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
1 Light Is All You Need to Create Badass Portraits with Minimal Gear
Speaker: 
Fernando Ordonez (Website) (Social Media)
Who says you need a full set of lights to create powerful, dramatic portraits? One Light is all that you need, you’ll learn how to master portrait photography using just one light — and still produce striking, high-impact images and fine art portraits.
This course is designed for photographers who want to unlock the full creative potential of a single light source .
You’ll discover how to shape light for mood, drama, and emotion using shadows, angles, and the power of just one light.
We’ll dive into techniques like posing, composing and light direction in order to create badass portraits and how to control contrast, background separation, and skin tones with precision.
You’ll walk away knowing how to set up fast, shoot smart, and create portraits that truly stand out — with just one light and a bit of vision.
Composition: The Art of Transforming A Bad Location Into A Badass Shot
Speaker: Fernando Ordonez (Website) (Social Media)
Learn how to turn ordinary photos into powerful images through the art of composition. In this class, you’ll explore essential techniques that help your eyes to create more balanced, dynamic, and emotionally engaging photos.
We’ll cover key principles like the Rule of Thirds, leading lines, framing, symmetry, negative space, and visual balance, along with tips for breaking the rules creatively. You’ll also learn how light, color, and perspective play a role in composition and how to use them to tell stronger visual stories.
Whether you shoot with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or phone, this course will give you practical tools to improve your photography right away.
Quinceañeras: The Underestimated Market That Changed My Life
Speaker: Fernando Ordonez (Website) (Social Media)
In this heartfelt and inspiring course, I share how photographing Quinceañeras, one of the most vibrant and emotional celebrations in Latin culture — not only transformed my photography, but also shaped my purpose, business, and personal life.
In this course I will take you behind the scenes of my journey — the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned along the way. You’ll hear how I went from chasing perfect poses to capturing real emotion, from technical stress to creative flow, and from just taking photos to becoming part of a family’s story.
More than just a talk, this course offers real strategies and insights for photographers who want to dive into cultural events with intention, respect, and impact.
You will learn how to connect more deeply with your clients, tell powerful visual stories, and grow a photography business rooted in trust and culture.
Quinceañeras pushed me to improve my technical skills under pressure, adapt to real-time moments, and truly understand the importance of capturing emotion. Along the way, you’ll discover that these events are more than portraits and parties, they’re milestones filled with tradition, pride, and unforgettable memories.
This course is not just about photographing Quinceañeras — it’s about how one genre of photography can shift your perspective, elevate your creativity, and build lasting relationships through your work.