Soulful Storytellers for Birth Videographers Advanced Course

The Perfect Launch Pad for Birth Videographers hungry to elevate their filmming

Take your birth filmmaking to the next level with the SSBV Advanced course—a streamlined, affordable pathway to keepsake storytelling mastery. Skip the foundations and dive straight into crafting films with depth, following a tried and tested documentary storytelling workflow, guiding you from research and conceptualisation through to editing and exporting for delivery.

Purchase an additional community membership to unlock private member group, chat and events as well as optional group and 1:1 mentorship to continue refining your voice, elevating your films, and delivering birth stories that resonate for years to come.

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January Intake Sale On Now!

INVEST NOW AND DELIVER BIRTH FILMS WITH FRESH CREATIVITY IN 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, now is perfect time to level-up your storytelling offerings and join the next wave of Soulful Storytellers. Sign up to SSBV Advanced today and delivering birth films with fresh creativity and confidence in 2026.

Unlock 40% off with code: FINAL40
Sale ends 1st January 2026.
Enrol Today - 12 month Plan
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This is for you if...

Push your birth filmmaking to the next level with a course designed for storytellers ready to deepen their craft and create films that truly move families.

This course is designed for you if...

  • You’ve mastered the basics of birth videography and want to elevate your storytelling to a cinematic, emotive level.

  • You’re eager to refine your editing, pacing, and visual narrative to create films that feel intentional and soulful.

  • You want to learn learn how to use research and conceptualisation to bring depth to your storytelling

  • You’re ready to put new storytelling strategies and techniques into practice with an integrated storytelling project

  • You’re committed to growing your creative voice, standing out in the birth filmmaking industry, and offering clients films they’ll treasure forever.

SSBV Advanced Course preview

Click on the headings below to preview the content covered in each module

    1. Welcome + Important Information

    2. Navigating Your Course Player

    3. What to Expect — Storytelling Project + Film Fest

    4. Creative Mindsets for Storytelling Success

    5. Additional Support — Community Memberships

    6. Before We Begin...

    1. Welcome Icebreaker and Overview

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Introductions—Get to Know the Community

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. Our Story—Get to Know Your Instructors

      FREE PREVIEW

    1. Introduction to Storytelling / Filmmaking Workflow Overview

    2. Creating Stories With Depth—Helpful Analogies and Frameworks

    3. Storytelling Workflow—Navigating the Documentary Filmmaking Creative Process

    4. Getting Started with Your Storytelling Project

    5. Project Workbook: Define Your Story

    1. The Importance of Conducting Research

    2. Taking Stock—Fostering a Curiosity to Learn More About Your Story

    3. Strategic Research—Optimising Your Workflow

    4. Frame Your Research—Covering the Full Depth of the Story

    5. Scouting Locations—Opportunities For a Creative and Organisational Edge

    6. Storytelling Project—Next Steps

    7. Project Workbook: Conducting Research

    8. Project Workbook: Frame Your Research

    1. Conceptualisation Pt.1 Overview

    2. What is a Birth Film?—Provoking a Reimagining of the Birth Filmmaking Craft

    3. Documentary Formats—Inspiration From Mainstream Cinema

    4. Themes & Threads—Reinforcing the Heart of the Story

    5. Establishing Your Style / Look & Feel—Infusing Films With Personality and Creativity

    6. Next Steps—Identify Formats, Themes, Threads and Style in Case Studies

    1. Case Study Assignment: The Birth of Finn

    2. The Birth of Finn: Identifying Formats, Themes, Threads and Style

    3. Case Study Assignment: The Birth of Farah

    4. The Birth of Farah: Identifying Formats, Themes, Threads and Style

About this course

  • $1,795.00
  • 91 lessons
  • 12.5 hours of video content
  • Integrated Storytelling Workbook
  • Downloadable Resources

The Transformation

By the end of the SSVE Advanced Course, you will:

  • Master a tried and tested storytelling workflow, and be equipped with editing strategies and problem solving techniques that you can apply to every birth you capture.

  • Move beyond basic storytelling to create emotionally compelling, beautifully paced stories that resonate with families for years to come.

  • Develop a signature style that distinguishes your work, builds client trust, and positions you as a sought-after birth filmmaker.

What Our Students Say

Heidi Daniels—SSBV 2023

“The course content was so in-depth, I knew it was the year I wanted to take my films to the next level. Now, when I’m filming a birth, I can see the story unfolding in my mind instead of just hoping I have enough footage. Switching to Resolve and streamlining my editing workflow has made tackling multiple films so much easier. This course has helped me transition from simple videos to truly cinematic storytelling.”
Photo of SSBV 2023 student Martha Kong standing on beach sand dunes with camera in hand and wind wept hair

Join the next wave of Soulful Storytellers

SSBV26 January intake enrolments close in...

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Enrol Today - 12 month plan

Why Choose the SSBV Advanced Course?

Your perfect starting point for building confidence and mastering videography basics as a birth photographer

  • Designed for Birth Storytellers

    We understand the unique challenges of shooting birth films and have tailored this course specifically for you, making sure you’re prepared to tackle the nuances of the birth space.

  • Accelerated Learning Path

    By focusing directly on advance documentary conceptualisation, storytelling, and editing techniques, you get straight to the heart of creating emotive, professional birth films—without repeating foundational lessons.

  • Refine Your Creative Voice

    Deep-dive into documentary storytelling, editing, and narrative techniques designed to elevate your style and produce films that captivate clients and leave a lasting impression.

  • Self-Paced, Flexible Learning

    Learn at your own pace, on your own schedule. Whether you’re working full-time or balancing family life, SSBV Advanced Course lets you study whenever and wherever works for you.

  • Affordable, High-Impact Training

    Access the same award-winning coaching and industry-leading insights as our comprehensive signature course, but in a streamlined format that’s easier on your budget.

  • Upgrade Opportunity

    Continue developing your skills and confidence with discounted group and 1:1 mentorship sessions, giving you personalised guidance as you take your filmmaking to the next level.

What You Get + Pricing

SSBV Advanced Course Breakdown (USD)

Course Content & Creative Practice
SSBV Advanced Curriculum 9+ hours of evergreen video lessons $1195
Learning Supports Case studies, assignments, storytelling workbook & downloadable resources $600
Bonuses & Perks
Future Add-On Discount Save 40% on additional purchases such as: Member Community Inclusions, Group Call, 1:1 Mentorship and Film Festival Submissions Bonus!
(Value: $20–$480+)
Value + Pricing
Total Program Value Summed value of all course components and bonuses $2080+
Enrollment Price One-time payment option $1795
Payment Plan 12 monthly payments $156/month
($1872)

looking for additional support?

Tap into the resources, know-how and community on offer within our memberships

Meet the Instructors

[Dania] Lauren+ [Andrew] Douglas

Hi, we're Dania and Andrew and we're a husband and wife team with over 30 years of combined experience in the field of documentary filmmaking and storytelling. Our core business Lauren + Douglas offers artisan brand and lifestyle storytelling however crafting bespoke documentary-style birth films is our speciality.

Dania is the woman behind the lens when it comes to all things birth and is a multi-award winning photographer and videographer, recognised as one of the most influential birth videographers in Australia and worldwide. When he’s not wrangling our 4 kiddos you’ll find Andrew spearheading the development of the SSBV course and Soulful Storytellers community.

We’re both passionate about provoking a reimagining of birth films and are excited about helping fellow creatives elevate their storytelling craft in the process!
Learn more
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FAQs

  • Who is the SSBV Advanced Course for?

    This course is designed for birth photographers and videographers who already have foundational skills and want to dive deeper into storytelling, documentary workflows, and creating emotionally resonant films. It’s perfect if you want a streamlined, affordable path to cinematic birth films without repeating the basics.

  • Do I need to have completed the Signature or Foundational course first?

    No. While previous SSBV experience can be helpful, this course is designed to take you straight into advanced storytelling techniques. It’s ideal for those confident in their camera skills and ready to focus on conceptualisation, research, and narrative depth.

  • What kind of mentorship is included?

    The SSBV Advanced course doesn’t include mentorship by default, but you can purchase discounted 1:1 or group mentorship alongside your enrollment to refine your skills, receive feedback on your projects, and continue growing your confidence.

  • How long do I have access to the course?

    Ongoing (lifetime) access! You can revisit the lessons, workflows, and case studies whenever you need, at your own pace, and apply them to your projects in real time.

  • What makes this course different from other birth videography programs?

    SSBV Advanced focuses on storytelling with depth, using real L+D case studies, documentary-style research, and conceptualisation strategies. It’s designed by husband and wife duo at Lauren + Douglas, award-winning filmmakers who brings decades of experience and a proven method for empowering creatives to tell unique, soulful birth stories.

  • Can I take this course if I’m a photographer transitioning into videography?

    bsolutely! The course was designed with transitioning photographers in mind. You’ll gain hands-on guidance for capturing, structuring, and editing birth films while developing your narrative voice.

  • Are there assignments or projects included?

    Yes. The course includes practical exercises and real-world projects that encourage you to apply your learning immediately. You’ll also have the option to submit projects for mentorship feedback if you choose.

  • Is community access included?

    Community access is not included by default, but can be purchased as an add-on. Join other filmmakers to share work, ask questions, and gain inspiration.

  • Can I submit my films to the Soulful Storytellers Film Festival?

    Film Festival submission is optional and not included in the course price. Students can purchase submissions at a discounted rate to showcase their work.

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