Classes

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.

– 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!

Peter Hurley’s signature style thrives on seamless transitions from highlights to midtones and into the shadows. The art of controlling shadow density is a crucial element in creating striking, dramatic portraits, with the balance and interplay between light and shadow being absolutely essential.

Join Peter for a hands-on experience where you’ll capture dramatic portraits while focusing on mastering the delicate ratios between light and shadow. Elevate your skills while exploring the powerful impact of controlling shadow density in portraiture.

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!

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!

Concept to Print – A portrait workflow that is simple, seamless, colour managed and most of all easy to replicate. In 15 years of producing images for clients and for competition at the highest level I have come up with an easy to follow, easy to learn and most of all replicate. As an ambassador for Datacolor I will show you from capture the best way to prepare your files for a simple workflow, colour managed that takes from the camera, to raw conversion, to retouch, to output ready to print for you, client or competition. No point retouching in a way that cannot be printed and learn the dark art of staying within gamut to ensure that what you see on screen is what you will get back from your printers. Remember, it’s an image, not a photograph until it is printed 🙂

This class is designed to help YOU bring out the most natural and authentic expressions in your subjects.
In this class, you’ll learn a variety of creative prompts and techniques to transform stiff, conventional poses into relaxed, genuine moments.
Whether you’re photographing individuals, couples, or groups, this class will leave you with the skills to capture true emotions and personalities, making your images more engaging and impactful.
Join us and discover how to turn posed shots into candid, timeless images that resonate with authenticity and bigger sales!!
At the end of this class you’ll be able to:
– Pose with confidence and naturality
– Never run out of posing ideas
– Produce a variety of fun prompts to make any pose look natural
– Extract real emotions from your subjects

Do you go blank on posing every time you start a senior session? I do. Let’s fix that forever. In this demo we will learn and apply 5 acronyms to easily remember posing prompts. As we pose our subject you will see tips and tricks to interact with clients for a greater variety of poses in a short amount of time and gain ideas on creative posing you will now have time for in your sessions.
3 key takeaways:
-Walk away with a set of mnemonic devices/acronyms devices to easily remember posing prompts.
-See in action how integrating these prompts speeds up your workflow.
-Learn effective communication strategies to interact with clients.

In the world of photography, there are countless lighting configurations available. However, it’s essential to have a few reliable “GO-TO” setups that you can confidently rely on. In this class, “Practice What You Preach,” you’ll learn how to perfect these essential lighting techniques, ensuring you never have to experiment on your clients.
Testing lighting concepts on clients can appear unprofessional and may impact your credibility. Instead, we’ll focus on honing proven lighting setups that have consistently delivered stunning results. By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only enhance your professional image but also increase client satisfaction and, consequently, your earnings.
Join us as we explore some of the most effective and dependable GO-TO lighting setups that will leave your clients impressed and eager to work with you again. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, this class will equip you with the skills to elevate your lighting game and deliver exceptional results every time.

In this lecture, we’ll cover how to grow your business with short-form social media videos. You can use these techniques to grow your business, get better at social media, and even have a clear goal of what to post! I will even show you the simple tip that will guarantee traction to your page and leads in your inbox! Don’t miss this breakthrough lecture that will finally show you how to structure your videos so you don’t spend all day thinking about what to record.
Here’s just a sample of what we’ll cover at this incredible lecture event:
● 5 effective video ideas you can implement right now which enables you to jump right into making content without hesitation.
● How to make the algorithm your b***h so you’re able to understand exactly what the platform is looking for in its content.
● How to use collaborators as your new networking strategy and how you can avoid networking in person and move it to the digital world.

Introverts unite! Is the thought of networking making you want to crawl under a rock? Do you feel like the whole world is designed for extroverts, leaving you in the dust? Stop being scared and start using your quiet power to win the world of networking!
In this class, we turn the art of schmoozing into a skillset even the most introverted among us can conquer. This class is all about leveraging your unique personality to own the room and build meaningful connections without breaking a sweat.
In this game-changing session, you’ll learn:
Choosing the Right Events: Not all networking events are created equal. Discover how to select the ones that play to your strengths and give you the best opportunities to shine.
Prepping Like a Pro: Preparation is your secret weapon. We’ll teach you how to gear up for events, from researching attendees to crafting your ice-breakers, so you can walk in with confidence and leave a lasting impression.
Owning Your Introverted Awesomeness: Being an introvert isn’t an excuse not to network—it’s your superpower! Learn how to use your listening skills, thoughtfulness, and depth to create connections that matter.
Survival Tactics for the Social Jungle: Get practical tips on how to navigate conversations, handle small talk without feeling awkward, and gracefully exit when you’ve had enough. Because putting on your big girl panties doesn’t mean burning out.
Stop being a wuss and let your inner badass shine! Join us for this empowering session and walk away with the confidence and skills to network like a pro. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional circle or just want to stop dreading the next big event, this class will give you the tools to succeed.

Ready to grow past a being business of 1? Unlock the secrets to transforming your solo photography venture into a thriving, multi-employee studio. This program is designed for photographers ready to expand beyond a one-person operation. We’ll dive into strategic hiring (and firing), implementing effective systems, and identifying the key signs that indicate it’s time to grow your team. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to scale your business and achieve lasting success. You will leave this presentation feeling more confident about how and when to add people to your business and manage them well.

Do you want to offer your clients something beyond standard portraits? Fantasy and science fiction are firmly entrenched in popular culture and many people would love the chance to be someone (or something) else for a day. This class will show you how to apply these elements to create fantastical portraits and give your clients something unique. We’ll discuss where to find inspiration, styling options and makeup for concept, as well as the use of props and prop sourcing. We’ll also discuss lighting for concept, posing, location selection and set design considerations too.
Bring your camera! You’re going to shoot these concepts too! The goal for the class is to give you the necessary skills to help your clients bring their character concepts to life and give them an experience they won’t soon forget. This class will cover setting up and shooting the concept. Part 2 will cover compositing and editing for concept. Don’t worry if you can’t attend both classes!