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

Shoot Your Doctor, Shoot Your Lawyer: Build a Killer Business Branding Portfolio That Slays – the Easy Way

Speaker: Dez Merrow (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Beginner   

This hands-on workshop is built for new photographers who want to break into the world of personal branding — and walk away with powerful images that slay! In this class, we’ll focus on photographing “doctors,” “lawyers,” and other professionals in poses and easy-to-replicate setups that reflect who they are and what they do with confidence, authenticity, and style.

These mini-branding environments will be ready for you to step in, shoot, and build a portfolio you’re proud to show off. We’ll start by covering the essentials: gear, location/backdrop choices, and simple lighting setups that are beginner-friendly but pack a punch. Then… we shoot!

This class is made for newbies — no fancy gear required. Just bring your camera, your curiosity, and get ready to capture branding images that look polished, professional, and totally portfolio-worthy!

Primary Topics: Commercial – Branding and Lifestyle

Studio Hustle: Lock Down the Perfect Space Without Getting Burned

Speaker: Dez Merrow (Website) (Social Media)

Lecture   

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced   

Studio Hustle is the no-fluff crash course designed specifically for photographers who are ready to go pro with their space but don’t want to get played in the process. From sketchy lease terms to that too-good-to-be-true location, we’ll break it all down so you can spot the red flags, ask the right questions, and negotiate like a boss.

You’ll get the lowdown on:

  • What type of space actually works for a photo studio (office, retail, gray shell, second-gen—I’ll explain it all).
  • Lease types that can screw you over (triple net, modified gross, percentage—you’ll learn the lingo and the traps).
  • What “exclusivity” actually means (and why you want it).
  • Letters of intent, lease terms, tenant improvements, and why a good real estate attorney isn’t optional—it’s your secret weapon.

This is the class that arms you with real-world knowledge, not real estate fluff. Bring a notebook, your pen of choice, and your ambition—because it’s time to frame the deal on your own terms.

Primary Topics: Business

Studio or Nah? Know When to Level Up

Speaker: Dez Merrow (Website) (Social Media)

Lecture   

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced   

Thinking about getting your own photography studio? Slow your roll.
Before you start Googling commercial spaces or fantasizing about natural light and exposed brick, let’s talk about whether you’re actually ready—financially, strategically, and creatively. Spoiler alert: Just being sick of shooting in your living room isn’t enough.

Studio or Nah? is the brutally honest prequel to Studio Hustle, and it’s designed to help photographers like you figure out when it’s really time to invest in a studio—and when it’s smarter to wait.

We’ll cover:

  • The real costs of running a studio (beyond rent—think utilities, insurance, buildout, permits, etc.)
  • How to assess your current workload, pricing, and client flow to see if a studio actually supports your business or just drains it
  • Creative signs you’re outgrowing your current space (and when that’s just a vibe, not a fact)
  • Common traps photographers fall into—like getting studio FOMO or rushing the move for vanity over viability
  • Smart alternatives to going full-lease that can still get you out of your home (co-ops, short-term rentals, pop-up studios)

This isn’t a hype session—it’s a reality check. But it’s also your blueprint for making a confident, strategic decision when the time is truly right. Come with your big dreams and tough questions. Leave with clarity, a plan—and zero regrets.

Primary Topics: Business

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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!