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
Belinda Richards
Specialty: Studio Pet Photography
Belinda Richards is an internationally acclaimed pet photographer, educator, and the creative force behind Frog Dog Studios in Melbourne, Australia. Crowned the International Dog Photographer of the Year in 2025, Belinda has redefined pet portraiture with her signature blend of humour, empathy, and high-end artistry.
Today, Belinda is equally passionate about sharing her knowledge with the next generation of photographers. Through workshops, presentations, and private mentoring, she teaches the creative and technical skills needed to produce compelling, high end pet imagery; from concept development and styling to capture and post-production.
Follow Belinda Richards:
Belinda Richards’s Classes:
Class Description:
Want to add pet photography to your repertoire or take your existing skills to the next level? This workshop with multi award winning pet photographer Belinda Richards will guide you through everything you need to create confident, professional quality portraits of dogs in the studio.
Designed for all photographers, whether you are a practicing pet photographer looking to pick up some tricks, a hobbyist wanting to expand or a seasoned pro curious about working with dogs, Belinda will demonstrate practical techniques that make all the difference when photographing pets. We will cover:
• Dog handling & posing: Tips and tricks for helping dogs feel relaxed, engaged, and camera ready.
• Lighting made simple: Belinda’s go to studio lighting setup for everyday client work, including how to adapt it quickly for different breeds and personalities.
• Equipment & settings: What you actually need to get the job done and how to use it effectively.
• How to nail poses that sell
Every attendee will also receive a free copy of Belinda’s Pet Posing Guide packed with her favourite poses and tips to use long after the workshop.
Come prepared to learn and be inspired. By the end of this session, you will leave with the confidence to welcome four legged clients into your own studio.
What to Bring to Class:
This is a live demonstration. Students should come with a notepad and pen and a phone camera to take behind the scenes of lighting set ups and poses demonstrated.
Class Description:
Want to give your pet portraits that polished, illustrative feel that makes clients say “wow”? In this session, award-winning pet photographer and Photoshop artist Belinda Richards will share her top go-to techniques for transforming a good photograph into a striking piece of art.
This class is designed for photographers who already know their way around Photoshop basics but want to take their editing to the next level. You’ll see Belinda’s exact process demonstrated live as she walks you through how she builds depth, enhances detail, and creates that high-end finish her studio work is known for.
Whether you’re creating competition entries or client commissions, these simple yet powerful edits will help you stand out from the crowd. Expect a clear, practical class you can apply to your own workflow immediately without getting lost in technical jargon.
Come for the Photoshop, stay for the inspiration. In just 90 minutes, you’ll leave with new tools, a fresh perspective, and the confidence to give your pet photography images a distinctive edge.
What to Bring to Class:
Students should bring a notepad and pen for note taking. Students are welcome to use their camera phone to film specific techniques that they want to remember when they get home.
Paws in the Studio: How to Capture Portraits of Pets with Confidence
Class Description:
Ever wanted to confidently photograph dogs in the studio without the chaos? In this hands on class, Belinda will walk attendees through her simple but effective approach to lighting, posing, and directing canine models for polished, professional results. After a short live demonstration working with her animal handler, attendees will rotate through shooting opportunities with studio dog models while Belinda provides guidance, tips, and troubleshooting along the way.
Limited to just 10 photographers to maximise hands-on experience and one-on-one learning.
What to Bring to Class:
Students should bring along their:
Camera
Lens 24mm – 70mm is perfect or a prime no longer than 85mm.
SD cards.
Spare camera batteries
Profoto trigger if they have one