From April 7 through April 10, Jodi and I had the opportunity to step away from our daily routine and immerse ourselves in one of the most energizing photography events of the year—Shutterfest ’26. Hosted at the iconic Union Station in downtown St. Louis, the setting alone was enough to spark creativity, but what truly made the experience unforgettable was the depth of learning, collaboration, and inspiration we encountered throughout the week.
Shutterfest, brainstormed by Wedding and Portrait photographer Sal Cincotta some 12 years ago, continues to be one of those rare experiences where photographers of all skill levels come together with a shared purpose: to grow. Whether you’re just starting out or have decades behind the lens, there’s always something new to learn—and this year reinforced that in the best possible way.
Throughout the conference, we attended a wide range of workshops, engaged in meaningful business discussions, and explored the latest tools and services from nearly 100 vendors showcasing everything from cutting-edge gear to innovative marketing solutions. It’s always valuable to see what’s new in the industry, but even more impactful to have real conversations with the people behind those products.
One of the highlights for us was participating in a hands-on food photography workshop. We were teamed alongside four other talented photographers. The assignment was to create three distinct images: one focusing on utensils, one highlighting preparation ingredients, and one delivering a polished, ad-ready final shot of the food.
We had to select our items from a variety that the instructor brought to the class. Our team chose brownies as our subject – but we wanted to take a slightly different approach. Instead of a traditional plated dessert, we leaned into a more dynamic and visually engaging concept: a single brownie perched on a fork, finished with a dramatic cascade of powdered sugar falling from above. The result was a striking, high-contrast image that felt both modern and editorial – something you could easily see in a national campaign.
Two of the final images from the session were captured by Jodi, and they truly reflect her eye for detail and ability to bring texture and mood to life. It was a great reminder of how collaboration can elevate creative work, especially when everyone brings their own perspective to the table.
Beyond the workshops and shoots, what makes Shutterfest special is the community. Conversations in hallways turn into ideas. Quick introductions become lasting connections. And every interaction has the potential to spark something new.
We came home not only with fresh images, but with renewed energy, new ideas, and a deeper appreciation for the craft we’ve been passionate about for so many years. It’s easy to get comfortable in your workflow, but experiences like this remind you why it’s so important to keep pushing, learning, and evolving.
A big THANK YOU to the entire Shutterfest team for putting together another outstanding event. We’re already looking forward to what next year brings.
Until then – we’ll keep honing our skills. – Rick Bella for Bella Photography
Note: blog story cover image is of Jodi and me with event creator and fellow photographer Sal Cincotta (center). Thanks for everything Sal.