Classes

Many of us, during a wedding day, have a limited amount of time to shoot couples during a wedding day. I will show you how to make the most out of a short amount of time and getting great results along the way! I will also show some with flash and others with natural light.

In this Live Demo, you’ll watch Adam work with and photograph dogs with an owner present and without. It’s so important to know how to control your lights to get what you want but you also need to know how to control the owners and the dogs too. Without control, your pet photography session will be chaotic. Adam will show you how to maintain control of it all!

We all have a vision of what we want our images to look like, but how do we get there? How do we make our vision a reality?
In this class, Curtiss will walk you through his creative process. He will show you a scene, talk about what he sees as the final result and walk you through the lighting, posing, shooting to get that image. Then he will show you the magic to bring it all together in post production. This is a complete from beginning to end class. Learn to see a scene for its possibilities. Learn to light the scene/subjects to match your vision. Learn how to pose your clients… and learn how to finish it all in post production. After this class, you will have the ability to turn your visions into reality and create amazing images for your clients!

Let’s shoot houses! I won’t keep any secrets from YOU:
-Angles
-Equipment (Photo and Video)
-lighting
-Workflow
-What if you don’t have to do any editing?
All the tricks i’ve learned on how to get images that help realtors sell faster and better, creating a constant flow of business close to your home.

Jumpstart your business or catapult your studio and start making six figures using the Enter to Win strategy. I’ll share how I went from the brink of bankruptcy, looking for a new job and filing for unemployment to creating a six-figure income.
Walk through the progression with me step by step, from consultation to IPS, and all the integral bits between and afterward, including:
• Logistics – what does photographing 30 couples a month look like
• Automation Tools – automating tasks and routines
• Management Tools – using a virtual studio manager
• Consultation – interacting with clients: calls, emails, during the session
• In-Person Sale (IPS) – guide your clients straight to the sale, presenting your products, $2100 sales average
• Overcoming Fear and Failure – why are you failing with ETWs

Unlock the full potential of hybrid shooting in this course designed for modern photographers. Whether you’re looking to seamlessly integrate photo and video into your projects or streamline your existing workflows, this class will provide you with the skills and techniques needed to excel.
In this course, you will:
Master the art of hybrid shooting by learning to switch effortlessly between photography and videography.
Discover streamlined workflows that save time and enhance your creative process.
Explore advanced techniques for capturing both stunning stills and dynamic video.
Learn to optimize camera settings for hybrid shooting, ensuring top-quality results in both mediums.
This class is perfect for those looking to elevate their hybrid shooting skills to new heights.

Boudoir clients are the most excited the day of their session. Think about it! They’re feeling confident, empowered, recharged and on an emotional high from their session. This is the prime time to share with your client images from their session and increase your sales! This is when they’ll upgrade to a larger package or order more a la carte. Thus, increasing your profits!!! In this class, you’ll learn the techniques that I use in my session workflow to be able to do same day session reveals while ensuring images are already culled, edited, and ready to be printed!!!! Learn these techniques and learn how to apply them. Learn to reduce your editing and retouching time while still delivering quality work.

So, you’ve got a guy wanting a boudoir shoot and you don’t know what to do…
Well, you asked for it, and I’m bringing it! Join me for this interactive demo class where I’ll spill the secrets to attract and serve the often-overlooked male client.
We’ll cover the essentials: from prepping male clients before the session to building that crucial rapport. No cookie-cutter poses here! Instead, I’ll share my posing philosophy, showing you how to make your sessions feel natural, not robotic. You don’t have to be a posing machine!
Watch me in action as I walk you through a live session, from setting up lighting to decoding body language, and using stories and prompts to evoke genuine emotion. Learn how to tweak classic women’s boudoir poses just a bit to give your male clients an equally empowering experience.
Bring your camera because depending on class size there may be opportunities for you to snap a few portfolio worthy shots!

AI is one of the most fascinating (and intimidating) innovations that has developed in recent times. This class will unveil the magic of AI animation, empowering you to transform your photos into captivating short movies. Soon, you’ll learn how to harness the power of user-friendly AI software to bring your ideas to life.
I’ll show you step-by-step:
The Wonders of AI Animation – Exactly what tools I use, and unlock the possibilities of AI tools that can breathe life into your static photos.
Storytelling through Animation – I’ll show you what elements you need to create a compelling movie, and unlock the art of crafting short narratives with your animated photos, creating impactful stories.
Beyond the Basics – We’ll dive deeper into advanced techniques like adding music, sound effects, narration, and transitions and polishing your short movies.
When we’re done, you’ll confidently use AI animation software to animate your photos and create engaging short movies that showcase your creativity, either for clients, yourself, or as a creative way to draw eyes to your work and business.
Ready to unleash the filmmaker within? Join this class and discover the power of AI to bring your photos to life!

Do you dread the inevitable Pinterest boards from clients? The shot lists requesting the latest trends on instagram? In the age of social media we have to be able to adapt and grow with the latest and greatest to best serve our clients. Fear not! Lots of these trends can be fun to capture, will make your clients happy, and they add visual interest to your galleries!
In this class we will learn how to execute and when to appropriately use techniques like:
Motion blur
Shadow play
Background focus
Double exposure
Direct flash
Shutter Drag
** techniques may change based on current trends **
So bring your camera, an on-camera flash, and all your energy and let’s create those fun, trendy, insta-worthy images!

Are you a natural light photographer and tired of the sun always letting you down? Or have you been afraid to take the leap into adding flash into your photos? This beginner-friendly hands-on class is all about helping you get comfortable with using a flash in your photography. Whether you’ve never touched a flash before or you’ve been avoiding that one in your camera bag because it gives you anxiety, this class is here to guide you through the basics in a relaxed and easygoing way.

We’ll cover everything from the different types of flashes to when and why you should use them. You’ll learn how to balance flash with natural light, avoid common mistakes like harsh shadows, and make your subjects look their best. The goal isn’t just to help you figure out the technical stuff but to give you the confidence to experiment and have fun with flash.

No complicated jargon or intimidating setups—just simple, practical tips you can start using right away. By the end of this class, you’ll feel more comfortable using flash, whether you’re snapping portraits, capturing events, or just adding a little extra light to your shots. Let’s take the mystery out of flash photography together!

Topics covered:

• Speedlight On-Camera
• Simple Off Camera Flash (OCF) with a Trigger
• Basic light modifiers

Bring that flash you’ve been neglecting! Our goal is to help you get your flash out of the bag and working for you. If you don’t have a flash, don’t worry. We will have some flashes for you to experiment with as well. At the end of this class, you will feel more confident and comfortable getting the flash out of your bag and producing stronger photos.

Items to bring to class:

• Camera
• Your light, trigger, light stand (if you have them and want to learn on your gear)
• An open mind to learn and have fun

In the business of photography, everyone is always searching for the “secret sauce.” But the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all recipe for success. Each photographer crafts their journey uniquely, drawing from personal experiences.
For those embarking on their photography journey, whether transitioning from hobbyist to full-time professional or seeking to refine their craft, this class is tailored for you. With over 9 years of hands-on experience managing both Portrait and Wedding Photography brands, I’ve accumulated invaluable insights and experience.
In this lecture-styled class, I aim to impart practical wisdom that has significantly enhanced client experiences across various settings – be it in-studio, on-location shoots, or weddings. Expect a comprehensive array of actionable ideas and suggestions to invigorate your business strategy.
Regardless of your photography skills or how amazing your photos may look, a negative client experience can overshadow everything. During the class the floor will be open to Q&As and I am looking to provide a Town Hall styled lecture where we all discuss these ideas and how it can improve your photo business, also inviting your questions and contributions as we collectively explore strategies for elevating your photography business.
I assure you, by the end of this class, you’ll depart with tangible insights ready to be integrated into your business immediately upon returning from Shutterfest. Because, at the core of what we do, we’re not merely capturing images; we’re crafting unforgettable experiences. As I always say: It’s not a photoshoot, it’s an experience™.
Attendees will learn:
Understanding the diverse perspectives in building a photography business
Overcoming challenges and leveraging experiences to grow your business
Wedding & portrait client nurturing concepts that will have your client glad they hired you
Key insights and strategies that have worked for me in my business
Take Home PDF filled with advice, tips and ideas we’ve discussed and more
Tips that will level up your headshot & portrait session client experience
Tips that will improve your: client intake, management and post session experiences
Implementing practical advice to enhance client satisfaction
The Importance of client experience: Impact on business reputation and future opportunities

In a world of good photos, create a banger! This class will lead you through the process of scouting, planning, staging and shooting portraits in a different perspective. This is a fast paced photo walk style class teaching composition, posing and lighting. By using these techniques you will take photos that will leave you with some serious portfolio heat! It is suggested that you bring your own off camera flash or shoot natural light if that is your style, but OCF will really get you that extra step to creating BANGERS!

This is a rain or shine photo walk so please be prepared for all weather scenarios. It is also suggested to get the full experience of this class to also take the “Let’s edit banger portraits” class.

Do you feel you are a great photographer, but struggle with finding clients? A successful photography business needs more than just amazing images. We need to be amazing at business. Marketing is generally a weakness of most photographers. In this class, we will address that problem and help photographers become better at business and marketing.
Curtiss has a degree in marketing and will teach you ways to better your marketing for your business. The goal is to be noticed in your community and Curtiss will provide you tips and tricks to do that for your business. We dive into everything that helps create awareness for your business. Curtiss will answer your questions and help create ideas to help your business. Consider this class marketing 101 for your photography business. You will walk away with things you can start doing today to build your business for tomorrow.

This is not the traditional Natural Light class. In this course, you will learn how to control natural light, instead of allowing it to control you. We will play around with different modifiers like 5-1 reflectors, scrims, v-flats, etc so you can learn how to control the light to achieve your vision. The main goal of this course is based on what my mentor once told me, if you can make Natural light look life flash and flash look like natural light, you can truly free your creativity.

Have you ever looked at a dramatic portrait with perfect lighting and wondered “how the hell did they do that?” Well this is the class for you! Josh will walk you through his style of finding a location, setting the lighting, and taking the portrait quick and easy without spending a ton of money on gear! He will show you how to use one light and create perfectly lit portraits that will help you stand out in a crowd! This class will touch bases on composition, posing and most importantly, lighting! Josh will show you how to mix ambient lighting with off camera flash even in the brightest of conditions.
It is suggested that you bring your own off camera flash and modifier and be prepared to move rapidly from location to location in this photo walk style class. We will be going outside rain or shine so plan ahead and be ready to take some bangers!

Feel like someone’s holding you back? Have you taken a look in the mirror? You likely are squandering your own opportunities due to fear! Without learning how to curb imposter syndrome, your business will eat itself alive. Let’s have an honest discussion about burn out, anxiety, self sabotage, and what it takes to rise above those negative thoughts and come into your own purpose.

Flash photography has long been the standard, but LED lighting technology has evolved to offer a dynamic and visually compelling alternative for portrait photographers. Join us in this hands-on class and discover how to harness the power of LED lights to create stunning, impactful portraits.
Throughout this live shooting session, you’ll learn to sculpt light with precision, exploring the versatility of bare LEDs and modified setups. Witness the real-time impact of your adjustments on your subject, enabling you to refine the illumination and achieve the desired look and feel.
By embracing LED lighting, you’ll bid farewell to the challenges of off-camera flash and unlock a world of creative possibilities. This workshop will equip you with the skills to:
– Employ LED lights in any lighting scenario, leveraging their adaptability
– Preview your shot “”live”” with LED lighting, facilitating real-time adjustments
– Understand the transformative effects of various modifiers on your lighting
This is a hands-on experience, designed to provide you with a portfolio-worthy collection of images by the end of the workshop. Bring your camera and a long lens, such as a 70-200mm, and immerse yourself in the world of LED portraiture. No need for triggers – with LED lighting, we’ll all shoot simultaneously, fostering a collaborative and dynamic learning environment.
Unlock the cheat code to exceptional portrait photography and elevate your craft to new heights. Join us on this illuminating journey and discover the power of this versatile technology in creating powerful, impactful portraits that truly captivate.

Turn your Event into a LIT Affair, step into the world of event photography with confidence in our Event Lighting Setup class! Whether you are capturing a corporate party or a romantic wedding, this course is designed to equip you with the essential lighting setups, equipment, and techniques needed to shine in any event scenario. I’ll share my favorite lighting strategies for various styles of events, teaching you how to effectively use one to three lights to enhance your photography. Additionally, we’ll dive into unique lighting techniques that I personally love to use at weddings, giving your images that extra pop . Perfect for photographers looking to expand their skills in event photography, this class will have you lighting like a pro in no time!””

Are you ready to elevate your photography business and boost your revenue? This Beginner in-person Sales (IPS) class designed specifically for photographers who are eager to shift from giving away digital files to conducting lucrative in-person sales. In this session, I’ll guide you through changing your workflow from solely digital delivery to creating substantial income with product sales. Discover strategies that can increase your average earnings from $200 session fees to $1000 per photo shoot. Embrace the art of sales with confidence, understanding that you’re not just selling, but educating your clients on the true value of your product and craft.

So you’ve got your “great photo” in camera, but how do you truly make it a banger? It’s in the edit! Join Josh as he walks you through step by step his editing process. These are the exact steps he uses to create portfolio worthy portraits that has booked him clients from musicians to celebrities, to athletes. This is a classroom style setting and it is suggested you either bring your editing equipment or be prepared to take notes as this is a fast paced lesson packed with a ton of knowledge!

It is also suggested to get the full experience of this class to also take the “It’s Banger Time” class.

From hard to soft light, we will have multiple setups for YOU to practice your newfound skills with some guidance, direction and help. We will play with various modifiers and create distinct looks so that you can repeat them on your next photoshoot. Edgy, romantic, mysterious, moody, and everything in between… you will see it all here.
Class requires you to BRING YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT AND FLASHES/MODIFIERS and that you know basic camera/flash operations.

Ever felt like your photos are having an identity crisis? On one shoot, you have clients basking in warm golden hour light outdoors, and on the next shoot, you’re using a large softbox in your studio with a muslin backdrop. Both are technically shot and lit correctly, but the aesthetic couldn’t be further apart. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your work look seamless and consistent no matter the job type, and you love soft natural light, then this is the class for you. We’re diving deep into the world of technical natural light, showing you how to create a unified, kick-ass brand that will set your work apart.
We’ll start by taming the beast known as window light, turning those indoor shots into soft-lit masterpieces. Then, we’ll venture outside to capture and shape the available light. This might include using some fill lighting, so bring your camera, a wide-angle lens, and a flash or small modifier. You’ll learn how to filter and control light to keep your subjects looking flawless and consistent, whether indoors or outdoors. We’re talking scrims, reflectors, and a few nifty tricks to keep everything looking cohesive.
No more jarring transitions between indoor and outdoor shots. Your portfolio will scream “professional” with a smoother look than a well-aged whiskey. So, bring your gear and your questions, and get ready to light it up!
What you will learn in this class:
• How to use natural window light for stunning indoor shots
• Techniques for shooting during golden hour, blue hour, and crap light
• Filtering and controlling light for consistent results
• Using scrims and other tools to soften light
• Creating a unified brand look across different lighting conditions

In this course, I will show how I use light separation during a shoot (couple/portrait/wedding) to get contrast-y results. From using shadows/darkness and light and, if possible harsh light, to get results that will have clients in ‘awe’!

Do you ever feel like you walk into venues that just look the same or into locations that are just BLAH? I think we all have been in that situation before! Well, let’s ‘Light That S*** Up!’, stand out, and make it your own! Even when you have a beautiful location, transform it into something people most likely haven’t seen before!
Join Sondra LaRay, a wedding photographer and educator, as she teaches a hands on course about using off camera flash, gels, and modifiers to completely transform a location and create images your clients will love! Sondra will show you how to use existing light and then add to it to elevate your images to the next level in a 3 step process!
Recommended gear – Camera and Trigger (will also have triggers for people to use)

I will show you how to create badass images for male and female athletes. I will show you specific one and two light set ups that will make your images stand out.

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. 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.

This lecture will teach you everything Adam has learned about how to take shelter / adoptable pet photos to help them get adopted. The lecture will also discuss how to get sponsorships, marketing and the logistics of running a photo shoot at the shelter. Adoptable photos is a great way to build your pet photography business too. You don’t want to miss this lecture if pet photography is something you dabble in or want to switch too if you’re sick of weddings, newborns and seniors. Who doesn’t love dogs right?

Want to make $10k a day? Volume photography is one way to make additional revenues for your studio and is often overlooked for more “”glamourous”” type of photography genres, but volume photography can be very lucrative if you know how to do it. The problem with most volume classes is that they mostly talk about the business side of volume work, but dont dive into HOW to do it. In this class, Curtiss will walk you through the entire process of a volume shoot… from the business side to the shooting and organization. Curtiss will walk through the entire process, so you can leave the class knowing exactly how to shoot volume photography in an efficient manner. This will apply for schools, sports and other volume type photography jobs.
This class leaves no stone unturned. You will learn about different volume software options to help keep you organized. You will learn about equipment and lighting options. You will learn about software that makes retouching a breeze. The goal of volume photography is to be as efficient as possible to maximize your revenues and make your clients happy with amazing turn around times and accuracy.

Do you want to offer family sessions but the idea of working with kids freaks you out? Not sure what to do with kids who don’t sit still and can’t seem to listen? If you’re exhausted just thinking about trying to wrangle these feisty little humans… This demo class is for you!
James and Apryl have built a thriving family photography business based on their ability to create a stress-free and fun experience for everyone involved. In this demo class, you will learn how to set up your session for success, communicate expectations effectively, and master the best tips, tricks, and phrases to use with kids of all ages.
This class will also focus on working with kids with a wide range of abilities. James and Apryl have firsthand parenting experience with children on the spectrum. Apryl has used her degree in psychology and child development to create a comforting and inclusive environment for kids of all abilities.
It’s time to build your confidence and expand your photo offerings. With the tools you’ll gain from this class, you’ll be ready to take on even the most challenging child and give their parents an unforgettable experience. Sign up now and turn your family sessions into a delightful, stress-free adventure!