5th annual shutterfest

CHECK OUT THE WINNERS!

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A collaborative photo contest for photographers & Models

Each and every year since ShutterFest began, models and photographers have worked together to create some of the most impactful and creative images possible. Everyone wins! Models get to build their portfolio with unique images and photographers get to work outside their comfort zone and create images for their websites and social media. Now, we’re kicking it up a notch to give everyone something to work towards in a collaborative way.

Prizes

– $2000 cash prize for winning model
– $2000 cash prize for winning photographer
– Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 printer for winning photographer
– Westcott FJ400 II Strobe 1-Light Backpack Kit for winning photographer

Show us what you’ve got.

Upload your best work and join the top talent

Get started here

The Winners Gallery

2022

Photographer: Roland Scott | Model: Faren Aimee

2023

Photographer: Brandon Hunter| Model: Violet Deardorff

2024

Photographer: Cara Jonas | Model: Sydney Webb

2025

Photographers: James & Apryl Napier | Model: Sydney Webb

Rules & Requirements

– Photographers must be registered ticket holders for ShutterFest 2026.
– Models must be registered and in good standing with the ShutterFest Rent-a-Human program during the event.
– Images must be submitted to the ShutterFest Model Gallery no later than May 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time.
– Winners will be announced by June 15, 2026.
– There is no limit to the number of images a photographer can submit.
– Images must be created during ShutterFest between April 7th – April 10th (metadata will be verified).
– The (non-print related) PPA elements of a merit image will be used by the judges to select the winning image.

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!