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 pick my classes?
You will be able to register for classes 
IN THE SHUTTERFEST APP two weeks before the event (first come, first serve). The app is released about a month before ShutterFest. READ THE FAQ and/or monitor the private Facebook group for more details.

SF26 Class Lineup

Class Search Form

Bodyscapes, Boudoir & the Art of Intentional Light Class

Speaker: Apryl and James Napier (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Intermediate   

Ever scroll past a photo and think, “Wait—how did they do that?” This is that class.

Join us for the most sought-out class in 2024 and 2025 . A hands-on lighting adventure, four killer setups: two bodyscapes and two gel-heavy boudoir scenes that bring drama, shape, and color in all the right ways.

We’ll dive into:
• Sculpting with light instead of just blasting it everywhere
• Posing that celebrates natural lines without feeling stiff or awkward
• Using gels with intention (not just tossing magenta around because it’s trendy)
• The exact gear and modifiers we use—no organ donation required
• Controlling your light instead of wrestling with it
• Creating images that feel powerful, soft, bold, and sensual—all in one frame

This isn’t a lecture—it’s creative chaos in the best way. You’ll rotate through each setup, shoot with models, and leave with portfolio-worthy shots that scream “I did that.”
If you’re ready to stop relying on luck and start creating magic on purpose—this is your moment.

Come ready to shoot. Come ready to slay.

Primary Topics: Boudoir, Lighting – Creative and Special Effects, Posing

Imposter Syndrome – Tell the voices in your head to shut up!

Speaker: Apryl and James Napier (Website) (Social Media)

Lecture   

Beginner   

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.

Primary Topics: Mindset & Motivation

Strobes for Beginners Who Are Ready to Get It Right

Speaker: Apryl and James Napier (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Beginner   

If you’ve ever said “I’m a natural light photographer” but secretly meant “I’m terrified of strobes,” welcome to the club—we’ve all been there.

This hands-on, no-fluff crash course will help you:
• Understand how to use the gear from lights to modifiers
• Nail your camera settings without spiraling into tech panic
• Build one-light and two-light setups that look chef’s kiss amazing
• Place your lights so your client looks radiant—not like they’re being interrogated
• Troubleshoot like a boss when things go sideways (because they will—and that’s okay)

You’ll rotate through real setups, shoot with real models, and walk away with real images you can actually use.

Come ready to mess up. Come ready to learn. Leave ready to light like you mean it.

Primary Topics:

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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!