The perfect entry-point for birth and lifestyle photographers hungry to transition into keepsake filmmaking
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 video and important info
How to use this course
Healthy mindsets
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?
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
Videography camerawork overview
Camerawork Fundamentals—Three Dimensions of Videography
Composition
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 )
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
Production Strategies Overview
Mindfulness—Awareness of Place in Space and Time
Filming Strategies—Practical tips to Elevate Your Filmmaking!
Filming to Edit—Record Building Blocks That Can Be Edited Together Effectively To Tell Your Story
In-Camera Edits—Putting Filming to Edit Strategies Into Practice
Expanding from photography into birth films is a natural next step, but knowing where to start is the first hurdle to overcome
By the end of the SSVE 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.
SSBV Foundational Course Breakdown (USD)
| Private Member Community | Supportive Facebook space with ongoing access | Included free (Value: $400) |
| Community Chat | Ask questions and engage in discussion with instructors and community | Included free (Value: $100) |
| SSVE Curriculum | 8+ hours of evergreen video lessons | $900 |
| Learning Supports | Case studies, assignments & downloadable resources | $200 |
| Ongoing Course + Community Access | No deadlines. No pressure. Just lasting support for your creative journey. | Bonus! |
| Future Add-On Discount | Save 40% on additional purchases including 1:1 mentorship | Bonus! (Value: $20–$480+) |
| SSBV Upgrade Discounts | Upgrade to SSBV bundles with VIP discount codes | Bonus! |
| Total Program Value | Summed value of all course components and bonuses | $2,450+ |
| Enrollment Price | One-time payment option | $1,100 |
| Payment Plan | 12 monthly payments | $95/month ($1140) |
[Dania] Lauren+ [Andrew] Douglas
Dania Lauren — Lauren + Douglas Photography and Films
the Foundational Course is designed for birth photographers who want to expand their skills into videography but don’t know where to start. 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.
Access to the community for support and interaction with fellow students.
These core elements will give you the essential tools you need to start filming birth with confidence.
Absolutely! If you already have experience with photography, the SSBV Foundational Course will help you learn the essential videography skills and techniques required for capturing birth and family stories on film. You’ll learn how to apply your existing knowledge to video, so you can transition smoothly and confidently into keepsake filmmaking.
The Foundational Course focuses on the core skills needed to start filming birth stories. It’s perfect for beginners and is focused on foundational lessons in storytelling and camerawork with an introduction to editing.
On the other hand, SSBV Core (and its upgraded tiers, Plus and Elevate) offers more in-depth learning with an integrated storytelling project and optional group mentorship, and 1:1 coaching. While SSVE gives you the basics, SSBV offers a more comprehensive experience that dives deeper into advanced videography for birth filmmakers.
Yes! You can upgrade to the SSBV Advanced Course at any time. As a SSBV Foundational Course student, you will receive an exclusive add-on discount code that can be used for any future purchase such as; the SSBV Advanced Course, Group Mentorship and 1:1 Mentorship Packages.
When you enrol in any of our SSBV courses or bundles, you’ll have ongoing (lifetime) access to the course content. You can learn at your own pace and revisit lessons whenever you need. There’s no rush to complete it in a set time frame—you’re free to take the course and progress at your own pace.
Yes, SSBV Foundational Course includes access to our supportive community, where you can engage with other birth and family photographers/videographers. The community is always available, so you can interact with others, ask questions, and get feedback on your work whenever you need it.
You don’t need to buy any special equipment for the SSBV Foundational Course, but you’ll benefit from using a camera that allows you to shoot video (any DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone that supports video). We'll guide you on what basic gear works well for birth videography and how to maximize what you already have.
Once you’ve completed SSBV Foundational Course, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to start filming birth stories. You can then choose to continue learning by upgrading to the SSBV Advance Course to dive deeper into documentary storytelling techniques and optional group mentorship, and more personalized learning.
You’ll also be able to share your work with the community, get feedback, and continue to grow as a birth filmmaker.
Sign up to VIP list to unlock exclusive discount on launch day
Regular price
3 x $375 (1,125)
12 x $95 (1,140)
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