LEVEL UP: A Wedding Photography + Videography Podcast

Taylor Petrinovich & Kelley Gilster | The Level Up Co.
  • 4.9 (84)
  • 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. 6D AGO

    251: Why You’re Stuck (Hint: You’re Playing Too Small)

    So many creatives set goals that feel safe. Goals that won’t rock the boat. Goals that guarantee you won’t fail… but also won’t grow. In this conversation, we’re unpacking how playing small quietly limits your income, your opportunities, and your confidence—and what actually happens when you decide to aim higher. We talk through real examples of saying yes before you feel ready, making strategic moves that don’t pay off immediately but compound over time, and why momentum only shows up after you take action. Growth doesn’t come from waiting until fear disappears. It comes from moving forward despite it. This episode is for you if you’ve ever thought, “I’m not ready yet,” “That works for other people, not me,” or “I’ll do it once things slow down.” We’re breaking down why those thoughts keep you stuck, how successful creatives push past them, and what it looks like to build confidence through action instead of perfection. You are more capable than you think. You don’t need permission, a perfect plan, or another year of overthinking. You just need to get started. If fear has been holding you back from raising your prices, expanding your income, or stepping into bigger opportunities, this episode will challenge you to move differently—and remind you that growth is available when you decide to go for it. Momentum is waiting. The next level is closer than it feels. This episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit. And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupco Timestamps: 00:00 - 03:30 | Listener Question: Charging vs Complimentary Work for Planners 03:31 - 07:45 | Strategic Decision-Making: Evaluating ROI, Market Fit, and Relationships 07:46 - 11:30 | Calculated Risks: Industry Awareness and Portfolio Positioning 11:31 - 15:10 | Momentum & Visibility: Getting Out of Stagnation 15:11 - 18:40 | Letting Go of Old Habits: Adapting to New Seasons of Business 18:41 - 22:10 | Evolving Client Expectations & Industry Standards 22:11 - 25:45 | Mindset Shifts: Knowing Your Worth Without Blocking Growth 25:46 - 29:45 | Saying Yes Strategically: Long-Term Growth Through Openness 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/

    30 min

  2. FEB 3

    250: How to Build Momentum & Why You Need it to Succeed

    In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, we talk about what momentum really looks like at different stages of business and why the strategies that once worked stop working as you raise your prices and take on fewer weddings. The goal isn’t to stay busy. It’s to stay growing. We break down the shift from volume based momentum to intentional momentum. Why fewer weddings require more strategy. Why consistent, qualified inquiries matter more than a packed calendar. And how playing it safe, even when things feel “fine,” can quietly stall your growth. We also talk honestly about what happens when momentum slows. The scramble. The freeze. The temptation to discount or pivot just to feel busy again. And why sometimes the fastest way forward is taking a step back, getting clear, and choosing a smarter plan. You are more capable than you think, and momentum builds the moment you decide to go for it. Register for our free Referrals on Repeat Masterclass on February 4th https://thelevelupco.com/referrals-on-repeat Timestamps: 00:00 - 03:30 | Breaking the Editing Cycle: Why Momentum Matters 03:31 - 07:00 | Volume-Based Momentum vs. Intentional Growth 07:01 - 11:30 | Niching Down: Building Momentum With Fewer Weddings 11:31 - 15:00 | What Momentum Actually Looks Like at Higher Price Points 15:01 - 19:30 | When Momentum Slows: Fight, Flight, Freeze Reactions 19:31 - 23:30 | Rebuilding Momentum With Strategy and Humility 23:31 - 27:30 | Proof of Momentum: Student Wins and Real Results 27:31 - 31:56 | Long-Term Momentum: Strategy, Education, and Staying in Motion 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/

    32 min

  3. JAN 27

    249: Why Being Fully Booked Isn’t the Goal for Wedding Creatives

    So many photographers and filmmakers are doing all the “right” things and still feel stuck. You’re booked, but not excited. Busy, but not progressing. Your goals feel safe. Too safe. And more often than not, that safety is rooted in fear. Fear of saying no. Fear of raising prices. Fear of outgrowing the market you’re in. Fear of believing you’re capable of more. In this episode, we talk about the shift from booking everything to booking intentionally. Why filling your calendar too early can limit your growth. How visibility, pricing, brand perception, and client experience all work together. And why raising your prices without increasing value almost always leads to frustration and stalled momentum. We share real examples from our own businesses and from the luxury and hospitality world to show why experience, not just talent, separates entry-level brands from premium ones. The small details. The order of operations. The refinement that comes from repetition. Growth isn’t about flipping a switch. It’s about building layer by layer and adjusting when something no longer fits. You are more capable than you think. You are not behind. And you’re allowed to want more from your business than just staying booked. Momentum builds when you decide to go for it, even if you don’t have it all figured out yet. What fears are holding you back from your next level right now? If you’re ready to stop playing small and start building a business that actually supports the life you want, this episode is for you. 00:00 - 04:30 | Setting the Stage: Goals, Growth Seasons & Looking Ahead 04:31 - 10:30 | Booking vs. Opportunity: Scarcity, Calendar Control & Saying No 10:31 - 17:45 | From Volume to Intentionality: Visibility, Pricing & Market Shifts 17:46 - 22:45 | Raising Prices the Right Way: Value, Brand Perception & Experience 22:46 - 30:30 | Luxury Client Experience: Hospitality, Etiquette & Industry Nuance 30:31 - 34:45 | Second Shooting to Lead Shooter: Building Your Own Brand Authority 34:46 - 37:45 | Long-Term Growth Mindset: Continuous Refinement & Staying in Motion 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/

    38 min

  4. JAN 20

    248: Unhinged Client Requests & Wedding Industry Truths No One Talks About

    In this episode, we are pulling back the curtain on the wedding industry and share the real conversations that usually only happen behind the scenes. From unhinged client requests and early-career mistakes to red flags, pet peeves, and the boundaries that actually protect your creativity and your income, this episode is equal parts honest, educational, and entertaining. We’ve both been there. Saying yes when we should’ve said no. Offering things that sounded great on paper but burned us out in real life. Ignoring our gut because we wanted the booking. Over time, those decisions taught us powerful lessons about pricing, positioning, professionalism, and staying in our own lane as creative business owners. This conversation dives into what we’ve learned after nearly two decades in the wedding industry, why “more” isn’t always better, and how clarity in your brand, boundaries, and communication changes everything. If you’ve ever felt frustrated on a wedding day, unsure how to handle client expectations, overwhelmed by industry advice, or conflicted about how to grow without losing yourself creatively, this episode is for you. We’re talking about what actually moves the needle, what advice we disagree with, and how to build a business that feels aligned, profitable, and sustainable long-term. Sometimes growth doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from doing things differently. Listen in, laugh with us, and take what resonates as you continue building a business you’re proud of. Timestamps: 00:00 - 06:15 | Catching Up & Life Updates: Personal Stories, Family, and Industry Context 06:16 - 14:00 | Unhinged Client Requests & Early-Career Lessons Learned 14:01 - 20:30 | Red Flags, Boundaries, and Professional Standards with Clients & Teams 20:31 - 28:30 | Industry Hot Takes: Pricing, Automation, Branding, and Staying in Your Lane 28:31 - 36:30 | Wedding Day Pet Peeves: Collaboration Breakdowns & Content Overload 36:31 - 40:27 | Final Reflections: Industry Culture, Professional Respect & Listener 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/

    38 min

  5. JAN 13

    247: The Real Reason Niching Down Attracts Luxury Wedding Clients

    What if the thing holding your business back isn’t your talent or the market, but your hesitation to let go? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, we sit down with Cheyenne of Cheyenne Films to talk about the power of niching down, choosing specialization over being everything to everyone, and making strategic decisions that actually move the needle. Cheyenne shares her journey from offering everything under the sun to going all-in on filmmaking, and how that clarity transformed her brand, her confidence, and her momentum. We dive into why luxury clients value specialists, how rebranding is about more than aesthetics, and what it looks like to align your business with the planners, vendors, and venues you want to work alongside. We also have an honest conversation about building a business through major life transitions, including pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood, and why simplifying your offerings can open the door to more sustainability and growth. If you’re a wedding photographer or filmmaker feeling stretched thin, creatively unfulfilled, or stuck trying to please everyone, this episode will challenge you to think bigger, simplify your approach, and commit to where you’re headed next. You are more capable than you think. Clarity creates momentum. And growth starts when you decide to GO FOR IT. Save your seat now for our brand new Magnetic Brand Masterclass where we  walk through what it really looks like to build a brand that attracts the right clients, better opportunities, and sustainable growth here https://thelevelupco.com/masterclass Timestamps: 00:00 - 03:24 | Life, Business, and Setting the Tone for a New Season  03:25 - 07:54 | From Doing Everything to Realizing It Wasn’t Working  07:55 - 12:41 | Niching Down, Specializing, and Rebranding with Intention  12:42 - 18:01 | Aligning Your Brand with Luxury Clients and Creative Partners  18:02 - 26:23 | Motherhood, Time Management, and Redefining Success  26:24 - 40:15 | Sustainability, Letting Go of Scarcity, and Long-Term Growth  Save your seat for Your Most Profitable Year Yet: https://thelevelupco.com/workshop 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/

    40 min

  6. JAN 6

    246: How Wedding Creatives Go From Overlooked to Fully Booked

    The new year always gives us that fresh-start feeling. A little more clarity. A little more motivation. And a quiet nudge that maybe this is the year things finally shift. In today’s episode, we’re kicking off 2026 by talking honestly about visibility, branding, and what it actually takes to become in demand as a wedding photographer or filmmaker. Not just busy. Not just posting. But booking the kind of clients and weddings that move the needle and light us up creatively. So many of us are doing all the “right” things and still feel invisible. We’re showing up online. We’re posting consistently. We’re trying to keep up with trends. And yet the bookings don’t always reflect the effort. And the truth is, visibility alone isn’t enough. In this conversation, we’re introducing the framework behind our brand new Magnetic Brand Masterclass and walking through what it really looks like to build a brand that attracts the right clients, better opportunities, and sustainable growth. We talk through who we’re actually trying to reach, what we’re putting out into the world, where we’re showing up, and why getting clear on our deeper motivation matters more than ever as we scale. Save your seat now at https://thelevelupco.com/masterclass Timestamps: 00:00 - 02:10 | Welcome to 2026: Setting the Tone for Growth 02:11 - 04:18 | Introducing the Magnetic Brand Masterclass 04:19 - 10:23 | The “Who”: Defining Your Ideal Client & Brand Clarity 10:24 - 16:45 | The “What”: Curating Work That Attracts the Right Clients 16:46 - 19:51 | The “Where”: Choosing the Right Platforms for Visibility 19:52 - 22:12 | Your “Why”: Motivation, Fulfillment, and Scaling in 2026 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/

    23 min

  7. 12/30/2025

    245: 2025 Wrapped: What Worked, What Didn’t, and What We’re Taking Into 2026

    This episode is a year-end exhale and a mindset reset. We are closing out 2025 with an honest reflection on the growth, risks, and decisions that shaped the year. From expanding revenue beyond weddings, to building League, to redefining what it means to work hard without burning out, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what real evolution in business actually looks like. If you’ve been feeling torn between wanting more and wondering if you’re doing too much, this episode will hit home. We talk about diversification as a path to freedom, networking with intention, pricing with logic instead of emotion, and why loving your work isn’t something to apologize for. If you’ve been setting goals too small. If fear has been keeping you comfortable. If you’re waiting for the “right time” to go all in. Let this be your reminder: momentum comes from movement. 2026 is around the corner. You don’t need permission. You just need to decide to GO FOR IT. Timestamps: 00:00 - 04:00 | Year-End Reflections & Community Gratitude 04:01 - 10:30 | Revenue Diversification & The Revenue Multiplier 10:31 - 17:30 | Speaking, Branding, and Personal Milestones 17:31 - 24:30 | The Luxury Mastermind & Building League 24:31 - 34:00 | Networking Strategy, Industry Events & Engage 34:01 - 44:00 | Entrepreneur Identity, Work Ethic & Mindset Shifts 44:01 - 52:00 | Business Metrics, Pricing Conversations & Growth 52:01 - 59:00 | Health, Balance, 2026 Vision & 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/

    59 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    244: Communicating Effectively with Wedding Planners

    Today we are running back the tapes with one of your favorite episodes from 2023! Enjoy this rerun and hope you are having a wonderful holiday season!  As you grow into higher-end weddings, your ability to communicate with planners becomes just as important as your filmmaking or photography. In this episode, Taylor and Kelley break down the key shifts wedding creatives need to make to build trust, stay professional, and become planner favorites. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How communication changes when planners are involved ✅ Common mistakes to avoid when working with planners ✅ How to be a respectful, proactive creative partner ✅ When it's appropriate to contact the couple directly ✅ How to position yourself for future planner referrals 🎯 Want to become the creative planners want to work with? This episode will show you how to stand out through smart, respectful communication. 🔗 Learn more: thelevelupco.com 📲 Follow us: @thelevelupco Timestamps: 00:00 – 03:00 | Introduction 03:00 – 08:00 | The Shift from Client-Facing to Planner-Facing 08:00 – 14:00 | Do’s & Don’ts of Planner Communication 14:00 – 20:00 | When and How to Communicate Directly with the Couple 20:00 – 25:00 | Building Long-Term Planner Relationships   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
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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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