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.

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SF26 Class Lineup

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Hacking Inspiration

Speaker: Ric Lewis (Website) (Social Media)

Lecture   

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced   

In 2024 my Creative Conceptualization class was a hit. In 2025 I was asked why I didn’t have it again. Here is version 2.0!

I am constantly asked, “Where do your ideas come from?” In “Hacking Inspiration” I go over various tips, tricks, tools, and hacks to find creative inspiration and how to execute your vision successfully.

Come with an open mind and a way to take notes.

Primary Topics: Portraits – Styling and Set Building

Lit AF: Making Light Your Subordinate

Speaker: Ric Lewis (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Beginner, Intermediate   

Let’s face it—your lighting deserves a little more spice. In this class, I’ll break down how to create a consistent, dramatic lighting signature that stops scrollers and stuns clients. From painterly shadows to editorial edge, learn how to master modifiers and mood like a pro (even if you’re working in your garage). Quirky? Yes. Practical? Absolutely. Lit? You bet.

Primary Topics: Lighting – Off-Camera (Flash or Constant)

Retouching For Fine Art

Speaker: Ric Lewis (Website) (Social Media)

Lecture   

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced   

Back by popular demand is “Retouching For Fine Art”.

So many of you asked me to bring this back for 2026. For those of you that missed it the first time, come learn all my tips and tricks that I use when retouching fantasy, ethereal, and fine art images. No gate keeping here! I can’t wait to see you there.

If you have a laptop, Photoshop, and there’s a power outlet available, feel free to bring it and follow along with me.

Primary Topics: Editing – Photoshop

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Early Bird Tickets

April 22-25 2024 | St. Louis MO.
  • Learn from 80+ top speakers
  • Trade Show Access
  • Work with over 200 models
  • Save over 40% on tickets - for a limited time only!
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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!