For years, we told ourselves lies about our businesses. Lies that kept us playing small, holding us back, and making us think success looked one certain way. We thought we had to shoot destination weddings to “arrive.” We thought buying the newest gear would finally level us up. We thought charging higher prices would mean more difficult clients. None of that was true.

The truth is, you don’t need to chase every shiny object to succeed. You don’t need to go viral on Instagram or say yes to every opportunity that crosses your path. You need cla...

You can have all the talent in the world, but if your business strategy doesn’t match the level of clients you want to attract, you’ll stay stuck exactly where you are. The luxury market plays by a different set of rules, and once you learn to recognize them and align your brand, pricing, and portfolio accordingly, everything changes.

In this episode we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to grow a profitable, sustainable business in today’s wedding industry. We’re talking about the mindset shifts that matter, the strategies that actually m...

Discipline turns average into unstoppable. Distraction turns talent into wasted potential. Too many photographers and filmmakers are chasing every shiny object, trying to be everything to everyone, and spreading themselves too thin. The truth is, you don’t need to do it all. You need focus.

When you stop diluting your energy and start showing up with clarity, consistency, and discipline, everything changes. The creatives who win aren’t always the most talented, they’re the ones who stay committed, focused, and consistent long after others get distracted. That’s what sets apart the artists stuck in the main...

So many of us are playing it safe in our businesses. We set small goals we know we can hit because the thought of failing feels terrifying. But the truth is, that fear is keeping you stuck and holding you back from everything you’re capable of. The moment you give yourself permission to dream bigger, go after something greater, and get obsessed with reaching your full potential, everything changes.

In this episode, we’re talking about what it really means to become obsessed with your business, how to tie that obsession to your bigger life goals, and...

You're invited to class next week! Register for Referrals on Repeat through the link below.

https://thelevelupco.com/referrals-on-repeat

Most wedding photographers and filmmakers are told to do it all: post constantly on Instagram, invest in expensive ads, keep up with SEO, and pray the inquiries roll in.

But here’s the truth: the most powerful (and profitable) marketing strategy in the wedding industry has been sitting right under your nose the entire time.

NEXT WEEK, UNLOCK THE #1 MARKETING STRATEGY FOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS + FILMMAKERS

In this episode, we’re diving into what it really looks like to step into a new era of your business. Not just a new logo or fresh colors, but a true refresh that reflects who you are now, not who you were when you started. Because the reality is, you’ve grown. Your work is stronger, your vision is clearer, and it might be time for your brand to catch up.

We talk about the signs it’s time for a change, the mindset shifts that come with letting go of what used to work, and how an...

Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is one intentional sprint to boost your visibility, reignite momentum, and get in front of the people you actually want to work with. In this episode, we’re breaking down what a marketing sprint really is, how to use it when things feel slow or stagnant, and the specific mindset that makes this strategy work without burning out or spiraling into algorithm anxiety.

If you’ve ever felt like you're posting just to post or crossing your fingers that the right clients magically find you, this is you...

We all have that one moment that shifts everything. The opportunity that changes how we see ourselves, our business, and what’s really possible. In this episode, we’re talking about the wedding that changed everything for us—how we got in the room, what led to that booking, and what it unlocked on the other side.

If you’ve been feeling like you’re just one connection, one planner, or one portfolio piece away from stepping into a new level, this episode is going to speak straight to you. Because the truth is, those game-changing weddings don’t just...

What if the only thing standing between you and the next level of your business is the fear of getting it wrong?

In this episode, Kelley's reflecting on 15 years of creative work and what she wishes she had known earlier. She's talking about the shifts that actually moved the needle, the old habits she's ready to leave behind, and the creative pivots that helped us build a wedding business that felt aligned, elevated, and sustainable.

If you’ve ever looked back at your older work and cringed (same), or if you’ve been wondering whether your...

This episode is a rebroadcast from the archives, and honestly, it might be just what you need to hear right now.

If you ever feel like wedding mornings are chaotic, your energy is off, or you walk in feeling rushed instead of grounded, this one is for you. We are talking about pre-wedding habits, routines, and mindset shifts that help you show up as the calm, confident, and elevated version of yourself that your clients and planners will remember.

Because let’s be real, your reputation is shaped by more than just your final gallery or...

This week, we’re bringing back one of our most-loved episodes and for good reason. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to scale from shooting budget weddings to booking luxury destination clients, this one’s for you. In this replay, we dive into the exact mindset shifts, pricing pivots, and relationship-building strategies that helped this creative go from starting her business at 19 to filming multi-day events for high-end planners.

It’s honest. It’s inspiring. And it’s proof that with clarity and intention, you can grow into the next version of your business  ev...

If you’ve ever felt like you’re behind or like everyone else is doing more than you this summer, this one’s for you. In this candid conversation, we’re giving you a peek behind the scenes of what life and business actually look like right now, because real success isn’t always hustle and picture-perfect productivity. Sometimes it looks like slowing down, shifting gears, and giving yourself permission to grow in other areas of your life too.

From home projects and summer travel to the mindset shifts that are helping us move forward even when things fee...

If you’ve ever felt like you’re on an island trying to build your business alone, this episode is your sign to stop white-knuckling it. We’re diving into the real reasons why community and connection are essential if you want to grow, sustain momentum, and actually enjoy the process along the way.

Inside, we break down why building relationships is one of the most overlooked strategies in the wedding industry—and how the right circle can open doors that talent alone can’t. You’ll walk away with a new perspective on networking, a deeper understandin...

f you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right- posting, sharing, creating, but still not seeing the kind of referrals you want? This episode is for you.
We’re pulling back the curtain on the real reason referrals happen inside the wedding industry (hint: it’s not just about having pretty work). We talk about the relationships that actually move the needle, the kinds of connection strategies that get overlooked, and the difference between staying visible and staying valuable.

The truth? You don’t need a bigger following, you need a stronger foundation. And it starts...

There comes a point in your creative business where doing “more” isn’t the answer—working longer hours, booking more weddings, saying yes to every opportunity. If you’re feeling stretched thin or creatively uninspired, it might be time to shift your strategy.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the simple (but powerful) shifts you can make behind the camera that instantly elevate your work and speak to a more luxury clientele. We're talking real-time choices, intentional artistry, and how to shoot with the final product in mind—even when the budget isn’t massive or the conditions a...

If you’ve ever second-guessed your work, held back from trying something new, or felt the pressure to deliver perfection in every frame, this episode is for you. We’re diving into the art of embracing imperfection in your wedding films and how leaning into raw, honest moments (yes, even the ones with tricky lighting or imperfect angles) can actually elevate your work and serve your clients better.

We talk about using black and white footage as a storytelling tool, releasing the pressure to make everything look perfect, and trusting your instincts more than the rules. Because the...

Have you ever wondered why some creatives seem to book effortlessly while others are left staring at an inbox full of ghosts?

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most frustrating parts of running a wedding business, getting ghosted. We’re diving into what’s really going on when a client doesn’t respond, what it might be saying about your brand, and how small shifts in your inquiry process can create big wins in your booking rate 💌

Because here’s the truth: it’s not always about your work. Sometimes...

Let’s talk about making more money without booking more weddings.

In this episode, we’re breaking down how upsells can completely shift your income potential without adding more work to your calendar. And no, we’re not talking about sleazy, awkward, salesy tactics that make you feel gross. We’re talking about value-driven offers that feel like a service, not a pitch.
This is about knowing your worth, trusting your expertise, and offering solutions that truly serve your clients and yes, getting paid for it.

Because here’s the truth: most wedding creatives are leavin...

Sometimes the biggest seasons of growth come from the hardest chapters of life.

In this episode, we sat down with the incredibly honest and grounded Anna Lord to talk about what it really looks like to evolve your business while navigating personal change—moving cities, processing grief, shifting priorities, starting a family… and doing it all without losing momentum.

We talked about letting go of the timeline you thought you had to follow. About redefining what success looks like (and feels like). About giving yourself permission to shift—not just for the sake of your busine...

There’s a reason your business feels like it’s hitting a ceiling—and spoiler alert: it’s not your talent. It’s that you’re still playing by rules that don’t serve the next level you’re aiming for.

In this episode, we’re digging into the uncomfortable (but necessary) truth: average is already taken. If you’re still trying to blend in or wait for the perfect moment to make your move, you’re going to stay exactly where you are.
We talk about what it really takes to stand out in the wedding industry, espe...

Doors to The Luxury Mastermind are officially OPEN 🥂Learn more + enroll here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind

There’s a reason we can’t stop talking about Taylor Swift—and no, it’s not just the music. It’s the evolution. The reinvention. The unapologetic confidence.
In this episode, we’re breaking down what creatives like us can learn from someone who’s mastered the art of owning her narrative, leading with clarity, and growing on her own terms. Because let’s be honest—your business has eras, too.

We’re talking about the mindset shifts...

Doors to The Luxury Mastermind are officially OPEN 🥂Learn more + enroll here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind

It’s not just the portfolio. It’s not just the price tag. And it’s definitely not just the gear.

If you’ve been wondering what actually sets luxury photographers and filmmakers apart from everyone else—this episode is your invitation to pull back the curtain and find out.

In this conversation, we’re breaking down the mindset shifts and business moves that position you for high-end bookings (without guessing or hoping someone “discovers” you...

Doors to The Luxury Mastermind are officially OPEN 🥂Learn more + enroll here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind

You didn’t start this business to feel overworked, underpaid, and creatively drained. But somehow, between booking too many weddings and saying yes to everything, you’ve found yourself stuck in the cycle.

If you’ve ever thought, “I love what I do… but I can’t keep doing it like this,” this episode is for you.

We're talking about what it really looks like to create a business that supports your life—not one that takes it o...

Doors to The Luxury Mastermind are officially OPEN 🥂Learn more + enroll here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind

🚀 In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Taylor Petrinovich and Kelley Gilster sit down with Skylar Ball to share the exact strategies that helped him break through pricing plateaus and start booking luxury weddings.

If you've ever felt stuck at the $5,000 mark or struggled to make the leap to five-figure bookings, this episode is for you. Skylar opens up about his journey from starting during COVID to landing high-end clients—proving that mindset shifts, strategic networki...

Doors to The Luxury Mastermind are officially OPEN 🥂Learn more + enroll here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind

Breaking into the luxury wedding market isn’t just about booking high-profile clients or creating jaw-dropping visuals—it’s about building genuine connections, showing up with integrity, and making a lasting impression that keeps your name at the top. 

Save your seat inside our free workshop Break into the Luxury Market: https://thelevelupco.com/workshop

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Josh from Birch Event Design, who’s built...

Doors to The Luxury Mastermind are officially OPEN 🥂Learn more + enroll here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind

In this episode, we’re diving into the rapid rise of Will Whiteley—a wedding videographer who went from zero to a fully booked $6K+ brand in just 13 months. Yep, THIRTEEN. From saying “yes” to every opportunity, to refining his client experience, to showing up in a suit and bowtie at every single wedding (even the barn ones), Will is proof that growth doesn’t have to take forever.

Inside this convo, you’ll hear: → The mindset shift tha...

Doors to The Luxury Mastermind are officially OPEN 🥂Learn more + enroll here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind

Breaking into the luxury wedding market isn’t just about raising your prices—it’s about building a brand that attracts high-end clients effortlessly. In this episode, we sit down with Britt of Caleb and Britt Photography, who took a leap of faith, restructured her business, and doubled her prices while working less.

We’re diving deep into the mindset shifts, marketing tweaks, and strategic pivots that helped Brittany break out of a saturated market and start booki...

Doors to The Luxury Mastermind are officially OPEN 🥂Learn more + enroll here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind

Breaking into the luxury wedding market isn’t just about talent—it’s about strategy. In this episode, we sit down with Tommy Kirkpatrick, a wedding filmmaker who skyrocketed his business in just a few months by shifting his mindset, refining his brand, and positioning himself for high-end bookings. We’re diving deep into what it takes to break past pricing plateaus, attract planners, and build a portfolio that speaks luxury—even if you don’t live in a high-end mark...

Doors to The Luxury Mastermind are officially OPEN 🥂Learn more + enroll here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind

f you’ve ever wondered why some photographers and filmmakers seem to land all the premium bookings (even when their work isn’t better than yours), this episode is for you. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about having mind-blowing work — it’s about brand alignment.

In this episode, we’re diving into:
🔥 Why your work might already be good enough to charge luxury prices
🔥 The #1 mistake creatives make when trying to raise their rates
🔥 How align...

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to break into the luxury wedding market, this episode is for you. This week’s guest, luxury wedding planner Lindsay Landman, is sharing exactly what top planners look for in photographers and filmmakers and the common mistakes that could be holding you back.

Sign up for The Luxury Wedding Playbook: https://thelevelupco.com/playbook

Spoiler: It’s not just about talent—it’s about alignment, strategy, and knowing how to communicate your value.

Inside this episode, we’re covering:

✨ The...

Struggling to scale your creative business while staying inspired? In this episode, we’re diving into the exact strategies that will help you free up time, maximize revenue, and build a business that fuels your creativity instead of draining it.

We’re breaking down the mindset shifts that separate struggling creatives from thriving entrepreneurs, how outsourcing the right tasks can unlock explosive growth, and why waiting until you “feel ready” is the biggest mistake you can make.

🔥 Your fears are holding you back.
💡 You’re more capable than you think.
🚀 The only way to win is to take a...

Are you a wedding photographer, videographer, or planner looking to increase your income and build a more sustainable business in 2025? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, hosts Taylor Petrinovich and Kelley Gilster share what do to when your business feels more like a hobby and how to shift it into success mode! 

What You'll Learn:
✔️The benefits of setting a dedicated time to work instead of just working when you can. 
✔️ The importance of getting all your legal ducks in a row.
✔️ The secret to creating a professional looking website without having to go fully cu...

Are you a wedding photographer, videographer, or planner looking to increase your income and build a more sustainable business in 2025? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, hosts Taylor Petrinovich and Kelley Gilster share exactly how to identify when you've outgrown your current market and how to have the confidence to scale to that next level.

What You'll Learn:
✔️ How uncomfortable growth can be but why choosing not to grow can hurt you in the long run.
✔️ What the different tiers of the wedding industry are and how to identify which one you currently serve. <...

Are you full of creative ideas but struggle to execute and grow your wedding business? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, hosts Taylor Petrinovich and Kelley Gilster sit down with Austin Trenholm to discuss the key differences between successful entrepreneurs and those stuck in the idea phase.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:
✔️ How to move from mainstream to luxury weddings and attract high-end clients.
✔️ Why execution is harder than ideation—and how to overcome perfectionism.
✔️ The importance of discipline vs. motivation in growing a profitable wedding photography or videography business.
✔️ How to break big goals into sm...

Are you a wedding photographer, videographer, or planner looking to break into the luxury market and build lasting industry relationships? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, hosts Taylor Petrinovich and Kelly Gilster talk with Samantha, a top-tier wedding planner and networking expert, to discuss how in-person networking events can transform your business.

In This Episode:
✔️ Why networking beyond the wedding day is crucial for business growth.
✔️ How to connect with wedding planners without feeling pushy.
✔️ Strategies to maximize retreats, workshops, and networking events for real ROI.
✔️ Why bringing your camera gear to n...

Are you a wedding photographer, videographer, or planner looking to increase your income and build a more sustainable business in 2025? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, hosts Taylor Petrinovich and Kelley Gilster share three proven strategies to help wedding creatives make more money without burning out.

What You'll Learn:
✔️ How to raise your prices the right way and attract high-paying clients.
✔️ Why booking more weddings isn’t always the best strategy—and how to do it sustainably.
✔️ The power of diversifying your income through digital products, education, and commercial work.
✔️ How branding and pricing...

Are you a wedding photographer, filmmaker, or creative looking to increase your income without booking more weddings? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, hosts Taylor Petrinovich and Kelley Gilster break down exactly how they added $833,000 in revenue through corporate work, education, and digital products—and how you can do the same.

What You'll Learn:
✔️ Why relying only on wedding bookings can cap your financial growth.
✔️ The three proven revenue streams that helped Taylor & Kelley scale their business.
✔️ How to create digital products, online courses, and templates for passive income.
✔️ The power of corpo...

Want to book higher-paying weddings and break into the luxury market? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, hosts Taylor Petrinovich and Kelley Gilster reveal the exact strategy that helped them scale their wedding businesses to $15K+ bookings—and how you can do it too.

What You'll Learn:
✔️ The #1 mistake keeping wedding pros stuck in low-budget bookings.
✔️ Why revenue diversification is the secret to booking luxury weddings.
✔️ Why financial freedom = more creative control over your bookings.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 02:30 | Introduction
02:31 - 14:20 | The Secret Strategy
1...

Are you a wedding photographer, videographer, planner, or creative looking to stabilize your income and escape the feast-or-famine cycle? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, hosts Taylor Petrinovich and Kelley Gilster reveal the six biggest signs that it’s time to diversify your revenue beyond weddings—and how to do it successfully.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ How to tell if you’re ready to diversify your business in 2025.
✔️ Why corporate work, digital products, and education can create financial stability.
✔️ How wedding pros can raise prices and attract luxury clients by di...

The wedding industry is shifting—are you prepared? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, hosts Taylor Petrinovich & Kelley Gilster dive into the uncertainty of the wedding market and how creative entrepreneurs can protect their income by diversifying revenue streams.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why wedding bookings are becoming more unpredictable in 2025
✅ How economic trends, inflation, and market saturation impact wedding businesses
✅ The biggest mistakes creatives make when trying to diversify
✅ 3 proven ways to create steady, year-round income outside of weddings
✅ How corporate work, education, and digital produc...