Model Submission

Want to model at ShutterFest?

We are looking for new and experienced models of all ages, all sizes and all heights to join our modeling program at ShutterFest this year! We are in need of models who are enthusiastic, energetic and willing to work with our photographers to get AMAZING shots.

Rent-A-Human (aka RAH) is our modeling and portfolio building program at the event. Since ShutterFest is a hands-on shooting conference, there is a huge need for lots and lots of models. This year, we will have around 200 spots for modeling at the event across all different genres: bride, groom, weddings, engagement, high school seniors, families, babies, children, glamour, boudoir, fashion, general portraits, fitness and same-sex.

As a model, you’ll have the opportunity to work with our instructors in classes, shooting bays, and shoots with small groups of photographers. 

Here is what’s in it for you:

As a model at ShutterFest, you will have access to the following:

  • over 2,000 professional photographers
  • imagery to build and upgrade your portfolio
  • professional hair and makeup artists
  • top talent competition where you can win cash prizes

Models will be needed on April 7-9, 2026 at Union Station in downtown St Louis, MO. Additional models may be needed on April 10th, and will be contacted separately. There will be a MANDATORY model meeting the evening of April 6th where you will get your badge.

We have one request: be responsible. If you commit to ShutterFest, BE THERE! 

Learn more about the event – click here.

SF26 Model Application

QUESTION: Do you need my real name? Enter what you want us to call you and print on your badge 🙂 If that's your legal name, put your legal name. If it's a name you use for modeling, use that instead.

Are you applying with family members or partners?
For informational purposes only -- they still need to submit an application of their own to be considered 🙂
Do you have a public Instagram or other public social media?
This could be shown on the model directory or shared with speakers as contact information.
Please paste the full link. ( ❌ salcincotta, ✅ https://www.instagram.com/salcincotta)
We may need to reach you during the event.
This is how we and photographers can get in touch with you.
Minor Confirmation
Have you modeled at ShutterFest before?
Sex
Date confirmation
Model Meeting
Can we contact you to model on April 10th if needed?
We will need models for SF+, an extra day of classes for a smaller number of attendees. Depending on attendance and speaker needs, we will reach out to available models as needed.
Will you be pregnant during ShutterFest?
We have maternity classes at the event and will be needing maternity models.
Categories you are able to model for:

Headshot guidelines:

This image will be shown on our site to photographers, instructors and attendees.

  • PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS ARE REQUIRED - NO CELL PHONE PICS.

  • Show your face - so people can recognize you to send images after the event.
  • A close-up of your face is preferred.
  • Use a professional-quality headshot.
  • NO social media/Snapchat filters.
  • NO black & white images.
  • NO collages.
  • If these guidelines are not followed, we may reject your application.

Maximum file size: 12MB

Upload ONE image for use in the model directory.

Maximum file size: 6MB

Max file size: 6MB. Max 3 images.

Image guidelines:

These are additional images to show off your modeling.

  • At least one full-body shot is preferred.
  • Selfies and non-professional photos are OK.
  • NO social media/Snapchat filters.
  • Professional photos are OK.
  • If these guidelines are not followed, we may reject your application.

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!