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.

ShutterFest 2027 Classes

Class Search Form

Beyond the Lineup: Elevated your Group Posing

Speaker: (Website) (Social Media)

Live Demonstration   

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced   

Group portraits should feel connected, intentional, and visually dynamic — not stiff or repetitive. In this class, Esther Kay teaches photographers how to confidently pose couples, families, and groups in a way that feels elevated, natural, and luxury-driven. Students will learn how to create flow, depth, balance, and authentic interaction while avoiding common posing mistakes that can make group portraits feel flat or awkward.

Through live demonstrations and practical techniques, Esther breaks down how to direct multiple people with confidence while creating imagery that feels editorial, emotional, and polished. From subtle hand placement and body angles to layering and movement, this class focuses on transforming traditional group posing into refined storytelling portraits clients will connect with and remember.

What to Bring to Class:

N/A

Primary Topics: Posing

Creating Luxe Sets in Small Spaces

Speaker: (Website) (Social Media)

Live Demonstration   

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced   

You do not need a massive studio or elaborate setup to create luxury imagery. In this class, Esther Kay teaches photographers how to transform small spaces into visually impactful, high-end sets using intentional styling, layering, lighting, and creative design techniques.

Students will learn how to maximize limited shooting spaces while still producing portraits that feel editorial, polished, and full of depth. From paper backdrops and fabrics to frames, textures, and strategic light placement, Esther demonstrates how simple elements can completely elevate a scene when used with intention. This class is designed to help photographers create luxury-looking imagery with confidence no matter the size of their studio or shooting space.

What to Bring to Class:

n/a

Primary Topics: Portraits – Styling and Set Building

Fundamental of Posing: The Art of Posing the Female Body With Intention

Speaker: (Website) (Social Media)

Live Demonstration   

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced   

Posing is more than placing hands and directing movement — it is about sculpting the body with purpose, confidence, and emotion. In this class, Esther Kay teaches photographers how to flatter and guide women of all body types through intentional posing techniques designed to create elegant, powerful, and emotionally connected portraits.

Students will learn how to use angles, posture, light, movement, and body awareness to create imagery that feels soft yet strong, natural yet refined. From maternity and motherhood to beauty and portrait sessions, Esther will demonstrate how small posing adjustments can dramatically transform the final image while helping clients feel confident and beautiful in front of the camera.

What to Bring to Class:

n/a

Primary Topics: Posing

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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!