The Heirloom Academy®

Heirloom Portrait Photography Education

Developed by Born & Raised Studio

Structured training in heirloom portrait photography for photographers who want finished, archival work and a sustainable business model.

Learn lighting, editing, session flow, and sales inside a repeatable method.

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.

Welcome,

we are so honored that you chose to learn with us.

Welcome,

We are so honored that you chose to learn with us.

This method is the result of over 2,000 sessions and a decade of figuring things out the hard way.,

we are excited to share what we have learned and help you feel confident in your work.

This method is the result of over 2,000 sessions and a decade of figuring things out the hard way. We are excited to share what we have learned and help you feel confident in your work.

Lighting and Setup

session & workflow

Art on the Walls

The Heirloom Method

Understanding, Application, and Refinement.

Like learning an instrument or a craft, it must be studied before it can be performed with confidence.

The most effective path is sequential.

1. Learn the Method

Get the equipment, learn how to use it

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

There is no silver bullet, You need to practice, review, tweak, and do it again.

Practice your setup, editing, talking about product.

3. Soft Lauch

You don't need everything perfect,

When you feel confident in your skill as a photographer, it's time to run a model call.

4. Refine & Grow

When you have a grip on things (even a loose grip) we highly encourage you to attend an in-person training.

This is hands down, the most effective way to feel confident in your skill and your offering.

5. Consulting

Upon course completion, you are eligible for consulting. This 1:1 feedback from our team of experts is the most efficient way to grow your business.

Consulting combines, accountability with a decade of knowledge to move you further faster. This is great for when you are feeling stuck in a specific area.

The most effective path is sequential.

First, complete the courses to understand the full method.

Next, practice on your own.

Then, attend in-person training to refine what you have already practiced if needed.

Follow up with consulting as needed to strengthen specific areas.

Each phase stands alone and is optional.
Advancement to the next phase may require completion of the previous one.

Designed for photographers who care deeply about the work and want a clear framework for what comes next.

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

I

Coursework

This is the structure behind the portraits.

Five core sections that walk you from capture to completion — lighting, posing, editing, pricing, and launch.

It is not theory.
It is the method I use.
Refined. Repeatable. Profitable.

The coursework is divided into five parts:

Each section may be taken individually or you may enroll in the complete Heirloom Method

Course catalog

The Heirloom Method

The coursework is divided into five parts:

Each section may be taken individually or you may enroll in the complete master course

All the Courses in One

This is the full framework.

The Heirloom Method

10 years of success in one repeatable method

Most photographers struggle because they’re missing structure.
This gives you one.

Here's what you get:

✔ The Foundation — controlled, repeatable lighting
✔ The Session — confident direction and efficient shooting
✔ The Edit — streamlined heirloom workflow
✔ The Finish — intentional product structure
✔ The Sale — calm, guided pricing and ordering
✔ Priority access to private consulting bookings
✔ Access to professional editing services when you need support

BONUS:

The Model Call Method — launch strategy to build your portfolio and momentum
$197 value

Total Value: $2,182

Price: $1,497

Save 30% by purchasing full method

II

Implementation

Begin applying the method in your own studio.

Refine your setup. Run sessions. Complete finished work.

This is where repetition begins to build confidence.

Model Calls Can Be a Waste of Time

When....

They’re posted quickly.
They’re offered too broadly.
They’re free or loosely defined.
They ask for nothing in return.
Nothing specific is asked in return.

You risk attracting people who want a deal, not finished work.
You end up with random images instead of a cohesive portfolio.
You stay busy but you don’t move forward. And then everyone feels confused.

Model calls should build clarity, content, and confidence.
If they don’t, they weren’t structured properly.

III

In-Person Training

A one-time, hands-on intensive designed to refine your setup, workflow, and execution.

This is immersive and corrective, not introductory. It is most effective after coursework and initial implementation.

IV

Consulting

Hourly Zoom consultations are available for ongoing refinement in specific areas.

These sessions are targeted and practical, addressing lighting adjustments, editing workflow, session flow, IPS, or general strategy as needed.

Consulting is limited and only available inside courses.

Masterclass Students are given priority. Appointments are limited.

Molly Makes Muscle

Molly VanMaarth

Niche: Executive Fitness Coaching

Results: Spent $8k To Make $50k

Molly Makes Muscle: Molly VanMaarth Spent $8k to Make $50,000

Molly was already running a successful business when she came to AIA. However, she was relying 100% on organic sales from her strong LinkedIn presence. Once Molly started working with us we helped her create a predictable way of getting high quality executive clients using Instagram DM ads.

The Process

Molly's biggest concern was whether or not she could find high quality clients by running ads on Instagram. Molly only works with executive coaches and has packages that range from $10k-$30k. After we helped Molly with our high quality interest targeting she was getting leads right away. She quickly started closing deals and spent $8,000 on Instagram DM ads to Make $50,000+. Molly now has a predictable way of getting new clients using ads.

The Result

After helping Molly find the right high quality targeting she was able to get a 5X return on cash collected from running ads. So far she has spent $8,000 on ads and has collected $50,000+ cash.

Simply Options Academy

Sean Solano

Niche: Trading Consultant

Results: From $0 - $32k/mo

Simply Options Academy: Sean Solano Went From $0 To Consistent $32,000 Months

When Sean first started working with AIA he was working with a couple clients on the back end charging less than $200. We immediately increased his prices and helped him launch his new high ticket beta program for $2,000 and sold out within the first week. After the beta program he increased his prices to $5,000 and has been consistently scaling. We helped Sean understand healthy KPI's of his business so he can successful run ads to get more clients. Last month Sean spent $1,943 in ad spend to make $45, 512.

The Process

When we first started working with Sean we immediately came up with a plan to increase his prices by doing a "beta launch". Sean sold out his beta launch for 5 people at $2,000 a piece ( a quick $10k collected.) After the beta launch we increased price to $5,000 for his high ticket coaching business and then used a portion of the $10,000 collected to scale his business by running ads. Sean was getting so many new leads that he couldn't get up with so we decided to bring on an appointment setter , that was trained by the AIA team. The appointment setter took over and immediately starting hitting KPIs and booking Sean's calendar so that he can focus 100% on sales. The next step for Sean is scaling this business to $100k per months.

The Result

By installing the AIA structure inside his business... Last month, he was able to spend $1,943 in ads to make $45,412.

Freedom Travel Systems

Eli Facenda

Niche: Travel Consulting

Results: Doubled Revenue & 10x'd Investment Within 2 Months

Time Frame: 60 Days

Freedom Travel Systems: Eli Facenda 10x'd His Initial Investment Within 2 Months

When Eli came to use he was already running a very successful business. All of his clients were coming from his strong organic pressence and referrals. Eli hired us to help him install our ads system so that he could have predictability getting new clients inside his business.

The Process

Eli's success story is pretty simple and straight to the point. We helped him set up his ads and showed him the exact system we were using inside AIA to get clients.

Eli and his team immediately tripled their lead flow resulting in closing more deals with consistency. Eli's company revenue has doubled since implementing the AIA system.

The Result

By installing the AIA system Eli not only 10x'd his initial investment, but also doubled his company's revenue within just two months.

The experience you provide matters.

The way a family feels during the sitting shapes the artwork that follows.

Use our proven method to carry it to completion.

The Frame Shop

Designed for photographers who want access to our full frame collection, wholesale pricing, and exclusive resources

Apply for Wholesale

Meet the Team

Hourly Consulting Available Within The Heirloom Method Courses

Behind the Heirloom Method

is a small, thoughtful team.

Each of us supports a different part of the process , business direction, execution, or sustainability, so your questions are met with practical experience and steady guidance.

Consulting is offered hourly and designed to bring clarity, not overwhelm.