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 register for a class?
You will be able to select classes 
IN THE SHUTTERFEST APP two weeks before the event (first come, first serve). READ THE FAQ and/or monitor the private Facebook group for more details.

SF25 Class Lineup

Class Search Form

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Specialty: Weddings, Portraits

Create Film Noir Lighting with Gobos

Speaker: Tauran Woo (Website) (Social Media)

Hands-On   

Intermediate, Advanced   

Embrace the enigmatic world of film noir by exploring the use of gobos to create the dramatic lighting effects that define the neo-noir genre of classic films of the 1940s and 50s.
What is a Gobo? A gobo is an object placed inside or in front of a light source to control the shape of the emitted light and its shadow. We’ll be experimenting with gobos and how they affect light and help create an ominous mood.
Gobos Demystified: We’ll uncover the secrets of gobos, exploring how these light modifiers can be used to shape light, cast sharp shadows, and add atmosphere to your scene.
Crafting the Noir Look: Each shooting station will utilize a different gobo lighting scheme so you can try each one to achieve classic film noir aesthetics, and most importantly, capture the images for yourself!
By the end of this class, you’ll be able to:
Confidently use gobos to create classic film noir lighting effects and light scenes that evoke the suspenseful atmosphere of film noir. AKA you’ll love it.
I am excited to show you the beauty of this classic lighting technique so you can start utilizing it in your work. Sign up now!
(Class is best experienced if you bring your own camera and Godox-compatible triggers)

Specialty: Weddings, Portraits

Images Come To Life – Using AI to create startlingly beautiful movies

Speaker: Tauran Woo (Website) (Social Media)

Lecture   

Intermediate, Advanced   

AI is one of the most fascinating (and intimidating) innovations that has developed in recent times. This class will unveil the magic of AI animation, empowering you to transform your photos into captivating short movies. Soon, you’ll learn how to harness the power of user-friendly AI software to bring your ideas to life.
I’ll show you step-by-step:
The Wonders of AI Animation – Exactly what tools I use, and unlock the possibilities of AI tools that can breathe life into your static photos.
Storytelling through Animation – I’ll show you what elements you need to create a compelling movie, and unlock the art of crafting short narratives with your animated photos, creating impactful stories.
Beyond the Basics – We’ll dive deeper into advanced techniques like adding music, sound effects, narration, and transitions and polishing your short movies.
When we’re done, you’ll confidently use AI animation software to animate your photos and create engaging short movies that showcase your creativity, either for clients, yourself, or as a creative way to draw eyes to your work and business.
Ready to unleash the filmmaker within? Join this class and discover the power of AI to bring your photos to life!

Specialty: Weddings, Portraits

The Secrets of the Classic Hollywood Portrait

Speaker: Tauran Woo (Website) (Social Media)

Live Demonstration   

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced   

Let’s step back in time and learn the secrets to capturing the timeless elegance of Golden Age Hollywood portraits! We’re going to deconstruct some of the techniques used by legendary photographers to create iconic portraits of the silver screen’s stars.
* Lighting for Legends: Delve into the art of classic Hollywood lighting setups to achieve signature high-key and dramatic looks.
* Camera & Composition: Learn the camera settings and posing techniques favored by Golden Age photographers to create flattering and captivating portraits.
* Posing with Poise: Discover the classic postures and expressions used to capture a subject’s confidence and charisma on film.
* Modern Tools, Classic Style: Learn how to adapt modern lighting equipment and cameras to achieve the desired Golden Age aesthetics.
OBJECTIVES
* Understand and recreate the iconic lighting styles of Golden Age Hollywood, and of course, fun!

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Early Bird Tickets

April 22-25 2024 | St. Louis MO.

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!