LEVEL UP: A Wedding Photography + Videography Podcast

Taylor Petrinovich & Kelley Gilster | The Level Up Co.
  • 4.9 (92)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Ready to take your wedding photography or filmmaking business from mainstream to luxury? We are on a mission to equip YOU with the information and resources you need to scale your business into the premiere and luxury markets, where you can successfully 2-3x your prices.Every Tuesday we invite you to tune in on conversations with Kelley and Taylor, luxury wedding cinematographers and business coaches, as we teach you what we have learned over 22+ years of combined experience in the wedding industry.Learn the ins and outs of the luxury market, how to align your brand within it, and become fully prepared to take your business from mainstream to luxury. In a nutshell: this is the wedding filmmaking + photography podcast for creatives striving for MORE in their businesses.The wedding industry can be a challenging place to build a career, and we are here to help.https://thelevelupco.com/

  1. 4D AGO

    263: How One Yes Turned into 30k

    We’re recording live from Hybrid in Charleston, and this conversation turned into a real, honest look at what it actually takes to grow in today’s wedding industry. From the power of getting in the room and building real relationships, to the behind-the-scenes decisions we’re making as we head into the 2026 season, this one is packed with perspective shifts that can change the trajectory of your business. We talk about pricing in a way that most people avoid. When it makes sense to hold the line and when it actually benefits you to be flexible. How one referral can turn into tens of thousands of dollars in bookings. And why your relationships with planners and photographers matter more than any marketing strategy. We also get into branding and what clients are really looking for right now. The shift we’re seeing with the next generation of couples, how to stay true to your style while still evolving, and why being clear in your positioning will always win over trying to be everything to everyone. And then we go deeper into what it looks like to scale. Letting go of control. Building a team. Outsourcing in a way that elevates your brand instead of diluting it. Because at a certain point, growth isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things, with the right people. This episode is a reminder that you don’t have to stay stuck where you are. You are capable of more. Your business can look different. But only if you’re willing to move, adapt, and go for it. If you’re ready to step into a higher level of business, start thinking bigger, and build something that actually supports your life, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it. This episode was sponsored by VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupco Timestamps: 00:00 - 01:30 | Elevating Client Experience & Delivery Systems 01:31 - 03:30 | Hybrid Conference & The Power of In-Person Networking 03:31 - 06:30 | Pricing Flexibility & Strategic Booking Decisions 06:31 - 10:00 | Leveraging Relationships & Referral-Based Growth 10:01 - 14:30 | Branding Clarity & Evolving Client Preferences 14:31 - 18:30 | Navigating Client Dynamics & Planner Relationships 18:31 - 22:39 | Preparing for 2026: Scaling Through Team & Outsourcing The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind 📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway. The Level Up Co. Resources: - Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle - Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle - Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list - The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework - The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/reset Connect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.: 🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/ 🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/ 🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/ 💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

    24 min

  2. APR 28

    262: Closed Mouths Don't Get Fed

    In this episode, we’re unpacking one of the simplest but most overlooked shifts you can make in your business. Start saying what you actually want. The bookings you’re after. The markets you want to step into. The rooms you want to be in. Because the moment you speak it, things start to move. We talk about what it looks like to go from waiting… to taking action. From playing small… to actually putting yourself in the position to grow. And how something as small as asking for an introduction or sharing your goals can open doors you didn’t even know were there. I spent years thinking if I just kept my head down and worked hard, it would all happen for me. But growth didn’t come from staying quiet. It came from getting uncomfortable, speaking up, and going for it before I felt fully ready. Momentum doesn’t come from overthinking.  It comes from action. This episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/ And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupco Timestamps 00:00 - 05:30 | Elevating Client Experience & Intentional Delivery   05:31 - 10:30 | Stop Waiting: Why You Need to Speak Your Goals Out Loud   10:31 - 16:00 | Awareness, Growth & Navigating Different Market Levels   16:01 - 22:00 | Building Momentum: Education, Action & Saying Yes Before You're Ready   22:01 - 27:30 | Networking That Converts: Opportunities, Relationships & Visibility   27:31 - 33:00 | Shoot Your Shot: Confidence, Communication & Closing Thoughts  The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind 📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway. The Level Up Co. Resources: - Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle - Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle - Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list - The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework - The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/reset Connect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.: 🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/ 🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/ 🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/ 💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

    34 min

  3. APR 21

    261: Luxury Clients Notice This Immediately

    What actually separates a luxury wedding brand from everyone else charging less? Spoiler: It is not just prettier work. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, we are breaking down the real differences between standard service and true luxury hospitality by pulling examples from our own experiences with Disney VIP tours, five-star hotels, and other high-end brands outside the wedding industry. Because if you want to book luxury clients, you need to understand what luxury actually feels like. We unpack how elite brands create trust, exclusivity, and white glove experiences from the very first touchpoint, and how you can apply those same principles to your wedding photography or filmmaking business. Inside this episode, we cover: How concierge-style booking creates instant perceived value Why luxury clients expect you to lead with confidence The small hospitality details that make a massive difference How social etiquette impacts your ability to book higher-end clients Why luxury brands never nickel and dime their customers How to study other industries to improve your own client experience If you want to attract higher-end clients, raise your rates, and create an experience that makes your brand unforgettable, this episode is a must-listen. Because luxury is not just about what you deliver.It is about how you make people feel every step of the way. This episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/ And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupco Timestamps: 00:00 - 05:24 | Intro to Car Chats & Why Luxury Experiences Matter 05:25 - 10:22 | Disney VIP Booking Experience & The Power of Concierge-Level Sales 10:23 - 15:27 | Leading Clients With Confidence & Going Above and Beyond 15:28 - 21:14 | Hospitality, Social Etiquette, and Reading the Room as a Professional 21:15 - 28:34 | Ritz-Carlton Lessons, Saying Yes, and Expanding Your Offerings 28:35 - 34:44 | Hotel Hospitality Examples & Personalization in Luxury Service 34:45 - 39:19 | Why Luxury Brands Don’t Nickel and Dime Their Clients 39:20 - 43:19 | Building a White Glove Client Experience in Your Wedding Business The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind 📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway. The Level Up Co. Resources: - Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle - Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle - Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list - The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework - The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/reset Connect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.: 🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/ 🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/ 🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/ 💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

    44 min

  4. APR 14

    260: How Hanging Out With Industry Friends Earned Me $34k in December

    If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens inside rooms like Engage! Summit and whether they are really worth it, this episode is a full, honest debrief. We’re taking you behind the scenes of three days spent surrounded by some of the top planners, designers, photographers, and filmmakers in the luxury space and sharing what actually matters once you’re in the room. Because yes, the details are beautiful. The events are over the top. But that is not why you go. We talk about what it looks like to walk into a room like this for the first time, the social dynamics that no one prepares you for, and how networking at this level is so much less about pitching yourself and so much more about building real, long term relationships. We also get into the real ROI of events like this. When it makes sense to go, when it does not, and why getting in the right rooms at the right stage of your business can completely change your trajectory. And maybe most importantly, how to approach these opportunities with intention so you are not just attending, you are actually leveraging them. If you’ve been curious about luxury industry events, feeling like you are not quite ready, or questioning if proximity really makes that big of a difference, this episode will give you clarity. Because growth does not come from working harder. It comes from getting in rooms that expand the way you think. This episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/ And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupco Timestamps: 00:00 - 05:30 | Elevating Client Experience & Podcast Introduction 05:31 - 12:00 | Arriving at Engage: First Impressions & Event Overview 12:01 - 20:30 | Gifting Experience, Event Structure & Behind-the-Scenes Moments 20:31 - 30:30 | Networking, Social Dynamics & Making Meaningful Connections 30:31 - 40:30 | Education Sessions, Branding Presence & Industry Insights 40:31 - 49:07 | Key Takeaways, ROI of Networking Events & Final Reflections The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind 📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway. The Level Up Co. Resources: - Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle - Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle - Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list - The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework - The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/reset Connect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.: 🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/ 🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/ 🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/ 💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

    49 min

  5. APR 7

    259: Rethinking Instagram Ads

    We recorded this episode in the car on the way to Santa Barbara, and it turned into a conversation that completely shifted how we think about marketing. For the longest time, we believed ads were for mainstream businesses. Not luxury. Not high-end. But what if we were wrong? In this episode, we’re unpacking how ads actually fit into the luxury market, why brands like Chanel still use them, and how your ideal client is already being influenced by them every day. Because running ads like a beginner attracts beginner clients. But running ads like a luxury brand? That’s a completely different strategy. We also break down visibility vs conversion ads, targeting, and why staying top of mind might matter more than booking directly from an ad. If you’ve ever thought ads would cheapen your brand, this episode will challenge that. Because staying where you are feels safe. But it might also be what’s keeping you stuck. The industry is evolving. Your marketing should too. This episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/ And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupco Timestamps: 00:00 - 01:37 | Elevating Client Experience & Podcast Introduction 01:45 - 06:14 | Car Chats: Travel Realities & The Truth Behind “Luxury” Weddings 06:14 - 12:56 | Rethinking Ads: From Mainstream to Luxury Strategy 12:56 - 14:11 | Breaking the Editing Cycle: Why Outsourcing Matters 14:11 - 18:20 | Ad Strategy Deep Dive: Targeting, Visibility vs Conversion 18:20 - 21:56 | Running Ads Without Diluting Your Brand 21:56 - 24:04 | Building Authority in a Luxury Market 24:04 - 25:28 | Goals, Positioning & Industry Insights 25:29 - 25:45 | Final Thoughts & Community Engagement The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind 📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway. The Level Up Co. Resources: - Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle - Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle - Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list - The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework - The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/reset Connect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.: 🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/ 🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/ 🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/ 💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

    26 min

  6. MAR 31

    258: Must Haves for Wedding Photographers and Filmmakers

    In this episode, we’re back in the car for another Car Chats… which means it’s a little unfiltered, slightly chaotic, and honestly just feels like you’re sitting in on one of our real-life conversations. And today, we’re talking about the things we genuinely can’t live without as wedding creatives. Not the obvious gear… but the small, often overlooked things that make your days smoother, your client experience stronger, and your business more sustainable long term. We’re sharing everything from what we keep in our bags on a wedding day, to the tiny touches that helped us build referrals early on, to the mindset shift around being fully self-sufficient… and why that matters more than you think. We also get into travel essentials, tools that have made our workflows faster, and the simple upgrades that have made a big difference in how we show up… both professionally and personally. Because the truth is, it’s rarely one big thing that changes your business. It’s the accumulation of small decisions, small details, and small ways you choose to go above and beyond… over and over again. This episode is part practical, part mindset, and part a reminder that the little things? They’re actually the big things. This episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/ And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupco Timestamps: 00:00 - 01:17 | Editing Bottlenecks & Outsourcing 01:17 - 05:02 | Car Chat Intro & Road Trip Setup 05:03 - 10:15 | Wedding Day Must-Haves & Client Experience 10:16 - 18:10 | Self-Sufficiency & Vendor Meal Mindset 18:11 - 30:21 | Travel Tips, Tools & Stories 30:22 - 36:20 | Appearance & Professional Presentation 36:21 - 42:08 | Productivity & Working Smarter 42:09 - 47:06 | Tech, Workflow & Final Thoughts The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind 📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway. The Level Up Co. Resources: - Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle - Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle - Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list - The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework - The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/reset Connect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.: 🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/ 🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/ 🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/ 💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

    47 min

  7. MAR 24

    257: The Brutal Truth About Why You’re Not Growing Faster

    In this episode, we’re doing something a little different. We’re recording together from the car for episode two of our Car Chats series… slightly unhinged, a little all over the place, but still packed with the kind of conversations we know you actually need to hear. And today, we’re diving into a concept that has shaped so much of our growth over the years… the idea of “overpaying” in your business. Not just financially, but with your time, your energy, your willingness to go further than what feels normal. We’re sharing real stories from the early days… shooting weddings for next to nothing just to build experience, saying yes to everything, investing in education, and the moments where we overpaid without a strategy and saw nothing from it. Because here’s the truth… overpaying only works when it’s intentional. We also get into what this actually looks like in practice. The small details that elevate your work. The opportunities most people pass on. The difference between playing the short game versus building something long-term. And the honest conversation around what we would do differently if we were starting again. This episode is part mindset shift, part reality check, and part encouragement to stop doing what’s normal… and start doing what actually moves the needle. Because the people at the top? They didn’t get there by doing the bare minimum. This episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/ And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupco Timestamps: 00:00 - 01:13 | Car Chat Intro: Road Trip Episodes & Casual Format 01:14 - 05:22 | The Concept of Overpaying: Time vs Money in Business Growth 05:23 - 08:32 | Overdelivering Early: Using Time to Elevate Your Work 08:33 - 13:09 | Building Experience Fast: Volume vs Perfection Mindset 13:10 - 17:58 | Strategic vs Unstrategic Overpaying: Missed Opportunities 17:59 - 22:03 | Investing for Growth: Education, Networking & Long-Term ROI 22:04 - 26:41 | Working On vs In Your Business: Time Allocation & Vision 26:42 - 29:13 | Motivation, Dopamine & Reaching the Next Level 29:14 - 33:49 | Final Thoughts: Going the Extra Mile & Embracing Discomfort The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind 📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway. The Level Up Co. Resources: - Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle - Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle - Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list - The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework - The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/reset Connect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.: 🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/ 🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/ 🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/ 💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

    37 min

  8. MAR 17

    256: One Risky Text Message Changed Everything

    In this episode, we’re doing something a little different. We’re recording together from the car for the very first time as we kick off a brand new series on the podcast: Car Chats. And to start things off, we’re sharing the story that so many people in our community have asked us about… how Level Up actually began. The truth? It didn’t start with a big strategy session or a perfectly mapped out business plan. It started with a single text message in January of 2023. You’ll also hear how our very different personalities and skill sets became one of the biggest strengths of our partnership. One of us loves the behind-the-scenes strategy, systems, and launches. The other thrives in community building, mentorship, and the student experience. Together, we built something neither of us could have created alone. This episode is the full origin story of how Level Up began — and why sometimes the best things start with simply deciding to go for it. This episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/ And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupco Timestamps: 00:00 - 01:16 | Editing Backlogs & The Power of Outsourcing 01:17 - 02:50 | Introducing the Car Chats Series & Episode Setup 02:51 - 06:00 | The Early Days of The Level Up Podcast 06:01 - 09:33 | How Taylor & Kelley First Connected During the Pandemic 09:34 - 13:39 | The Text Message That Started Their Partnership 13:40 - 18:05 | Building The Luxury Framework & Defining Their Brand Vision 18:06 - 22:07 | Complementary Strengths & Division of Roles in Business 22:08 - 25:49 | Growing Level Up & Navigating an Unconventional Partnership 25:50 - 28:42 | Impact of Education, Mentorship & Looking Ahead The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind 📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway. The Level Up Co. Resources: - Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle - Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle - Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list - The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework - The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/reset Connect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.: 🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/ 🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/ 🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/ 💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

    29 min
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4.9
out of 5
92 Ratings

About

Ready to take your wedding photography or filmmaking business from mainstream to luxury? We are on a mission to equip YOU with the information and resources you need to scale your business into the premiere and luxury markets, where you can successfully 2-3x your prices.Every Tuesday we invite you to tune in on conversations with Kelley and Taylor, luxury wedding cinematographers and business coaches, as we teach you what we have learned over 22+ years of combined experience in the wedding industry.Learn the ins and outs of the luxury market, how to align your brand within it, and become fully prepared to take your business from mainstream to luxury. In a nutshell: this is the wedding filmmaking + photography podcast for creatives striving for MORE in their businesses.The wedding industry can be a challenging place to build a career, and we are here to help.https://thelevelupco.com/

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