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.
ShutterFest 2027 Classes
Beyond Branding: The Commercial Lifestyle Photographer’s Playbook
Speaker: (Website) (Social Media)
If you are ready to go to the next level in your corporate/commercial work – THIS is the class for you! We will discuss what Commercial Lifestyle photography is, how it differs from basic branding, and how the corporate world is taking massive notice and becoming a huge income opportunity for all of us. I’ll walk you through client decks, shot lists, and more. We will discuss flat rate shoots as well as licensing and day rates for the larger corporate shoots. I’ll show you how to promote and network yourself to marketing and production agencies (your gateway to the bigger clients). I’ll give you the ins and outs of working in tandem alongside a video crew, and the importance of being able to adapt to every scenario and lighting challenge on the fly. You’ll know how to confidently walk onto a set with a production team and look like you belong there.
If you are looking to move beyond simple branding sessions, this is the class for you!
What to Bring to Class:
This is a more advanced commercial class for those who have been working for a while and are ready to go to the next level with their corporate/commercial work.
There is no gear needed.
Beyond the Pose: Directing Lifestyle Content That Feels Real
Speaker: (Website) (Social Media)
Clients and companies want content that feels organic and invites the viewer to imagine themselves in the moment. That’s lifestyle photography. It’s a craft built on knowing how to direct people into authentic engaging moments rather than stiff manufactured poses. (AND BONUS – The same directing skills that make great lifestyle images also make great video content too. As more clients ask for both, THIS IS THE SKILLSET THAT SETS YOU APART.)
In this live demonstration, we’ll breakdown what lifestyle photography actually is and why directing – not posing – is the skill that changes everything!
While this class will mainly be a demonstration, you are welcome to capture whatever you’d like as long as it’s not disruptive to the class. Also, this is planned for outdoors (weather permitting) please dress accordingly.
What to Bring to Class:
While this class will be mainly a demonstration, attendees are welcome to capture content as long as it’s not disruptive to the class.
General knowledge of how to use a camera.
Prompt, Don’t Pose: Lifestyle Direction for Stills & Video
Speaker: (Website) (Social Media)
Lifestyle photography isn’t about perfect poses, it’s about prompting and directing your clients into an action that feels relatable and organic. (It is also the same skill you need to create great video content!) In this hands-on workshop, you’ll work directly with models in curated real-life scenes, learning to direct with intention, find the moment, and tell a story through your images. Perfect for photographers at any level ready to add authentic lifestyle work to their portfolio. Video is encouraged as well!
SKILLS: Good general knowledge of camera and ability to adapt to various lighting scenarios.
LENS: 28-70mm would be perfect
FLASH: none. We will use constant lighting
Video is encouraged as well.
What to Bring to Class:
SKILLS: Good general knowledge of camera and ability to adapt to various lighting scenarios.
LENS: 28-70mm would be perfect
FLASH: No flash. I would do constant light