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

8 Creative Wedding Portraits in 2 Minutes

Speaker: Michelle Harris (Website) (Social Media)

Live Demonstration   

Intermediate   

When timelines melt, you still need variety that books. In this photowalk, Michelle builds eight distinct wedding portraits in two minutes using one lens, a portable light, and a few pocket sized creative tools. See how to direct with confidence, pivot compositions in seconds, and flip from clean daylight to dramatic night looks without breaking the flow.

You will learn:
• A repeatable two minute posing and direction flow for any couple
• Rapid composition pivots and micro location scouting to multiply variety
• Smart lighting moves for smooth day to night transitions
• Creative accents using small tools for reflections, sparkle, and motion
• Timeline control and communication that keeps the team moving

Bring:
Your camera and favorite zoom or prime lens.

Primary Topics: Weddings

Crush Your Next Wedding Exit

Speaker: Michelle Harris (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Beginner   

Make the send-off the shot everyone remembers. On this hands-on photowalk, we’ll stage multiple exit scenarios and I’ll show you exactly how to plan, prep, and direct a flawless finale. Easy lighting techniques, 1 & 2 light setups, and repeatable direction you can use at your very next wedding.

You’ll learn:
* A simple exit game plan: timeline script, who to brief, and when
* How to cue DJs/planners, line up guests, and create clean lanes fast
* How to work with videographers
* Sparkler alternatives for no-sparkler venues: glow wands, LED balloons, ribbon wands, bubbles, petals, eco-confetti, and more
* How to spot and use available light and backgrounds to keep it crisp and safe

Bring: your camera and comfy shoes. We’ll move, practice, and have you exit-ready in one session.

Primary Topics: Weddings

Turning 2K weddings into a 10K portfolio

Speaker: Michelle Harris (Website) (Social Media)

Lecture   

Beginner   

You don’t need luxury budgets to build a luxury-looking portfolio – you need strategy. In this fast, actionable class, you’ll learn how to transform everyday venues and timelines into editorial, high-end work that attracts premium clients. We’ll cover quick wins you can use at your very next wedding and a repeatable plan to upgrade your portfolio in 30 days.

You’ll learn how to:
* Scout micro-locations and craft clean, timeless backgrounds anywhere
* Pose couples with confident, elevated direction that photographs “luxury”
* Light fast (natural or flash) for crisp, cinematic images on tight timelines
* Design styled shoots that look expensive and leverage them for bookings
* Edit and curate like a magazine: color, consistency, and storytelling that sells
* Package your best work for Instagram, website, and consults to raise rates

Beginner-friendly, hustle-approved, instantly usable. Let’s make your portfolio look like your future price point.

Primary Topics: Marketing, Weddings

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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!