ShutterFest 2026 Returns to St. Louis, April 7–9
ShutterFest 2026 runs April 7–9 at the historic St. Louis Union Station Hotel — the annual gathering that has become the largest hands-on photography conference in the country. An optional SF+ day on April 10 extends the run for those who want deeper, smaller-group dives into advanced technique.
The format is deliberately unstructured. Attendees build their own schedule from a mix of hands-on shooting classes, live demonstrations, platform lectures, vendor floor time, and open photo walks — all housed within Union Station, which the conference takes over entirely (save the aquarium). The effect is less convention, more controlled chaos: hallways fill with impromptu shoots, shooting bays run all day, and photographers are working at two in the morning the same as two in the afternoon.
The 2026 roster includes over 60 educators spanning nearly every genre — wedding, boudoir, senior portraits, branding, headshots, family, fashion, fitness — at beginner through advanced levels. Featured instructors include Sal Cincotta, Michael Anthony, and Andre Brown. No rockstar distance: instructors are accessible throughout the event, not just during their scheduled slots.
The Rent-A-Human program supplies the raw material: some 200 models across genre — bride, groom, seniors, families, boudoir, fashion, fitness — available for group shoots, class work, and Express sessions. Images are yours to keep and use, no strings attached.
SF+, running April 10, is a separate add-on: smaller rooms, no running across the hotel, lecture and demo format for those who want to go deep on specific topics without the sprint.
Host hotels are Union Station and Hilton Ballpark (shuttle runs between them during the event). Both require a minimum four-night stay to lock the negotiated room rate — historically they sell out fast.
More at shutterfest.com.