A Practical, Realistic Approach to Headshots

Most headshot courses teach you how to shoot in a perfect studio with perfect gear and perfect models.

This course teaches you how to shoot:

  • with real people, real challenges, and real constraints

  • in real homes & lived in spaces

  • In dedicated studio spaces

  • Outdoors at the park and at the beach

  • Using continuous or flash, available or added light

This course is for you if...

  • You want to create headshots that feel real — not stiff, staged, or over‑lit.

    For actors, models, professionals, and everyday people who need images that actually represent them.

  • You want practical, repeatable setups you can use anywhere.

    We shoot in kitchens, parks, small rooms, offices, beaches. - not just perfect studio conditions.

  • You want to confidently direct expression & pose, and solve lighting problems fast.

    Because headshots are 80% communication and 20% camera settings.

⭐ Bonus Tribute Modules ⭐

In Memory of My Father & Grandfather

This course also includes a brand‑new bonus section filmed as a tribute to my father and grandfather, who both recently passed.

In this module, I break down the portraits I made of them — the lighting, the planning, the emotional considerations, and the intent behind the images.It’s a deeply personal addition, and I’m including it free for everyone who joins.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this course, you’ll know how to:

* Light any face, any skin tone, in any environment
* Coach natural expressions (even with shy or stiff clients)
* Pose real people with confidence
* Build repeatable lighting setups anywhere
* Work with mixed light, LEDs, window light, flash, and natural light
* Solve problems fast in unpredictable locations
* Create headshots that actually work for the person you’re photographing
* Plan and execute meaningful portrait projects
* Break down an image and reverse‑engineer the lighting
Enroll today

⭐ Pre‑Order Offer ⭐

Full retail price $297 - Pre-order price just $57

Pre-order discount ends, and course goes live in...

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Save over 80% Today!

Overview

Once you can see and understand the light - you can create anything!

This course teaches you all the variables of light at your disposal

  • Real world headshots

    This interactive course brings you along as professional photographer and educator shoots with a series of different subjects, all with unique image requirements

  • Hands on

    This program is designed to be interactive. We walk you through a variety of challenging lighting situations, showing you the before, during and after images possible.

  • Control The Light

    Matt is going to demystify the light for you. You will not be sent out to buy expensive or complex equipment - instead you will learn how to work with what you have.

Daniel (Cyber Stage LED Portraits)

Black male fashion model, shot on a cyber LED stage.

You’ll learn:
* How to work with mixed LED colors
* Color theory in practice
* Balancing skin tones with vivid backgrounds
* Flow posing with an experienced model
* Creating stylized fashion & lifestyle portraits

Evgenia (Kitchen Window Light + Umbrella Flash)

European plus‑size model, shot in a real lived‑in Home.

You’ll learn:
* Making great portraits in imperfect spaces
* Window light + fill flash
* Posing for curves and comfort
* Working around clutter and distractions
* Creating clean, flattering headshots in a home environment

Jess (Hollywood Home + LED Projections)

Young curvy model, shot in a Hollywood home with creative LED projections.

You’ll learn:
* Using projected patterns and color
* Creating mood and atmosphere
* Expression coaching for newer models
* Balancing ambient and LED light
* Shooting in tight indoor spaces
SIGN UP TODAY

Jo (Dramatic Hollywood Edge Lighting)

Latina actress, shot with dramatic Hollywood lighting in a home.

You’ll learn:
* Edge lighting for drama
* Character-driven headshots
* Working with strong shadows
* Subtle expression shifts
* Creating cinematic portraits in a small room

Steph (Character Portrait in a Public Park)

Commercial actress, shot as a dentist/medical assistant in a busy park.

You’ll learn:
* Character headshots
* Working around crowds and distractions
* Fast setups in public spaces
* Natural light control
* Getting authentic expressions
Save over 80%

Tim (Outdoor Lifestyle + Sunset Beach)

Older male model/actor, shot in a front yard and at Santa Monica beach.

You’ll learn:
* Lifestyle headshots
* Harsh sun vs shade
* Golden hour portraits
* Movement and natural posing
* Working with older skin tones

Veda (Mature Actress, Emotional Range)

Mature female actress, exploring intensity and emotion.

You’ll learn:
* Emotional direction
* Subtle expression coaching
* Character vs neutral headshots
* Lighting and editing mature skin
* Creating portraits with depth and presence
Sign up today

Bonus Module — Photographing Men

A deeply personal addition to the course, in tribute to my recently deceased father.

  • Part 1 — Photographing My Father

    Lighting, planning, emotional considerations, capturing dignity.

  • Part 2 — Photographing My Grandfather

    Intent, storytelling, working with older subjects.

  • Part 3 — Image Breakdown Session

    How to reverse‑engineer a portrait, plan meaningful shoots, and work with inexperienced subjects.

Hear what photographers have to say…

  • "I can't imagine it is ever boring working with you and Stef. You have so much chemistry and the fun of that really shows in your images 👏 " - PeoplePix UK.

  • “I’ve never thought about light the way Matt describes it. He’s right, that’s all photography is. Once I did this course my photography started improving exponentially. I’m starting to look at the world differently, looking for interesting light all the time. I’m so inspired!!” - Henry

  • “You don't just see the final product and an ideal setup. You actually see how someone gets there and the trial and error that actually goes into making a great shot. So much better than being in a classroom!” - Duncan

  • Lessons

    35 videos

  • Length

    Over 6 Hours

  • Level

    Beginner - Intermediate

Lessons

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Introduction

    • Download & Site Navigation

  • 2

    Daniel

    • Superhero part 1

    • Superhero part 2

    • Silhouettes

    • Invisible Lighting
  • 3

    Evgenia

    • Dramatic Dance part 1

    • Dramatic Dance part 2

    • Fill light
  • 4

    Jess

    • Cast Shadows pt1

    • Cast Shadows pt2

    • Cast Shadows pt3

    • Cast Shadows pt4
  • 5

    Jo

    • Creating Shadows part 1

    • Creating Shadows part 2
  • 6

    Steph

    • Green Light

    • Restricted Light with Feathers
  • 7

    Tim

    • Soft Light Fashion - Softbox vs Bounce

    • Muscle Portraits - Hard vs Soft Light

    • Lens Flare

    • Separation Options pt1
  • 8

    Veda

    • Separation Options pt2

    • On Camera Flash
  • 9

    Tribute BONUS

    • Mobile Studio part 1

    • Mobile Studio part 2

    • Freezing Water Drops
  • 10

    Editing

    • Bath Tub Bonus pt1

    • One light, two uses

    • Bath Tub Bonus pt2
  • 11

    Equipment List

    • Equipment List

Meet Your Teacher

Matt Granger

As a working photographer for the past 15 years, Matt has shot professionally all around the world.

Matt has taught lighting workshops all around the world, including Sydney, London, New York, Singapore, Germany and more.

Dramatic single light portraiture is exactly that. Matt teaches you how to use one light source in a variety of different ways that create dramatic and engaging portraits.
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FAQs

In 2020 I released a 5 part express version of this program as part of the 5 Day Deal. If you purchased that, please check your email as I have already written to you to give you access to those segments.

This Masterclass is a much more comprehensive version with 4X more content and 35 different videos included.

If you already have the initial express version and you want to purchase only the additional segments, you can check out the upgrade version below. Please be aware it does not contain the complete program, and is only intended for those who already purchased the 5 Day Deal version.
Upgrade Edition