LEVEL UP: A Wedding Photography + Videography Podcast

Taylor Petrinovich & Kelley Gilster | The Level Up Co.

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. 3D AGO

    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
  2. 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 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/

    23 min
  3. 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 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/

    59 min
  4. 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   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/

    26 min
  5. 12/16/2025

    243: Why Your Wedding Day Energy Matters More Than You Think

    This week on the show, we sat down with Liza Kirk to talk about something we rarely highlight in the wedding industry: your energy on a wedding day. Your presence can shape the entire experience for your couple, and once you learn how to read the room, support them emotionally, and show up with confidence, everything shifts in your favor. Liza spent years moving from rural markets into bigger cities and higher-end events. For a long time, she believed her work needed to fit a certain look to belong in the luxury space. The moment she let go of that belief and leaned into her true artistic style, her business began to open up in new ways. She realized that her perspective, her voice, and the way she cares for people were the things her clients valued most. Not the trend. Not the mold. Her. If you have been hesitating or talking yourself out of leveling up because your work looks different or you do things your own way, this is the reminder that you are capable of more than you think. There is room for your artistry. There is room for your growth. Let this episode encourage you to step with more intention, build deeper trust with planners, and see yourself as the luxury creative you are becoming. If you are ready for more support, community, and momentum, join us inside LEAGUE and step into your next chapter with confidence. Timestamps: 00:00–02:17 | Meet Liza + Entering the Industry 02:17–05:31 — Expanding Markets + Outgrowing Your Local Scene 05:31–10:01 | Wedding Day Energy: Golden Retriever vs. Black Cat 10:01–17:25 — Emotional Intelligence on Wedding Days 17:25–26:04 | Navigating Family Dynamics + Protecting the Couple 26:04–36:20 — Evolving Style: From Trends to True Artistry 36:20–42:15 | Pricing Growth, Planner Relationships + 2026 Goals 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/

    46 min
  6. 12/09/2025

    242: DEBRIEF: 3 day FAM TRIP in Hawaii

    This week on the podcast, we are sharing what really happens when a big opportunity shows up out of the blue and you have to decide whether to go for it or play it safe. Kelley walks through her Four Seasons Lanai FAM trip, the whirlwind four day turnaround, and the creative growth that came from trusting herself and saying yes even when it felt overwhelming. This episode is about rising to the moment. The kind of moment that stretches you in the best way and reminds you that you are more capable than you think. Hearing how she handled approvals, travel, solo shooting days, next morning edits, and building real relationships with top planners will give you a clear look at what is possible when you choose to bet on yourself. Opportunities like this are not reserved for other people. They are available to anyone willing to show up, take action, and step into something bigger than their comfort zone. One small yes can shift the entire path of your business. Tune in to this episode to hear the full story and take away the exact inspiration you need for your next big leap. Timestamps 00:00–03:11 | Introduction, Series Wrap-Up & Podcast Updates 03:11–07:06 | What a FAM Trip Is & Why It Matters in the Luxury Market 07:06–12:34 | The Last-Minute Invite: Approvals, Logistics & Preparing in Four Days 12:34–18:03 | Balancing Business, Motherhood & Opportunity: Saying Yes When It Counts 18:03–24:09 | Behind the Scenes of the FAM Trip: Shooting, Editing & Solo Workflow 24:09–28:30 | Relationship Building: Planner Conversations, Visibility & New Leads 28:30–32:13 | Creative Flexibility, Evolving Style & Closing Thoughts 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/

    32 min
  7. 12/02/2025

    241: DEBRIEF: Same Venue, Two Completely Different Experiences

    This week on the podcast, Taylor and Kelley walk through two weddings we filmed just weeks apart at the same venue, Santa Lucia Preserve. If you have ever worked a massive property with no cell service, winding roads, and multiple locations that all demand precision and calm, you will feel this one. We break down the experience of navigating first looks in the Redwoods, dealing with rain delays, swatting off bugs, trusting our team when we cannot communicate, and staying composed when timelines shift unexpectedly. You will also hear the story of how a drone ended up in a very tall oak tree. The memory card survived. The drone did not. This episode is full of practical takeaways for anyone working in the luxury market. We talk through managing complex timelines, becoming the easy choice for planners, and building strong relationships with photographers that lead to real referrals. These are the skills that elevate your career and help you stand out in rooms that matter. We also share a deeper look at LEAGUE, our private networking community for photographers, filmmakers, and planners who want real connection and real opportunity. If you know it is time to grow your circle in a more intentional way, this conversation will give you clarity on where to begin. Applications are open now https://thelevelupco.com/league It is a good one, and we are excited for you to tune in. Timestamps 00:00–02:00 | Introduction + Reflection on Last Week’s Episode 02:00–05:30 — Two Weddings at Santa Lucia Preserve + First Impressions 05:30–10:40 | Navigating Logistics: No Cell Service, Routes, Team Communication 10:40–15:50 — Redwoods Portraits, Buggy Ceremony Sites + Multi-Location Timelines 15:50–20:45 | Rain Delays, Guest Movement, Gear Drops + Trusting Your Team 20:45–27:30 — Drone Crash, Travel Costs, Pricing Education + Vendor Etiquette 27:30–39:27 | Photographer Collaboration, Super 8 Moments, LEAGUE Overview + Next Week’s Preview 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
  8. 11/25/2025

    240: Debrief: Navigating Grief in the Wedding Industry

    In this week’s debrief, the conversation turns toward one of the most personal chapters shared on the podcast. Instead of highlighting a luxury wedding or a creative challenge behind the scenes, this episode opens the door to real life and the quiet moments that unfold beyond the work. While preparing for a September wedding, the week was shaped by the final days of a beloved grandmother’s life. Balancing deep grief with the responsibility of showing up for a wedding day required a level of emotional strength that can only come from navigating something tender and profound. The wedding industry often shines a light on the beauty, the wins, and the artistry, but it rarely shows the very human experiences happening behind the scenes. This episode offers a look into what it means to honor commitments while also honoring your heart, and how meaningful it is to have community that understands the emotional weight of this work. A gentle reminder for anyone moving through a heavy season that you are not alone, and there is space here for the real, human parts of this work. Timestamps: 00:00–03:33 | Entering the Winter Season + Debrief Series Context 03:33–06:16 — Black Friday Announcements + Offers 06:16–10:53 | Backstory: Family, Health Decline, and the Week Before the Wedding 10:53–17:44 — The Wedding Day While Grieving 17:44–24:29 | Real-Life Challenges Behind the Wedding Industry 24:29–27:13 — Closing Reflections + Upcoming Debrief Episodes 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/

    27 min
4.9
out of 5
83 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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