Schooled Online | Fine Art School Photography Course for Photographers

I created Schooled Online as way for photographers to create business and stay busy during normally slow months by adding Fine Art School Portraits to their offerings. 

There is TONS of content in this course, plus you also get access to all of my school photography templates including emails, model releases, contracts, checklists, and more! 

We have an active Facebook group community where you can ask quesitons and interact with your peers, in addition to watching weekly live Q&As. We also host monthly cover contests!

Below are this month's cover contest submissions. Be sure to check out the work of my incredible students and click the button to learn if adding School Portraits is right for your business!

Cover photo by Lara Fisher Skanchy.

Sara Thom "This course has been amazing! I’m going to give some fine art school portraits a go as minis this fall to see how it goes! I’m so excited to start offering these!!"

www.facebook.com/sarathomphotography | www.instagram.com/sarathomphoto | www.sarathomphotography.com

Shannon Garbaccio "Elena's Schooled class is a complete "kit" that you can take and get going on your school photo business right away. She has such simple systems that are so easy to use. It's a great way to diversify your business."

shannongarbaccio.com | https://www.instagram.com/shannongarbacciophoto/ | https://www.facebook.com/shannongarbacciophotography/

Tanielle Randall "As a mom, I was never fond of traditional school portraits. The kids always looked stiff and uncomfortable. Finding Elena course has been a blessing because I am able to capture authentic images of children. Just getting started but looking forward to a great school year!"

www.taniellerandall.com | www.instagram.com/tanielle_randall | www.facebook.com/TanielleRandall

Nathalie Amlani "Elena’s course is straight to the point and has provided the direction and insights I needed to get started in school photography, thank you!"

www.pictonat.com | www.instagram.com/pictonatphoto | www.facebook.com/pictonatphoto

Amy Semmens "I have loved what I’ve learnt from Elena’s course and am so excited to bring another income stream to my business outside of seasonal work. Thanks so much for your amazing teachings Elena xx"

www.instagram.com/AmySemmensphotography

Lara Fisher Skanchy

Courtney Zito "Photography has always been a passion, but all of Elena’s courses & workshops have given me the confidence and skill set to thrive as a small business owner. I purchased Schooled on May 17th, and had my first school session two weeks later! This course is a game-changer! Thanks Elena!"

www.courtneyzitophotography.com | www.instagram.com/courtneyzitophotography | www.facebook.com/courtneyzitophotography

Katie Kueck "I’m excited to start with my first school this year after leaving a career in medicine to have more flexibility and time with my kids (one is modeling for me above!)."

Katiekueck.com | https://www.instagram.com/katiekueck/ | Facebook.com/katiekueckphotography

Emily Dowell "

https://www.emilydowellphotography.com/schools/

Maggie McCabe "It's really thanks to Elena that I took this leap to begin with. This Schooled course especially was the final tipping point. I'm so excited to begin offering this service. I'm still working on putting all of the finishing touches on my portfolio and marketing material but all of Elena's materials and videos have been incredibly helpful and thorough."

Maggiemcc.com | https://www.facebook.com/maggiemccphotography | https://www.instagram.com/maggiemccphotography/

Michele Mateus

www.michelemateusphotography.com

Vanessa Brack "I was looking to work more while my kids were in school and less in the evenings and on weekends. School photography is perfect for that and Elena's class has been invaluable to me."

https://www.vanessabrack.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/vanessabrack/

Kelly Power "I stumbled across the Schooled class about 2 years ago on Instagram and signed up immediately. I was looking for a way to work on the same schedule of my girls. I just added my 3rd preschool this week. I can happily say I now have summers off and my youngest will start a pre-K 4 this fall so I have more life/work balance without having to look for clients year around."

https://www.kellypowerphotography.com/ | https://instagram.com/kellypowerphotography.com

Elise Roseann "This course has given me confidence in what I can achieve. I have all the tools I need to make this work, I couldn't recommend it enough. My first school is in October!"

www.eliseroseannphotography.com | www.facebook.com/eliseroseannphotography | www.instagram.com/eliseroseannphotography

Elena S Blair Photography Education | Tips and Resources for Photographers

It's no secret that I'm passionate about lifting up others in the photography industry. After all, it's community that's important, not competition. I love showing others that they can pursue their dream to become a photographer while building a meaningful and profitable business. 

Over at Elena S Blair Education, we do monthly cover contests in our Facebook group and these were some of this month's submissions. Check them out and be sure to join the community! We'd love to have you.

Cover photo by Natalie Marotta.

Sara Lee "I have one of elena's creative live classes, and am currently working through all of the schooled materials ... I'm totally drinking the kool-aid on all of her education resources!"

Www.20thavenuephotography.com | Www.Facebook.com/20thavenuephotography | Www.instagram.com/20thavenuephotography

Jesikah Lee "I have actually just watched the creative life family lifestyle class and LOVED it. I cannot wait to put it all in place. This is a recent photo I have taken and I love it! Whilst it's scary to post photos like this on social media due to peoples opinions but I honestly love it!"

https://www.instagram.com/jaylee___photography/

Emily Bettis Hines "Elena’s class Lifestyle Family Photography: Posing and Direction gave me such a good foundation for running my family sessions. It gives me some great poses to start with that work for all families and listening to Elena talk about connection over perfection has given me the freedom to let go of that need for perfect shots and has allowed me to see that the beauty is in the connection- once you’ve got everyone in a good spot and get them to connect, it looks like magic even if you don’t have the perfect location, wardrobe or smiles."

www.capturedaustin.com

Sara Thom "Elena's Creative Live Family Posing Course was the best purchase I've made for my business! I used to feel like I had no direction during my sessions and now that I implement Elena's workflow, my sessions are so much better! I love that I'm capturing more connection between families and less "look at the camera and smile" poses!"

www.sarathomphotography.com | www.facebook.com/sarathomphotography | www.instagram.com/sarathomphoto

Mary Ann Cozza "I recently purchased the FPME guide and loved it! This was exactly what I was looking for, but didn't know how to ask for. The clear instructions and visual examples helped me put my vision into action. Plus, it gave me the confidence to break some photography rules I thought I needed to follow. Thanks!"

www.maryanncozzaphotography.com | www.facebook.com/maryanncozzaphotography

Cara Butt "I’ve taken Elena’s classes on creative live. She helped my find my passion again! I’m so grateful for her! 💜"

www.carajane.ca | www.facebook.com/carajanephotographics | www.instagram.com/carajanephotographics

Sarah Hailey "I love Elena's posing course. The way she broke everything down really resonated with me. It a wonderful guide that left me with a ton of posing ideas that I can modify to fit any family. "

www.sarahhaileyphotography.com | https://www.facebook.com/sarahhaileyphotography/ | https://www.instagram.com/sarahhaileyphoto/

Deng Weizhong "I purchased Get Started with Lifestyle Family Photography and it was a WEALTH of information that I had to go back again and again as my business developed. 
Although I mainly shoot documentary, I could still implement a number of concepts talked about in the course. Many nuggets of information such as having a connection and the whole customer experiences came in very helpful. 
I'm also preparing for another wing of my business when I see myself taking on some family lifestyle shoots, so it's never too early to learn new stuff!"

www.truphotos.com | www.instagram.com/sgtruphotos

Jaclyn Miller "I have taken her CreativeLive classes and posing classes! I love the way she emphasizes that all photos are posed, more so with the candid images! I love how she teaches confidence to instruct clients on how to poses and get the priceless candid images. She is a fantastic teacher, who is more then gracious to share her knowledge!"

www.jaclynmillerphoto.com | https://m.facebook.com/jaclynmillerphoto/ | https://www.instagram.com/jaclynmillerphoto/

Emily Ellis "Getting Started with Lifestyle Family Photography. This is my gem. Not only is Elena perfectly straight-forward about her process, she is so incredibly sure of herself. Aside from every note I took and the ways I’ve started implementing what I learned, I truly walked away with a sensation that had begun to fade. Passion. That driving force you feel but can’t explain so perfectly. Now I see it again in my photos and I’m so incredibly grateful."

http://www.emellisphoto.com/

Sharon Kenney "I've taken several of Elena's courses, most recently the Lifestyle Family Photography: Posing and Direction course on CreativeLive. Her work has inspired me to let go of trying to capture perfect photos and instead focus on capturing family connection and love. :) "

http://www.sharonkenney.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/sharonkenneyphotography/ | https://www.instagram.com/sharonkenneyphoto/

Kristen Kubitza "I've taken Elena's Get Started with Lifestyle Family Photography class. It was a game changer for me. I love capturing connection and emotion. But often this meant there was something "technically" wrong with my photos. Elena has given me the confidence in my photo's and the belief that what matters is the story being told and not "following the rules.""

https://wildloudlifephotography.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/wildloudlifephotography/ | https://www.instagram.com/wildloudlifephotography/

Hali Resney Tomczak "Elena’s classes have taught me to go for deeper connection, and allowed me more freedom in my images by having go to poses in my pocket to pull from!"

www.sweetlivphotography.com

Karen Webb "I did Elena's the Art of Lifestyle Family Photography in 2016. It was a turning point for me in how to capture families with soul and connection."

http://capturebykaren.com.au/ | https://www.facebook.com/capturebykaren/ | https://www.instagram.com/capture_by_karen

Joy LeDuc "I took Elena’s family photography class on Creative Live and it gave me the foundation and systems for my family photography business. I’m eternally grateful!"

http://joyleducphotography.com/

Wendy Sulzer "I took Elena's clickin mom's course for Lifestyle sessions, so helpful."

www.wendysulzerphotography.com and facebook is https://www.facebook.com/wendysulzerphotography

Kelly Rochleau "Total game changer. That’s what Elena’s Family Posing Made Easy course was for me. Her straightforward, no nonsense teaching gave me the confidence necessary to take control of my sessions in a new way. She takes the mystery out of running a successful lifestyle session and capturing those “candid” moments."

http://www.rochleau.com/

Pelin Ozaydin "I am from UK and I just recently discovered Elena and her workshop. I was that person she mentioned on her lesson. Confused, no plan , stressed etc. Her workshop is such an eye opener! Thank you 😊"

www.pelinphotography.com | Www.instagram.com/pelinphotography_

Tania Veta "I've taken Elena's Family Posing class on Creative Live. It was a total game change for me. I finally decided which photo niche I'd like to pursue. This class gave me a good kick start to Thank you, Elena, for "everyday" encouragement. "

www.photovetania.com | https://www.instagram.com/vetania.photo

Amy Mehlos "Elena's workshops have given me the confidence to let go of perfection and focus on the love in family sessions."

www.facebook.com/amylouisephotographyseattle | www.instagram.com/amylouisephotography

Arielle Joffe "I’ve taken Elena’s Getting Started with Lifestyle Family Photography and am actually just watching it for the second time. I’ve been given so much confidence from watching her!"

ArielleJoffe.com | Www.Instagram.com/ariellejoffephotography | Facebook.com/ariellejoffephotography

Kat Rigdon "I have purchased both of Elena’s Creative Live Classes and I love them both. The thing I like the most is her teaching style, she’s very easy to listen to and the way she shows you how to build the poses is awesome. It’s made the entire process less nerve-wracking."

www.instagram.com/katrigdon

Jaime Radovic "I purchased Elena's Creative Live Family Posing Class. I loved it so much that I made my way to her website and youtube channels. She touched on topics that I could strongly relate to and I love her down-to-earth style and willingness to share her knowledge, tips and talent!"

http://www.shootsandgigglesny.com/ | http://www.facebook.com/shootsandgigglesny | https://www.instagram.com/shootsandgigglesny/

Theresa Burkhart "Elena's get started with Lifestyle Family Photography and her Family Posing made easy class changed my life! After I watched them and started using Elena's tips and tricks all of a sudden everyone wanted to book me. I went from 3 sessions on the books for the rest of the year to fully booked for the next 3 months and I am STILL getting inquiries 😍😍😍 I can't thank her enough!"

www.theresaburkhartphotography.com | www.facebook.com/theresaphotography | www.instagram.com/theresaburkhartphotography

Ginger Miner "I have taken Elena's classes and love her style. Elena you are so encouraging thank you. I am following a dream of building my business and truly appreciate her classes."

http://www.gingerminerphotography.com/ | http://www.instagram.com/gingerminerphotography

Natalie Marotta "I am a part of all of Elena's communities and classes. She and her community of followers continue to inspire me daily with my work."

https://nataliemarotta.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/natalie_marotta/

Natalia Elżbieta "Elena has given me freedom to shoot what I see and not what I think other people might want to see."

https://www.instagram.com/nataliaimages/ | https://www.facebook.com/nimagespd/ | https://www.nataliaimages.com/

Malin Pettersen "Elena has given me some really powerful tools when it comes to creating the connection I want to capture, in a effortless and fun way."

http://www.malinspettersenfoto.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/malinspettersen_foto/ | https://www.facebook.com/malinspettersenfoto/

Elise Roseann "I've taken Schooled, Getting Started in Lifestyle Photography and Elena's posing class on creativelive. 
The schooled course has given me all the tools I need to feel confident in the product I'm offering.
The posing and lifestyle class have revolutionised my lifestyle business. I now go to every shoot knowing exactly what I'm doing, and that is really felt by my clients. It's even impacted my newborn and couples shoots, making me feel like I CAN direct and guide my clients, and I can trust my eye and artistic voice. Thank you!"

www.eliseroseannphotography.com | www.facebook.com/eliseroseannphotography | www.instagram.com/eliseroseannphotography

Gina Wiseman "Wow! I have purchased all of Elena’s class on Creative Live and immediately knew this was the Photography I wanted to do! I love the realness of her photos!" 

www.ginawisemanphotography.com | www.facebook.com/ginawisemanphotography | www.instagram.com/ginawisemanphotography

Pierson | Seattle Family Photographer

Okay, I know what you are thinking when you scroll through this post. 1. This photographer takes a thousand photos and shares too many. 2. No way this family is for real. Okay okay, to be fair, yes, I take WAY too many photos. But it's because I am in love with what I do. Like I am up all at night in my bed thinking about how much I love the families I work with and how excited I am to create more for them. To make a better experience for them. To show them that their family is a work of art. When I get in my zone during a session I am not restricting my creativity at all. I just go with it. Because of that, I don't miss a thing. And for number 2... yes, this family is impossibly stunning. But guess what? They are so freakin cool, so down to earth, so fun, and THAT my friends is why these images are so beautiful. Just look at how they look at each other. Look at how those babies just adore their mama and how daddy's strong arms hold that chubby little baby in the most tender way. Just look at how comfortable they are in each others presence. 

We met a year ago and while we haven't held true to it yet, Stella and I are planning on meeting for a mamas night out ASAP. She is good people. Like the kind of women you just want in your life. And their little family is perfectly imperfect. They are energetic, intense, and so unique. I just adore each and every one of them. So that is why these images are so beautiful. Because I allowed myself to fall head over heels in love with them and they trust me to capture them, as they are, for who they are. 

This is Life | Seattle Family Photographer

Anna and I had exchanged a handful of emails prior to their session, as I usually do with my new families. We had to reschedule a few times but finally our date came. It was a cloudy Seattle summer day, nothing out of the ordinary. When I read Anna's session form submission she explained that their oldest child came from adoption and that the is their fifth child as they have four biological children. It's not often that you hear of a family adopting a teenager so I was very excited to capture this very unique family.

When they hopped out of their van I couldn't believe the beauty before me. Each child dressed perfectly and mom and dad were also just as well clothed. But here is the thing... that isn't the beauty that you will see when you look at these photos. You won't see anything but instead feel. Feel their deep love and connection. They were so obviously deeply connected with each other. The respected each other, laughed, played, and snuggled. Really, the embodied what most families strive for, I think. There was an ease about them. Just simply comfortable with each other and so loving I can't even describe it. I felt honored to simply be in their presence. It was one of those sessions that left me feeling so fulfilled. Anna talked freely about the adoption of her daughter and it filled my heart to the brim with joy. It isn't my story to tell but I do encourage you to follow her journey on Instagram. Her name is cheerful_mama.  

Family photography should be a lot more than a perfect portrait. It should be an experience that results in photos that speak to who the family really is. I hope I was able to even just do the smallest bit of justice to this very special family. 

Divelbliss | Seattle Family Photographer

I was lucky enough to meet this family a year ago when I did their newborn photography session. I immediately fell in love with them. They are sweet and so grateful for this little guy. I was thrilled when they asked me to photograph them again to celebrate their little guy's first birthday. It means so much to me when families trust me to capture them. I know how busy everyone is and for them to give me a morning or an evening, a sacred amount of their time, makes me so grateful.