand. It’s expansive, inclusive, and deeply human.

Are you ready to set your business on fire? In this powerful class, Pam shares how her own personal transformation shaped the way she connects with clients and built a business that is low-volume, high-value, not because of disingenuous luxury frills, but because of authentic relationships. You can ignite your business and move beyond something built on transactions and step into one built on trust, connection, and transformation. She’ll break down how to discover your client avatar (and why it matters, even if you once thought it was silly), how to build loyalty that lasts, and how to ignite a brand that truly stands out in a crowded market.

Through real stories, practical strategies, and an honest look at what drives profit and sustainability, you’ll leave inspired and equipped to transform your own business (and maybe even your life). This isn’t about basic branding. This is about connection. No charcuterie boards required.

Now in its 5th year, Pam’s Erotic Art class gets a bold refresh! This year’s session begins with a download packed with tips and resources so you can dive right into learning. This won’t be a walk through of old material. Instead, Pam will walk you through images from real client sessions, breaking down the flow of the shoot, her interaction style, and the role of strobes in shaping Erotic Art lighting. Afterward, she’ll open the floor to a Q&A for anything not covered in the guide.

This isn’t just about creating erotic images—it’s about building trust, shaping light, and crafting art that captures raw intimacy. You’ll leave with new inspiration, practical insights, and the confidence to expand your work into this powerful genre.

THIS CLASS IS FOR 18 AND OLDER. IMAGES MAY BE CENSORED, BUT DON’T SIGN UP IF YOU ARE OFFENDED BY TASTEFUL EROTIC ART.

Ready to shake things up? This isn’t your average “play it safe” wedding photography class. In this hands on class, Mandy and Esteban are diving headfirst into bold techniques that will push your creativity and make your galleries impossible to forget. Motion, story-driven compositions, Bokeh panoramas, and the magic of reflections. All the juicy stuff that turns a good image into a jaw dropper.

You’ll watch how small risks can lead to huge payoffs, learn how to inject more artistry into your portraits, and walk away inspired to bend the rules (and maybe even break a few). Whether you’re itching to step outside your comfort zone or just want fresh tricks to elevate your style, this class will fuel your creativity and give you the edge to make your wedding work stand out.

Ever looked at your work and thought, “Wow, why do people pay me for this?” Yeah. Same.

It’s time we talk about it. This class isn’t about gear, lighting, posing, or pretending we have our lives together. It’s about that miserable troll in your brain who shows up uninvited and tells you you’re not good enough—and how to shut it down.

We’re going full-throttle into imposter syndrome: what it is, why it’s lying to you, and why even the big names deal with it (they just hide it better). This isn’t a feel good circle. We will go all in with the gloves off; taking on your self-doubt, uncomfortable truths, harsh realities, and real-deal tools to stop spiraling every time someone else posts a scroll stopping image.

You’ll leave with less self-doubt, more confidence, and the tools to finally say: “Nah, I’m good, shut up brain.” Stop self-sabotaging and finally own the badass photographer you already are, this is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed. No filters. No fluff. Just the truth.

Step into a creative playground where no two images are the same. In this hands-on session, you won’t just watch a portrait come together, you’ll be part of the process. Starting with a mood board built from words, colors, and inspiration, we’ll collaborate as a group to design a scene, experiment with backdrops and props, and bring a few concepts to life in real time.

Almost every decision will unfold with your input, making this a unique, exciting experience where we see where inspiration takes us. You’ll get behind the camera to capture your own take on the concept, walking away with unique, portfolio-worthy images that no one else has.

This isn’t about following a formula, it’s about sparking creativity, working together, and discovering how much more powerful your portraits can be when you let imagination lead the way.

As photographers and creatives, you pour your heart into capturing unforgettable moments — but when tax season rolls around, it can feel overwhelming and costly. This session is designed to change that. Led by Nadia Rodriguez, CPA, CTC, you’ll learn how the tax system works and uncover practical strategies to minimize your tax bill legally and effectively, whether photography is your full-time business or your passion-fueled side hustle.

In this 90-minute session, we’ll cover:
The big picture of how the tax system works for freelancers and small business owners
The difference between a hobby vs. a business and why it matters for deductions
Top tax deductions photographers often miss — from gear and software to travel and home office expenses
How to separate business and personal expenses to stay audit-ready
Tips to set aside the right amount of taxes and avoid surprises at year-end
Strategies to use your tax savings to scale your photography business and hit your financial goals

By the end of this class, you’ll walk away with the clarity and confidence to make smarter financial decisions, pay less in taxes, and reinvest more back into your business.

Tired of lugging around light stands and strobes just to feel “legit”? In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to create cinematic, storybook-inspired portraits using only the light that’s already around you—no flash, no reflectors, no setup stress. Whether you’re working with window light, a hallway sconce, or the last bit of golden hour, I’ll show you how to find, shape, and use available light creatively and confidently. You’ll practice posing couples naturally in real-world lighting situations, learn how to adapt quickly to unpredictable environments, and walk away with fresh, portfolio-worthy images without touching a single piece of lighting gear. This class is perfect for wedding and portrait photographers who want to shoot with intention, embrace spontaneity, and create emotional impact using nothing but their camera and their instincts.

What to Bring:
Your camera
A lens or two (I’ll probably be on my 50mm, but use what you love)
No lighting gear needed—just your curiosity and creativity with an open mind

I know it can be intimidating to photograph guys – especially when they’re somewhere between the “fun” ages of 10-18 – but it truly doesn’t have to be! Join me for this Hands-On class where I walk you through various posing techniques to bring out the best in your male clients that will result in images both them AND their moms will be left swooning over. Make no mistake – moms are not just splurging on their daughters these days, but their sons as well! We will be working together with Senior, pre-teen and child models to show the differences and similarities when photographing guys of all ages so you will have plenty of time and opportunity to shoot and build your portfolio with a variety of images.

Not everyone gets the superstar venues and fancy places. Making something out of nothing is a skill that every good photographer must possess. Look into those rarely used places, make them shine with good light, good posing and most of all creative flair. This class will show you how to do this.

Ready to turn blank screens into bold, scroll-stopping content? Step into the future with Jen as she reveals how AI can transform your workflow, boost your creativity, and give you back your time for margaritas, puppies, or maybe just a well-earned nap.

This class is hands-on and action-packed, aimed at photographers, creative hustlers, and busy entrepreneurs who want to supercharge their post-session workflow and dominate social media with magnetic, on-brand content—without the burnout.

What You’ll Learn
* Effortless Content Creation: Generate dynamic captions, creative ideas, and polished posts in record time.
* Streamline Your Workflow: Integrate AI tools to shave hours off your process and boost efficiency.
* Stand Out from the Crowd: Ditch the generic filler and create content that’s true to your brand and grabs attention.
* Balance Creativity and Productivity: Work smarter, not harder, while keeping your unique style front and center.

If you’re ready to impress your audience and reclaim your creative spark, this is the class you need. Sign up and discover the ultimate hack to elevate your workflow and your content.

Think SEO is dead or boring? Think again… SEO is one of the sexiest tools in your marketing toolbox. Why? Because it works while you’re doing the things you actually love to do for your photography business. In this session, you’ll learn how to make search engines fall in love with your business so your dream clients find you. If you’re tired of chasing leads, it’s time to attract them effortlessly with the search strategies I’ll share in this session.

Lighting shouldn’t have to be complicated or difficult. I’m going to show you how to create stunning images with minimal gear, maximum speed and zero stress…again…and again. You can’t overthink at a wedding or when photographing a couple unless you want to miss the moment or lose that magic. In this class, you’ll learn how to light like a pro under pressure and deliver stunning images every time…all without being overly complicated.

Ready to make your engagement sessions look like a pro shot them, even if you’re just starting out? This beginner-friendly class strips away the guesswork and gets you posing and lighting couples with confidence. No tech overload, no complicated setups. Just simple, repeatable techniques that make your photos look amazing straight out of camera.

In this hands-on class you’ll learn:
• Easy-to-Remember Posing Flow: How to move couples naturally so they look connected and comfortable
• Beginner Lighting Made Simple: One-light setups you can master fast for any location
• Combining Light & Pose: Create flattering, sellable images without overthinking it
• On-the-Spot Adjustments: Quick fixes when something looks off in your shot

Bring your camera! We’ll pose and light real couples together in class, and you’ll walk away with the confidence to repeat the process with your own clients. After class, take what you learned, grab a couple from Rent-A-Human, use the techniques from class to get unique images to get your portfolio going!

Are you constantly debating which lighting style will best suit your photography needs, whether for headshots, portraits, or fashion shoots? Understanding and mastering the power of light positions can make all the difference. In this course, we will explore the key lighting positions and their practical uses to help you create amazing results.

We’ll go through fundamental lighting positions and their specific names. Learn about classic setups such as Rembrandt, loop, and butterfly lighting. But this is a Live Demonstration class, so we’ll demonstrate their effects on live models. You’ll be able to see firsthand how varying light positions can dramatically alter the appearance and mood of your subject.

As an added bonus, we will also cover how different light modifiers can influence each look. Explore how tools such as soft boxes, reflectors, and diffusers can transform your photographs, adding another layer of creativity to your skill set.

By the end of this class, you’ll have a set of powerful tools to elevate your photography to new heights. I look forward to helping you to harness the full potential of lighting in your creative journey.

New to the game and only shooting outdoors in golden hour, or in open shade? Scared to death when you get that client that insists on portraits indoors without the nice big window to shoot by? Just got your first flash? Let’s shoot some portraits indoors with that one light and use whatever else our location has to work with. Practice shooting and exposing properly for what the scene is giving you. Shake out those nerves and get comfortable creating and stop hesitating. Bring that one light you have, big or small, and let’s work with the tools you have!

Do you only photograph on perfect days, and cancel when it’s too overcast? Are you stuck only shooting during golden hour because you’re scared to photograph in the bright sun? Are you able to produce excellent images no matter the weather? Join Jenn as she creates images with off camera flash in whatever weather we’re given during this class! She’ll show you how she would determine where to photograph based on the sun, wind, clouds, or anything else we might have during class. She’ll also give posing tips that she uses in sessions for her high school seniors. Gain confidence in your ability to handle any situation.

Learn the simple yet effective methods that YouTube content creator Miguel Quiles uses to grow his channel to nearly 300,000 subscribers! The tips and shortcuts you’ll learn in this class will help you step up the quality of your videos in a major way.

Ready to bring your video skills to life? Join the high energy ShutterFest Promo Team and learn how to create eye catching promo videos that stand out. In this class, we’ll walk through Sal’s shot list, go over the must know rules, and study real examples both the wins and the misses so you’ll know exactly what makes a shot work.

You’ll be given assignments to put your skills into action right away. Then, throughout the rest of the conference, you’ll get hands on time to film, fine tune, and level up your promo video game in real world scenarios. The teaching and learning goes all conference.

Heads up: Bring gear that can shoot in 4K so you can capture your best work in top quality.

Once a hobby, Adam took what he loved to do and turned that into a full-time job, taking photos of shelter and rescue pets. Learn how Adam turned his weekend hobby of helping shelter and rescue pets get adopted into a very successful pet photography studio with multiple forms of revenue and a business that supports his whole family. Don’t just “take” photos. “Take” action too!

Let’s face it—your lighting deserves a little more spice. In this class, I’ll break down how to create a consistent, dramatic lighting signature that stops scrollers and stuns clients. From painterly shadows to editorial edge, learn how to master modifiers and mood like a pro (even if you’re working in your garage). Quirky? Yes. Practical? Absolutely. Lit? You bet.

This lecture is a no-nonsense, candid guide to forging a successful career in the world’s most competitive creative market: New York City. As a photographer who made my own way from a small town in Mexico to the covers of top magazines, I will share the proven roadmap I followed to build my brand and career. This isn’t just theory—it’s the real-world strategy and mindset that will help you turn your dreams into a tangible reality.

What You Will Learn:
* Mindset and Strategy: Discover the essential shifts you need to make, from cultivating a winner’s mindset to building a portfolio that truly stands out.
* Creating a “Vogue-Worthy” Portfolio: Learn the difference between a good image and an exceptional one, and the importance of having a concise, high-impact body of work that grabs the attention of editors and agencies.
* Networking and Team Building: Master the art of networking without feeling awkward. I’ll share my simple and effective strategies for making meaningful connections, building a reliable creative team, and perfecting the art of the pitch.

This is more than a lecture; it’s a masterclass in strategy and self-belief. You will leave with an actionable plan, a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed, and the confidence to take your career into your own hands.

What to Bring:
Attendees are encouraged to bring a notebook and a pen to take notes. This is a lecture and discussion-based class, so no photography equipment is required.

When it comes to photography, tweens are an under-served age group. Mom likes to get pictures of her babies and then often skips right through the tween years and doesn’t think about photos again until her babies are high school seniors. So what do we do to motivate mom to bring her tweens in to see us? We’ll tell you exactly what our tween experience is and how YOU can implement it too, and we’ll make a real artist of you in the process. Come prepared to shoot so that you can have those promo images ready!

If you’re wanting to jumpstart your content process you won’t want to miss this class! Learn the tricks of the trade that Miguel Quiles has used to grow his YouTube channel to nearly 300,000 subscribers as well as other major brand channels. This is the class that has helped hundreds of people go from inaction to success in a way that you just won’t find anywhere else!

Make every woman look expensive! Step into a world of European elegance as we create timeless fine art portraits of the female form draped in luxurious satin. In this fully hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to pose, light, and sculpt your subject for maximum impact – from soft, sensual curves to powerful, statuesque shapes. We’ll explore how fabric can add movement, drama, and sophistication to your images, on a budget, all while keeping your subject comfortable and confident. Experiment with creative lighting techniques and subtle highlights that enhance the natural beauty of the body. You’ll gain insider tips on fine art lighting, composition, posing, getting the best from your subject, and post-processing approaches that elevate your images from beautiful to breathtaking.

By the end of the day, you’ll walk away not only with a stunning portfolio of fine art images but also with the confidence, knowledge, and inspiration to bring glamour, sophistication, and sensuality into all your future shoots. Whether you’re looking to refine your craft, build your portfolio, or offer something extraordinary to clients, this workshop will ignite your creativity and transform the way you see and photograph the female form.

This class is suitable for intermediate but all are welcome. Please bring your cameras, memory cards and spare batteries.

Struggling with midday sun or unpredictable outdoor lighting? This lecture will break down exactly how to take control of your environment using strobes, modifiers, and exposure strategies, no shade hunting required.

Whether you’re shooting seniors, editorials, or personal brand clients, you’ll learn how to approach outdoor lighting with intention and confidence.

In this session, I’ll walk you through:
– How to balance flash with ambient light for natural or dramatic looks
– When to use high-speed sync vs. ND filters (and why it matters)
– Modifier choices for full sun and how to shape directional light
– Real-world setups and case studies from my on-location shoots
– Creative techniques for working fast and staying inspired outdoors

You’ll leave with a toolkit of lighting setups and troubleshooting tips you can apply immediately, regardless of location, weather, or time of day.

Kenny Kim brings clear, practical, and experience-driven insights to every master class. With over 20 years of shooting destination weddings around the globe, Kenny draws from a rich well of knowledge to help photographers navigate the unique challenges and opportunities in this specialized field.

In this master class, you’ll gain actionable advice on how to break into destination wedding photography, attract new clients, and grow a sustainable boutique business. From marketing strategies and client relationship building to lesser-known industry tips, Kenny will equip you with the tools to thrive.

What you’ll learn:
– How to book your first (destination) wedding clients
– Strategies for using social media to maintain and grow client relationships
– Building strong connections with clients and vendors
– Running a successful boutique photography studio
– Travel and logistics tips for destination weddings
…and more insider advice from a seasoned pro as well as some time for Q&A

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your wedding photography business globally, this class will leave you with the clarity, confidence, and techniques to take your craft to the next level.

Get ready for a live shootout where Esteban and Mandy go head to head to prove who really has the dopest portrait game! In this live demonstration, they’ll each be thrown into the fire with just 5 minutes per image to work their magic. The twist? You, the attendees, call the shots. From picking the location to handing them random props that could either inspire brilliance or total chaos.

Watch as Esteban and Mandy reveal their wildly different approaches to photographing couples, turning the same constraints into completely unique results. It’s part strategy, part improv, and all entertainment. Not only will you see how two pros tackle pressure, creativity, and curveballs in real time, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas for leveling up your own couples portrait game.

Who will come out on top? That’s for you (and the portraits) to decide.

Same light, wildly different vibes. In this live demo, we’ll rapid-fire through popular modifiers—umbrellas, softboxes, strip boxes, beauty dish, grids, snoots, gels, and more—to show how each one sculpts your subject, controls spill, and shifts mood from soft and flattering to punchy and dramatic. You’ll see feathering, falloff, and angle changes in real time, plus easy recipes you can copy for headshots, seniors, and beauty work.