The Academy with John Gress
Welcome
Master Lighting. Elevate Your Craft. Grow Your Business.
I built The Academy with John Gress to give photographers like you the tools and support I wish I had when I started. This members-only platform is designed to help you master lighting and take your photography to the next level. Each month, I share new videos that break down essential techniques, explore advanced lighting setups, and introduce creative concepts to help you grow.
Whether you’re refining your portfolio or building a successful photography business, the Academy provides the guidance and community you need to succeed.
My Journey and Mission
My photography journey began when I took my mom’s point-and-shoot camera to summer camp—a simple moment that sparked a lifelong passion. That spark grew into a career capturing images for America’s top companies and leading international publications like Time and US Weekly. Recognized as “one of the nation’s foremost experts on lighting” by Professional Photographer Magazine, I’m passionate about sharing my decades of experience to help you develop both technically and creatively. This platform is designed to give you real-world knowledge and practical tools to succeed in today’s competitive photography industry.
What Makes the Academy Different?
- Complete 8-Part Flash Photography Course: A guided learning path covering everything from lighting basics to advanced multi-light setups. With over 11,000 words of written instruction and hours of video content, you’ll build confidence and creativity in your work.
- Exclusive Monthly Video Tutorials: Access over 80 in-depth tutorials covering lighting, posing, business strategies, and post-production. New content is added monthly to keep your skills sharp.
- Live Q&A and Critique Sessions: Join twice-monthly live sessions to ask questions, get feedback, and grow with the Academy community.
- Early Access to YouTube Content: Watch new YouTube videos before anyone else—ad-free and without interruptions. Please note that some videos may still include brief sponsor mentions.
- Private Community Access: Connect with other photographers in our exclusive Facebook group to exchange feedback, ideas, and support.
Improve your photography skills today with our online learning platform. Free 3-day trial.
Academy Access
- 1 exclusive tutorial video every month
- 2 Live Q&A and critiques sessions per month
- Over 80 Exclusive videos and counting
- Days of exclusive content
- Early access to my YouTube videos
- Exclusive zfacebook group
- Discounts on in person workshops
- 1:1 Monthly Mentoring
Academy Access
- 1 exclusive tutorial video every month
- 2 Live Q&A and critiques sessions per month
- Over 80 Exclusive videos and counting
- Days of exclusive content
- Early access to my YouTube videos
- Exclusive Facebook group
- Discounts on in person workshops
- 1:1 Monthly Mentoring
Academy Access plus 30-minute 1:1 Mentoring Sessions
THE GRESS GUILD
- Academy Access
- 1 30-Minute 1:1 Mentoring Session Per Month
THE GRESS GUILD
- Academy Access
- 12 30-Minute 1:1 Mentoring Session Per Year
Academy Access plus 60-minute 1:1 Mentoring Sessions
Academy Access plus 60-minute 1:1 Mentoring Sessions
THE APPRENTICESHIP
- Academy Access
- 1 60-Minute 1:1 Mentoring Session Per Month
THE APPRENTICESHIP
- Academy Access
- 12 60-Minute 1:1 Mentoring Session Per Year