Classes

Union Station provides the perfect backdrop for hands-on learning and spacious classrooms for lecture and live demo classes.
With over 100 classes, there’s something here for everyone!

How do I register for a class?
You will be able to select classes 
IN THE SHUTTERFEST APP two weeks before the event (first come, first serve). READ THE FAQ and/or monitor the private Facebook group for more details.

SF25 Class Lineup

Class Search Form

Click here to reset search | Download classes as CSV

Specialty: Brand Photography and Social Media

All About That B-Roll

Speaker: Abbie Gowin (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Intermediate, Advanced   

Come dip your toe into the world of video and discover just how simple (and fun!) it can be. B-roll is an amazing way to set your business apart and provide a valuable add-on that your clients will love. In this class, you will learn:
-The best settings for a cinematic look
-Types of movement
-Posing and composition
-Prompts for your clients
-How to utilize different gear
-How to think through creating a story
REQUIRED for this class: At least one camera body and lens, Understanding the exposure triangle, knowing how to change your ISO/shutter speed/f-stop, and knowing how to put your camera on video mode. You will also need cards large enough to store the short video files – I recommend 128GB or several 65GB. This lesson is best for those at the intermediate and advanced technical levels.
(Please feel free to reach out and ask me questions before sign-ups if you’re unsure. I want everyone to feel comfortable and get the most out of this lesson!)
OPTIONAL: Gear for stability (neck strap, mono or tripod, gimbal), 35mm or 50mm lens

Specialty: Brand Photography and Social Media

Hack the Instagram Algorithm

Speaker: Abbie Gowin (Website) (Social Media)

Lecture   

Intermediate, Advanced   

Social media starting to feel like a burden? Annoyed with little to no engagement? Instagram has changed drastically over the years (who are we kidding, it’s constantly changing). On top of running a business, managing your online presence becomes overwhelming and sometimes an afterthought. I’m here to tell you – there IS a better way! Instagram can be a powerful tool if used properly. In this class, you will learn:
-How to optimize your profile & utilize SEO
-Why your content isn’t working and how to fix it
-The importance of a brand identity
-How to build an easy strategy so you stay consistent
-The results of my 9-Grid Experiment (is it worth it to stop posting?!)
If you’re ready to ditch the hustle and not interested in posting multiple times a day but desire a community – this is the class for you!
To be successful in this class, you MUST know how to create a carousel post, story, highlight, and Reel.

Specialty: Brand Photography and Social Media

Planning a Badass Branding Session

Speaker: Abbie Gowin (Website) (Social Media)

Lecture   

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced   

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.

Click here to reset

There's still time to get

Early Bird Tickets

April 22-25 2024 | St. Louis MO.

SKILL LEVELS

Beginner: Just starting out or relatively new to a given subject matter. Basics will be covered and the course will move at a slower pace. The instructor will spend a little more time trying to explain concepts to ensure everyone is following. On a scale of 1-10 consider this level a 1-3 on the given topic.

Intermediate: Has a grasp of some basic concepts. This course level will move at a faster pace and assume you have basic knowledge covered on the given subject matter. On a scale of 1-10 consider this level a 4-6 on the given topic.

Advanced: You have working knowledge of the given subject matter, but are looking for more fine-tuning and some advanced topics to take your work to that next level. DO NOT expect instructors to explain basic concepts in this course. On a scale of 1-10 consider this level a 7-10 on the given topic.

Class Types

Hands-On

These are shooting courses. You will be shooting and working. Bring your camera, gear, or whatever you need for the course and to create create images. Expect to have some level of shooting.

Live Demonstration

These are instructor-led courses where you will see a live demonstration of what the instructor is teaching. You can still bring your camera to these courses and you can photograph, but the goal of the course is NOT for you to shoot or to ensure you get a shot. The goal is for you to see how and why the instructor does what he/she does in order to get the final result.

Lecture

These are non-shooting courses. Typically classroom-based, bring your laptop and notepad and focus on learning!