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

Click here to reset search | Download classes as CSV

Specialty: Avant Garde, Conceptual Portraits, Fine Art, and Fantasy

Colorful Monochromatic: Getting Creative With One Color

Speaker: Jess Hess (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Intermediate   

When you picture Monochromatic, your mind probably first thinks of black and white, but it’s not the only application of this concept. It applies to every color! In this class, we’ll capture a cutting-edge photograph using a single color, and show you how to make your photos pop when they’re all in the same shade! Discover how to highlight your subject and create an extraordinary scene using just one color. From clothing to makeup, lighting to props, and backdrops, everything will be in harmony! But how do we light it so that each element doesn’t merge? How can we make the photo engaging or cinematic with such minimal variation? Join us to find out!

Specialty: Avant Garde, Conceptual Portraits, Fine Art, and Fantasy

Dark Art Without The Dark

Speaker: Jess Hess (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Intermediate   

In the realm of photography, there’s a vast array of styles. Each style comes with its own set of variations and characteristics. No single style is exclusive to one genre, and the same goes for dark photography. Being dark doesn’t necessarily mean using only dark colors or fake blood. It’s not synonymous with horror, and it doesn’t always imply a dark aesthetic. It can also be used to capture images that stir up negative feelings, such as fear or sadness, or it can mean depicting a distorted or twisted reality. Even the most vibrant scenes filled with cheerful colors can become unsettling or eerie with the right approach or concept. In this course, we’ll delve into the “”brighter”” aspects of dark photography. We’ll learn how to employ vivid colors and creative techniques to present a fresh interpretation of darkness. No need for fake blood, no horror elements, just a mix of bizarre, fantastic, and amazing! Let’s splash the town in pink, but add a spooky twist! Let’s make it adorable yet uneasy, and we’ll explore how yellow can be just as chilling as black.

Specialty: Avant Garde, Conceptual Portraits, Fine Art, and Fantasy

Going Extreme Without Ai: How to Do it In-Camera

Speaker: Jess Hess (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Intermediate   

As artificial intelligence becomes more popular and refined, an increasing number of individuals are turning to AI for assistance in generating and enhancing their projects.
The simplest method to achieve significant results nowadays appears to involve generative art;
However, what if you’re interested in mastering the art of creating it all by hand?
In this course, we’ll show you how to achieve extraordinary outcomes and conquer stunning lighting effects the traditional, hands-on way, directly in camera! We’ll construct an impressive setup and use an eclectic collection of wardrobe to create visuals that capture the essence and eccentricity of AI-generated art, yet maintain the authenticity and realism of the traditional approach! Let’s make something extraordinary and out of this world, no Ai involved!

Click here to reset

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!