SSBV Signature
the complete birth videography apprenticeship experience
Learn documentary keepsake filmmaking through a mentorship-supported apprenticeship designed to help photographers and videographers create emotive birth and family films with intention and confidence.
a birth videography course like no other
THE SSBV APPRENTICESHIP Approach to Learning Filmmaking
The Soulful Storytelling for Birth Videographers (SSBV) Signature apprenticeship was created around a simple belief: filmmaking is developed through practice, reflection and creative guidance.
Rather than focusing solely on technical instruction, Signature combines structured learning, a guided storytelling project, mentorship, community and real-world application into a single experience designed to support meaningful long-term creative growth.
The result is the ultimate birth videography apprenticeship pathway that helps filmmakers develop both their craft and creative voice while creating bespoke, story-driven heirloom films that clients and families will treasure for generations to come.
the transformation
-
create with intention
Craft birth films with purpose from the very beginning. Shape a clear story direction so you’re not simply capturing moments, you’re building meaning through every choice you make.
-
film with confidence
Step into births with confidence. Capture audio and visuals with intention, adapting naturally to real-life moments so your films feel deeply authentic, immersive and emotive.
-
deliver films that connect
Edit with clarity and finish with polish. Refine pacing, sound and storytelling choices to create timeless birth films families will return to for years to come.
experience value
Course Experience
2,800
Community & Studio Access
1,000+
Mentorship Experience
1,800+
Bonuses & Perks
400+
Signature Experience Value (USD)
$6,000+
The complete Signature pathway experience, offering immersive learning, mentorship, and ongoing support as you refine your voice and elevate your storytelling.
what students are saying…
-
![Portrait of Lisa Weingardt, Soulful Storytellers student and birth filmmaker.]()
“It is such an incredible community and has changed how I see and approach birth storytelling. I honestly love it so much, there is nothing that comes close to what you guys offer.”
Lisa Weingardt
-
![]()
“This course took my filmmaking to a whole new level. I now see the story as I film, instead of hoping I capture enough footage.”
Heidi Daniels
-
![]()
“Since completing the SSBV course my ability to convey the story that I’m seeing… that the families are experiencing has transformed and become much more of an art for me.”
Ashley Diaz
-
![]()
“I was doing the same thing, telling the same story over and over again. The SSBV course helped me to think outside the box and tell stories in a unique way.”
Martha Kong
-
![Photo of SSBV Student Melanie Lopez]()
“I wouldn’t feel confident filming and editing a birth without this course and I’ve taken other courses before."
Melanie Lopez
-
![Photo of SSBV Signature Student Lindsey Eden]()
“Currently taking the SSBV Signature course and it is INCREDIBLE. If you are looking to up your filmmaking game, this is the course for you.”
Lindsey Eden
-
![Photo of SSBV Student Sarah Romero]()
I’ve done a TON of education in my photo and film journey. There’s been some flops and big investment regrets, but hands down for birth film storytelling I recommend this course every single time.
Sarah Romero
-
![Phot of SSBV student Hannah Palamara]()
“Soulful Storytelling for Birth Videographers has completely changed my perspective on filmmaking and given me the tools to live out this dream of mine.”
Hannah Palamara
-
![Photo of SSBV Student Christine Ortiz]()
"I'm a little over halfway. like 60%. And I can tell this is going to be something I will go back through over and over again because the information that you guys provide is multi-level."
Christine Ortiz
Eventually, filmmaking becomes less about mastering techniques and more about becoming the storyteller you want to be.
inside the experience
A complete curriculum designed to move you beyond technical skills and into confident, emotive filmmaking.
- 18+ hours of SSBV curriculum
- Integrated storytelling workbook
- Assignments & case studies
- Film Festival submission opportunity
A calm, supportive space to ask questions, share wins, and stay creatively connected as you grow.
- Private members group
- Ongoing community chats
- Community events + replays
- Weekly accountability check-ins
Twice-monthly mentorship circles to guide real creative decisions — with support you can revisit when you need it.
- Twice-monthly live mentorship circles
- Mentorship circle chat
- Replays + curated highlights
- Multiple timezone-friendly options
Resources and perks designed to support your long-term creative evolution — without pressure or deadlines.
- Resource library
- Lifetime course access
- Ongoing support
- 50% add-on discounts
Inside the Soulful Storytelling for Birth Videographers signature apprenticeship, each layer of the experience is designed to support your growth, your confidence, and your evolution as a storyteller.
what storytellers leave with
Greater confidence crafting story-led birth films
A clearer storytelling voice
Portfolio-ready documentary keepsake films
Meaningful creative connections
Ongoing creative momentum
your investment
Choose the pace that best supports your season of life and creative growth
Pay in Full
$3,700 USD
Best overall value for storytellers who prefer a simple, one-time investment.
12-Month Plan
$327 USD
Designed for storytellers building sustainable growth alongside real life.
6-Month Plan
$635 USD
A faster payment window for those wanting strong momentum while moving through the pathway.
All payment options include full Signature access and support. Payment plans include a small convenience fee for extended scheduling.
explore the signature learning journey
Discover the curriculum, project experience and creative development pathway that guides students from videography fundamentals through to immersive, story-driven documentary keepsake filmmaking.
you're not learning alone
Signature students receive access to Soulful Studio, our mentorship-supported community where filmmakers continue developing their craft through feedback conversations, creative connection and shared milestones.
signature is designed for storytellers who
Want a complete pathway that combines filmmaking, storytelling and mentorship
Value a learning experience that combines education, community and support
Value guidance and accountability while building confidence in their creative decisions
Are ready to create films that feel intentional, emotionally resonant and deeply personal
Want to grow both their skills and identity as a storyteller
prerequisites
-
creative experience
A solid grasp of photography fundamentals such as composition and exposure
-
required equipment
DSLR / Mirrorless camera, video mic, laptop or desktop computer powerful enough to edit video.
-
editing software
You're welcome to use your editing software of choice. We use the free version of DaVinci Resolve for our editing modules.
-
optional equipment
Lav mics, tripod, gimbal, steady-cam, cage, monitor, video light, GoPro / action cam, drone.
associated distinction
ARTISAN Documentary FILMMAKER
Artists who complete the SSBV apprenticeship may be recognised with the Artisan Documentary Filmmaker distinction in honour of refined craftsmanship, emotional storytelling depth, and cinematic maturity.
Within Soulful Storytellers, the Artisan distinction represents a storyteller who has moved beyond technical filmmaking and into intentional, emotionally resonant documentary artistry.
stories from our ssbv students
-
![Bio Pic of SSBV Student Sarah Romero]()
Sarah Romero
I sent off both of the films that you guys helped me with that I am forever indebted for. The mom that I was so worried about said that she has not stopped crying and that everything was such a blur after it happened and that it was exactly what she needed to relive what happened, that it filled in so many gaps for her that she didn't realize had happened. So big sigh of relief there. I'm super excited. I am definitely going to go through the course again and rewatch everything. So I'm going to be also hanging in here with you guys again.
SSBV July 2024 Student
-
![Bio photo of SSBV Signature Student Martha Kong]()
Martha Kong
“It’s been incredible. I felt like I was doing the same thing over and over again, telling the same story. And doing this course has helped me to think outside the box—tell stories in a unique way. You really did not leave any stone unturned. There was just so much information. If we had questions, you guys were happy to answer them. I loved that. We had that group chat and we could flick you a message and everybody was able to help out and I had a real sense of community. I loved every part of the course.”
SSBV July 2023 Student
-
![Bio photo of SSBV Signature student Heidi Daniels]()
Heidi Daniels
“I knew that this was the year I wanted to take my films to the next level. My husband watched something of mine just recently, and he was like, wow, this is so different compared to your films a year ago—you’ve really done it! You’ve accomplished your goal of moving to this new level. And I feel that way too. I feel like I know as I’m filming how I’m going to be putting this story together. Instead of just sort of hoping that I get enough footage to make a cohesive story later, now I see it unfolding in my mind.”
SSBV July 2023 Student
-
![Bio photo of SSBV Signature student Ashley Diaz]()
Ashley Diaz
“This has been an absolutely incredible transformation for me as far as technique goes. I’ve had three births since I started this course with you guys and have been able to feel such a difference in my technique. I really feel like my ability to convey the story that I’m seeing… that the families are experiencing has transformed and become much more of an art for me instead of a desire to be able to convey a story. Now I feel like I actually can. I've been able to take something that was just a desire and turn it into an actual ability.”
SSBV July 2023 Student
-
![]()
Ebony Allen-Ankins
Dania and Andrew are incredibly knowledgeable, creative, and giving of their time and energy. They don't hold anything back, and genuinely want you to succeed. The real diamond is in the editing - Dania is an incredibly skilful storyteller and watching her create in real time, and work with footage that was captured in challenging, unpredictable low-light settings was completely eye opening. I can't say enough good things. If you're thinking about elevating your films to story-driven art - this is the course for you.
SSBV Beta Student 2023
-
![]()
Hannah Palamara
“The Soulful Storytellers for Birth Videographers beta course has been everything I had hoped for and more! I knew I wanted to delve deeper into filmmaking with my somewhat limited videography skills. Seeing Dania’s films always gave me the chills and made me want to create films like that! The course has been so immersive and so full. I am excited to start putting my new skills to the test and to continue my learning as I go through the modules again and dive into film making with a completely new perspective. Thank you so much guys for this experience.”
SSBV Beta Student 2023
because elevating your filmmaking is worth celebrating!
Join the festivities as we showcase the creative growth that has taken place within our community and honour SSBV graduates at our annual Film Fest!
questions & clarity
Thoughtful answers to support your next step inside Soulful Storytellers.
-
Signature is designed for storytellers ready to invest in the full apprenticeship experience from the beginning. It combines Foundations and Advanced curriculum into one comprehensive journey, supporting creatives as they build strong filmmaking foundations and refine their artistic voice.
-
Foundations supports photographers stepping into filmmaking, Advanced focuses on storytelling refinement, and Signature combines both experiences into a complete apprenticeship pathway. Storytellers are encouraged to begin where the support aligns with their goals moving forward.
-
Signature includes videography essentials, advanced documentary storytelling training, ongoing access to community chat, announcements, private members group, invitations to live orientations and the annual Film Festival, plus ongoing group mentorship and resource library access.
-
Yes. One film festival submission is included. Additional submissions can be purchased separately.
-
Yes. storytellers are welcome to continue inside Soulful Studio or through private 1:1 mentorship and additional festival submissions.
-
Payment plans are available for flexible enrollment. Access begins immediately and payments are processed automatically according to the selected option.
-
Because of the digital nature of the program and protection of intellectual property, all sales are final and refunds are not offered.
alternative pathways
-
ssbv foundations
Build confidence with filming, storytelling, and the foundations of documentary birth filmmaking. Best for photographers and beginners exploring video.
-
ssbv advanced
Deepen your documentary storytelling skills through expert coaching, community support and a guided storytelling project. Best for filmmakers ready to refine their craft and creative voice.
A simple guide
choose your entry point
Signature is our complete apprenticeship experience. Foundations, Advanced and Soulful Studio are available for storytellers entering at a different stage of the journey.
| Included |
signature YOUR COMPLETE APPRENTICESHIP EXPERIENCE |
foundations BUILD SOLID FILMMAKING FOUNDATIONS |
advanced ELEVATE YOUR STORYTELLING SKILLS WITH GUIDED PROJECT |
soulful studio GROUP MENTORSHIP & CREATIVE COMMUNITY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundations Curriculum | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Advanced Curriculum | ✓ | — | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Storytelling Project | ✓ | — | ✓ | — |
| Community Access | ✓ | Lite | ✓ | ✓ |
| Film Festival Submission | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Group Mentorship | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
| Resource Library | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
| Ideal for | Filmmakers seeking a complete, supported apprenticeship | Creatives beginning their filmmaking journey | Storytellers ready to refine and elevate their films | Hands-on learners looking for community and support |
Complete Apprenticeship
Signature
Your complete apprenticeship experience
- ✓ Foundations Curriculum
- ✓ Advanced Curriculum
- ✓ Integrated Storytelling Project
- ✓ Community Access
- ✓ Film Festival Submission
- ✓ Group Mentorship
- ✓ Resource Library
Ideal for:
Filmmakers seeking a complete, supported apprenticeship.
Foundations
Build solid filmmaking foundations
- ✓ Foundations Curriculum
- Lite Community Access
Ideal for:
Creatives beginning their filmmaking journey.
Advanced
Apply your storytelling skills with guided project support
- ✓ Advanced Curriculum
- ✓ Integrated Storytelling Project
- ✓ Community Access
- ✓ Film Festival Submission
Ideal for:
Storytellers ready to refine and elevate their films.
Community Membership
Soulful Studio
Group mentorship and creative community
- ✓ Community Access
- ✓ Film Festival Submission
- ✓ Group Mentorship
- ✓ Resource Library
Ideal for:
Hands-on learners looking for community and support.
Not sure where to begin? Signature is the most complete pathway. The other options are available for storytellers who are looking for a more focused entry point or ongoing creative support.
begin your apprenticeship
Signature is available through a range of payment options designed to support different stages of business and life.