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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Cut the Shit and Make It Lit: Boudoir That Actually Means Something

Speaker: Shane Michael (Website) (Social Media)

Live Demonstration   

Beginner   

Tired of over-posing, fake laughs, and “okay now look down and giggle” sessions? Yeah, me too.

This class is for boudoir photographers who want their work to stop looking like everyone else’s. We’re cutting the bullshit — the robotic posing, the forced sexy face, the Pinterest energy — and learning how to actually make images that hit hard and feel real.

I’ll walk you through how I shoot with intention, how I read people, how I use light to support the vibe (not overpower it), and how I guide clients in a way that keeps them feeling like a badass — not a prop in lingerie.

We’ll talk:
Smart, story-driven lighting setups (minimal gear, maximum vibe)
What posing actually looks like when it’s rooted in trust, not control
Building real connection without overstepping or sounding like a life coach
Turning awkward energy into powerful, unforgettable images

If you’re happy playing it safe, this ain’t your class. But if you’re ready to create boudoir that actually means something — that empowers, reflects, and resonates — then let’s make it lit.

Primary Topics: Boudoir

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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!