Speakers

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

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Shutterfest 2027 Speaker Lineup

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Leila Bailey-Stewart

Specialty: Creative Portraiture

Leila Bailey Stewart is a Massachusetts-based portrait and editorial photographer known for bold, emotionally driven imagery that blends fashion, storytelling, and intentional lighting. Her work combines technical precision with spontaneity, creating striking images that feel alive straight out of camera. Central to her approach is building genuine connection and trust with her subjects, creating natural chemistry that translates powerfully in the final image. Leila is passionate about helping photographers create with confidence, adapt in real-world environments, and make meaningful work through both creativity and connection.

Follow Leila Bailey-Stewart:

Website | Social Media

Leila Bailey-Stewart’s Classes:

One Light. One Lens. No Excuses.

Hands-On   

Beginner, Intermediate   

Class Description:

“Great portraits begin long before the shutter clicks. The real magic isn’t just lighting, posing, or camera settings. It’s connection. If you want to step up your connection game and create portraits with more emotion, presence, and authenticity, this class is for you.

In this interactive experience, you’ll learn my CARE Framework: Human First. Camera Second. A practical, repeatable approach for building trust quickly, directing with confidence, and creating real chemistry that translates powerfully in camera. Through live demonstrations and guided participation, you’ll discover how communication, energy, pacing, and partnership can transform your portraits from technically good to emotionally unforgettable.

I’m not teaching you how to pose; I’m teaching you how to create conditions where real moments happen.”

What to Bring to Class:

“This class is designed for photographers of all levels who want to strengthen their connection, direction, and portrait storytelling skills. Expect an interactive environment with live shooting demonstrations, collaboration, movement, and hands-on participation. The focus of this class is on human connection and emotional storytelling over complicated technical setups.

Please bring:
– A camera and at least one portrait lens. Recommended focal lengths: 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, or 70-200mm.
– Charged batteries and memory cards
– Comfortable shoes for movement during demonstrations
– A sense of humor and positive attitude

You’re welcome to bring whatever small lighting gear you have. Please limit to one light and be prepared to share if needed.”

Primary Topics:
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April 22-25 2024 | St. Louis MO.
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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!