Zero to Pro - Master Class | Zero To Pro School Of Photography

If it doesn't help you take amazing pictures then who cares? Why waste your bandwidth?!

This course gives you in seven lessons what a university course DOESN'T give you in THREE YEARS- EXACTLY what you need to know to consistently create awesome images that will have your friends, family, and clients in AWE!

And how can we make such an outrageously bold statement… Simple - BECAUSE IT'S TRUE!

Imagine trying to change the tablecloth once you've laid the table! Sometimes there's an order to things that you just can cheat… And that’s the same with photography. And the only reason that we know this secret formula that just makes so much sense is that we have been teaching photography for over 10 years! There are no shortcuts to creating systems!

Imagine a brain surgeon trying to perform surgery on himself? That’s what it’s like trying to work out why it is that your pictures just don’t pop. It’s not near impossible… It is IMPOSSIBLE! If your pictures consistently look amateurish that means you don’t know what you’re doing! How are you going to miraculously know what’s wrong when you look at your pictures on the computer? You won't! You need to be an expert with an objective pair of eyes who isn’t scared to tell you, respectfully and encouragingly of course, where you are going wrong and exactly how to fix it!

Truth be told, SD’s personal critiquing and mentorship are what turn this course from being a cut above the rest to being in a totally different realm from EVERYTHING else!

Have you ever tried to learn something with the teacher just talking straight into the camera? Your mind just wonders all over the place and nothing seems to get into your head. So we came up with a solution for this — We filmed the entire course in front of a real live class, and you really feel like you are there… It’s so immersive and real.

Anyone will tell you that there are two keys to remembering anything. Number one is mnemonics and number two is review, and we have taken care of both of these for you. We have over a dozen catchy little rhymes and rules that are super helpful in getting the information into your head… We need all the help we can get, no? And then the icing on the cake are the one-minute recaps at the end of every class. SD runs through EVERYTHING that was covered in exactly one minute… What a difference these 60-second snippets make!

And the cherry on top of the icing is the beautifully designed color coursebook that follows the classes hand in hand. Throughout the Master Class, page numbers are referenced on the screen giving you that tactile experience that is also super conducive to a great learning experience.

Just like every other photography course in the world, we give an Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop workshop but we saw that they just weren’t providing our students with the results we wanted. We realized that learning the tools of these programs only accounts for about 15% of the editing process. The other 85% is all to do with vision, method, and process… In short, WHAT TO DO!

Each week SD takes one of your images into Lightroom and shows you EXACTLY what needs to be done to turn that picture from good to AWESOME!

It’s impossible to calculate how much time this method of teaching post-editing saves our students, but within seven weeks our students are editing like pros!

Students thoughts on SD's personal critiques

(A highlight of the course for most!)

The results are literally unbelievable...

Look at the transformation that Ruchy F. from Jerusalem experienced in under 5 weeks!

Look at the transformation that Sarah D. from USA experienced in under 5 weeks!

Look at the transformation that Rivky P. from USA experienced in under 7 weeks!

Just a selection of some of the dozens of our students who have gone on to build their own professional studios

Below are images from our student gallery

You will be able to take pictures of this quality in under 8 weeks!

The results are literally unbelievable...

Look at the transformation that Zehava R. from USA experienced in under 7 weeks!

Look at the transformation that Adina E. from Canada experienced in under 5 weeks!

Look at the transformation that Esty H. from USA experienced in under 5 weeks!

Whether you just want to take adorable pictures of your family or you're serious about opening up a
professional studio, this course is the complete solution for you!!

Untitled Document

When the Mishpacha magazine found out about our revolutionary new photography course they were quick to get in contact with us.

We agreed to enroll one of their writers and move her through the course as we would any one of our regular students.

The article that she wrote is illuminating! It is an essential and invaluable read to any potential student.

Click here! to have a look for yourself.

The results are literally unbelievable...

Look at the transformation that Nechama M. from USA experienced in under 5 weeks!

Look at the transformation that Shoshana Z. from Israel experienced in under 6 weeks!

Look at the transformation that Shira Y. from USA experienced in under 5 weeks!

Your Instructor

Shmuel Diamond

In his career spanning nearly a decade and a half, SD has become established as one of the most highly regarded names in event and portrait photography in the international Jewish community at large.

He is based in Jerusalem but is frequently flown around the US and Canada to shoot events for the highest profile families in the Jewish world.

To date, he has shot nearly 1000 weddings and a similar number of other events and family portraits sessions.

He opened up his school of photography in 2010 in Jerusalem, where he lives with his wife and their 8 children.

You can check out SD's extensive portfolios at www.shmueldiamond.com

We believe in our course so much that if you complete all eleven classes and hand in all seven assignments, if for ANY REASON you are not COMPLETELY satisfied we will not only refund the TOTAL cost of the course but we will PAY YOU $100 as an apology, with absolutely NO hard feelings - WE PROMISE!

We are SO SURE that our course can totally change your life that we are prepared to put our money where our mouth is!

YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO LOSE!

Either you complete the course with the skill set and knowledge to take exceptional portrait photography or you end up $100 richer!

Untitled Document

Some candid feedback from a handful of our students:

The results are literally unbelievable...

Look at the transformation that Sarah S. from USA experienced in under 5 weeks!

Look at the transformation that Rochel R. from USA experienced in under 5 weeks!

Look at the transformation that Penina Z. from USA experienced in under 5 weeks!

Some official feedback from a handful of our students:

I was extremely satisfied with the course! Shmuel has a very clear way of explaining the process and is very easy and pleasant to listen to. I didn't find the fact that it wasn't physical to be an issue in any way, I was able to understand everything and you also can always ask questions if need be. I learnt a tremendous amount and feel confident to go in to it as a business. I highly recommend this course!

Leah Amsel

I started this class a skeptic...and then the engaging and super-clear tutorials quickly won me over. After just a couple weeks, there was a huge difference in the quality of my photos! Shmuel's clear explanations and well-developed approach gave me the tools I need to really master photography. I'd highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to improve their photography skills, whether they want to go pro or not.

Miriam Milstein

Before I took this course, I wasn't sure if I was good enough to charge for my shoots, but afterwards, I felt confident claiming myself as a real professional photographer thanks to SD

Sara Faigy Swertloff

There are lots of courses out there that throw a lot of info at you, which can get very confusing -- but not with this course! Everything was really taught down pat, as simple as it is. The homeworks and photoshoots really helped digest and implement the new skills learned, and I agree they are so very important! This is a great fundamental course to get your photography skills started and ready to roll.

Faigy P

Zero to pro photography course changed my life. The material was explained very clearly and in a matter of weeks I was doing multiple photo-shoots a week and even making some money. The best part was the personal critique by Shmuel. He was honest and encouraging throughout. He took a genuine interest in my progress and he took the time to answer all my questions. Thank you for opening my eyes to the world of photography.

Toby Weinfeld

this course is an amazing launchpad for aspiring photographers! the information presented is so clear and informative. SD's critique is extremely valuable and is a lesson by itself:)

Zehava Rokowsky

This course was by far the most fantastic thing I could have ever done with my passion for photography. Shmuel Diamond's course has given me the skill, confidence, and knowledge in photography combined with his expert advice that is interwoven in each and every class, that I can't imagine finding anywhere else! Thank you!!!!!

Rivkie Weinberger

I took this course after I've been doing photography for a while already, and yet I gained so much! Shmuel explains everything with such clarity, gives over each lesson enthusiastically, and makes sure each student goes out satisfied. I benefited most of Shmuel's amazing personal critiques, which helped my business advance tremendously. I recommend this course to anyone that loves photography like I do! I started this course with a little more than a dozen customers, and only after five weeks had over 200! I'm sure that says enough!

Chany Kohn

I feel so appreciative for all that I learned from Shmuel Diamond's Zero to Pro photography course. I learned so much about my camera and taking photos. I especially enjoyed the part of the course that taught me how to edit pictures in photoshop and lightroom. I learned so much from and loved the sections of the course where Shmuel showed me how he would take a photo shoot outdoors. Thank you for teaching me another trade that I love!!

Dvora Brocha Sommer

This course is recommended for anyone and everyone that even likes to just take pics for family friends.. It teaches you everything about photography and gives you more confidence it is fantastic

Ella Herzog

I have almost completed the online photography course and I must say it was the best thing I did. I have done many courses online and even started a one on one course but never did I gain the clarity and understanding of photography until now. The course was amazing, I gained so much and I'm so much more confident taking pictures for others. The feedback which was sent via video is something that not many offer and it was a real help towards improving the way I take pictures. Thanks for such an amazing course keep up the great work!!!!

Elisheva Friedman

Shmuel Diamond is a master photographer! His online course is clear, detailed, and very informative! I would highly recommend his course to aspiring photographers!

Bracha Weldler

----------- SUCCESS STORIES -----------

Testimonial listing - Bootsnipp.com

" I have learnt invaluable skills in this course and it was one of the best decisions I made in jump starting my career."

I highly recommend The Zero To Pro School Of Photography for anyone seriously interested in knowing the technicalities of proper photography whether for professional or personal pursuance.

Tamar Werner | View Website

"What sets the ZTP apart from any other photography school is Shmuel's ability to take an amateur photographer and help them build up to running a successful business within a matter of months."

Within the first few classes, I felt confident enough to start charging for my work and by the end of the course, not only had I mastered a professional level of photography, but I was also able to edit my work in both Lightroom and Photoshop. By enrolling in the ZTP, you are guaranteed to be learning from the most experienced, artistic and knowledgeable teacher who takes a personal interest in your progress and whose main goal is to get your photography business off the ground.

Rivka Levey | View Website

"I'm now a photographer, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. It's a big part of my life. I have one person to thank for that. Shmuel Diamond."

When you step into the course, you're not just learning from the top photographer himself, you're learning from someone who is constantly and consistently advancing toward more perfection.

Bayla Metz | View Website

"In just a few months I went from not knowing much to being where I am today."

I believe all that Shmuel Diamond has taught me is the reason for my successful business and photography skills, which I now possess.

Gitti Breiner | View Website

This course is a SHORTCUT!

to opening up your own successful family portrait photography business

IN UNDER 10 WEEKS!!!

This system has been proven by an amazing 80% success rate to be able to take a regular person with zero photographic knowledge and the most basic gear to become not just a professional photographer, but an excellent natural light professional photographer in under 10 weeks.

The results are mind blowing! Check out our students gallery to see the quality of their photography with very UNfancy gear and within 10 weeks!

Take a peek at the kind of PERSONAL CRITIQUES that are included in the Zero To Pro Masterclass

Testimonial listing - Bootsnipp.com

"Shmuel has a unique way of understanding and teaching photography in the most fascinating ways."

The material itself could not have been given over in a better way! I currently work as a full time photographer (Specialising in events, portraits and commercial/corporate photography). I now have all the tools and understanding to be able to specialise in any area of photography which I would like to pursue.

Elana Duchin | View Website

"Shmuel opened my eyes to the world of photography and helped me kick-start my business"

I learnt so much from Shmuel's courses they where presented in simple and easy way and packed with practical tips . I especially loved the textbook that came with the course, it was so helpful not having to take notes and its great to use it as a refresher down the line.

Rivka Rishall | View Website

Enroll in Course!

Below is an outline of the

system that forms the backbone of the

ZTP - Master Class!

Class One

What Are The Secret Ingredients?

In this class, you are introduced to the 10 graphical elements that create the basis for amazing imagery and the one key element that when missing renders the picture irrelevant.

SD will reveal to you the most simple yet profound laws of composition using the best example images giving you total clarity and a depth of understanding that you would never believe possible!

Learn the 10 graphical elements that make the image taste “delicious”.
Learn the one element that EVERY image MUST contain to make it a “successful” image.
Receive clear instructions and examples of 6 homework assignments that will help you further digest this classes ideas and concepts.

Class Two

Stay Focused!

In this class you are introduced to the three major elements that impact the composition of an image and the fundamentals of focus.

Learn the simple, yet never spoken about topic of the point of which your eye enters any given image and what a vital role it plays in holding the composition together.
Have your previous (mis)conceptions of the rule of thirds smashed down and learn the profound depth of this widely misunderstood fundamental law of every image.
Learn why and how cropping in close improves your photo tenfold.
Learn the one word that gives a clarity on focus that you could never have imagined and the three conditions that when not present will make focusing your camera impossible.
Receive clear instructions and examples of 4 homework assignments that will help you further digest this classes ideas and concepts.

Class Three

Think Slow, Fast!

In this class you SD begins to reveal the SYSTEM that will give you the clarity that you have been dreaming of! You will be introduced to the concept of exposure in general and shutter speed in particular.

Get totally clear on what exactly exposure is. SD leaves all the confusing tech talk at the door and begins to build his unique SYSTEM in simple, down to earth language.
Learn the fundamental principle regarding exposure (that most people don’t know) that will give you instant clarity!
Learn how simply shutter speed “fits” into the SYSTEM that you will begin to see unfold before your eyes.
Watch as SD breaks down shutter speed into two simple components (relationship to exposure & effect) that will give you a breathtaking clarity as to the what, how and why of shutter speed.
SD will reveal to you the “magic number” that will make sure that your pictures are always pin sharp.
Learn the “steady stance” that will ensure pin sharp images.
Receive clear instructions and examples of 5 homework assignments that will help you further digest this classes ideas and concepts.

Class Four

A Hole Lot Of Fun!

Building on the SYSTEM that was introduced in class three, SD demystifies aperture & depth of field and begins tying the ends together. At this point you will be thoroughly excited as you see the SYSTEM coming together before your eyes, or more accurately, between your ears ;)

Just like with shutter speed, SD also breaks down aperture into two simple components (relationship to exposure & effect) alluding to the deep connection between shutter speed and aperture.
SD introduces you to focal length (aka “zoom”) with super clear examples and shows you how it affects more than just how cropped in you go.
Prepare to have the “full frame sensor” and “crop frame sensor” conundrum solved in a just a few moments— Using as few numbers as possible but not compromising any depth of understanding.
Learn why as you zoom in with the more basic lenses your aperture changes, even when you don’t want it to :(
Learn the two words to add onto “Depth Of Field” that completely demystify the entire concept and tie it together with focus
Learn the four rules (in the correct order) to minimize your DOF that will give you the maximum blur in your background.
Find out how aperture is NOT the most important factor that determines your DOF and how this is probably the biggest misconception in photography!
Finally SD reveals to you the “Door Analogy” that seamlessly binds together shutter speed and aperture that will leave you breathless as you suddenly realise just how clear everything has become!
Receive clear instructions and examples of 3 homework assignments that will help you further digest this classes ideas and concepts.

Class Five

Bringing It All Back Home

In this class SD adds the final touches to complete the entire SYSTEM that he has constructed in your mind, step by step, during the previous classes. Everyone gasps when they experience that “aha” moment when it all comes together! This lesson provides the clarity every photographer longs for but very few ever achieve!

SD introduces the final part of the puzzle — ISO. Again, splitting it into two simple components (relationship to exposure & effect), SD seamlessly places ISO into the SYSTEM that he’s built in your mind until now!
At this point SD reveals to you the six words that he refers to as “portrait photography in a nutshell”. In these six words are the answers to every question you have regarding what to set your shutter speed, aperture and ISO to.
SD takes the door analogy that he used in class 4 to explain the relationship of shutter speed to aperture one step further and shows how ISO is just as much a part of the puzzle.
You are then guided through a complicated looking table that will demonstrate to you, first hand, that you are now crystal clear on the exact relationship between shutter speed, aperture and ISO. You will JUMP WITH JOY at this point!
SD now demonstrates the above table by taking two pictures with totally opposite settings and achieves the exact same exposure but with totally different effects. The feeling of satisfaction at this moment is indescribable! It is at this point in the course that you will be able to say “I fully understand photography”.
Receive clear instructions and examples of 2 homework assignments that will help you further digest this classes ideas and concepts.

Class Six

Sunset Is My Favorite Color

Now that you have the SYSTEM down it’s time to discuss some other important ideas and concepts—Namely Different focusing modes and when they are useful, white balance and how simple it really is and finally the big question—RAW or JPEG.

Bypassing all the unnecessary fluff, SD hones in on the two primary systems used to focus your camera and clearly explains, with plenty of poignant examples, what they are and when exactly to use them.
Chapter 2 of this class deals with everyone's least favorite subject—White balance. But within a few moments, SD reveals the 3 rule system that he developed that he personally uses at the highest commercial level. This simple system avoids ALL the unnecessary suffering usually associated with the topic. You could never have imagined how simple WB could be!
In the following chapter, SD discusses the RAW v JPEG dilemma. He presents the arguments for both sides, tells you exactly what he does and them recommends exactly what you should do. To hear such clarity and decisiveness on the topic is a total breath of fresh air!
Receive clear instructions and examples of 4 homework assignments that will help you further digest this classes ideas and concepts.

Class Seven

Manual or Auto? That Is The Question!

This final class ties up the few remaining functions, concepts and techniques that will make a difference to your photography. Auto (although shunned by most) has its time and place. SD discusses what that time and place is. Other topics discussed are silhouettes, the rules for selecting your background and then SD reveals his “Three Golden Rules” to commercially viable portrait photography—a simple mnemonic that you will carry with you always!

SD quickly and relevantly explains the difference between Av (A on Nikon), Tv (S on Nikon), P and M and reveals the trick of AEL that turns the Auto functions into useful options in the right situation.
The different metering modes and exposure compensation, potentially complicated concepts, are simplified and demystified, and as usual SD explains exactly how and when these functions have a practical application.
Learn exactly what a silhouette is and how you can quickly and effortlessly obtain one using your AEL button.
Learn the two immutable rules that make finding the perfect background as easy as 1-2-3.
At this point SD takes you full circle and closes the course by revealing the “Three Golden Rules” that will have you taking perfect pictures of people every time!
Receive clear instructions and examples of 5 homework assignments that will help you further digest this classes ideas and concepts.

Click here! to view and download an outline of the core syllabus of the Get.It.Straight! course that comprises the backbone of the ZTP - Master Class!

Course Curriculum

Getting Started

Available in days

days after you enroll

Class 1 - The Secret Ingriedients

Available in days

days after you enroll

Class 2 - Stay Focused

Available in days

days after you enroll

Post-Production Workshop

Available in days

days after you enroll

Class 3 - Think Slow, Fast!

Available in days

days after you enroll

Class 4 - A Hole Lot Of Fun!

Available in days

days after you enroll

Putting it all into practice - On Location

Available in days

days after you enroll

Start
On Location with Shmuel (13:14)

Class 5 - Bringing It All Back Home

Available in days

days after you enroll

Cracking The Code To Perfect Family Posing

Available in days

days after you enroll

Class 6 - Sunset Is My Favorite Color

Available in days

days after you enroll

Adobe Photoshop Workshop

Available in days

days after you enroll

Class 7 - Manual or Auto? That's The Question!

Available in days

days after you enroll

Certificate

Available in days

days after you enroll

Start
Your Certificate!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a camera and if so, which one do I need?

You for sure need a camera! A DSLR is recommended, as you will very quickly get frustrated by a fancy compact or bridge camera. Professional photographers generally fall into either Canon or Nikon users. SD shoots with Canon and recommends Canon, just like Ken Rockwell says "If you're starting out, go Canon today"- It's going to be complicated enough choosing which Canon camera to buy. Please check out our camera buying advice video that you can find as a FREE preview above at the beginning of the curriculum.

Why is the course SO expensive?

The truth is that when you think about what you get the course is the OPPOSITE of expensive! What stands above the huge investment of time, money and energy in converting our successful physical school into this online experience is the actual contact that you will have with SD. He is available to answer your questions through the comment functions on every page of the website, but more importantly he will PERSONALLY be critiquing your weekly homeworks and photoshoots. Each week SD will respond to your homework uploads with a completely personalized screencast where he will thoroughly critique each of your images. The mistake people often make in photography is thinking that the investment should be in the equipment. Equipment helps for sure, but investing money into your photographic education is much wiser, and usually a LOT cheaper! ;)

What if I am unhappy with the course?

We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

How long do I have access to the course?

The content will be fed to you according to the curriculum over the course of 10 weeks. This is to help you organize your schedule so you can create some kind of structure for yourself. Once you have received access to a particular class, you will have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.

Why can't I just learn photography on Youtube?

The problem with learning photography on Youtube is that the information has not be systemized for you. All the information is out there but unorganized information is usually worse than no information at all. Possibly the most amazing thing about this course is how the information has been structured and systemized. Each class builds on the next and the system that SD uses to teach each new concept is the same as the previous meaning that you will see it ALL come together in a magical symphony of information! ;)

What do I come out with?

A clear knowledge of portrait photography practically and theoretically; The ability to critique your own work and that of others; The know how to create your own website, client area and online archive; The ability to edit and organize you images and most importantly the confidence to push yourself further and thrive as a small business owner. btw, you get a certificate at the end if pass all the tests and your final shoot gets a thumbs up by SD ;)

Do I receive some kind of certification?

You will receive a certificate on completion of the course if you pass all the tests and SD grades your final family shoot with a pass

Who is this course for?

This course if for people who know nothing about photography but are taking nice pictures on their phone and are interested in it. It is also for people who have been trying to learn photography but with little success. It is also for people who have been successful in learning but feel that there are holes in their knowledge. It is also for someone who is looking for a new direction to go in, like a new mother , or even grandmother ;) The chances are that if you are reading this it is for you ;)

The results are literally unbelievable...

The results are literally unbelievable...

The results are literally unbelievable...

The results are literally unbelievable...

Your Instructor

The results are literally unbelievable...

" I have learnt invaluable skills in this course and it was one of the best decisions I made in jump starting my career."

"What sets the ZTP apart from any other photography school is Shmuel's ability to take an amateur photographer and help them build up to running a successful business within a matter of months."

"I'm now a photographer, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. It's a big part of my life. I have one person to thank for that. Shmuel Diamond."

"In just a few months I went from not knowing much to being where I am today."

"Shmuel has a unique way of understanding and teaching photography in the most fascinating ways."

"Shmuel opened my eyes to the world of photography and helped me kick-start my business"

See How Far Our Students Have Come!

Course Curriculum

Frequently Asked Questions

Get started now!

Single Payment Coupon Discount

Connect With The School!