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, SSVE 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 high cost of advanced courses like SSBV.
Plan to upgrade to SSBV later and want to lay the foundation with essential filmmaking skills.
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 SSVE, you will have:
Mastered the core techniques for shooting, framing, and editing videos with cinematic quality.
Developed a solid foundation in videography that allows you to transition smoothly from photography to film.
Laid the groundwork for advanced training in birth videography, with the opportunity to upgrade to SSBV at a discounted rate when you’re ready to level up your skills.
SSVE Foundational Course Bundle 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
SSVE 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, SSVE is the perfect starting point!
SSVE includes:
8+ hours of lessons covering the basics of filmmaking, including camera settings, shooting techniques, and 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 making birth films with confidence.
Absolutely! If you already have experience with photography, SSVE will help you learn the fundamental 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.
SSVE focuses on the core skills needed to start making birth films. It’s perfect for beginners and is more focused on foundational lessons in storytelling, camerawork, and 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 from SSVE to any level of SSBV at any time. As an SSVE student, you will receive exclusive upgrade discounts to move on to SSBV Core, Plus, or Elevate when you feel ready to expand your skills and take your keepsake films to the next level.
Important: Upgrade discounts are available during intake sales for SSBV courses, giving you the support and a accountability that comes when tracking through the SSBV experience with a cohort of like minded creatives.
When you enroll in SSVE, you’ll have ongoing (lifetime) access to the course content, so 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, SSVE 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 SSVE, 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 SSVE, you’ll have the foundational knowledge and confidence to start creating birth films. You can then choose to continue learning by upgrading to SSBV Core, Plus, or Elevate to dive deeper into advanced techniques, 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)
Join the VIP list for updates, soulful storytelling tips,
plus early access to intake sales and exclusive discounts.
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