Earlier today, Sue Bryce Education (SBE) announced exciting news and unveiled its new name—The Portrait System—which encompasses new features like tiered membership pricing, expanded course selections and a return to its in-person photo conference, The Portrait Masters (which last took place live in 2019).

It was back in 2015 when portrait photographer Sue Bryce cofounded—along with partners Aaron Anderson, George Varanakis and Craig Swanson—the SBE learning platform. In 2017 came the first Portrait Masters conference, where portrait photographers could meet and learn from some of the best in the industry. In 2021, SBE and The Portrait Masters conference joined Emerald’s Photo Group (which Rangefinder and WPPI are a part of) and while SBE may have a new name, the goal is the same: to continue helping photographers transform their passion and creativity into a successful business.

[Read: The Evolution of Sue Bryce’s Portrait Style]

“We’re back, we’re new, and we’re excited for 2022,” said Bryce when the news was announced. “The Portrait System offers a unique, innovative and community-based ecosystem where photographers can learn the creative and business aspects of photography from courses I teach, as well from other renowned photographers and instructors. Our expanded membership benefits, new courses and scheduled in-person conference has us all looking forward to making 2022 one for the ages.”

Along with the news of the new name for Sue Bryce Education comes an outline of what The Portrait System will include: 

New and Expanded Membership Features

The Portrait System will offer three annual membership tiers: Beginner ($149), Professional ($399) and Premium ($699), based on the photographer’s level of expertise and personal needs. (Note: For the month of January only, Premium Membership is discounted to $599.)

In addition to membership pricing options, The Portrait System will add several new tools to help photographers properly price photo packages, build their business and more, including:

• The Pricing Calculator – An interactive tool that helps photographers determine how to price their packages for customers.
• Studio Startup Tracker – A complete, interactive to-do list consisting of every conceivable task or action needed to build a profitable photography business.
• Photography Contract and Release Form Templates – for business-to- business and business-to-customer activities.
• Posing Masterclass – Conducted by Sue Bryce and available to all members through The Portrait Masters store, this comprehensive tutorial illustrates dozens of creative and flattering ways to pose your subjects.
• Products and Services Discounts – A dedicated page with exclusive discounts on relevant products and services are available (for Professional and Premium members only).
  

The Portrait Masters Store

According to today’s Sue Bryce Education news, as The Portrait System the platform will continue helping teach photographers everything they need to know about running a profitable portrait studio from start to finish. Dozens of courses Bryce personally teaches will be easily accessible, as will a variety of specific topics and courses conducted by some of the most respected photographers and instructors from around the world.

[Read: Personal Photography Branding Success: Step-by Step with Nikki Closser]

Several new courses have been added for 2022 in The Portrait Masters Store, including Nikki Closser’s Personal Branding course, The Imagination Series by Richard Woods, and two separate courses by Ashleigh Taylor on how to generate revenue using Facebook and Instagram.

The Portrait Masters Conference

For the first time since 2019, The Portrait Masters Conference will take place in person, and while the date and location have yet to be finalized, the conference will be held during the second half of 2022.

[Read: Why Sue Bryce’s Second Portrait Masters Conference Blew Us Away]

“Interactive learning is the cornerstone of the conference, and attendees will be able to participate through a series of photo bays, open shoots and guided photo walks,” said Bryce. “They will also see the latest photo gear from industry manufacturers who will be on site conducting demos and answering questions. This year’s conference will be an in-person learning experience and a celebration of friendships and community. The Portrait System is a great example of how streaming technology has advanced online learning, but in-person gatherings, especially after a two-year hiatus, remains the most effective form of communication and sharing.”

The Portrait Masters Awards

More big news: The Portrait Masters Awards (PMA) has been opened up to non-members who can submit their images in a variety of portrait categories including Children, Boudoir, Pets, Maternity for a chance at a $1,000 top prize in each category and a Grand Champion prize (best-in-show) of an additional $1,500.

“While The Portrait System and The Portrait Masters Store collectively provide the tools and techniques to learn the business and creative techniques of photography, the Portraits Masters Awards is the final phase in the learning process,” said SBE co-founder Aaron Anderson. “It’s the phase where you’ve applied everything you’ve learned to create an original piece of art and then have it reviewed and refined through creative critiques to get another step closer to perfection. It is truly the ultimate example of education.”

To learn more, visit ThePortraitSystem.com.

The Portrait System members will receive a free WPPI Conference badge to WPPI 2022 (Feb. 27-March 3), inclusive of all benefits listed on the WPPI conference badge reg. page—parties, classes, print comp, trade show access and a dedicated TPS member happy hour.