Join the community that is propelling the family filmmaking industry forward.
Hi! I’m Courtney Holmes, and I teach people like you how to make story-driven, meaningful family films that have a lasting impact.
I’m the Founder of FilmingLife® Academy, and 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 thriving 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.
Watch what happens when photographers begin filming real life.
The Foundations of Filmmaking Live Run Showcase celebrates the short keepsake films created by students as they learn to capture everyday family moments through video. From quiet mornings to playful afternoons, these films show how simple, honest moments can become powerful family memories when motion, sound, and story come together.
Family films preserve voices, movement, and connection in a way that photos alone cannot, turning ordinary moments into living memories families can return to again and again.
View the award-winning films from our Story-Driven Family Films Showcase and learn how filmmakers in our live program developed their storytelling and filmmaking skills.
Watch the powerful final projects from the first live run of our Advanced Storytelling for Family Films course. These student films showcase emotional storytelling, creative editing, and intentional structure—all built through hands-on lessons in pacing, sound design, and story arc. Discover how family filmmakers transformed real moments into meaningful, cinematic narratives.
Real stories. Real families. Real growth. Take a look at the beautiful keepsake and client films created by students in our most recent live run of Filmmaking Foundations for Photographers.
Discover the heartfelt keepsake films created during our Filmmaking Foundations live run (Nov-Dec 2024). Celebrate creativity, meet the winners, and get inspired to craft your own story-driven family film. Join now or join the waitlist for our next live run!
Family filmmaking is a beautiful next step that allows you to add depth to your storytelling and give clients a gift they’ll treasure. With your existing skills as a photographer, you’re already more prepared than you might realize. So, why not bring those moments to life?
Looking to expand your photography business? Learn how to successfully incorporate family films into your services! This guide covers everything from starting with add-on film packages, investing in the right gear, creating bundled offerings, and setting up a pricing strategy. Unlock new opportunities and capture dynamic family moments that your clients will cherish forever.
You don’t need fancy gear or formal training to create beautiful, meaningful films for your family. Discover how to start filming with purpose, using the camera you already have.
Ready to take your family films to the next level? In this blog post, I’m sharing five essential tips that will help you transform everyday moments into beautifully crafted stories. Whether you're just getting started with family filmmaking or looking to refine your skills, these tips will guide you in making thoughtful editing choices, aligning your cuts with music, and even breaking the rules of continuity when it serves the story. Dive in to get a taste of what we teach at FilmingLife® Academy and learn how to elevate your storytelling today.
Learn when to use slow motion vs. real-time footage in family films. Discover tips for capturing authentic moments, using slow motion effectively, and balancing audio with visuals.
Capturing authentic family moments in films requires more than just technical skill; it’s about making families feel at ease to reveal their true selves. In this article, we share 10 essential tips for family photographers to create natural, heartfelt films. From building connections and choosing comfortable settings to using simple prompts and focusing on emotions, discover how to film genuine family interactions that clients will cherish forever.
"Capturing authentic audio in family films can be tricky—background noise, low-frequency hums, and distance issues can all get in the way of a perfect take. But with a few simple strategies, you can turn these challenges into opportunities for stunning sound that enhances your storytelling. From minimizing distractions and controlling appliance noise to mastering distance for clear voices, this post covers everything you need to know to elevate your audio game. Ready to create films that truly connect and capture those magical moments with clarity? Let’s get started!"