Foundations PATHWAY
birth and family videography essentials
A supportive entry point for doulas and photographers stepping into birth + family keepsake videography
the transformation
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build strong foundations
Build confidence in the essential filming and audio techniques that form the backbone of birth filmmaking, so you know what to capture, what to prioritise and why it matters.
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step into filmmaking
Shift into movement, sound and story with confidence. Build solid production habits that make filming feel natural, achievable and creatively exciting.
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film with clarity
Replace confusion with a simple, reliable approach. Walk into births calm and prepared, capturing intentional footage that edits smoothly and supports your growth as a filmmaker.
experience value
Foundations Course Experience
1,000
Learning Supports & Resources
200+
Community & Studio Access
120+
Bonuses & Perks
150+
Foundations Experience Value (USD)
$1,470
A gentle entry into soulful storytelling, designed to build confidence, clarity, and creative momentum.
Every storyteller begins somewhere, with simple tools, clear guidance, and the confidence to start seeing stories in motion.
explore the coursework inside foundations
Discover the curriculum, filmmaking skills and guided learning experiences that help photographers and emerging filmmakers build confidence with filming, audio, editing and visual storytelling.
the foundations pathway experience
A confidence-building introduction to birth filmmaking, designed to help you develop the skills and understanding to begin filming and editing with intention.
- Foundations lessons designed for beginners
- Guided creative exercises to build filming confidence
- Simple workflow support to help you start editing without overwhelm
Foundations includes a place to connect with fellow filmmakers, share questions and feel part of the wider Soulful Storytellers community as you learn.
- Access to the Foundations community chat
- Community announcements and updates
- Opportunities to connect through shared community events
earning a new craft takes time. Foundations gives you room to revisit the lessons, put your skills into practice and decide where you would like to take your filmmaking next.
- Ongoing access to your Foundations course materials
- Time and space to practise and develop your skills
- The option to progress into Advanced and complete the full Signature apprenticeship when you're ready
Inside foundations, each layer of the experience is designed to support your growth, helping you build clarity, confidence, and momentum from the very beginning.
your investment
Choose the pace that best supports your season of life and creative growth.
Pay in Full
$1,200 USD
Best overall value for storytellers who prefer a simple, one-time investment.
6-Month Plan
$210 USD
A steady rhythm for storytellers building confidence and consistency.
All payment options include full Foundations access and support. Payment plans include a small convenience fee for extended scheduling.
part of a wider learning experience
Foundations is part of our annual guided apprenticeship intake, bringing together a community of filmmakers for a shared season of learning, connection and creative development.
Alongside your self-paced coursework, you'll have opportunities to connect through live orientations, community conversations, shared events and the annual Soulful Storytellers Film Fest.
room to keep growing
COntinue refining your craft with additional coursework and more personalised mentorship support
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advanced pathway
Build on the skills you've developed in Foundations and move deeper into documentary storytelling through guided learning and an integrated filmmaking project.
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soulful studio
Continue developing your creative voice through group mentorship, shared learning, community connection and access to our growing Studio Library. Available as an optional add-on at any time.
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private mentorship
Work directly with us through one-to-one creative mentorship, personalised film critique and feedback, or collaborative editing sessions tailored to your work and creative goals.
Foundations is designed for storytellers who
Are ready to move from stills into motion and want clear guidance on where to begin
Prefer a learning pace that feels manageable alongside real life and client work
Want to build strong technical habits before diving into deeper storytelling frameworks
Value clarity and confidence over rushing into complexity
Are looking for a pathway that can naturally grow with them as their storytelling evolves
prerequisites
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creative experience
A solid grasp of photography fundamentals such as composition and exposure.
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recommended equipment
DSLR / Mirrorless camera, video mic, laptop or desktop computer powerful enough to edit video.
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editing software
You're welcome to use your editing software of choice. We use the free version of DaVinci Resolve for our editing modules.
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optional equipment
Tripod, gimbal, steady-cam, cage, monitor, video light, GoPro / action cam, drone.
associated distinction
Emerging Documentary FILMMAKER
Artists who complete the Foundations Pathway may be recognised with the Emerging Documentary Filmmaker distinction in honour of their developing artistic voice and commitment to intentional documentary storytelling.
Designed to mark the beginning of an artist’s storytelling journey within the Soulful Storytellers community.
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.”
starting without technical experience
MIRANDA SLAYDON — SSBV 2026
“I came into the course with no real photography or videography background. I had a vision of the stories I wanted to tell, but I knew I didn't have the technical foundations yet. You've done such a great job of breaking things down, and I've grown so much as a storyteller and birth photographer along the way.”
looking for the complete apprenticeship experience?
Foundations is designed for storytellers building confidence with filming, audio and editing.
If you're looking for a more comprehensive pathway that combines Foundations, Advanced, mentorship, community and project support, explore SSBV Signature.
questions & clarity
Thoughtful answers to support your next step inside Soulful Storytellers.
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Foundations is designed for birth photographers stepping into videography and building strong filmmaking habits with clear, supportive guidance.
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Foundations supports photographers learning filmmaking from the ground up, Advanced focuses on storytelling and editing refinement, and Signature offers the complete apprenticeship experience. Storytellers are welcome to begin where the support best matches their goals.
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Foundations includes videography essentials training plus entry-level community access with chat, announcements, and invitations to community events such as live orientations and the annual Film Festival.
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You receive ongoing access to the Foundations course content so you can revisit lessons at your own pace.
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Mentorship is available through optional add-ons such as Soulful Studio or private 1:1 mentorship packages.
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Yes. Foundations provides a strong starting point for storytellers who choose to deepen their storytelling through Advanced later.
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A camera with manual controls, basic audio recording, and a laptop or desktop capable of processing video files and running editing software.
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Payment plans are available for flexible enrollment and are processed automatically according to the option selected at checkout.
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Because of the digital nature of the program and protection of intellectual property, all sales are final and refunds are not offered.
begin with foundations
Foundations is available through two payment options designed to support different stages of business and life.
other ways to learn
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ssbv signature
The complete apprenticeship experience combining structured learning, storytelling project development, mentorship support, and community connection.
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soulful studio
An ongoing mentorship and community experience designed to support creative growth through feedback conversations, shared learning, and meaningful connection.