FOUNDATIONS OF

FILMMAKING

for photographers

FilmingLife® 101

A 6-Week Interactive Live Run Course to Teach You How to Confidently Switch from Photo to Video - Without Overwhelm

Starts 1 Jan 2026 (US) /

2 Jan 2026 (AU)

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.

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.

Schedule & Key Dates

Course Begins / Module 1 Lessons Released:

Thursday 1 Jan 2026, 8pm EST /

Friday 2 Jan, 12pm Sydney Time

Live Call Schedule:

🗓️ Thursdays 8pm EST (US/Canada) /

Fridays 12pm (Australia)

✅ All calls are recorded and uploaded within 24 hours

First Call (Modules 1 Q&A):

Thursday 8 Jan 2026, 8pm EST /

Friday 9 Jan, 12pm Sydney Time

No Zoom Call:

15/16 Jan

Last Call (Module 4 Q&A):

Thursday 8 Jan 2026, 8pm EST /

Friday 9 Jan, 12pm Sydney Time

Final Project Due:

5/6 Feb

  • Lesson 1.1: Why Family Films Matter

    Lesson 1.2: The Photographer’s Advantage

    Lesson 1.3: Start Small, Tell Big Stories

    Lesson 1.4: What Gear, Software & Music Do You Actually Need?

    Lesson 1.5: Capturing Audio for Family Films + Microphone Gear Guide

    Lesson 1.6: Picture Profiles Explained - When to Shoot in LOG

    Module 1 Assignment: Camera Setup Checklist

  • Lesson 2.1: Switching to Video Mode & Choosing a Frame Rate

    Lesson 2.2: Perfecting Exposure - Using Histograms and Zebras

    Lesson 2.3: Stabilization for Family Films - How to Keep Your Footage Smooth Without a Gimbal

    Lesson 2.4: Autofocus for Video

    Lesson 2.5: Mastering Manual Focus

    Module 2 Assignment: Practice Filming

    Bonus Lesson: How to Transfer Footage from Your Camera to Your Phone

  • Lesson 3.1: Finding the (Cinematic) Light

    Lesson 3.2: Movement in Film - Subject & Camera

    Lesson 3.3: Seeing the Frame - Composition in Motion

    Lesson 3.4: How to Film a Scene with the 5 Shot Method

    Lesson 3.5: B-Roll and How it's Used for Storytelling

    Lesson 3.6: How to Think Like a Filmmaker

    Module 3 Filming Challenge: See. Feel. Film.

  • Lesson 4.1: Getting Set Up for Video Editing

    Lesson 4.2: Choosing Music for Your Film

    Lesson 4.4: Importing Footage and Creating a New Project in Premiere Pro 2025

    Lesson 4.5: How to Create a Custom Workspace for Your Editing Style

    Lesson 4.6: How to Label and Organize Your Footage

    Lesson 4.7: How to Start Your Film

    Lesson 4.8: How to Edit Clips Into a Story

    Lesson 4.9: How to Use Transitions & Effects

    Lesson 4.10: Introduction to Color Correction & Grading

    Lesson 4.11: How to Export Your Film

    Lesson 4.12: Watch Me Edit a Keepsake Film

    Module 4 Assignment: Edit Your First Film

  • How to add a Title to Your Film using Canva

    How to do a Speed Ramp Edit

    How to Use Double Exposures Effectively in Your Films

    How to Use Light Leak Overlays in Your Film

    How to Work with Overlays

    How to Use Light Leaks as Transitions

    How to do Double & Triple Exposures

    Creative Overlay Techniques

    Text Overlay Effects

    How to Use Music to Enhance the Story and Emotional Impact of a Film

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.

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.

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