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
Ric Lewis
Specialty: Portraiture, Maternity, Boudoir, Fashion, Creative, Conceptual, Editing
Ric Lewis is an award-winning photographer and educator known for creating dramatic, painterly imagery that blends fine art with emotional storytelling. Through his work, he combines intentional lighting, atmosphere, and concept-driven portraiture to craft images with depth and impact. As an educator, Ric is passionate about helping photographers strengthen both their technical skills and creative vision in an approachable, inspiring way. His classes focus on lighting, storytelling, posing, and developing a distinctive artistic voice behind the camera. Whether teaching at conferences, workshops, or live demonstrations, Ric is dedicated to encouraging photographers to create work that feels authentic, cinematic, and emotionally powerful.
Follow Ric Lewis:
Ric Lewis’s Classes:
Class Description:
Intimidated by Photoshop? Don’t be. In this class we go over the bare basics of Photoshop. Don’t understand “layers”? I got you. Struggling with “opacity and flow”? Not for long. What the hell are “adjustment” layers? They’re actually very simple. If you’ve never used Photoshop or struggle with even understanding it, this class is for you. Photoshop is a massive application with lots of features. You have to get your toes wet before you can fully dive in. So let’s submerge those little piggies.
(This class will be not needed for intermediate to advanced Photoshop users.)
What to Bring to Class:
Must have access to Photoshop for Windows or MAC. (Not cellphone or tablet.)
Class Description:
Are you tired of paying Adobe subscription prices? Are you tired of the cost going up each year? Learn how to use 90% of the same features that you use in Photoshop in Affinity Photo instead. Affinity was a buy once and own it forever application. Now it’s free through Canva. Whether you purchased the application years ago, or are using the new free Version through Canva, this class will help you learn how to use Affinity Photo instead of Photoshop and get the same results so that you can drop the subscription.
(Some Photoshop knowledge is needed for this class.)
What to Bring to Class:
Access to Affinity Photo. Free through Canva. A decent knowledge of layers and adjustments layers is necessary.
Class Description:
In this class you’ll learn how I light, pose, and direct a model to create a conceptual fine art portrait. Afterwards, you’ll watch me edit the photo in real time in Photoshop or Affinity Photo. Regardless of your level, there is something for everyone to learn at each stage.
What to Bring to Class:
Just come caffeinated. Nothing is needed. This class shows my entire process. Some things may be advanced for some, and basic for others, but there will be something to learn and take away for individuals at all levels.