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

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Specialty: Weddings, Families, Technology

From Babies to Big Kids: Shooting Age-Appropriate Family Portraits

Speaker: Douglas Weittenhiller (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced   

Ever felt like wrangling a family photo session is more like herding cats? From squirmy babies to moody teens, every age group requires different approaches to get those perfect shots. This class is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of age-appropriate family photography. We’ll dive into the nuances of working with every age group so you can confidently walk into any session and leave with a portfolio full of smiles and candid moments.
For the little ones under one, it’s all about being silly and expressive – think goofy faces and peek-a-boo to get those adorable giggles. Toddlers? Well, they’re the stars of the show, and you’ll learn how to keep up with their boundless energy. As for kids from four to eight, they’re your voice-activated subjects, ready to follow instructions and engage in fun games. Preteens and teens come with their own set of challenges, but with a bit of confidence-boosting and relatability, you’ll capture their true selves. And when it’s time to shoot adults, it’s all about creating a relaxed, enjoyable environment where everyone feels at ease.
In this hands-on class, we’ll work with models of all ages and show you how to adapt your approach on the fly. You’ll learn specific techniques for each age group and get practical tips and tricks for making every session successful. Whether you’re dealing with a family that spans from babies to teens or shooting a group of all adults, you’ll leave this class ready to tackle it all.
What you will learn in this class:
• Techniques for engaging and photographing babies under one year
• How to manage and capture the energy of toddlers
• Tips for directing and interacting with kids aged four to eight
• Strategies for working with preteens and teens to build their confidence
• Creating a fun, inviting environment for adult subjects
• Adapting quickly to families with a wide range of ages
• Hands-on experience with live models of different age groups

Specialty: Weddings, Families, Technology

Light It Up: Mastering Consistent Natural Light Indoors and Out

Speaker: Douglas Weittenhiller (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced   

Ever felt like your photos are having an identity crisis? On one shoot, you have clients basking in warm golden hour light outdoors, and on the next shoot, you’re using a large softbox in your studio with a muslin backdrop. Both are technically shot and lit correctly, but the aesthetic couldn’t be further apart. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your work look seamless and consistent no matter the job type, and you love soft natural light, then this is the class for you. We’re diving deep into the world of technical natural light, showing you how to create a unified, kick-ass brand that will set your work apart.
We’ll start by taming the beast known as window light, turning those indoor shots into soft-lit masterpieces. Then, we’ll venture outside to capture and shape the available light. This might include using some fill lighting, so bring your camera, a wide-angle lens, and a flash or small modifier. You’ll learn how to filter and control light to keep your subjects looking flawless and consistent, whether indoors or outdoors. We’re talking scrims, reflectors, and a few nifty tricks to keep everything looking cohesive.
No more jarring transitions between indoor and outdoor shots. Your portfolio will scream “professional” with a smoother look than a well-aged whiskey. So, bring your gear and your questions, and get ready to light it up!
What you will learn in this class:
• How to use natural window light for stunning indoor shots
• Techniques for shooting during golden hour, blue hour, and crap light
• Filtering and controlling light for consistent results
• Using scrims and other tools to soften light
• Creating a unified brand look across different lighting conditions

Specialty: Weddings, Families, Technology

One Brand, Many Faces: Creating a Homogeneous Style Across All Genres

Speaker: Douglas Weittenhiller (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced   

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

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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!