Classes

Let’s be real, regardless of how incredible your work is, once potential clients click on you, they need to click with you. In this class, we’re diving into the often-overlooked (but wildly powerful) soft skills that help turn inquiries into bookings, clients into fans, and fans into walking billboards for your business.

But we’re not stopping with clients. I’ll show you how to leave a lasting impression on vendors, venue staff, and even your clients’ family and friends—because that’s where the referral goldmine really is. From first consult to final gallery delivery (and everything in between), we’ll talk about how to communicate with warmth and confidence, how to make people feel seen, and how to turn natural conversations into lasting professional relationships.

Whether you’re naturally charming or feel awkward talking to strangers, you’ll leave with practical tips you can use at your next wedding, shoot, networking event, or literally anywhere you meet people. And the best part? You can start practicing everything you learn right away, with the people sitting next to you at ShutterFest!

Think second shooting means playing sidekick and staying out of the way? Think again! It’s an essential, skilled role that can boost your confidence, grow your portfolio, and open doors to future opportunities. Drawing on over a decade of experience, I’ll walk you through how to get booked for second shooting gigs and how to prepare yourself to show up ready and professional. We’ll cover the important questions to ask leads before the wedding, how to know what and when to shoot on the big day, and how to support the lead photographer without stepping on toes. You’ll learn how to support the lead with professionalism and purpose while still creating work you’re proud to call your own. You’ll also learn insider tips on leaving such a great impression on couples that your name becomes part of their glowing reviews—helping you get hired again and again.

This class is perfect for photographers new to weddings or anyone looking to sharpen their second shooting skills with practical advice, clear expectations, and a warm, encouraging approach.

Tired of lugging around light stands and strobes just to feel “legit”? In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to create cinematic, storybook-inspired portraits using only the light that’s already around you—no flash, no reflectors, no setup stress. Whether you’re working with window light, a hallway sconce, or the last bit of golden hour, I’ll show you how to find, shape, and use available light creatively and confidently. You’ll practice posing couples naturally in real-world lighting situations, learn how to adapt quickly to unpredictable environments, and walk away with fresh, portfolio-worthy images without touching a single piece of lighting gear. This class is perfect for wedding and portrait photographers who want to shoot with intention, embrace spontaneity, and create emotional impact using nothing but their camera and their instincts.

What to Bring:
Your camera
A lens or two (I’ll probably be on my 50mm, but use what you love)
No lighting gear needed—just your curiosity and creativity with an open mind