Licensing with Born & Raised Studio®

A Thoughtful Way to Add Heirloom Work to Your Photography Business

Fine Art Prints

Grandparent Gifts

Matted Print Box

Your favorite images matted, backed, and stored in an heirloom linen box. Prints come ready to frame.

This is great option if you enjoy the flexibility to choosing your own frames or prefer a keepsake collection that can be added to through the years.

Commissioned Heirloom Artwork For Your Clients

Born & Raised licensing allows photographers to offer commissioned heirloom artwork within a clear, supported system without needing to manage editing, sales, or fulfillment.

Designed for photographers who prefer capturing the work over managing every step

WHAT LICENSING MEANS

Clear Roles. Shared Responsibility. Finished Work.

When a client commissions artwork through Born & Raised, they are commissioning a finished piece, handled start to finish with intention.

As a licensed photographer, your role is to capture the image that becomes the foundation of the artwork.

Our team completes everything that follows: IPS, retouching, finishing, and framing by hand at the Born & Raised home studio.

This structure exists to support you and the client. It allows you to offer a refined, meaningful product without carrying the full weight of production, presentation, or fulfillment.

Become An

Heirloom Certified® Photographer

At Born & Raised, we’re not just teaching a style—we’re preserving a standard. As a certified heirloom photographer, you’ll join a collective of artists dedicated to creating meaningful work with a roadmapped business model that outlives trends. With clear systems, timeless technique, and ongoing support, you’ll be equipped to build a business rooted in artistry and sustainability.

Carrying a tradition. Creating a legacy.
Because this is more than photography—it’s your reputation, your rhythm, and your mark on the world.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

Full Heirloom Academy curriculum (lighting, editing, composites, IPS, business foundations)
Workshop or live online training day
Personalized 1:1 support calls with our team
Portfolio submission + licensing upon approval
Certified Photographer welcome kit (frame samples, certificate, digital + physical badge)
Ongoing community access + directory listing
Wholesale frame shop access
Simplified Studio CRM at a discounted monthly rate
Exclusive location lock (certification is limited per city/region)

Learn More

Tabletop Frames

Nola Frame

Charlotte Frame

YOUR ROLE

Image Capture and Client Experience

Licensed photographers are trusted to connect with families, guide gently, and capture honest expression.

We are looking for photographers who can:

read people well
create ease and trust quickly
recognize a soft, natural smile
notice subtle shifts in posture and angle
work patiently and thoughtfully with families

HOW THIS FITS INTO YOUR BUSINESS

Flexible, By Design

Many photographers offer Born & Raised commissions as an elevated option within their existing business.

Others choose to operate fully within this framework.

You’re free to decide how it fits your season of life and business.

What stays consistent is the product itself and the standard behind it.

The experience you provide matters. The way a family feels during the sitting shapes the artwork that follows.

Your job is to capture. Our job is to carry it to completion.

In-Person Training Required

Why it matters

Every licensed photographer is required to attend in-person training before becoming licensed.

This is non-negotiable and deeply intentional.

Born & Raised is built on real relationships. In-person training allows us to:

spend time together face-to-face
walk through the full client experience
handle and understand every product
meet the entire team behind the work
ensure we’re aligned in both process and values

This training isn’t about testing you.

It’s about building trust, clarity, and shared understanding from the beginning for you and our clients.

HOW TO APPLY

The Application Process

Licensing begins with an application and portfolio review.

We are looking for evidence of connection, expression, and technical steadiness, not finished images that match our aesthetic.

If your work aligns, we’ll schedule a conversation to walk through expectations and next steps.

Apply for Licensing

*Applications are reviewed selectively.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How am I paid for Born & Raised commissions?

Photographers are paid per completed commission. Compensation is clearly outlined during the application process so there are no surprises.

You are not responsible for product costs, post-production, or fulfillment.

Is there an annual fee?

Yes. There is an annual licensing fee, used exclusively to fund Born & Raised marketing campaigns. There are no additional software or subscription fees.

Do I need to edit or retouch images?

No. All retouching, finishing, and framing are handled by our team by hand at the home studio.

We’re not looking for photographers who edit like us—we’re looking for photographers who see people well.

What equipment do I need?

We keep equipment requirements intentionally simple and focused on consistency rather than brand or style.

Licensed photographers must have:

A professional camera body

A mid-range zoom lens (such as a 24–70mm or equivalent)

A portable key light with a minimum output of 400 watts

A small umbrella modifier for soft, even light
(Large modifiers, including 7-foot parabolic umbrellas, are not used)

A backlight system to provide separation and dimension

You’re welcome to use your existing equipment as long as it meets these requirements. We offer optional kits and individual pieces for convenience, but there is no requirement to purchase equipment through Born & Raised.

Lighting setup, placement, and best practices are taught during in-person training.

Is there a public directory of photographers?

No. Clients are not asked to browse or compare photographers.

As inquiries come in, clients are thoughtfully guided to the nearest licensed photographer based on location and availability. Our vetting process replaces the need for public comparison.

How does booking work?

Each licensed photographer has live calendar availability connected to our operating software. Once matched, clients can book immediately.

Photographers are responsible for keeping their availability current.

Do I need to use additional software?

No. All booking, communication, and client tracking happens inside Born & Raised operating software at no additional cost.

You’ll be able to follow each client’s progress from inquiry through portrait completion.

Can I offer this alongside my current services?

Yes. Most photographers do.

You’re not required to change your brand, website, or existing client experience outside of Born & Raised work.

Is in-person training required?

Yes. In-person training is required prior to licensing and is an important part of how we build trust and alignment.

Do you offer wholesale framing options outside of licensing?

Yes. Born & Raised offers wholesale framing access by application, separate from licensing.

Wholesale framing is available to photographers and designers who are looking for high-quality, archival framing without participating in the Born & Raised licensing model. This option provides access to our frames and finishing services, but does not include commissioned artwork, client routing, or use of the Born & Raised Standard.

Licensing and wholesale serve different purposes:

Licensing allows you to offer commissioned heirloom artwork under the Born & Raised Standard, with centralized finishing, client flow, and marketing support.

Wholesale framing is a production resource only, intended for professionals who want consistent framing without participating in the licensed artwork model.

Details and eligibility for wholesale framing are reviewed separately by application.

Can I still offer my own style of heirloom work—and will you frame it?

Yes. You’re welcome to continue offering your own style of heirloom work outside of the Born & Raised licensing model.

If you’d like Born & Raised to frame that work, you can apply separately for wholesale framing access. Wholesale framing is independent of licensing and is designed to support photographers and designers who want archival framing and consistent craftsmanship for their own projects.

To clarify:

Licensed commissions follow the Born & Raised artwork model and standard.

Your personal heirloom work remains your own and is not governed by the Born & Raised Standard.

Wholesale framing allows us to frame your work, but does not include client routing, commissioned artwork, or use of the Born & Raised Standard.

Licensing and wholesale are intentionally separate so each can remain clear, supportive, and well-defined.

Licensing Overview

Apply

Submit an application and a small selection of work that reflects your ability to connect with people and capture natural expression.

Review & Conversation

We review applications for alignment with the Born & Raised Standard. If it feels like a strong fit, we’ll schedule a conversation to walk through expectations and answer questions.