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
Press the Flash Test Button, Not the Panic Button
Speaker: 
Ray Alvarez (Website) (Social Media)
Ok, so you’re at the shoot and you’re stuck. You panic! All eyes on you and now you feel like you’re fumbling with your lights while your client is staring at you? STOP. Lighting is easy and I’ll walk you through the basics of lighting. If you’re a natural light shooter or know nothing about off camera flash, and you’ve come to ShutterFest to learn, this is your live guide to lighting. Step by step, stress free, and confidence first. You’ll learn how to build your lighting brain and know what to reach for before the panic sets in. Perfect for newer photographers or natural light shooters ready to take control. Bring your camera, I’ll provide the lights and remote transmitters.
What to Expect:
* A full breakdown of settings, positioning, and modifier choices
* Recommendations on different lighting units for different scenarios
* How to start with ambient and add in Flash
* Live demos with before/after lighting changes so you see the difference
* Hands-on time to shoot and tweak setups
* A chill, encouraging vibe that makes flash finally click
Shoot It Like It’s Your Business
Speaker: Ray Alvarez (Website) (Social Media)
Learn to light and pose for your branding and lifestyle clients, especially on location. In my class, I’ll walk you through how I shoot lifestyle and branding portraits using off camera flash. How I pose my clients to bring out the best and make them stand out. No fluff, no gimmicks, just practical lighting and posing that work under pressure. I’ll demo a few Business friendly poses, explain the thought process behind the light, break down why I place the light where I do and then we’ll all shoot it together. Bring your camera, I’ll provide the lights and remote transmitters.
What to Expect:
* How I build a simple lighting setup quickly and efficiently for branding portraits
* How I direct non-models to look confident and natural
* Hands-on time to shoot using my lighting setups
* Recommendations on lighting for Branding portraits
* Real talk Q&A
The Duo Strikes Again: Gels, Drama, and Ray + Kay Magic
Speaker: Ray Alvarez (Website) (Social Media)
Let’s be real. You’re not here for me, you’re here for Kay. Every year we bring the energy, the colors, and the BTS at how we create dope work together. If you’re new to Shutterfest, Kay is a ridiculously talented makeup artist and makeup model who brings these shoots to life, but she’s also my wife. In this class, we’re diving into bold, creative portraits using gels and OCF. As we do every year, we’ll walk you through the setups, talk through how we build our concepts, and show you how to create a scroll-stopping set of photos whether you’re in a studio or makeshift space. Then, the best part, we get to shoot it together. Everyone get’s a chance to go home with creative portfolio worthy photos! Bring your camera, I’ll provide the lights and remote transmitters
What to expect:
* Step by step gel lighting setups with modifiers THAT MAKE SENSE!
* How to use colors and contrast to add drama and interest
* A live styled shoot with Kay and models that you’ll be able to photograph
* A fun, laid-back vibe with a lot of value packed in