THE
PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY ACADEMY
Instructor: Robert Bruce
30+
Hours of
Portrait Education
100+
On-Demand
Video Lessons
16
Comprehensive Modules
Enrollment is currently closed!
Sign up to be notified when it opens again.
ROBERT BRUCE,
A world renowned portrait photographer takes you behind his lens, opening up his world to teach you everything about portrait photography - and by everything, we mean everything, to make you the best of the best.
The ultimate guide to mastering the art and business of portrait photography.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Photography
and Lighting Fundamentals
Get fully comfortable with the essential skills that form the pillars of all photography genres. Master the intricacies of your camera’s capabilities, from aperture to shutter speed, and learn to manipulate light like a maestro.
- Camera basics: aperture, shutter speed, ISO.
- Composition techniques: rule of thirds, leading lines, framing.
- Natural and studio lighting: create stunning images with minimal equipment using Robert’s MTMI (Minimum Tools, Maximum Impact) philosophy.
Specialized Portrait
Photography
From family portraits to corporate headshots to commercial shoots, gain the expertise needed to work with both individuals and companies. Learn how to secure bookings and land contracts, positioning yourself to become a top earner in the industry.
- Corporate headshots: capture professional,
polished images for business clients.
- Couples and families: learn to convey relationships and emotions in your portraits.
- Commercial photography: create images that elevate personal and corporate brands.
Course Includes
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30+ hours of self-paced content
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100+ on-demand video lessons
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16 comprehensive modules
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13 bonus lessons by Laibel Schwartz
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Downloadable workbook
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Detailed equipment buying guide
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Personal feedback and responses
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Full Adobe Lightroom Bootcamp
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Full Freelance Business Bootcamp
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2 years unlimited access
Requirements
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No prior knowledge or experience required
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Robert guides you on buying your first camera with budget-friendly options, recommendations, and links.
All you need is your drive and focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from this course?
I'm a total beginner. Is this course for me?
Well, yes! This course starts with the fundamentals and assumes no prior knowledge, making it perfect for beginners looking to start their portrait photography journey.
I'm a professional photographer already. Is this course for me?
Absolutely! You can easily skip the first few beginner lessons. This course is designed to challenge professionals like you to refine your craft, master advanced techniques, and significantly scale your business. With Robert’s personalized critiques and industry insights, you’ll be pushed beyond your comfort zone to reach new heights in your photography career.
I’m interested in a different photography niche. Will this course still benefit me?
If your primary interest is product photography, we recommend Hudi Greenberger’s Product Photography Academy. For other specific niches, please feel free to reach out at 718-400-9877 or info@daass.com.
While this course focuses on portrait photography, it covers essential skills and techniques—such as lighting and post-production—that are applicable to a wide range of photography genres.
What if I have questions about the lessons?
Simply post your question in the comments section below the video lesson. You’ll be notified as soon as a reply is posted!
Will I get personalized photo critiques?
Absolutely! Submit your photos for review and receive detailed, constructive feedback to help you perfect your work.
What are the requirements?
No prior experience is needed! You’ll need a camera to follow along and complete the course—but don’t worry, Robert will guide you through selecting one. He’ll provide budget-friendly recommendations and links to the best gear.
What is the required time commitment?
Technically, you can progress through the course at your own pace. However, we recommend following a 30-week program, dedicating approximately two hours per week—one hour to learning new concepts and another to practicing them for mastery.
Are there assignments?
Yes! The course includes carefully designed assignments to enhance your learning experience. While optional, completing them is highly recommended to help you strengthen your skills.
Will I receive a Certificate of Completion?
Yes. You’ll receive a personalized Certificate of Completion from Robert Bruce once you submit the required number of assignments and pass the final exam.
What happens if I miss the enrollment deadline? Can I still join later?
Once the deadline passes, enrollment will close, and you won’t be able to sign up until it reopens. If you’d like to be added to the waiting list, feel free to email us.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We offer flexible payment plans, allowing you to pay in installments.
I’m still not sure this course is for me. Is there someone I can speak to?
Definitely. You can contact us via email at info@daass.com and a member of our team will get in touch with you. You can also always reach out to us via text or WhatsApp at 718-400-9877.
The Curriculum
Developed with professional curriculum experts to ensure you master portrait photography with confidence and ease.
MODULE 1: Introduction to Portrait Photography
1.1 Meet Your Instructor
1.2 Course Overview
MODULE 2: Equipment - The Basics
2.1 MTMI -Composition and Creativity Over Gear
2.2 MTMI- The Tools
2.3 Take 5 Challenge
MODULE 3: The Camera
3.1 Meet the Camera
3.2 Color Temperature
3.3 Exposure Triangle
3.4 Shutter Speed
3.5 Aperture
3.6 ISO
3.7 Color Temperature
MODULE 4: Lenses
4.1 F Intro to Lenses
4.2 Prime Lens vs. Zoom lens
4.3 The Perfect Lens
4.4 Isn't 50 the Best?
MODULE 5: How to Focus
5.1 Understanding Focus Modes
MODULE 6: Lighting
6.1 Intro to Lighting Tools
6.2 Triggers and Transmitters
6.3 On-Camera Flash
6.4 Strobes
6.5 Modifiers
6.6 Reflectors
6.7 Lighting on Seamless White
6.8 Strip Lights and Rim Lights
6.9 Creative Lighting Part 1
6.10 Creative Lighting Part 2
MODULE 7: Humanity
7.1 Client Relationship
7.2 Scope & Pre-shoot Communication
7.3 Preparing for the Session
MODULE 8: Headshot Mastery
8.1 Headshots Introduction
8.2 Prepping for Headshots
8.3 Corporate Headshots
8.4 Dealing with Glasses
8.5 Female Corporate Headshots
8.6 Lighting Setups for Impactful Headshots
8.7 Retouching Techniques for Professionals
MODULE 9: Couples
9.1 Capturing Genuine Couple Interactions
9.2 Posing Techniques for Couples
9.3 Creative Couple Shots
MODULE 10: Family with Older Kids
10.1 Bar Mitzvah Introduction
10.2 Bar Mitzvah Boy Portraits
10.3 Boy and Father
10.4 Family Together
10.5 Mother and Daughter
Module 11: Family with Younger Kids
11.1 Family Portraits Introduction
11.2 Creative Composition
11.3 One kid
11.4 Two-Three Kids
11.5 Family Together
11.6 Family with Grandparents
11.7 Just Grandparents
11.8 Family Portraits Conclusion
Module 12: Outdoors
12.1 Outdoor Lighting (One Model)
12.2 Outdoor Corporate Lifestyle Part 1
12.3 Outdoor Corporate Lifestyle Part 2
Module 13: Catalog
13.1 Catalog Introduction
13.2 Carhartt
13.3 Canada Goose
13.4 Gratitude Dude
MODULE 14: Commercial
14.1 Research and Pre-Shoot Meeting
14.2 Pre-Shoot Meeting with Client
14.3 Pre-shoot Walk at Shot Sites
14.4 Final Meeting Before Shoot
14.5 Kick-Off Meeting
14.6 Lighting Set 1
14.7 Full Length Coat
14.8 Full Length Coat - No Table
14.9 Full Length Coat #2
14.10 Full Length Against Wall
14.11 Smoke Effect
14.12 Three Piece Suit - Model 1
14.13 Three Piece Suit - Model 2
14.14 Three Piece Suit - Both Models
14.15 Lifestyle 1
14.16 Lifestyle 2
14.17 Lifestyle 3
14.18 Lifestyle 4
14.19 Wedding Tuxedo Shoot
14.20 Tuxedo - Set 2
14.21 Post-Production and Image Delivery
14.21 Corporate Lifestyle
Module 15: Post- Production - Lightroom
15.1 Introduction to Lightroom Classic
15.2 Importing
15.3 Editing- Library Mode
15.4 Noise Reduction
15.5 Converting to Black & White
15.6 LRC Presets
15.7 Batch Editing
15.8 Develop Mode
15.9 LRC Tools
15.10 Exporting Images
15.11 Exporting Your Catalog
15.12 Books, Slideshow, & Print
15.13 Map & Web
15.14 How to Edit a Portrait
15.15 How to Retouch Portraits
15.16 How to Color Grade Portraits
15.17 How to Edit General Photos
15.18 Enhancement Tools for General Photography
15.19 Color Grading General Photographs
15.20 Lightroom Classic Crash Course
Module 16: Building Your Photography Business
16.1 Defining Your Brand and Niche
16.2 Setting Up Your Business Structure
16.3 Pricing Your Services
16.4 Creating Your Online Presence
16.5 Marketing and Attracting Clients
16.6 Client Experience and Workflow
16.7 Sales and Product Offerings
16.8 Financial Management and Growth
16.9 Scaling Your Business
16.10 Building Your Portfolio
"a gamechanger for me"
Robert Bruce’s photography course was a game-changer for me. Robert has a unique way of breaking down the fundamentals of photography into clear, manageable lessons, making it incredibly easy to pick up a camera and start shooting high-quality photos.
What stood out most was Robert’s patience and attention to detail. He took the time to thoroughly explain key concepts like aperture, f-stop, color theory, and how to adapt to different lighting conditions. His approach made what initially seemed complicated feel intuitive and accessible, no matter your prior experience.
Robert’s passion for photography and teaching shines through in every session, and it’s clear he genuinely wants his students to succeed. Thanks to his guidance, I now have the confidence to approach any shot with the right mindset and tools. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to develop a strong foundation in photography!
- F. Green
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
Designed to Inform and Transform
The Portrait Photography Academy has been carefully curated by professional curriculum advisors to ensure you gain the skills to become a top professional in the industry.
WHO YOU'LL LEARN FROM
Meet Your Instructor
Robert Bruce, renowned for photographing world leaders like President George Bush, President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Tony Blair, and collaborating with icons like Walt Disney and Comcast, is here to redefine your portrait photography journey.
With his groundbreaking HERO framework, he distills decades of expertise into a clear, actionable system - taking you from the basics to mastery. It’s not just about capturing moments; it’s about transforming lives, building connections, and creating a thriving career. Now, it’s your turn to become the best.
WHERE YOU'LL LEARN
The Student Portal
Work through the course at your own pace.
Leave questions and comments as you watch and get personalized responses.
WHO ELSE YOU'LL LEARN FROM
Guest Instructor: Laibel Schwartz
Laibel Schwartz is a master photographer and the Founder & Creative Director of LAIBEL SCHWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY, with over 15 years of experience shaping trends in photography and videography. Learn insider posing tips and tricks from this renowned industry professional. Enjoy 13 bonus lessons in The Portrait Lab by Laibel Schwartz.
What Happens After You Sign Up?
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