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
From Athlete to Icon: Senior Sports Portraits That Go Hard
Speaker: 
Sondra Miltenberger (Website) (Social Media)
You’re not here to create safe photos. You’re here to make an impact.
Join Sondra for a hands-on class built around creating iconic, high-energy senior sports portraits that actually look as powerful as the athletes you’re photographing. No boring sidelines. No stiff poses. No “hold your ball and smile.” We’re talking images packed with intensity, grit, personality, and movement!
You’ll learn how to build the shot with intention, shape the light, pose with purpose, and guide any athlete into like a Bada**!! We’ll break down quick setups and bold concepts.
Bring your camera – you will be shooting!
School Sports Hustle: How to Get In, Get Paid, and Get Noticed
Speaker: Sondra Miltenberger (Website) (Social Media)
Want to break into the competitive world of school sports photography? This lecture-style class with Sondra gives you the inside scoop. From finding clients to building a standout portfolio, you’ll learn how to navigate the unique challenges of photographing school athletes and sports programs.
Topics covered include:
- Finding opportunities – how to connect with schools, coaches, and athletic directors.
- Building trust and credibility – position yourself as the go-to photographer for every season.
- Shooting strategies – what works in gyms, on fields, and in fast-paced action environments.
- Marketing like a pro – leveraging social media, school publications, and local networks.
Sondra’s work has been featured by ESPN, SportsCenter, and House of Highlights, giving her a unique perspective on what makes school sports photography stand out. Walk away with actionable strategies and a roadmap to start your sports photography career in schools, without waiting for someone to hand you a job.
The “Hell Yeah” Playbook for Motion-Driven Senior Sports Portraits
Speaker: Sondra Miltenberger (Website) (Social Media)
Join Sondra for a live demonstration class that dives deep into using movement to create senior sports portraits that hit harder, feel faster, and stand out instantly.
This isn’t your typical “stand still and smile with your gear” type of session. We’re breaking down how to add action, energy, and controlled chaos into your images so they look alive. You’ll see exactly how Sondra directs athletes, uses lighting to amplify the moment, and builds dynamic concepts that feel like they’re in the middle of the game and not on the sidelines.
And yes… we’re getting into the good stuff: shutter drag.
You’ll leave inspired, fired up, and fully ready to create senior sports portraits that look fast, feel intense, and stand out instantly.
Bonus credibility: Sondra’s sports portraits have been featured by ESPN, SportsCenter, and House of Highlights, and she’s here to show you exactly how she makes it happen.