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

Class Search Form

Fix the Frame: Composition That Makes You Stand Out

Speaker: Josh Russell (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Beginner, Intermediate   

Most photographers don’t have a lighting problem—they have a composition problem. In this class, we’ll slow down and look at how to actually build a better frame. Josh will show you how to shoot with intention, use the background to make images feel more high-end, and how to position people to make them look confident and natural. It’s not about rules—it’s about seeing differently and using what’s around you to make photos that pop off the screen. We’ll shoot live, and he’ll walk you through how to think before you click.

Primary Topics: Composition, Shootout-Style Styled Shoot

One Light. One Modifier. Let’s Go!

Speaker: Josh Russell (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Beginner, Intermediate   

Perfect for first-time OCF users!

You don’t need five lights and a gear cart to make killer images. In this photo walk, Josh will show you how to shoot full sessions with one light and one modifier. We’ll walk, shoot, and he’ll explain how to find my light fast, how to modify it on the fly, and how to work with what you’ve got—whether you’re in open sun, shade, or something weird in between. This class is all about working smart, moving fast, and still delivering high-end results that keep clients coming back.

Primary Topics: Lighting – Off-Camera, Shootout-Style Styled Shoot

Vibrant AF: Creating Moody Portraits with Pop

Speaker: Josh Russell (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Intermediate, Advanced   

This isn’t washed-out pastels or flat light. In this photo walk, Josh shows how he creates portraits that feel bold, dramatic, and full of energy—with rich colors, deep contrast, and intentional mood. Attendees will learn how he combines hard light, soft fill, and smart composition to create images that feel cinematic but still clean and client-ready. From exposure to posing to color control, it’s all about giving your work that signature look that sells!

Primary Topics: Lighting – Off-Camera

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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!