FOUNDATIONS OF

FILMMAKING

for photographers

FilmingLife® 101

Learn How to Confidently Switch from Photo to Video—Without Overwhelm

JOIN NOW FOR SELF STUDY

You already know how to find the light.
You know how to capture emotion, connection, and storytelling in a single frame.
Now it’s time to bring those skills to life—literally.

101: Foundations of Filmmaking for Photographers is your step-by-step guide to turning what you already know as a photographer into beautifully crafted family films that feel natural, meaningful, and true to your style.

You’ll learn how to make the switch from stills to motion without needing to invest in new gear, change your entire workflow, or feel like a beginner again.

This course is about building your confidence, simplifying the process, and helping you create story-driven keepsake films you’ll be proud of—right from the start.

JOIN NOW FOR SELF STUDY

This course is for you if:

You’re a photographer who’s been curious about making films, but haven’t known where to start

You’ve tried switching to video mode but felt overwhelmed by settings, editing, or gear

You want to create more value for your clients—or make meaningful personal films for your own family

You’re ready to add movement, sound, and storytelling to your work in a way that feels authentic and creative

If any of that sounds like you—you belong here.

    • Why family films matter—and why they’re such a powerful gift

    • What you already know as a photographer (and how it gives you a head start)

    • Gear, software, and music recommendations to get started (without overbuying)

    • How to switch your camera into video mode and choose the right frame rate

    • Understanding exposure for video

    • Picture profiles—what they are and when to use them

    • How to get smooth footage without using a gimbal

    • Auto vs manual focus—and how to pull focus for intentional transitions

    • How to capture clean, real audio (including what mic to get)

    • Assignment 1: Edit your first film using provided footage + beginner tutorials

    • Camera movements that enhance—not distract from—your story

    • How to think like a filmmaker (even when you’re still shooting handheld)

    • B-roll basics and the 5-shot method for filming a scene

    • Natural light and composition tips for motion

    • The 180-degree rule made simple

    • How to confidently switch between photography and filmmaking in the same session

    • Assignment 2: Mixing Bowl Exercise – experiment with shots, movement, and flow

    • My 10-step video editing workflow (including how to export for different uses)

    • Choosing and syncing music for emotional impact

    • How to organize your footage so editing becomes easier and more intentional

    • Using slow motion and timing to build emotion

    • How to go beyond basic editing and craft a real story

    • Keyboard shortcuts that save you hours

    • Assignment 3: Create your first keepsake film

    • Final thoughts + encouragement to keep going

    • How to add a title to your film using Canva

    • Speed ramping and motion tricks

    • Using overlays, light leaks, and double exposures creatively

    • How to use text overlays without it feeling forced

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of this course you’ll be able to:

Switch between photo and video mode with ease

Understand the camera settings that actually matter for video

Capture stable, focused footage using handheld techniques

Record audio that sounds clean and natural

Film everyday family moments with confidence and intention

Edit a short keepsake film that tells a meaningful story

Use music, pacing, and creative techniques to enhance the emotional impact

Start creating films for your clients—or just for yourself

What You Need:

  • A camera you already use for photography

  • A computer with Premiere Pro installed (other software is welcome, but this is what we teach)

  • A basic working knowledge of how to use your camera in manual mode

You do not need any filmmaking experience.
You do not need fancy gear or a film background.
You just need the desire to learn—and a love of telling real stories.

Join FilmingLife® Academy Now

How to Enroll:

101: Foundations of Filmmaking for Photographers is available exclusively inside FilmingLife® Academy.

For $75/month, you’ll get access to this course—plus:

  • Every other course inside the Academy

  • Monthly live workshops

  • Critique calls

  • Mentoring

  • Access to a global community of filmmakers

  • Live-run cohorts where we do it together, step-by-step

This course alone is worth well over $1200 USD, but as a member, it’s just part of your ongoing learning journey.

Join FilmingLife® Academy

You’re Not Starting from Scratch—You’re Building on What You Already Know

You’ve already mastered how to see light.
You already know how to capture connection.
Now it’s time to learn how to film it—so you can preserve it forever.

Join FilmingLife® Academy Now