Speakers

This year’s lineup of over 60 speakers, returning vets and newbies alike, are here to deliver an incredible experience for all ShutterFesters! 

Shutterfest 2027 Speaker Lineup

Andre Brown

Specialty: Wedding, Posing, Lighting

Andre Brown is an award-winning wedding photographer based in Atlanta, Georgia. His work has been featured in top publications and been awarded by organizations including WPPI and PPA. In addition to photographing luxury weddings, Andre is a speaker, educator, and the founder of Bokeh Academy Photo Summit, a three-day immersive photography conference. He also serves as a brand ambassador for industry leaders such as Westcott, Nanlite, 17Hats, Aftershoot, and more.

Follow Andre Brown:

Website | Social Media

Andre Brown’s Classes:

Mastering Mood with Constant Light

Hands-On   

Beginner, Intermediate   

Class Description:

Step into the world of cinematic portrait photography and learn how to create powerful, emotion-driven images using constant light sources. In this hands-on shooting class, Andre Brown breaks down how to shape light, control shadows, and build atmosphere using LED and continuous lighting setups that photographers can recreate in real-world environments.

Attendees will photograph live models while learning how to create dramatic editorial-style portraits using simple lighting techniques, intentional light placement, color, depth, and movement. Whether you shoot weddings, portraits, or content creation, this class will help you create images that feel more polished, modern, and emotionally impactful.

You’ll Learn:

– How to create cinematic mood with constant light

– Hard light vs soft light techniques

– Using shadows intentionally for depth and drama

– Lighting setups for luxury and editorial portraits

– How to create multiple looks with minimal gear

– Real-world techniques for fast-paced shoots

What to Bring to Class:

Camera(s) and Lens(es) only:

Primary Topics: Lighting – Off-Camera (Flash or Constant)

Flash in a Flash: OCF Made Easy

Hands-On   

Beginner   

Class Description:

Off-camera flash does not have to feel complicated. In this fast-paced, hands-on class, Andre Brown simplifies off-camera flash and teaches photographers how to create clean, professional lighting quickly and confidently in real-world shooting situations.

Attendees will photograph live models while learning practical lighting setups designed for weddings, portraits, and fast-moving environments. From harsh sunlight to dramatic indoor scenes, this class focuses on simple techniques that deliver immediate results without overcomplicating the process.

Whether you are new to flash or looking to improve consistency and speed, this class will help you build confidence with off-camera lighting in a way that feels approachable and easy to apply.

You’ll Learn:

– Simple off-camera flash setups that work anywhere

– How to balance flash with ambient light

– Fast lighting techniques for weddings and portraits

– Creating dramatic images with minimal equipment

– How to light confidently in difficult conditions

– Real-world workflow and positioning techniques

What to Bring to Class:

Camera(s) and Lens(es) only. Students may bring Westcott Triggers if they have them

Primary Topics: Lighting – Off-Camera (Flash or Constant)

The Art of Editorial Wedding Portraits

Hands-On   

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced   

Class Description:

Go beyond traditional wedding photography and learn how to create bold, modern, editorial-style portraits that stand out. In this live shooting class, Andre Brown teaches attendees how to direct couples, build intentional compositions, and create luxury-inspired wedding imagery with confidence.

Attendees will work with live couples while learning posing, movement, lighting, framing, and creative direction techniques designed to elevate wedding portraits into magazine-worthy imagery. This class focuses on creating authentic connection, dramatic visuals, and high-end results in real wedding-day environments.

Perfect for wedding photographers looking to modernize their work, strengthen their portfolio, and create images that attract higher-end clients.

You’ll Learn:

– Editorial-inspired posing and direction

– Creating natural movement and connection

– Composition techniques for high-end imagery

– How to create luxury wedding portraits in any environment

– Using light intentionally for depth and drama

– Building a more modern and elevated portfolio

What to Bring to Class:

Camera(s) and Lens(es) only:

Primary Topics: Portraits – Fine Art, Posing, Weddings
There's still time to get

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!