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: Lighting & Posing

From Natural to Artificial: Take Control of Your Lighting for Couples

Speaker: Jesse Rinka (Website) (Social Media)

Live Demonstration   

Beginner, Intermediate   

In this Live Demonstration, I would like to illustrate how I work through and overcome all of the challenges that are presented to us in the moment in order to walk away with beautiful results. When it comes to wedding photography, we don’t exactly have the option to reschedule when the lighting conditions are not in our favor. Instead, our true value as professionals is established through how we consistently react to constantly changing lighting scenarios. Whether that means incorporating off-camera lighting, reflectors, diffusers, proper positioning and composition, or all of the above, we must be able to think and act quickly to maintain the highest level of our subjects confidence in our skillset.
Join me and let’s learn how to be better problem solvers and take better control of our lighting no matter the situation.
Although this is classified as a Live Demonstration and I wouldn’t want to guarantee shooting time, I would still encourage attendees to bring their cameras as I always do my best to budget some time (if possible) for attendees to step in and take some photos.

Specialty: Lighting & Posing

Troubleshooting On & Off-Camera Lighting Challenges for Wedding Photographers

Speaker: Jesse Rinka (Website) (Social Media)

Live Demonstration   

Beginner, Intermediate   

Throughout the course of a wedding day, wedding photographers face numerous challenges with regards to both on and off-camera lighting. This could include the following:
1) Improper light positioning or poor posing of subjects in relation to light position.
2) Color temperature Issues when working in mixed lighting conditions.
3) Power limitations, especially when shooting outdoors.
4) Space limitations and issues properly controlling light
5) Creating dimension through light placement during candid moments (church/reception)
In this Live Demonstration, using a bride and groom as our main subjects, we will focus on solutions to these challenges and potentially others so that you can feel more confident in your approach as you work through the course of a wedding day. Over the last 9+ years, I have developed a skillset that has allowed me to react quicker in this fast-paced environment and still achieve pleasing results. Knowing what to do and anticipating what might go wrong before it happens will have you better positioned for success and consistency.
Please note that in order to properly demonstrate certain scenarios and challenges, we may be required to move from our initial meetup location, so please plan accordingly. It is also possible that we may also ask for a few attendees to stand in if necessary as test subjects in order to better demonstrate scenarios and solutions. I look forward to helping you feel more confident in your approach!

Specialty: Lighting & Posing

Unleash Your Creativity Indoors with Colored Gels

Speaker: Jesse Rinka (Website) (Social Media)

Live Demonstration   

Beginner, Intermediate   

If you have not yet begun using colored gels in your portrait work, then now would be a great time to start. In this Live Demonstration, I would like to open your mind to the power of incorporating more color into your images and the awesome possibilities that exist through the use of color. You’ll learn how to transform ordinary portraits and scenes into more vibrant and interesting images using colored gels. Discover techniques for controlling and manipulating light to evoke mood and add more visual interest to your photographs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, this class will inspire you to explore new avenues of expression and take your indoor photography to a new level.
We will plan to work with a female model styled in trendy street fashion attire to create some beautiful and dynamic images with a focus on different color combinations and compositions.

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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!