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

Bethany Ellen
Specialty: Creative Photography, Business, Sales, Maternity Photography
Bethany Ellen is a celebrated and award-winning maternity photographer whose lens captures the timeless beauty and profound essence of motherhood. With an extraordinary talent for freezing moments in time that celebrate the miracle of life, Bethany has become a renowned name in the world of maternity photography. Beyond maternity photography, Bethany has a passion for helping other photographers reach their full potential.
Follow Bethany Ellen:
Bethany Ellen’s Classes:
Class Description:
Some of the strongest images are the ones that break rules intentionally. But you cannot rebel against what you do not know. In this class, we’re balancing what we know with what we want and painting it all in screaming color!
This advanced live demonstration class explores how photographers can use bold color theory and cinematic gel lighting to create portraits that feel emotionally charged, visually unforgettable, and artistically distinct.
Together, we’ll explore:
-controlled color clash
-layered gel techniques
-creating depth and atmosphere with saturated light
-building portfolio worthy imagery through intentional visual tension
Attendees will watch scenes built and modified in real time using gels, modifiers, wardrobe, backgrounds, and lighting ratios to demonstrate how color choices dramatically impact mood, story, and visual power.
This class is designed for photographers who are tired of safe work and want to develop stronger artistic instincts, more confidence with stylized lighting, and a more recognizable visual voice.
What to Bring to Class:
Foundational knowledge of off camera flash, basic lighting concepts, and editing basics are going to be crucial in understanding the material of this class.
Class Description:
You don’t need perfect conditions to create strong images. You need the ability to think on your feet.
In this interactive, high energy class, we’re throwing perfection out the window and embracing controlled chaos. Using a dice based system inspired by tabletop games, we’ll randomly generate elements of a photoshoot. With a small group, you will randomize your lighting, posing, constraints, and creative challenges and build a shoot in real time.
Think we’re done there? THINK AGAIN. You’ll be editing in class, walking away with a finished piece of art and a great story to tell.
Luck of the draw? No way. This class is about learning how to adapt, problem-solve, and direct with confidence when things don’t go according to plan (because they won’t).
Attendees will learn how to:
-Break out of creative ruts using structured constraints
-Make fast, confident decisions during a shoot
-Direct art without overthinking every detail
-Turn “limitations” into stronger, more dynamic images
Embrace the chaos, take the challenge… if you dare!
What to Bring to Class:
Bring your camera and lenses. PLEASE BRING YOUR EDITING MATERIALS. YOU WILL BE EDITING IN CLASS.
If you have off camera flash and want to use it, bring it and the dice will decide if you are allowed.
Class Description:
You want to sell prints, albums, and wall art… but every time you try to build a product line, it turns into a confusing, overpriced, overwhelming mess. Is it truly easier to leave money on the table and shoot and burn yourself into the ground?
Designed for photographers who are new to in person sales or physical products, this session breaks down exactly how to create a simple, profitable product line without needing 20 options, complicated pricing formulas, or a luxury studio setup.
We’ll focus on what actually works, what’s worth your time, and what you can confidently leave out.
You’ll learn how to:
-Choose a small, effective set of products your clients will actually buy
-Price your work in a way that makes sense
-Introduce products to clients without feeling pushy
-Build a foundation you can grow over time
If you’ve been stuck in “digital only” because the product side feels overwhelming, this class will give you a clear, realistic path forward.
What to Bring to Class:
N/A