PORTFOLIO BUILDING

for family films

FilmingLife® 202

Build the Portfolio That Attracts the Right Clients—Without Burnout or Guesswork

If you’re just starting out with family films—or you’ve dabbled but don’t have the work you want to be known for—

this course is for you.

202: Portfolio Building gives you a step-by-step strategy to create a client-ready portfolio that reflects your style, shows what you want to be hired for, and helps you gain momentum in your business.

You’ll learn how to plan, promote, and shoot intentional portfolio sessions that not only build your confidence but position you for bookings—without waiting around for someone to inquire first.

This isn’t about doing free sessions for the sake of it.
It’s about doing smart, strategic shoots with purpose.

Led by world renowned family filmmaker Kylie Purtell, this course gives you the exact method she used to build a standout portfolio, grow her list, and start getting paid for work that lights her up.

This course is for you if:

You’re ready to start offering family films but don’t have the right examples in your portfolio yet

You’ve done a few free or discounted shoots but aren’t attracting the right clients

You feel stuck in the “practice” phase and want to make a real shift into client work

You want a structured plan to follow—not just “go shoot and hope for the best”

This course will help you turn your creative drive into clear, consistent action.

    • Why portfolio building is the foundation of a sustainable filmmaking business

    • Mindset shifts you’ll need to approach your shoots with intention

    • What makes a strong portfolio in this industry

    • How to find real, diverse families without paying for ads

    • Tips for choosing families that align with the work you want to do

    • Kylie’s Early PB Shoots: Why she did them, how they helped, and what changed

    • Kylie’s Strategic PB Shoot: A deeper look at how one smart shoot generated real momentum

    These real-world examples will show you how this strategy plays out in practice—and what’s possible when you follow it.

  • Step 1: Define Your Objective & Approach

    • What are you trying to show? Who are you speaking to?

    Step 2: Set Up Your Email List

    • How to start building your list from day one—even if you don’t have anything to sell yet

    Step 3: Create Your Application or Questionnaire

    • The exact questions to ask so you attract the right kind of participants

    Step 4: Promote Your Call-Out

    • What to say, where to post it, and how to create interest without sounding desperate

    Step 5: Gather Applications

    • How to track interest and stay organized

    Step 6: Choose Your Families

    • What to look for, and how to decide who’s the best fit for your goals

    Step 7: Go Shoot!

    • How to prepare for the session so you’re filming with intention

    Step 8: Client Delivery & Feedback

    • How to deliver a strong experience (even if it’s free) and ask for the kind of feedback that helps you grow

    Step 9: Put Your PB Shoots to Good Use

    • How to maximize what you’ve created—on your website, socials, email list, and beyond

    Step 10: Seek Out Constructive Feedback on Your Work

    • Why feedback matters, where to get it, and how to grow from it

    • How to know when your portfolio is “ready”

    • What to do next to start transitioning from practice to paid

What You’ll Learn:

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

Plan and run intentional shoots that support your goals

Attract the right families to help you create the work you want to be hired for

Build an email list that grows alongside your business

Show up with clarity, direction, and confidence—on shoot day and beyond

Start booking clients based on the kind of work that lights you up

Feel proud of a portfolio that reflects your voice and vision

What You Need:

  • A basic understanding of how to shoot and edit family films (complete 101 or 201 first if you’re brand new)

  • A desire to work with families and grow your film offerings with intention

  • Time to dedicate to a few portfolio shoots with real families

How to Enroll:

202: Portfolio Building is available exclusively inside FilmingLife® Academy.

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

  • All other courses in the Academy (including 101 and 201)

  • Monthly workshops and live critique calls

  • Support and mentorship from our global community

  • Behind-the-scenes BTS examples from Kylie and other instructors

  • Feedback opportunities to help you refine your portfolio

This course is valued at $1200 USD if sold alone—but as a member, it’s included.

Let’s Build a Portfolio You’re Proud Of

If you’re tired of waiting to be “ready”...
If you want your films to start working for you...
If you want clarity, direction, and a path forward...

Your best work starts here.