FilmingLife® is where

Heart + Storytelling

meets Creative Filmmaking

I’ve taught filmmaking to over 50k photographers around the globe through my course on CreativeLive, at conferences in Australia, NZ and the USA, and of course through my online courses here at FilmingLife® Academy.

Like many of you, I started out overwhelmed and unsure how to translate my love of photography into filmmaking.

I had no roadmap, just trial and error. But as I persisted, I discovered that filmmaking offered a deeper way to tell stories.

What started as a small experiment turned into a six-figure business, and now I want to share everything I learned with you.

I’ve created FilmingLife® Academy so that you don’t have to go through years of trial and error like I did. I’m here to guide you through the process, show you how to avoid the mistakes I made, and help you build a fulfilling business you love.

Courtney Holmes

Founder & Lead Educator

Kylie Purtell

Community Manager & Educator

Our mission at FilmingLife® is to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need, to be able to craft the kinds of stories that you want to tell. 

To create a welcoming space where you can connect with other creatives, as you learn and grow as an artist. And to nuture a community of filmmakers who will be there to support you along your journey and celebrate your success.

It’s our mission to see you succeed in family filmmaking so that you can feel confident about giving this gift of memory preservation to yourself and to others.

listen to our podcast

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listen to our podcast 〰️

FILMINGLIFE® - THE ULTIMATE FILMMAKING ACADEMY FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Take a Peek Inside of FilmingLife®

Here’s what you’ll learn in our courses:

  • Camera Settings

    Learn how to set up your camera with the right settings for video.

  • Audio Capture

    Learn what mic types work best in different situations, plus learn how to set yours up for the best quality results. You’ll become skilled at capturing audio on the fly, and you’ll learn how to determine which audio clips to use in your film.

  • Sound Design

    Learn how to blend audio and music seamlessly, using the two combined to tell a story.

  • How to Film with the Gear You Have

    We’ll teach you how to make use of the gear you already own so that you can get started right away. No need for stabilizers or expensive equipment to do all of our courses. When the time comes to invest in gear, we’ll share our resources with you so that you can make an informed decision about your investments.

  • Working With Natural Light

    Everyday moments happen in all types of light. We’ll teach you how to recognize and work with a wide variety of natural light scenarios.

  • Getting Color Right in Camera

    Color grading will only take you so far with video. Learn how to get color right IN CAMERA and save time correcting mistakes in post. Learn how to shoot in Kelvin and become skilled at seeing the different color of light.

  • Video Editing

    With our in-depth Video Editing Fundamentals course you’ll learn all about how to use video editing software to edit your films from start to finish.

  • Cinematography Techniques

    Learn how to use tried & true cinematography techniques to elevate your storytelling through creative use of composition, perspective and camera movements.

  • Working with Clients

    We’ll teach you how to work with families, from initial enquiry through to client prep, storyboarding, choosing music that suits the family and delivering the final film.

  • Editing Workflows

    Learn how to work smarter, not harder with editing workflows designed to help you make the most of your editing time.

  • Color Grading

    Once you’ve learned how to get it right in camera we’ll teach you how to use Premiere Pro’s color editing tools to correct and color grade your films and add the polishing touch to bring your vision to life.

  • Client Care Workflow

    We’ll show you how to look after your clients from start to finish to ensure they get the very best experience working with you

  • Storyboarding

    Learn how to develop your storyboarding skills through client questionnaires, asking & listening, identifying a scene, knowing when to shoot for slow motion or switch between video & stills so you can craft a story that is unique and authentic to your family.

  • Storytelling Techniques

    Learn how to take your storytelling to the next level with creative tips for filming and crafting films in a non-linear way.

  • Editing to the Music

    We’ll teach you how music can influence the story and emotional impact of the film and how to edit your film to take advantage of the music and make it work for you.

  • How to make a Showreel

    It’s one thing to show films in your portfolio, it’s another to create a showreel that brings together your best work and the essence of your business into one film that will have clients knocking on your door to book you. We’ll show you how to create a powerful showreel and use it to promote your business.

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Learn how to shoot & edit video using the gear you already have, from anywhere in the world.