Speaker Submission

Thank you for your interest in being a speaker for ShutterFest! We love business topics, we love lighting and posing topics. The truth is, we LOVE UNIQUE AND HANDS-ON TOPICS of all kinds. 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

• Submit UNIQUE CLASSES: We’re searching for some awesome class topics that will spark creative thinking for our attendees! We want your descriptions to be as unique and engaging as your best shots. Submit detailed ideas for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced classes that will push the boundaries of what a photography class can be. This event is all about inspiring attendees to learn new skills and take their photography to the next level.
• Categorize your courses correctly. This has a HUGE impact on class placement, expectations and attendee ratings. If students will be shooting, select hands-on. If you are demonstrating concepts with a model, choose live demonstration. If you will have slides or need access to a traditional classroom, select lecture.
• Submit accurate and thorough descriptions. EVERY year, some of the most common negative feedback we hear is: “This class didn’t match up with what the description said it would.” Please put thought and effort into what you’ll be teaching, what topics you can realistically cover in 1.5 hours, what, if anything, students should bring to your class, and WHO should take this class – is it for beginners? Intermediate learners? Advanced students? Are there things that people should know or be familiar with before taking the class? 
• Consider teaching intermediate or advanced only classes. This is requested every year!
• First-time speaker program: with the idea of “promoting from within,” this year a group of first-time speakers will be accepted with one topic ONLY as part of a trial program to help give new speakers a foot in the door and a platform. First-time speakers will not be paid. 
• Veteran speakers are required to teach three classes, as usual.
• JUST BECAUSE YOU APPLY DOES NOT MEAN YOU WILL BE ACCEPTED. We only have 50 total slots for speakers this year. Every year, we receive more than 150 applications. This means that even though you might be a good speaker, great person, etc. you might get rejected. This doesn’t mean there was anything wrong with your application or you as a person, it just means we had a lot of options and you were not selected this time. We encourage you to try again in the future.

Good luck. We look forward to hearing all your ideas for an incredible ShutterFest.

Sal Cincotta