THE PORTRAIT
PHOTOGRAPHY
ACADEMY
The ultimate program for success in portrait and commercial photography, covering everything from family sessions and headshots to editorial and corporate shoots.
Program Length: Self-paced (approx. 6 months)
Course Access: Two years
Open For: Men & Women
THE CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Built on three core pillars, this program
equips you with the technical skills and
creative vision needed to thrive in portrait photography.
Gain complete control over your camera settings and lighting techniques, from natural light to studio strobes. Learn how to adapt to different shooting environments for consistently stunning results.
Develop expertise in various portrait photography genres, including family photography, outdoor portraits, professional headshots, catalog photography, and commercial photography. Build the versatility to meet diverse client needs.
Full Lightroom bootcamp to refine your images with precision. Learn efficient workflows, advanced retouching, and color grading to produce polished, high-quality portraits.
Includes: Hands-on training in
Lightroom and expert gear recommendations.
Get full curriculum details and
program timeline
WHY DAASS?
THE DAASS DIFFERENCE
The DAASS Approach: Real-World, Hands-On Training
Most photography courses teach you how to use a camera in a generic way. They don’t give you the strategies expert commercial photographers use to rise to the top.
At DAASS, we go deeper. This academy blends technical training, creative development, and real-world application so you’re not just taking photos, you’re building a career. Led by Robert Bruce, whose 40-year career includes portraits of some of the greatest world leaders of our time, you’ll learn from industry professionals in lessons grounded in what it truly takes to succeed.
By the end of this program, you’ll have:
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Full control over your camera and lighting in both natural and studio environments
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A versatile, client-ready portfolio covering headshots, family portraits, editorial, and commercial work
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Professional editing skills and efficient workflows using Lightroom and proven post-production techniques
No fluff. No guesswork. Just real-world photography mastery.
THE DAASS
LABS
Behind the Lens: Inside the Robert Bruce Studio
Ever wonder how a photographer of US Presidents preps, directs, and executes a session? Robert takes you inside his studio and on-location shoots to show you exactly how iconic portraits are made.
Unlike generic courses with staged demonstrations, this program gives you...
a seat in the room as Robert works with real clients. You’ll see his approach to lighting, how he directs clients, and how he adapts on the fly when things don’t go as planned.
Great portraits aren’t made in perfect conditions. They come to life through quick thinking, creativity, and the ability to adapt on the spot. By watching a world-class photographer work in real-time, you’ll absorb the unspoken techniques and instincts that take decades to develop.
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THE GEAR GUIDE
VAULT
Gear doesn’t make the photographer, but having the right tools for the job matters.
Robert has spent four decades refining his kit, working in studios, outdoor locations, and high-pressure commercial settings. In this academy, he demystifies gear selection, from essential cameras and lenses to lighting setups, modifiers, and must-have accessories.
But this isn’t just another equipment ...
list. You’ll get:
✔ A carefully curated guide to Robert’s go-to gear for different types of portraits
✔ Budget-friendly alternatives that deliver pro results without breaking the bank
✔ Guidance on building a flexible, scalable setup that grows with your career
If you’re unsure what to buy next, Robert helps you make informed decisions, so you invest in gear that elevates your work, without wasting money on equipment that will not deliver results.
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THE BUSINESS BOOTCAMP
A successful portrait photographer isn’t just a skilled artist, they know how to market, price, and sell their work.
In the business bootcamp, guest photographer Hudi Greenberger shares his exact formula for turning photography into a thriving career.
Learn how to...
:
✔ Price your sessions for profit, so you stop undercharging for your time and skill
✔ Book high-end clients and position yourself as an in-demand portrait photographer
✔ Build a brand that stands out in a the market and attracts your target audience
✔ Create long-term revenue streams so you’re not just chasing one-off jobs
Hudi pulls back the curtain on the numbers that matter. You’ll get radical transparency on pricing projects, structuring contracts, and landing high-paying clients. Learn how to build an irresistible portfolio, develop client relationships, and scale your business.
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ABOUT THIS COURSE
WHY PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY?
THE INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Portrait photography is one of the most personal, impactful, and flexible careers in the creative world.
Art With Purpose
This field blends artistic vision with human connection. It’s more than lighting or lenses, it’s about seeing people, telling their stories, and capturing something real. Whether you're working with CEOs, couples, models, or children, portrait photography allows you to create images that carry meaning and emotional weight.
A Career That Scales With You
Portrait photography offers a wide range of opportunities, from private clients to commercial gigs, and from intimate family moments to large-scale branding campaigns. Build a business that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re running a boutique studio or working with high-profile clients across the country.
Timeless Demand, Human Impact
Trends change. Technology evolves. But the need to capture who we are, at a moment in time, never goes away. Portrait photographers are memory-keepers, brand-builders, and storytellers. And in an increasingly digital world, the power of a meaningful portrait is more valuable than ever.
ACADEMY INSTRUCTORS
Learn from the man behind the lens of
presidents, celebrities, and global brands.
ROBERT BRUCE
ACADEMY INSTRUCTOR
From photographing world leaders like President George W. Bush, President Donald J. Trump, and Prime Minister Tony Blair, to working with global powerhouses like Walt Disney, Comcast, and MSNBC, Robert Bruce has spent decades capturing the faces of influence.
Now, he brings that lifetime of experience to you.
With his groundbreaking HERO Framework, Robert distills the art of portrait photography into a clear, structured system, taking you from basic technique to full creative mastery. This isn’t just about taking great pictures. It’s about building a career, connecting with people, and capturing stories that matter.
Whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or looking to refine your craft, Robert Bruce will teach you what it takes to really make it in the industry.
Guest Instructor
LAIBEL SCHWARTZ
Laibel Schwartz is a master photographer and the Founder & Creative Director of LAIBEL SCHWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY, renowned for his artistic style and creative leadership in both photography and videography. With over 15 years of professional experience, Laibel brings a unique, insider’s perspective on posing, lighting, and creating powerful visual stories.
Inside The Portrait Lab, you'll get access to 13 exclusive bonus lessons where Laibel shares his top techniques for elevating your portrait work- from lighting setups to dynamic posing strategies.
HUDI GREENBERGER
Hudi Greenberger is an award-winning commercial photographer with over 12 years of experience and 500+ clients served. Known for his sharp eye and business savvy, he brings real-world insights into turning photography into a thriving career.
Inside the Business Bootcamp, Hudi shares his exact formula for pricing, branding, and booking high-end clients. Learn how to position yourself as an in-demand photographer, create long-term revenue streams, and scale with confidence.
With radical transparency, Hudi breaks down the pricing, portfolio, and client strategies that take the guesswork out of growing your business.
testimonials
Learn from the design professionals behind the
world’s most remarkable projects
how it works
1
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
ENTER YOUR DETAILS AND SELECT A
PAYMENT OPTION
2
LOGIN
ONCE APPROVED, YOU'LL RECEIVE AN EMAIL WITH YOUR LOGIN INFO
3
START LEARNING
how it works
1
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
ENTER YOUR DETAILS AND SELECT A
PAYMENT OPTION
2
LOGIN
YOU'LL RECEIVE AN EMAIL WITH YOUR LOGIN INFORMATION
3
START LEARNING
LOG IN AND START LEARNING AT YOUR
OWN PACE
book a call
IS THIS ACADEMY THE
RIGHT FIT FOR YOU?
Schedule a call with the DAASS team to get personalized guidance, have your questions answered, and determine if this program aligns with your goals.
