Are you a photographer that’s ready to elevate your craft and tell deeper stories with family films?

Join the world’s largest community of family filmmakers and learn how to create unforgettable family films that will make people laugh, cry, and cherish the beautiful, authentic moments you capture forever.

Master the skills you need to make heart-centered family films while transforming your passion into a six-figure business—just like I did.

FilmingLife® Academy gives you everything you need to master family filmmaking, from camera settings to storytelling techniques, and from video editing to marketing your business. 

Whether you're looking to create films for your family or turn this craft into a full-fledged career, our courses and community will guide you every step of the way. 

You’ll learn the ins and outs of filmmaking without the overwhelm, so you can confidently create films that evoke real emotions and lasting memories.

If you find yourself struggling with…

Camera Confusion: Struggling to understand video settings and unsure if you're doing it right.

Editing Stress: You’re uncertain about how to edit video, choose music, and color grade footage effectively.

Storytelling Doubts: You’re unsure which moments to capture and second-guessing your choices, leading to overanalysis and missed opportunities.

Crickets on Social Media: Posting your films but not getting the attention or high-paying clients you desire.

No Community: Feeling isolated and looking for a community that understands your filmmaking journey and offers support.

Procrastination: Want to make films for your family but keep putting it off without someone pushing you to start.

FilmingLife® Academy can help with all of this and more.

FilmingLife® Membership Benefits:

Comprehensive Filmmaking Courses Designed for Photographers:

You'll gain instant access to a complete suite of courses designed to transform you into a skilled family filmmaker. From mastering the technical aspects of shooting and editing, to building a strong portfolio and implementing strategic marketing plans, each course is designed to help you create, promote, and grow a thriving family filmmaking business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your craft, this membership provides all the tools, knowledge, and guidance you need to succeed.

Monthly Personalized Film Critiques:

Monthly film critiques offer invaluable, personalized feedback to help you grow as a family filmmaker. By submitting your film, you’ll receive detailed insights into what you're doing well and specific suggestions for improvement, tailored to your style and skill level. This individual guidance not only sharpens your technical and creative abilities but also boosts your confidence, allowing you to refine your filmmaking techniques and elevate your storytelling with each new project.

Community of Like-Minded Creatives:

Joining our membership not only gives you access to expert-led courses and personalized film critiques but also connects you with the largest community of family filmmakers in the world. This thriving, supportive environment is a safe space where you can share your work, exchange ideas, and receive encouragement from like-minded creatives. Being part of this community allows you to learn from others, gain fresh perspectives, and build lasting connections, all while growing your skills and confidence as a filmmaker.

Monthly Business Growth Workshops:

By attending these monthly business growth workshops, you'll gain invaluable insights into every aspect of running a successful family filmmaking business. From marketing strategies and client management to goal setting and creative problem-solving, these workshops offer practical advice and expert guidance tailored to filmmakers. You'll also benefit from live Q&A sessions, mindset coaching, and industry-specific tips, helping you stay motivated, overcome challenges, and continuously grow your business.

Quarterly Film Challenges / Projects (ArtHouse) and Showcase Opportunities:

By participating in these quarterly themed film projects, you'll have the opportunity to dive deep into specific areas of filmmaking, enhancing your skills and creativity with focused practice. Each project comes with educational calls, expert guidance, and hands-on tutorials, allowing you to develop new techniques while receiving real-time feedback from industry professionals. The live Zoom sessions, Q&As, and resources provided ensure you stay inspired and connected with the community, while the opportunity to submit your work to the ArtHouse Showcase motivates you to push your filmmaking boundaries and create standout pieces for your portfolio.

Who We Are

My name is Courtney Holmes, 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 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.

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.

What you’ll learn inside the Academy:

Camera Settings & Gear Guidance: Learn how to set up your camera for video without needing expensive equipment.

Audio & Sound Design: Capture high-quality audio and blend it seamlessly with music to tell a compelling story.

Editing Mastery: From the fundamentals of video editing to advanced color grading, you’ll gain all the skills you need.

Natural Light Mastery: Learn how to work with different lighting conditions to create beautiful, well-lit films.

Cinematography Techniques: Discover how to elevate your storytelling through creative composition, perspective, and camera movements.

Client Workflows: Get step-by-step guidance on how to work with clients, from initial inquiry to delivering the final film.

Storyboarding & Storytelling Techniques: Learn how to develop authentic, unique stories for each family you film.

Business Marketing Strategies: Master the art of attracting high-paying clients and building a successful filmmaking business.

FilmingLife® Learning Pathway:

Helping you grow with clarity—one step at a time. All the courses below are included inside the membership.

1. Just Getting Started with Video?

Start here:

101: Foundations of Filmmaking

Learn the basics of filmmaking, storytelling, and editing. Practice with your own family before filming clients.

After completing 101, you can:

• Join the ArtHouse
  A creative space for personal filmmaking, open to anyone who has completed 101. Ideal for exploring your voice as a filmmaker, strengthening your technical skills, and making films just for you.

  
  

Then choose one:

• 102: Color Grading
  Explore how to color your films with more intention. Ideal if you want to improve the look and feel of your edits. You can also revisit this course later.

  
  

OR

• 201: Story-Driven Family Films
  Learn how to apply your skills to filming real families. Ideal if you want to start offering films as a service.
   

1.5 Already Know the Fundamentals?

Skip straight to:

201: Story-Driven Family Films
If you already feel confident with video basics and editing, you can jump right into learning how to film families and start offering films to clients.

OR:

Join the ArtHouse
A creative space for personal filmmaking, open to anyone who has completed 101 or has a solid grasp on the fundamentals. Ideal for exploring your voice as a filmmaker, strengthening your technical skills, and making films just for you.

2. Ready to Build a Family Film Portfolio?

After completing 101 and 201:

Choose what you need next:

• 202: Portfolio Building
  Learn how to run a model call and build a body of work that reflects the kind of films you want to be hired for.

  Or if you already have a portfolio:

• 203: Create a Showreel of Family Films
  A step-by-step guide to pulling together your best work into a showreel that connects with your ideal clients. You can do this before or after 202.

  
  

3. Confident Filmmaker, Ready to Grow?

After completing 101 and 201, and filming at least five family films:

Choose based on your current focus:

• 301: Advanced Storytelling Films
  Dig deeper into storytelling. Learn how to make stronger creative choices in both filming and editing.

  
  

  Or if you're ready to just focus on marketing your work:

• 302: Marketing
  Build a clear plan to share your work, get visible, and attract the right clients to your business.

  
  

Tip: You can revisit any course at any time. Take the path that fits your goals right now.

Ready to Begin Making Family Films?

Enrollment is open now!