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

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Specialty: Weddings, corporate, photo, video

Corporate Photography and Videography 101: From Proposals to Production

Speaker: Ning Wong (Website) (Social Media)

Lecture   

Beginner   

In this comprehensive beginner 2-hour lecture, aspiring corporate photographers and videographers will gain valuable insights and practical strategies for launching and growing a successful business in this dynamic field.
Topics covered include:
-Writing Winning Proposals and Bidding for Jobs: Learn how to craft compelling proposals that highlight your unique value proposition and stand out from the competition. Discover effective techniques for bidding on corporate projects and responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
-Understanding Client Objectives and Overcoming Challenges: Explore common objectives and pain points faced by corporate clients, and learn how to position your services as the ideal solution. Through real-world examples, you’ll gain insights into overcoming common obstacles and exceeding client expectations.
-Building a Professional Portfolio and Marketing Strategies: Discover the art of curating a powerful portfolio that showcases your skills and expertise. Explore proven marketing and networking strategies to attract potential clients and establish a strong online presence.
-Project Management and Client Communication: Learn effective techniques for conducting client consultations, setting realistic expectations, and managing project timelines. Develop skills in presenting and delivering final products that exceed client satisfaction.
-Pricing, Negotiation, and Invoicing Strategies: Explore different pricing models and learn negotiation tactics to secure fair rates. Understand invoicing best practices and payment terms to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an experienced creative professional seeking to expand into the corporate market, this lecture will provide you with a comprehensive foundation for success in the dynamic world of corporate photography and videography.

Specialty: Weddings, corporate, photo, video

LED Lighting is THE Cheat Code to Portraiture!

Speaker: Ning Wong (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced   

Flash photography has long been the standard, but LED lighting technology has evolved to offer a dynamic and visually compelling alternative for portrait photographers. Join us in this hands-on class and discover how to harness the power of LED lights to create stunning, impactful portraits.
Throughout this live shooting session, you’ll learn to sculpt light with precision, exploring the versatility of bare LEDs and modified setups. Witness the real-time impact of your adjustments on your subject, enabling you to refine the illumination and achieve the desired look and feel.
By embracing LED lighting, you’ll bid farewell to the challenges of off-camera flash and unlock a world of creative possibilities. This workshop will equip you with the skills to:
– Employ LED lights in any lighting scenario, leveraging their adaptability
– Preview your shot “”live”” with LED lighting, facilitating real-time adjustments
– Understand the transformative effects of various modifiers on your lighting
This is a hands-on experience, designed to provide you with a portfolio-worthy collection of images by the end of the workshop. Bring your camera and a long lens, such as a 70-200mm, and immerse yourself in the world of LED portraiture. No need for triggers – with LED lighting, we’ll all shoot simultaneously, fostering a collaborative and dynamic learning environment.
Unlock the cheat code to exceptional portrait photography and elevate your craft to new heights. Join us on this illuminating journey and discover the power of this versatile technology in creating powerful, impactful portraits that truly captivate.

Specialty: Weddings, corporate, photo, video

Stop Standing Still! Going from Photo to Video

Speaker: Ning Wong (Website) (Social Media)

Lecture   

Beginner   

As a photographer, adding videography services can open up a world of opportunities and increase your earning potential. However, making the leap from still photography to capturing video can seem daunting. Don’t worry – this beginner-friendly class will provide you with the essential tools and knowledge to confidently venture into the exciting realm of wedding videography.
In just two power-packed hours, you’ll learn:
The ins and outs of essential video gear, from cameras and lenses to audio equipment – all tailored to any budget.
Videography fundamentals, including shooting techniques, camera movements, lighting considerations, and audio recording tips.
How to storytell through your lens, capturing the beautiful narrative of a couple’s wedding day with cinematic flair.
Workflow essentials, from ingesting footage to basic editing techniques in popular software like Adobe Premiere Pro.
Strategies for launching your videography services, building an impressive portfolio, and marketing yourself effectively.
Whether you’re looking to offer hybrid photo/video packages or transition fully into the videography realm, this class will give you the confidence and know-how to stop standing still and start capturing those magical moments in motion!

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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!