Soulful Storytellers for Birth Videographers Foundational Course

The perfect entry-point for birth and lifestyle photographers hungry to transition into keepsake filmmaking

A power-packed introduction to keepsake filmmaking—this self-paced course focuses on establishing solid foundations for videography essentials such as: storytelling, camerawork and editing. If you're a birth or family photographer keen to cash in on the increasing demand for audio-visual storytelling and take the first steps towards offering emotive films to your clients the SSBV foundation course is the perfect kick-start to your learning journey.

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.

Graphics for the Soulful Storytellers for Birth Videographers Foundational Course including table outlining course inclusions and text promoting the launch day sale coming soon! Design using brand fonts and colours with logo on forrest green background

This is for you if...

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.

SSBV Foundational Course Preview

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

    1. Welcome to SSBV Foundations + Important Info

    2. Navigating Your Course Player

    3. Creative Mindsets for Storytelling Success

    4. Additional Support — Community Memberships

    5. 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 Overview

    2. Video Production—What Sets Videography Apart from Photography?

    3. The Role of the Storyteller—What Does It Take To Communicate Effectively?

    4. Anatomy of a Story—What Makes a Good Story?

    5. Next Steps — Creating Stories With Depth

    1. Get to Know Your Equipment Overview

    2. Camera Equipment—Birth Filmmakers Kit Essentials

    3. Audio Equipment—Optimise the Quality of Your Audio Recording

    4. Camera Operation—Video Related Camera Settings

    5. Lighting Solutions—Filming in Low Light and Fixing Banding

    1. Camerawork Essentials Overview

    2. Camerawork Fundamentals—Three Dimensions of Videography

    3. Static Shots—Harnessing Movement Within the Frame

    4. Camerawork Assignment: Practice Static Shots

    5. Moving Shots—Introducing Camera Movement

    6. Camerawork Assignment: Practice Moving Shots

    7. Creative Shots—Spicing Up Your Camerawork

    8. Camerawork Assignment: Practice Creative Shots

    9. Case Study: Grey's Anatomy (Identify Shot Types and camera Techniques )

    10. Camerawork Wrap Up Q&A

    1. Importance of Audio

    2. Dialogue—Establish Authenticity, Personality and Connection

    3. Narratives—Drive Your Story and Add Depth to Your Films

    4. Talking Heads—Communicate Important Information and Establish Connection

    5. Ambient Sound—Establish Atmosphere and Sense of Place and Time

    6. Music—Drive Your Visuals, Reinforce Stylistic Choices and Evoke Emotion

    7. Sound FX—Reinforce Your Visuals and Build Immersive Soundscapes

    8. Silence—Create Breathing Room and Heighten the Authenticity of a Moment

    9. Recording Quality Audio

    10. Assignment: Recording Audio

About This Course

  • $995.00
  • 59 lessons
  • 9.5 hours of video content

The Transformation

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.

What Our Students Say

Melanie Lopez—SSBV 2025

“I had my first birth to film, and it was fast and furious—baby arrived just 10 minutes after I got there! I was nervous, but thanks to the lessons in SSBV Foundational Course, I was able to stay calm, get usable footage, and really apply what I had learned. I can honestly say I would have crumbled without the course—it gave me the confidence and skills to capture the moments that truly matter.”
Photo of SSBV 2025 student Melanie Lopez

Why Choose the SSBV Foundational Course?

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

  • Designed for Birth Photographers

    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.

  • Build Your Confidence

    Master the fundamentals at your own pace, without the pressure of advanced techniques. By the end of this course, you’ll feel confident in your ability to shoot and edit emotional, cinematic birth films.

  • Self-Paced, Flexible Learning

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

  • Affordable Pricing

    SSBV Foundational Course is an entry-level, cost-effective option that makes videography accessible, without compromising the quality and training you deserve. It’s the perfect way to start your journey without a large upfront investment.

  • Foundational Learning

    The course covers storytelling and videography camerawork essentials with a focus on filming in the birth space, giving you a solid foundation that prepares you for real-world projects from day one.

  • Upgrade Opportunity

    Once you’ve completed the SSBV Foundational Course, you’ll have the option to upgrade to the SSBV Advanced Course (with an exclusive discount) allowing you to continue your videography education as your skill and confidence grows.

What You Get + Pricing

SSBV Foundational Course Breakdown (USD)

Course Content & Creative Practice
SSBV Foundational Curriculum 8+ hours of evergreen video lessons $795
Learning Supports Case studies, assignments & downloadable resources $200
Bonuses & Perks
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+)
Value + Pricing
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)

Looking for additional support?

tap into the resources, know-how and connection on offer within our community membership

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
Black and White Photo of Instructors | Soulful Storytellers

FAQs

  • Who is the SSBV Foundational Course for?

    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!

  • What's included in the foundational course?

    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.

  • How long will I have access to the course?

    Ongoing (lifetime) access. Revisit lessons anytime and at your own pace, giving you the flexibility to learn around your schedule.

  • Is mentorship included?

    Mentorship is optional. Add 1:1 or group sessions at a discounted rate to receive expert guidance, feedback on projects, and accelerate your learning.

  • Are there practical assignments?

    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.

  • What makes this course different from others?

    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.

  • Is community access included?

    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.

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

    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.

  • Can I upgrade to the Signature or Advanced course later?

    Yes! Your foundational skills give you a strong starting point. Upgrading allows access to advanced workflows, conceptualisation, and deeper mentorship opportunities.

Ready to Begin?

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