The perfect entry-point for birth and lifestyle photographers hungry to transition into keepsake filmmaking
INVEST NOW AND DELIVER BIRTH FILMS WITH CONFIDENCE IN 2026
If you’re a birth photographer who has considered expanding into videography but feels overwhelmed by where to start, SSBV foundational course is the perfect first step for you.
This course is designed for those who:
Are ready to start offering birth films but don’t know where to begin.
Are looking for a manageable, self-paced course that doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Need a low-cost, entry-level option before diving into more advanced videography training.
Want to learn the core skills for filming birth stories without the higher cost of comprehensive learning experiences like the SSBV signature course.
Plan to work towards the SSBV Advanced Course later but want to lay the foundation with essential filmmaking skills first.
Click on the headings below to preview the content covered in each module
Welcome to SSBV Foundations + Important Info
Navigating Your Course Player
Creative Mindsets for Storytelling Success
Additional Support — Community Memberships
Before We Begin...
Introduction to Storytelling Overview
Video Production—What Sets Videography Apart from Photography?
The Role of the Storyteller—What Does It Take To Communicate Effectively?
Anatomy of a Story—What Makes a Good Story?
Next Steps — Creating Stories With Depth
Get to Know Your Equipment Overview
Camera Equipment—Birth Filmmakers Kit Essentials
Audio Equipment—Optimise the Quality of Your Audio Recording
Camera Operation—Video Related Camera Settings
Lighting Solutions—Filming in Low Light and Fixing Banding
Camerawork Essentials Overview
Camerawork Fundamentals—Three Dimensions of Videography
Static Shots—Harnessing Movement Within the Frame
Camerawork Assignment: Practice Static Shots
Moving Shots—Introducing Camera Movement
Camerawork Assignment: Practice Moving Shots
Creative Shots—Spicing Up Your Camerawork
Camerawork Assignment: Practice Creative Shots
Case Study: Grey's Anatomy (Identify Shot Types and camera Techniques )
Camerawork Wrap Up Q&A
Importance of Audio
Dialogue—Establish Authenticity, Personality and Connection
Narratives—Drive Your Story and Add Depth to Your Films
Talking Heads—Communicate Important Information and Establish Connection
Ambient Sound—Establish Atmosphere and Sense of Place and Time
Music—Drive Your Visuals, Reinforce Stylistic Choices and Evoke Emotion
Sound FX—Reinforce Your Visuals and Build Immersive Soundscapes
Silence—Create Breathing Room and Heighten the Authenticity of a Moment
Recording Quality Audio
Assignment: Recording Audio
By the end of the SSBV foundational course, you will have:
Mastered the core techniques for shooting the essential audio and visual building blocks for birth filmmaking.
Developed a solid foundation in videography production that allows you to transition smoothly from photography to film.
Laid the groundwork for more in depth training in birth filmmaking, with the opportunity to upgrade to the SSBV Advanced Course at discounted rate when you’re ready to level up your skills.
Melanie Lopez—SSBV 2025
SSBV Foundational Course Breakdown (USD)
| SSBV Foundational Curriculum | 8+ hours of evergreen video lessons | $795 |
| Learning Supports | Case studies, assignments & downloadable resources | $200 |
| Future Add-On Discount | Save 40% on additional purchases such as; Member Community inclusions, SSBV Advanced Course, Group Calls, 1:1 Mentorship and Film Festival Submissions | Bonus! (Value: $20–$718+) |
| Total Program Value | Summed value of all course components and bonuses | $1,713+ |
| Enrollment Price | One-time payment option | $995 |
| Payment Plan | 12 monthly payments | $89/month ($1068) |
tap into the resources, know-how and connection on offer within our community memberships
Get Connected is your creative homebase. Access a global circle of filmmakers, join chats, ask questions, and celebrate wins. Be inspired by peers and guided by award-winning filmmaker Dania Lauren as you share ideas, collaborate, and grow your craft
Get Engaged combines community with monthly group mentorship. Grow your skills, stay accountable, and connect with filmmakers worldwide. Receive feedback and guidance from peers and award-winning filmmaker Dania Lauren.
Get Activated unlocks the premium membership: community, mentorship, a resource library, and Film Fest submission. Collaborate, showcase your work, and learn from peers and award-winning filmmaker Dania Lauren.
[Dania] Lauren+ [Andrew] Douglas
The Foundational Course is designed for birth photographers who want to expand their skills into videography. If you’re eager to learn the basics of birth videography and develop a strong foundation, the SSBV Foundational Course is the perfect starting point!
The SSBV Foundational Course includes: 8+ hours of lessons covering the basics of filmmaking, including camera settings, shooting techniques, and an introduction to editing. Assignments to help you practice and solidify your new skills. These core elements will give you the essential tools you need to start filming birth with confidence.
Ongoing (lifetime) access. Revisit lessons anytime and at your own pace, giving you the flexibility to learn around your schedule.
Mentorship is optional. Add 1:1 or group sessions at a discounted rate to receive expert guidance, feedback on projects, and accelerate your learning.
Yes! Hands-on assignments help you apply skills in real-life scenarios. Optional community support and project critiques can be purchased as add-ons to ensure your storytelling continues to improve.
Created by husband-and-wife duo at Lauren + Douglas, SSBV Foundations draws on decades of documentary filmmaking experience and years of training emerging creatives. Dania is a multi-award-winning photographer and videographer, recognised as one of the most influential birth storytellers in Australia and internationally.
What truly sets SSBV Foundations apart is the instructors’ unique coaching style, blending creativity, experience, and a passion for empowering students to discover their own storytelling voice. Designed as the essential first step in the SSBV journey, this course provides a solid foundation to confidently launch your birth filmmaking practice and prepare for advanced storytelling in SSBV Advanced.
Community access is optional but highly recommended. Connect with fellow creatives, share work, and get ongoing support. Membership can be added at a discounted rate. Community memberships are currently available at never to be repeated foundational rates.
Film Festival submissions are not included but come included in our get engaged and get activated community memberships. Showcase your work and gain exposure in a supportive, professional environment.
Yes! Your foundational skills give you a strong starting point. Upgrading allows access to advanced workflows, conceptualisation, and deeper mentorship opportunities.
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