Heirloom Academy®
Learn The Heirloom Method Developed by Born and Raised Studio
$297, once, yours for good
Join the AcademyWhat is the Heirloom Method?
The Heirloom Method is a way of making portraits of children that are meant to hang in a home for generations. It begins with a belief. A portrait is a permanent fixture, it deserves to be made well, and a family should know what it costs, and why, before they begin.
It has five parts, in this order, every time.
Light
One soft and directional light that flatters every age and never goes out of style.
Session
A calm studio and a guided appointment, so a child can settle and show who they are.
Image
Simple seated poses and a real expression, made so that nothing distracts from the child.
Finish
A timeless edit finished by hand, with a soft vignette that draws the eye to the face.
Reveal
An appointment where the family chooses their finished artwork with their portraits in hand.
The curriculum
6 courses, 36 lessons
- 01
Client Journey
- 02
Equipment & Setup
- 03
Session
- 04
Image
- 05
Finish
- 06
Guide
Who we train
We train photographers who believe what our families believe. A portrait of a child is a permanent fixture in a home, and it deserves to be made well. A family should know what it costs, and why, before they begin. The families we serve invest in quality, and they trust a professional to do what they do best.
If you would rather make one portrait that lasts than a hundred files that do not, you are in the right place. If your goal is to compete on price or to hand over a folder of files, this is probably not the right fit, and we would rather say so now.
Save
SaveLearn it
For learning the method, at your own pace.
The Heirloom Academy® courses teach each part of the method, from the light to the reveal, in the order we use them in our own studio. One payment of $297 and they're yours for good. Add Studio Pass whenever you're ready to run your studio on the Heirloom System.
When you are ready to work on it with your hands, Heirloom Academy® trains photographers in person. That is where we light a child, pose them, and finish the portrait together.
SaveUse it
For running a studio built around it.
The Heirloom System is how the method runs a studio. Your bookings, your client portal, your proofs and your orders live in one place, and you can order frames and artwork directly from our frame shop.
Your families get a private portal of their own, so the experience they have is the one you designed.
SaveBe found
For being found by the families looking for it.
Heirloom Academy® Certified is for photographers who have taken the method all the way. It is by application or invitation, and it cannot be purchased. Certified photographers have completed an in-person intensive with our founder, use the lighting setup the method calls for, and run their studios on the Heirloom System. Families find them in our directory by the Certified badge.
We have paused applications for now while we find our footing, and we will open them again.
Join the Academy
$297
once, yours for good
- Every Heirloom Academy course, yours for good
- Lighting, posing, editing and the heirloom sale
- Add Studio Pass whenever you're ready
Already have an account? Open your courses.
Save $147 when you buy it together with Studio Pass. See Studio Pass + Academy.
ACADEMY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need photography experience to take the course?
Not at all. The Heirloom Method is designed for both beginners and experienced photographers. Whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or adding heirloom portraiture to an established business, we'll teach you our approach from start to finish.
What will I learn in the Heirloom Method?
Everything that goes into creating a finished heirloom portrait. From lighting, equipment, and working with children to editing, pricing, and guiding clients through the ordering process. You'll learn not just how to take a beautiful portrait, but how to turn it into a meaningful, finished piece for your clients' homes.
Is the course self-paced, or is in-person training required?
The Heirloom Method is entirely self-paced, so you can learn on your own schedule and revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher. For photographers looking for additional hands-on instruction, we also offer in-person training after completing the course. It's an opportunity to refine your skills, receive personal feedback, and build confidence in your work.
What is Heirloom Academy® Certified?
Heirloom Academy® Certified is by application or invitation and cannot be purchased. Certified photographers have completed an in-person intensive with our founder, use the lighting setup the method calls for, and run their studios on the Heirloom System. Applications are paused for now.