Shutterfest 2025: My Report

Every spring, I get excited to attend Shutterfest, held annually in St Louis, Missouri, at the historic Union Station Hotel. This event has been a staple in my photographic journey for over 11 years, and a trip back means seeing old friends and making new ones. This is no ordinary conference; it is a community with hands-on learning and business classes that renew my passion for photography every year.

Shutterfest is not just any ordinary conference. Unlike traditional conferences that often confine people to lecture halls, Shutterfest offers a dynamic blend of hands-on classes, live demonstrations, and interactive experiences. Over 100 classes are taught by industry professionals, ranging from business strategies to lighting techniques, geared to all levels. Because of the emphasis on hands-on learning, I can bring my camera and have multiple opportunities to work with models and practice the skills in real time.

Shutterfest allows me to expand my knowledge and challenge my perspectives. I was lucky enough to attend classes on photographing High School Seniors with Gronde Photography. I took a class on how to run “pop-up weddings” and make money doing it. Another hands-on class I attended talked all about styled shoots and how to best shoot for content. This class featured an actual couple getting married in class!! This cute couple met at a Shutterfest a couple of years ago, then got engaged at a Shutterfest, and this year made it official by getting married.

As well as all the informational classes I get to take, I also get to connect with all the friends I have made over the years. They have provided me with a great support network within the photography community. This also provides me the opportunity to have some amazing brand photos taken by my amazing friend Monika from Demel Photography. I love them so much and new photos of me for my website were long overdue.

One of the other benefits of Shutterfest has to be the vendor booths!! Getting to see products up close helps me too find the best products to offer my clients. I also had to opportunity to see and test out new camera equipment at the Canon Experience.

Attending Shutterfest each year acts as a creative reset. Being in that immersed environment as well as being able to exchange ideas and techniques, reignites my passion for photography. As I look back at this year's Shutterfest, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, new connections, and knowledge gained. Looking forward to next year!

If you are interested in attending Shutterfest visit the website to learn more. Hopefull I will see you there!!

www.shuterfest.com

Models:

@morgan_model_actress

@marilynirenee

See my portfolio here!

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Shutterfest 2025: My Report

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