Is ShutterFest Worth It? A Photographer’s Review
Is ShutterFest Worth Attending?
ShutterFest is a hands-on, affordable, and community-driven photography conference packed with workshops, networking, and real-world shooting opportunities.
Thinking about which photo conferences to attend? Read my full ShutterFest review to see if it fits you right!
- Great for all skill levels—whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s something for everyone.
- Affordable & flexible – One of the most budget-friendly photo conferences to attend with a unique “come and go as you please” format.
- Diverse workshops & live shoots – Learn lighting, posing, business strategy, and more while working with real models.
- Strong photography community – Build lasting connections with fellow creatives and industry pros.
- Worth attending? – If you love hands-on learning and networking, ShutterFest is a must!
Attending photo conferences to attend like ShutterFest can be a game-changer for photographers looking to learn new skills, connect with industry professionals, and gain hands-on experience. This ShutterFest review covers my first experience at the conference, highlighting the workshops, live shoots, networking opportunities, and overall value of the event. If you’re wondering whether ShutterFest is worth it, or how it compares to other photography conferences, keep reading for a detailed breakdown of what to expect.
Why ShutterFest is a Must-Attend Photography Conference
First off, Shutterfest is quite affordable. 3 days of classes and workshops for about $400… that’s totally worth it in my mind. Which is also why I chose this conference to attend. And you chan choose from a number of types of workshops, including lectures, demonstrations, and hands on classes. I am hard of hearing and am constantly concerned that I won’t be able to hear in classes, so I opted for mostly lectures and demonstrations in rooms that were more isolated and not in the middle of the hotel. Did I mention this conference was at Union Station Hotel? GORGEOUS. Made for a great space for shooting.
The lectures were honestly the classes I felt like I needed the most. I took classes on how to make a 12-Month Marketing Plan, on how to Expand Offers to Grow Your Business, and even a 3.5 hour class on Instagram (thanks Abbie Gowin for staying an hour and a half late on this one to ensure we got all of the amazing information you had to share)! I filled a notebook with all of the information I collected in these classes. If you want to hear more about the specifics I picked up from these classes, follow me on Instagram, I’m planning to roll out more shareable information for business owners there!
Then there were the demonstrations. In these classes, we watched an instructor show us their own lighting or equipment set up for a mock-shoot. I also really enjoyed these, since it gave me some insight to how these incredible photographers approach their work. Gary Box’s class “Lighting Rules and How to Break Them” was MIND BLOWING. It was by far the best lighting class I’ve ever taken in my entire career, including those I did in college! Gary is so good at lighting that he can nail it on the first shot, he knows exactly how to set his lights up every time and and knows the math that makes it work. He finally put it into words that made sense to me. I also loved watching Jordan Bunch work his magic with video, creating video set ups with just his lights that communicated themes the attendees shouted out, including courtroom and candy store.
I only attended a few hands on classes, and to be honest I’m glad that’s all I did. I did the shorter ones that happened in the vendor stations, where most people stood in line to capture the same image. Didn’t seem like it was worth my time to do for more than a half hour. However, I did meet some amazing photographers in those sessions and was introduced to some new equipment that’s now on my wish list.
I brought a ton of business cards, hoping that I could convince some of the photographers to have me help them with their own retouching work, but honestly I was just so inspired to shoot that I forgot to hand most of them out. So if anyone reading this is a photographer looking for some retouching, connect with me so I can justify the purchase of those business cards!
Book a call to discuss how we can help you with your retouching!
Final Thoughts: Is ShutterFest the Right Photo Conference for You?
I left this conference with a better understanding of how to market my business and some fun new concepts for mini shoots that I can’t wait to try out (I already ordered a roll of mylar… just wait)! I’m so glad that I attended Shutterfest this year, and I definitely plan to bring Brooke along with me next year… get ready for 12 hours in the car with me rambling on about new business ideas, Brooke! 😉
If you’re considering ShutterFest or looking for other photo conferences to attend, here are some valuable resources to help you decide which event best fits your goals.
Learn More About ShutterFest
ShutterFest is known for its hands-on workshops, real-world shooting opportunities, and strong photography community. With its affordable pricing and flexible format, it’s a favorite among photographers looking for an interactive learning experience. (They did NOT pay me to say this y’all!)
Check out the official ShutterFest website for event details
Compare Other Top Photography Conferences
While ShutterFest is unique, other major photography events offer different benefits:
- WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photography Conference) – Focuses on wedding and portrait photography, featuring industry-leading speakers, masterclasses, and networking opportunities.
- Imaging USA – Organized by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), this conference covers business strategies, artistic growth, and hands-on education.
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