Classes

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.

This class is focused on the male form and how to work with these clients and models if portfolio building. It will be part lecture and live demonstration on lighting and posing so you have a better knowledge of what to do during your sessions. Also, I go in depth on examples on what gear to have, simple wardrobe suggestions and prop that work to help you level up. This class is geared for Intermediate and Advanced skill levels. All students should have some prior understanding about lighting and gear.

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!

Discover the secrets behind our most successful themed sessions, including the enchanting Magic of Santa and captivating Storybook Sessions. Learn advanced strategies and techniques that will set your photography apart, attract high-value clients, and boost your earnings significantly. This class provides the tools and insights needed to transform your business and achieve financial success.

Ready to take your on-location shoots to the next level? Join me, Michael Anthony, as we dive deep into the art and science of dynamic lighting with gels. In this advanced course, I’ll share the secrets of using gels to create dramatic, vibrant effects that can transform any scene—whether you’re capturing the elegance of weddings, the personality of senior portraits, or the warmth of family sessions. We’ll explore how to manipulate light, balance ambient conditions, and craft striking compositions that will set your work apart. Learn the difference between corrective gels for achieving perfect color balance and creative color correction to add artistic flair. So, grab your camera, pack your gels, and get ready to elevate your photography game with some seriously advanced lighting techniques!

– Creative beauty concepts lit with constant light, strobe light, and mixed light setups.
– Demonstrating the strengths and weaknesses of both types of lighting.
– Using optical spot to play off cool makeup designs and accessories.
– demonstration with some hands on of the concepts demonstrated.

Are you ready to join the energetic Shutterfest Promo Team? This class is your gateway to mastering the art of creating stunning promo videos. You’ll explore Sal’s shot list, learn the essential rules, and review various example shots – from fantastic to flawed. We will break down what makes each shot work (or not) so you can apply these insights to your own work.
During the class, you’ll be assigned to a team and given specific tasks to help you practice what you’ve learned. The rest of the conference will be dedicated to hands-on practice, where you’ll get the chance to film and refine your promo video skills in real-time.
Important: Bring gear that can handle 4K shooting to ensure you can fully participate and capture high-quality footage.

Throughout the course, you’ll delve into a variety of topics, including:
Understanding Shutter Drag: Explore the principles behind shutter drag and learn how to use slow shutter speeds creatively to convey movement and emotion in your images.
Embracing Motion Blur: Discover the beauty of controlled motion blur and learn how to incorporate it into your photographs to evoke a sense of dynamism, rhythm, and atmosphere.
Creative Techniques: Experiment with a range of creative techniques, such as panning, zooming, and light painting, to push the boundaries of traditional photography and create truly unique cinematic effects.
Composition and Storytelling: Explore the role of composition and storytelling in cinematic photography, and learn how to use shutter drag to enhance the narrative and visual impact of your images.
Post-Processing Mastery: Dive into advanced post-processing techniques using software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and learn how to fine-tune your images to achieve a polished cinematic look that leaves a lasting impression.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to harness the power of shutter drag to create cinematic images that resonate with viewers on a profound level. Whether you’re a portrait photographer, a landscape enthusiast, or a creative visionary pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling, this course will empower you to take your photography to new heights and unlock a world of artistic possibilities.

In this class attendees will learn the process of Preparing, Photographing, and Editing a Real Estate Shoot. Attendees will receive knowledge on the correct equipment and tools to use along with how to use those tools to get the BEST results! Also in this class I will be briefly covering information on the Business and Marketing side of Real Estate Photography and Videography. My overall goal for my attendees is to not only teach them how to Master The Art of Real Estate Photography and Videography but to also show them how to stand out in the industry and More.

Don’t have the budget to stock up on tons of couture dresses in different colors for your client closet? No need! Learn how to use just ONE piece of fabric and transform it into many different looks on your maternity clients. We will cover the many different methods I and my assistants use to flow fabric to get the perfect fabric toss. Fabric has a mind of its own, so knowing how to manipulate it will help save time during your sessions.

Have you ever had a client insist you shoot during mid-day instead of waiting until Golden Hour? Then this is the course for you. In this course, you will learn the different techniques that can be applied for shooting during mid-day. We will simulate everything from using open shade, to overpowering the sun, and poses you can implement to embrace the sun and flatter your subject.

Ready to dip your toes into the exciting world of erotic art? This isn’t your typical boudoir class—it’s a spicy adventure into the realm of erotica and kink. Whether your interest lies in Boudoir with a 50-shades vibe, working with content creators, or creating erotic images for your private clients or art shows, gain the knowledge and skills you need to get started.
We will review:
Erotica vs. Boudoir: Understand the key differences and learn why erotica is more than just a spicier boudoir session.
Legal Insights: Get a brief overview of the legalities involved in erotic photography to ensure you’re always on the right side of the law.
Knowing Your WHY – The importance of understanding your vision, purpose, and beliefs.
Safety First: Discover essential tips for keeping yourself and your clients safe and comfortable in this intimate genre.
Marketing Magic: Learn the best ways to market your sultry services and build a portfolio that turns heads.
Client Management: From initial inquiry to the final image review, master the art of guiding your clients through a safe and exhilarating experience while building rapport with confidence.
Storytelling & Boundaries: Craft compelling stories while setting clear boundaries and discussing sexual themes without shame.
This class is for serious photographers ready to ignite their risque side and take their photography to new, daring heights with the captivating world of erotic art. Come unlock the secrets to exploring the risque side with erotic art and get ready to spice up your portfolio (but don’t bring your camera because no one in this class is going to get naked!)

Learn how to get great photos no matter what the ambient light throws your way. We’ll shoot indoors and outside to get a variety of lighting scenarios under your belt so you feel confident that you can deliver quality work in any lighting situation.
Learn:
– what direction of light flatters your subject and create the mood you want
– how to balance background light with your subject
– how to deal with light color
– ways to pose to flatter your subject according to the available light

Unlock the secrets to a seamless newborn editing workflow in this comprehensive class. We’ll guide you through each step, from initial adjustments in Lightroom to the final touches in Photoshop. Learn how to use and tweak presets, composite images, fix backgrounds and achieve beautiful skin edits.
Topics include:
Efficient Lightroom techniques
Using and customizing presets
Practical Photoshop composites
Backdrop corrections
Detailed skin editing
Adding those perfect finishing touches
Join us to enhance your editing skills and create beautiful, professional-quality newborn images.

Newborns can be wiggle worms so learn how to wrap them to help get the most out of your newborn sessions! Safety is top priority when it comes to newborn photography, so learning how to safely wrap a baby is crucial. We’ll cover how to do different styles of wraps, using different types of props, and different wrap material so you can go home confident in your wrapping abilities!

Ever been told you need to pick a lane and stick to it? That you should only be a wedding photographer, or only a family photographer? Well, screw that noise. In the past 15 years, I’ve done it all – weddings, newborns, couples, families, seniors, maternity, events, business headshots, quinceaneras, and bat mitzvahs. And guess what? It’s all under one cohesive, kick-ass brand. If you’re ready to diversify your photography portfolio without losing your brand’s unique style, this class is for you.
We’re going to break the myth that you need to specialize in one genre to be successful. Instead, I’ll show you how to maintain a consistent aesthetic, no matter what you’re shooting. We’ll work with models in different scenarios – as part of a family, a wedding, a senior portrait, and more – to demonstrate how you can create a unified look across various types of photography. This hands-on class will give you the tools to expand your business while keeping your brand strong and recognizable.
By the end of this session, you’ll know how to make your diverse portfolio look like it all belongs under the same umbrella. So bring your camera and your creativity, and get ready to show the world that you can do it all – and do it well.
What you will learn in this class:
• Techniques for maintaining a consistent style across different genres
• Posing models to fit various types of photography
• Creating a cohesive brand look for diverse photography sessions
• Practical tips for expanding your business while keeping a unified aesthetic
• Hands-on experience with live models to practice your new skills

In this course, I will show what can be accomplished with one flash and one modifier. I will show what can be done with one flash and with speed. I will take a fast approach on how I tackle a wedding day without feeling flustered. I know many people are intimidated with flash, but I will ensure no one will be after this class.

Unlock the secrets of outdoor senior photography in our hands-on class! Designed for photographers eager to master the challenges of combining natural lighting and flash, this immersive workshop will empower you with the skills to harness the sun’s rays to your advantage. Learn how to use the natural sun light with incorporating reflectors and off camera flash (high-speed sync) to create stunning senior portraits at any time of day. No more excuses to say no to the midday sun and gain the confidence to shoot under the brightest conditions. You will discover how to make every hour the golden hour in your senior shoots.

Are you ready to take your boudoir photos to the next level? It’s time to challenge yourself (and your clients) to break out of your comfort zones and go on an empowering adventure in the great outdoors!
Boudoir photos are not just for bedrooms or studios anymore…clients want to do something different, to feel free and unconfined, to have an experience they will never forget and an outdoor boudoir adventure is the way to fulfill that!
In this hands-on class, you will learn about the important details to help make your client’s outdoor boudoir session as seamless as possible. We will go over proper etiquette to use with clients, establishing boundaries, scouting locations, times that are best for outdoor boudoir sessions, client wardrobe, props, tips and tricks, and more!
Then it’s time to hit the streets of St. Louis with our models and learn how to use urban backdrops and scenic natural elements to create leading lines and beautiful artistic photos for your portfolio for potential clients to see! We will incorporate props and use OCF and natural light to get more variety in our photos. Your boudoir photos will never be the same again…it’s time to give your clients an experience that will leave them feeling like they are ready to embrace who they are and have an epic adventure at the same time!

Wondering how to capture the magic between couples without feeling awkward? Got questions about posing or dealing with a too-frisky duo? You’re not alone! Join me for an interactive demo that will answer all your burning questions and more.
In this dynamic class, you’ll learn:
Preparation Tips: How to ready yourself and your couple before the shoot.
Session Flow: Watch and learn as I set up my lights and direct couples to highlight their chemistry.
Posing Philosophy: Forget one-size-fits-all poses! Discover how to use body language and natural interactions to create authentic, captivating shots.
Storytelling Techniques: Learn how to guide couples into moods and emotions that showcase their intimacy, desire, and playfulness.
Bring your camera and a lens, because you’ll get the chance to practice and capture some portfolio-worthy images by the end of the session!
Ready to ignite your passion for couples boudoir? Let’s create magic together!

Calling all photographers with a passion for pups! Join me, Michael Anthony, in this fun and engaging course where we’ll dive into the exploding genre of pet photography. In “”Paws and Poses: Mastering Dog Photography,”” I’ll show you how to capture stunning images of our furry friends, no matter their size, breed, or temperament. We’ll explore creative techniques to get dogs to cooperate and pose like pros, making each session a tail-wagging success. From energetic puppies to calm seniors, you’ll learn how to bring out the best in every dog. So, grab your camera and some treats, and let’s embark on this exciting journey into the world of dog photography! We will also chat about some business techniques for adding dog photography to your existing clientele.

If you’re standing in a room full of people, I can almost bet you that 99% or more of that population DOES NOT like to have their portrait taken. Why? Something has happened in the past that gave them a bad experience, leaving photographers to be the therapists, comedians, and mind-readers to undo that damage. To bust a client’s limiting beliefs and fears about a portrait experience, you have to gain their trust FIRST. My number one goal is to make my clients feel important so that we can craft an experience TOGETHER that will make them ENJOY their portrait experience! This includes genuinely getting to know a client, earning their trust, creating a connection with clients, listening to their fears and vulnerabilities, and simply collaborating as humans together. Essentially, what you reflect is what you will receive. If you are transparent, they will be too, but it might take time. A portrait session is a truly vulnerable experience for most people. Everyone reading this right now probably remembers a time when they felt awkward in front of the camera or didn’t like photos from their session. Most of the time, the previous experience didn’t include collaboration or felt more like a sales session. From the first phone call, to a design session, to the delivery of the images–my clients don’t have to lift a finger, can trust that their vision and voice will be heard, and that they MATTER TO ME. They’re investing time and money in me and I want to make sure they feel like they are working with a professional who truly cares about creating personalized imagery for them and loves the entire experience. Join me in this class to explore how to bust through a client’s vulnerabilities to reveal their true personalities in portraits, helping craft an experience they truly love.

Discover the art of posing newborns with their families to create beautiful, lasting memories. In this session, you’ll learn how to confidently position a newborn alongside Mom, Dad, and siblings. We’ll cover a variety of poses, including individual shots with Mom, combined poses with both parents, full family arrangements, Dad-only poses, and sibling poses.
Our structured workflow will guide you through:
Posing Mom with the newborn
Capturing intimate moments with Mom and Dad
Creating cohesive full family portraits
Highlighting special bonds with Dad
Showcasing sibling love
In the event a live newborn model is not available, we will use a posing doll to ensure you still receive comprehensive instruction.

This lecture is tailored for photographers who are eager to spice up their brand photography game. From beginners to pros, this session will equip you with the skills and insights needed to create stunning branding sessions that help your clients stand out. You will learn:
-The fundamentals of brand identity
-What information to gather during the planning consult
-How to do effective client and audience research
-How to conceptualize a creative direction
-A frictionless client workflow
-Unique props and poses
We will put this foundation to work on a sample “”brand”” so you can see it in action! This lecture will be interactive and is best for those who ready to get creative with their brand sessions.

Want to elevate your clients’ posing technique but don’t want to be pulling out guides on your phone mid-session? In this class, I’ll be teaching you how to tweak some of the most minute posing flaws I see most often in portraits, without having to commit full-body poses to memory. These 20 tweaks can be applied to high school seniors, wedding portraits, boudoir, fashion, and beyond. With a focus on movement, I’ll explain and demonstrate how to direct your client so they look and feel like a professional model- and your images will be instantly elevated!

Have you ever participated in a Styled Shoot and thought…Why isn’t someone getting married in all this beauty (and expense and waste etc) that we all just worked SO hard on setting up? Well, that’s what we do. We set up a venue and ceremony once and marry 7 couples back to back through the day. We consistently make over $20K per day with this proven formula. This is the engine that drives our photography company. Since 2018 we have grossed well over 7 figures with Pop Up Weddings and we want to show you how. With the right tools, you can add Pop Up Weddings to your company as another revenue stream. Small, intimate weddings and elopements aren’t going anywhere – in fact they’re the highest growing wedding sector and you need to be a part of it. Stop waiting for couples to come to you. Create your own Pop Up Wedding day to fill your calendar and make some money while you’re at it. We’ll show you step by step how we create, market and sell our Pop Up Weddings. We’ll give you the recipe, you add your own secret sauce!