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Professional academy

C17 Portrait Photography Academy

The ultimate program for success in portrait and commercial photography.

Enroll nowfrom $599 / monthSee the curriculum

Pay in full or choose a payment plan.

Outcomes

By the end of this program, you'll have:

  1. Full control over your camera and lighting

    In both natural and studio environments.

  2. A versatile, client-ready portfolio

    Covering headshots, family portraits, editorial, and commercial work.

  3. Professional editing skills and efficient workflows

    Using Lightroom and proven post-production techniques.

Overview

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.

Curriculum

Built on three core pillars.

Learn at your own pace and pick up exactly where you stopped.

18 modules · 126 lessons

MODULE 1: Intro to Portrait Photography 2 lessons · 23 min

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.

  1. 1.1 Meet Your Instructor18:40
  2. 1.2 Course Overview4:56
MODULE 2: Equipment: The Basics 3 lessons · 37 min

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.

  1. 2.1 MTMI Composition & Creativity Over Gear29:15
  2. 2.2 MTMI: The Tools1:18
  3. 2.3 Take 5 Challenge6:58
MODULE 3: The Camera 7 lessons · 2 h 12 min

A full Lightroom bootcamp to refine your images with precision. Learn efficient workflows, advanced retouching, and color grading to produce polished, high-quality portraits.

  1. 3.1 Meet the Camera11:30
  2. 3.2 Color Temperature11:33
  3. 3.3 Exposure Triangle19:01
  4. 3.4 Shutter Speed15:54
  5. 3.5 Aperture25:16
  6. 3.6 ISO15:32
  7. 3.7 Color Temperature Demonstration33:26
MODULE 4: Lenses 5 lessons · 37 min
  1. 4.1 Introduction to Lenses6:11
  2. 4.2 Prime Lens vs. Zoom Lens8:29
  3. 4.3 The Perfect Lens2:57
  4. 4.4 Isn't 50 The Best?4:40
  5. 4.5 Your Next Lens14:46
MODULE 5: How to Focus 1 lesson · 12 min
  1. 5.1 Understanding Focus Modes
MODULE 6: Lighting 10 lessons · 2 h 1 min
  1. 6.1 Intro to Lighting Tools7:48
  2. 6.2 Triggers and Transmitters15:25
  3. 6.3 On-Camera Flash5:29
  4. 6.4 Strobes8:46
  5. 6.5 Modifiers
  6. 6.6 Reflector
  7. 6.7 Lighting on Seamless White
  8. 6.8 Strip Lights and Rim Lights
  9. 6.9 Creative Lighting Part 1
  10. 6.10 Creative Lighting Part 2
MODULE 7: Humanity 3 lessons · 20 min
  1. 7.1 Client Relationship
  2. 7.2 Scope and Pre-shoot Communication
  3. 7.3 Preparing for the Session
MODULE 8: Headshot Mastery 6 lessons · 2 h 23 min
  1. 8.1 Headshots Introduction
  2. 8.2 Prepping for Headshots
  3. 8.3 Corporate Headshots
  4. 8.4 Dealing with Glasses
  5. 8.5 Female Corporates Headshots
  6. 8.6 Lighting Setups for Impactful Headshots
MODULE 9: Couples 3 lessons · 25 min
  1. 9.1 Capturing Genuine Couple Interactions
  2. 9.2 Posing Techniques for Couples
  3. 9.3 Creative Couple Shots
MODULE 10: Family with Older Kids 5 lessons · 56 min
  1. 10.1 Bar Mitzvah Introduction
  2. 10.2 Bar Mitzvah Boy Portraits
  3. 10.3 Boy and Father
  4. 10.4 Mother and Daughter
  5. 10.5 Family Together
MODULE 11: Family with Younger Kids 8 lessons · 1 h 6 min
  1. 11.1 Family Portraits Introduction
  2. 11.2 Creative Composition
  3. 11.3 One Kid
  4. 11.4 Two - Three Kids
  5. 11.5 Family Together
  6. 11.6 Family with Grandparents
  7. 11.7 Just Grandparents
  8. 11.8 Family Portraits Conclusion
MODULE 12: Outdoors 3 lessons · 35 min
  1. 12.1 Outdoor Lighting (One Model)
  2. 12.2 Outdoor Corporate Lifestyle Part 1
  3. 12.3 Outdoor Corporate Lifestyle Part 2
MODULE 13: Catalog 4 lessons · 44 min
  1. 13.1 Catalog Introduction
  2. 13.2 Company 1: Carhartt
  3. 13.3 Company 2: Canada Goose
  4. 13.4 Company 3: Gratitude Dude
MODULE 14: Commercial 21 lessons · 3 h 32 min
  1. 14.1 Pre-Shoot Meeting with Client
  2. 14.2 Pre-Shoot Walk at Shot Sites
  3. 14.3 Final Meeting Before Shoot
  4. 14.4 Kick Off Meeting
  5. 14.5 Two-Light Commercial Setup
  6. 14.6 Client Consultation and Test Shots
  7. 14.7 Full Length Coat - No Table
  8. 14.8 Exposure Control for Dark Fabrics
  9. 14.9 Getting Creative in Limited Settings
  10. 14.10 Smoke Effect
  11. 14.11 Subtle Positioning for Perfect Exposure
  12. 14.12 Adapting Lighting for Different Subjects
  13. 14.13 One Light,Two Models: Interactive Posing
  14. 14.14 Progressive Three-Light Setup
  15. 14.15 Lifestyle Photography in Action
  16. 14.16 Two-Light Setup for Retail
  17. 14.17 Shooting Creatively with Constraints
  18. 14.18 Lighting & Posing for Apparel
  19. 14.19 Real-Time Techniques & Adjustments
  20. 14.20 Practical Process for Multi-Model Shoot
  21. 14.21 Corporate Lifestyle
MODULE 15: Building Photography Business 5 lessons · 42 min
  1. 15.1 Social Media Portfolio
  2. 15.2 Sales 101
  3. 15.3 Dealing with People
  4. 15.4 How to find your first Clients
  5. 15.5 Building an Online Portfolio
MODULE 16: Lightroom 22 lessons · 8 h 20 min
  1. 16.1 Introduction to Lightroom Basic Lightroom Run-Through
  2. 16.2 Importing
  3. 16.3 How to Select and Choose your Images: Editing - Library Mode
  4. 16.4.1 How to Enhance and Change your Positions: Post production - Develop Mode
  5. 16.4.2 LRC Tools
  6. 16.4.3 Batch Editing/Post Production
  7. 16.4.4 Converting to Black & White
  8. 16.4.5 LRC Presets
  9. 16.5.1 How to export your Images and Settings: Exporting Images
  10. 16.5.2 Exporting Your Catalog
  11. 16.6.1 Modules: Book, Slideshow & Print Modules
  12. 16.6.2 Map & Web Modules
  13. 16.7.1 Portrait Photography: How to Edit a Portrait
  14. 16.7.2 How to Retouch Portraits33:30
  15. 16.7.3 Color Grading Portraits
  16. 16.7.4 How to Edit a Product Photo
  17. 16.7.5 How to Retouch a Product Photo
  18. 16.7.6 Color Grading Product Photos
  19. 16.8.1 General Photography: How to Edit Photos (Land, Street, Etc)
  20. 16.8.2 Enhancement Tools for Photography
  21. 16.8.3 Color Grading Photographs
  22. 16.9 Lightroom Cash Course: Lightroom Classic CC in Under an Hour
The Portrait Lab by Laibel Schwartz 12 lessons · 1 h 35 min
  1. 1 Posing
  2. 2 Posing Eyes
  3. 3 Posing Jawline
  4. 4 Posing Mouth
  5. 5 Posing Shoulders
  6. 6 Posing Arms and Hands
  7. 7 Posing Full Body
  8. 8 Posing Women
  9. 9 Posing Women: Eyes, Mouth & Jawline
  10. 10 Posing Women: Hair & Shoulders
  11. 11 Posing Women: Hands, Arms & Legs
  12. 12 Posing Couples
Gear Guide 6 lessons
  1. Let's Talk Gear
  2. MTMI Beginner Capsule
  3. MTMI Advanced Capsule
  4. MTMI Pro Capsule
  5. Reflectors
  6. Backdrops

Inside the academy

Behind the lens, inside the studio.

  • The DAASS Labs

    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 — with real clients.

  • The gear guide vault

    A carefully curated guide to Robert's go-to gear for different types of portraits, budget-friendly alternatives that deliver pro results, and guidance on building a flexible setup that grows with your career.

  • The business bootcamp

    Guest photographer Hudi Greenberger shares his exact formula: price your sessions for profit, book high-end clients, build a brand that stands out, and create long-term revenue streams.

Why portrait photography?

One of the most personal, impactful, and flexible careers in the creative world.

  1. Art with purpose

    This field blends artistic vision with human connection. Whether you're working with CEOs, couples, models, or children, portrait photography allows you to create images that carry meaning and emotional weight.

  2. A career that scales with you

    From private clients to commercial gigs, and from intimate family moments to large-scale branding campaigns — build a business that fits your lifestyle.

  3. Timeless demand, human impact

    Trends change. Technology evolves. But the need to capture who we are, at a moment in time, never goes away.

Faculty

Learn from the man behind the lens of presidents, celebrities, and global brands.

Robert Bruce

Robert Bruce

Portrait Photography

Tuition

Choose how you'd like to pay.

Every option includes the full course and 2 years of access.

2-month plan

$1,499/ month

2 monthly payments · $2,998 in total

Choose this plan

3-month plan

$999/ month

3 monthly payments · $2,997 in total

Choose this plan

4-month plan

$749/ month

4 monthly payments · $2,996 in total

Choose this plan

5-month plan

$599/ month

5 monthly payments · $2,995 in total

Choose this plan
  • Payments secured by Stripe
  • 2 years of access
  • Certificate when you complete it

C17 Portrait Photography Academy

Ready to begin?

Covering everything from family sessions and headshots to editorial and corporate shoots.

Enroll nowfrom $599 / monthTalk to us on WhatsApp