Become
born & Raised
certified
Master the heirloom process. Carry the brand standard. Grow with confidence.
Every day, families across the country are searching for photographers who offer more than a pretty picture. They want timeless. Personal. Trustworthy. They want the heirloom experience that Born & Raised is known for.
Starting June 1, we’re opening the doors for a new generation of photographers to become part of that standard.
Certification will now includes formal brand licensing, product alignment, and access to an elite collective of artists and tools.
Born & Raised
Certification
Our first cohort showed us what’s possible when the right photographers are given the right framework.
We’ve had overwhelming demand from both photographers and clients — and we knew it was time to build a structure that protects the brand, ensures client consistency, and empowers photographers to grow with clarity.
We now have a dedicated team, strong support systems, and a refined onboarding process designed to elevate both the artist and the client experience.
- Are licensed to offer the official Born & Raised product line
- Use studio lighting, intentional styling, and a consistent visual language
- Uphold our client experience standards from inquiry to delivery
- Operate independently — but under a trusted, recognizable badge
- Are promoted to our growing network of clients seeking heirloom work
What does It Mean to Be Certified?
So...
Where do I Begin?
APPLY HERE
Whether you're here to elevate your heirloom work or join the Born & Raised collective, there’s a starting point for you.
This self-paced, high-level training walks you through the full heirloom process: lighting, retouching, product strategy, IPS sales, and pricing. Ideal for photographers seeking mastery — or preparing for certification.
📆 Available June 1
💡 Apply for certification within 6 months and get $500 off the licensing fee.
The Heirloom Masterclass
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In-Person Workshop
Two days of hands-on instruction with live demos, real-time feedback, and portfolio prep. Ideal for photographers who want to grow quickly, confidently, and with direct support. Great for preparing for certification.
📆 Next date: August 2024 (TBD)
Learn More
- Official brand usage + Certified Photographer badge
- Directory listing
- IPS starter kit ($1,800 value: frames, wardrobe, brochures, etc.)
- Access to our wholesale product line
- Pricing templates, client-ready materials, and back-end systems
Portfolio review + one resubmission opportunity
💡 Apply for certification within 6 months and get $500 off the licensing fee.
Apply for Certification + Licensing
Learn More
Confidence
As a Born & Raised Certified Photographer, you're backed by a nationally recognized standard — giving you (and your clients) confidence in your work, your process, and your pricing.
Community
You don’t have to build this alone.
Certification connects you to a network of like-minded photographers committed to craft, clarity, and long-term growth. Inside the community, you'll find encouragement, accountability, and insight from artists walking the same path.
Leads
Get found — and booked — with ease.
Certified photographers are featured in our online directory with a direct booking link. You’ll also benefit from targeted Born & Raised marketing campaigns designed to drive traffic and trust to our certified network.
How CERTIFICATION GROWS YOUR business
What's Included in the Certification + Licensing Package:
Portfolio review + one resubmission
- Starter kit with physical samples + IPS tools
- Directory listing + brand visibility
- Brand badge + client-facing credibility
- Wholesale access + pricing strategy
- Prebuilt templates, emails, and systems
- Ongoing team support + marketing alignment
From Megan Paris, our Dallas-Fort Worth Born & Raised Certified Photographer
"Anna has to be the best photographer I've ever met.
I've loved working with her and all her years' worth of wisdom.
She is THE best heirloom photographer in the United States.
I've looked at just about every heirloom photographer and her work just knocks everyone out of the park.
What makes her the best photographer is her relationship with each one of her clients. They all adore her and use her child after child. She has truly captured a generation of children."
TESTIMONIAL
Why Pursue Certification?
Born and Raised has set a standard of exceptional experience and consistent imagery that clients can count on time and time again.
When you pursue certification, you will become an integral part of our community and trusted network to serve more families.
I'm already offering heirlooms
Simply put, trust.
What defines an HEIRLOOM Portrait?
- Balance of highlights and shadows give dimension and create a bright image without overexposing.
- Natural, soft smile to draw the focus to the eyes
- Color balance
- Skin is soft but details are preserved (mouth lines)
- Composition (subject size and position on the background is consistent with all Images
- Details of the dress are visible
To foster community, set a standard of excellence, and ensure the success of Heirloom Portraiture Photographers for generations.
The Heirloom Academy's mission
not quite ready for certification?
If you are considering adding classic heirlooms to your offerings, but not ready to dive into certification, we encourage you to join our FREE community.
You can ask questions, access free resources, chat with other members, watch webinars, and so much more.
Let's learn together, share our passion, and take your photography to the next level.
join the community
Join the Free Community
Looking to learn independently? We've got you covered!
Course Offerings
Our start-to-finish editing workflow plus our favorite tips & tricks and our PS actions for perfection every time.
Learn now
This course provides a start-to-finish recording of a live model call. I explain what I am doing and why it matters.
No more guesswork—perfect sizing every single time with our very own template. Includes 3-composite, 11x14 (5 composite Vertical) 16x20 (5 composite Horizontal)
love a good conversation?
Check out my podcast episode on The Motherhood Anthology to get a feel for what we are all about here at The Heirloom Academy.
