LEVEL UP: A Wedding Photography + Videography Podcast

Hosted by Taylor Petrinovich & Kelley Gilster | The Level Up Co.

Business Education Tv FilmExplicit

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286

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Nov 2026

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About the show

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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November 10, 202633 min

290: The wedding industry is changing. Here’s how to thrive in 2027.

We have a prediction. 👀 Five years from now, some of the most successful wedding photography and videography businesses today are going to be STRUGGLING. And some of the businesses you've never even heard of? They're going to be the ones absolutely THRIVING. 🚀 And we don't think it's going to come down to who's the most talented, who has the most Instagram followers, or even who has the prettiest website. The wedding industry is changing FAST. The way couples find their vendors, how they make purchasing decisions, what they're willing to invest, and even the marketing strategies that worked just a few years ago are shifting right before our eyes. And if you're still running your wedding business the same way you were five years ago, it might be time to rethink a few things. In this episode, we're sharing our predictions for where the wedding industry is headed over the next five years and what we believe will separate the businesses that grow from the ones that get left behind. We're talking about the rise of AI, why personal branding is becoming more important than ever, the power of planner referrals and industry relationships, and why having an incredible portfolio is no longer enough to stand out in a sea of talented wedding photographers and filmmakers. Because here's the thing: **The strategies that got you HERE aren't necessarily the strategies that will get you THERE.** That doesn't mean you need to chase every new trend, completely rebrand your business, or spend your life trying to keep up with the Instagram algorithm. But it DOES mean you need to be willing to adapt. After a combined 26 years in the wedding industry, we've seen a whole lot of changes. And one thing we know for sure? The businesses that continue to evolve while keeping relationships and client experience at the center of what they do are the ones positioning themselves for long-term success. So whether you're already booking luxury weddings or working toward that next level, this is a conversation you'll want to hear as we head into 2027. **The wedding industry isn't slowing down. The question is, are you keeping up?** 🎧 00:00 - 03:37 | The Future of the Wedding Industry: Who Will Thrive in the Next Five Years? 03:38 - 06:34 | How Wedding Marketing Has Changed Over the Last Decade 06:35 - 10:49 | Instagram, AI & SEO: Adapting to New Marketing Trends 10:50 - 14:45 | Standing Out in a Sea of Sameness: The Power of Personal Branding 14:46 - 19:39 | Building Trust & Creating a Distinctive Wedding Brand 19:40 - 23:46 | Why Referrals & Strong Relationships Will Matter More Than Ever 23:47 - 27:11 | Quality Over Quantity: Focusing on Marketing That Actually Drives Bookings 27:12 - 30:49 | Staying Competitive: Adapting to Changing Client Expectations 30:50 - 33:42 | Future-Proofing Your Wedding Business: Knowing When to Make a Change The FINAL round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 10 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/

November 3, 202631 min

289: A decade later here are the biggest lessons I learned

Some of those lessons came from investing in education and learning from people who were further along than me. Others? Well, let's just say I learned them the hard way. 😂 In this episode, I'm sharing 10 of the biggest lessons I've learned over the last decade as a wedding filmmaker, and the things I wish I had known sooner! We're talking about everything from staying motivated during editing season and building a team to the importance of marketing, reinvesting in your business, creating an incredible client experience, and why being the most talented photographer or filmmaker in the room DOESN'T always mean you'll be the most successful. Because here's what I've learned after a decade in business: Talent will only get you so far. The way you show up, the relationships you build, and the effort you're willing to put into growing your business matter just as much. Whether you're a wedding photographer or videographer looking to book more weddings, increase your revenue, or simply build a more profitable and sustainable business, I hope these lessons help you skip a few of the mistakes I made along the way. Let's get into it! 🎧 00:00 - 02:59 | 10 Years in the Wedding Industry: Lessons Learned Along the Way 03:00 - 07:59 | Finding Motivation, Overcoming Creative Blocks & Outsourcing Editing 08:00 - 10:13 | Why Hiring a Third Shooter Is Worth the Investment 10:14 - 13:48 | Stop Chasing New Gear: Focus on What Actually Grows Your Business 13:49 - 16:05 | The Little Details Matter: Professionalism & Personal Brand 16:06 - 18:11 | Visibility Is Everything: Marketing, Networking & Staying Top of Mind 18:12 - 20:42 | Wedding Day Preparation: Mastering Timelines & Working With Planners 20:43 - 22:34 | Reinvesting in Your Business for Long-Term Growth 22:35 - 25:12 | The Power of Next-Day Teasers & Creating a Memorable Client Experience 25:13 - 27:49 | Getting Off Autopilot: Consistency, Competition & Business Growth 27:50 - 31:17 | Why Kindness, Teamwork & Reputation Matter More Than Talent The FINAL round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 10 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/

October 27, 202621 min

288: I booked 30 weddings without Instagram

Has Instagram made wedding photographers and filmmakers LAZY when it comes to marketing? 👀 Okay, hear us out. When Kelley started her wedding filmmaking business in 2010, Instagram wasn't even a thing. And guess what? She booked 30 weddings in her first full season WITHOUT social media. Fast forward 16 years, and those SAME grassroots marketing strategies are helping her book $20,000 weddings today. 🚀 Somewhere along the way, we've become so dependent on Instagram that we've forgotten how to market our businesses without it. We're spending hours creating content, chasing algorithms, and worrying about engagement when some of the BIGGEST opportunities for business growth are happening outside of our phones. And we think it's time to change that. In this episode, Kelley is challenging wedding photographers and videographers to get that DOG back in them. 💪 We're talking about the hunger, initiative, and willingness to put yourself out there that actually builds a profitable, sustainable wedding business. We're diving into the power of word-of-mouth referrals, relationship-based marketing, networking, and why your Instagram follower count has absolutely NOTHING to do with your earning potential. In fact, Kelley shares how Paul's commercial production company generated over $400,000 in revenue with fewer than 400 Instagram followers. Instagram is an AMAZING tool for visibility, but it shouldn't be your entire marketing strategy. So here's our challenge as we head into 2027: What would you do to grow your wedding photography or videography business if Instagram disappeared tomorrow? Because the businesses that will continue to thrive aren't necessarily the ones with the most followers. They're the ones building real relationships, creating demand, and taking ACTION 00:00 - 03:29 | Has Instagram Made Wedding Photographers and Filmmakers Lazy? 03:30 - 05:41 | How I Booked 30 Weddings Without Instagram 05:42 - 09:23 | Getting That Dog Back in You: Rediscovering Your Marketing Drive 09:24 - 12:24 | Grassroots Marketing: Networking, Word of Mouth & Referrals 12:25 - 16:17 | Building Genuine Relationships That Lead to Bookings 16:18 - 19:06 | Why Instagram Followers Don't Equal Business Revenue 19:07 - 20:54 | Building a Sustainable Wedding Business Beyond Social Media The FINAL round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 10 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/

October 20, 2026Episode 28718 min

287: Should you offer unlimited wedding coverage?

Should wedding photographers and videographers offer UNLIMITED coverage? Or could that decision actually be costing you thousands of dollars? 👀 It's a question we get ALL the time, especially from creatives looking to break into the luxury wedding market. And while unlimited coverage might sound like an easy way to elevate your client experience and stand out from the competition, there's a lot more to consider when it comes to profitability. In this episode, Taylor is flying solo and sharing her personal experience with unlimited wedding coverage, including a 14-hour wedding day that completely changed her perspective. Fast forward a few years, and a recent luxury wedding booking brought in an additional $4,000 simply because she DIDN'T offer unlimited coverage. 💰 We're breaking down the pros and cons of unlimited vs. hourly wedding coverage, how to structure your wedding photography or videography packages for multi-day events, and why flexibility becomes increasingly important as you move into the luxury market. Because at the end of the day, just because everyone else is doing something in their business doesn't mean it's the right move for YOURS. The goal isn't just to book higher-paying weddings. It's to build a more profitable business that works for YOU. 🚀 So, are you team unlimited coverage or team hourly? We'd love to hear where you stand! Timestamps: 00:00 - 02:34 | Wedding Business Profitability & the Unlimited Coverage Debate 02:35 - 06:49 | The Hidden Risks of Unlimited Wedding Coverage 06:50 - 10:47 | How Hourly Coverage Can Increase Wedding Revenue 10:48 - 13:24 | Unlimited vs. Hourly Coverage: Choosing the Right Business Model 13:25 - 16:12 | Luxury Wedding Packages: Flexible Hours & Multi-Day Coverage 16:13 - 18:07 | Final Thoughts: Pricing Strategies, Profitability & Business Growth The FINAL round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 10 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/

October 13, 2026Episode 28622 min

286: How much does my wedding studio make per year? The real numbers.

If there's one thing Kelley will openly admit, it's that she is NOT a numbers girl. 😂 After 16 years in the wedding industry, she's always been much more comfortable behind a camera than sitting in front of a spreadsheet. Thankfully, she married someone who actually enjoys that stuff! But recently, Kelley and Paul started looking back at the numbers from their earlier years at 618 Studios, and it really got them thinking about how much their definition of success has changed over the years. There were seasons when they were shooting 30+ weddings a year, bringing in six figures, and feeling like they were on top of the world. And you know what? They WERE! That business worked really well for the season of life they were in. Fast forward to today, and they're bringing in significantly more per wedding, capping their calendar at just 12 weddings a year, and being a whole lot more intentional about where they spend their time. And that's exactly what we're diving into this week. **Because building a more profitable wedding photography or videography business doesn't always mean booking more weddings, raising your prices, or chasing the luxury market. Sometimes it means getting really clear on what success actually looks like for YOU.** In this solo episode, Kelley is pulling back the curtain on the actual numbers behind 618 Studios, why your booking average matters more than a full calendar, and how understanding your numbers can help you make smarter business decisions without falling into that scarcity mindset. Because at the end of the day, the goal isn't necessarily to build the biggest business in the room. It's to build one that's profitable, sustainable, and supports the life you're working so hard to create. 🚀 Timestamps: 00:00 - 03:48 | Redefining Success: Building a Business That Supports Your Life 03:49 - 06:48 | Know Your Numbers: Why Booking Averages Matter More Than Wedding Counts 06:49 - 09:00 | Avoiding Scarcity Mindset & Emotional Business Decisions 09:01 - 13:55 | From $300 Weddings to Six Figures: The Early Years of 618 Studios 13:56 - 17:55 | Increasing Profitability Through Pricing, Fewer Weddings & Diversification 17:56 - 20:37 | Making More & Working Less: Aligning Business Goals With Your Lifestyle 20:38 - 22:00 | Final Thoughts: Finding Your Own Path to Profitability The FINAL round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 10 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/

October 6, 2026Episode 28524 min

285: Stop Trying to Grow Your Wedding Business Alone

You can only grow your wedding business alone for so long. 👀 There was a point in both of our businesses when we realized that posting on Instagram, relying on inquiries to magically find us, and simply showing up to weddings to do our jobs wasn’t going to get us where we wanted to go. We needed PEOPLE. Real relationships with wedding planners. Friendships with other photographers and filmmakers. Connections with vendors who could open doors we didn’t even know existed yet. But here’s where we think a lot of wedding photographers and filmmakers get networking wrong: they approach every relationship looking for the ROI. Will this planner refer me? Can this person get me into better weddings? Is this relationship worth my time? And people can FEEL that. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, we’re talking about why networking and genuine vendor relationships become so important as you grow into the higher end of the wedding industry, the biggest networking mistakes we see creatives make, and why some of the relationships that change your business might take YEARS to fully develop. We’re also giving you a peek inside League, our education + networking community for wedding creatives, and sharing why we created a space centered around real connection, collaboration, referrals, and getting talented people in the same room. Networking isn’t about collecting contacts or getting a planner to send you a wedding next month. It’s about showing up, being a good human, finding your people, helping OTHER people make connections, and continuing to plant seeds. The ROI might not happen tomorrow. But those relationships can completely change the trajectory of your wedding photography or videography business. If you’re ready to stop trying to grow your business from behind your computer and start building relationships that can grow WITH you, this episode is for you. 🤍 00:00 - 06:40 | Inside League: Building a Community for Wedding Creatives 06:41 - 09:07 | League Parties & Why In-Person Connection Matters 09:08 - 14:16 | Why You Can’t Grow Your Business Alone 14:17 - 16:30 | Networking Like a Human: Finding Your People 16:31 - 20:20 | The Biggest Networking Mistakes Wedding Creatives Make 20:21 - 23:36 | Playing the Long Game: Relationships, Referrals & ROI 23:37 - 24:21 | Final Thoughts & What’s Next for League The FINAL round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 10 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/

September 29, 2026Episode 28429 min

284: In 18 months I went from barely booking to thriving. Here’s what I changed.

What happens when a business that has been successful for YEARS suddenly… slows down? A year ago, Kelley was staring at an almost empty wedding calendar. After 15+ years in business and hundreds of weddings, 618 Studios had lost momentum. Somewhere along the way, the business had slipped into autopilot. So Kelley decided to become the student again. She went back through the exact strategies we teach inside The Luxury Mastermind. Branding. Positioning. Marketing. Planner relationships. Getting in the room. Saying YES again. And 18 months later? The momentum is WILD. 🚀 618 Studios is already 80% booked for 2027, couples are increasing their budgets to work with her, planner referrals are coming in, and demand is at a level she hasn’t experienced in years. In this episode, we’re talking about what changed, why even an established wedding photography or videography business can’t stay on autopilot forever, when it actually makes sense to raise your prices, and why sometimes the best thing you can do for your business is get hungry again. Because sometimes the opportunity that looks “too small” is the one that changes everything. If business has felt a little slower than you’d like lately, this conversation is for you. Timestamps: 00:00 - 04:50 | The End of an Era: Retiring The Luxury Mastermind 04:51 - 08:08 | Going All In: Student Success & Building a Sustainable Business 08:09 - 12:09 | From Booking Drought to High Demand: Rebuilding 618 Studios 12:10 - 16:49 | Why Business Momentum Slows & the Work It Takes to Get It Back 16:50 - 20:27 | Raising Your Prices: When the Market Is Actually Ready 20:28 - 25:15 | Saying Yes Again: Networking, Opportunities & Getting Back in the Room 25:16 - 29:36 | Staying Hungry, Investing in Support & What’s Next for Level Up The FINAL round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 10 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/

September 22, 202645 min

283: Why Starting Over and Who You Surround Yourself With Changes Everything

We are keeping the party going with these reruns and today's is such a good one. We loved hearing Tayler's story in October 2025 and it has been so fun to watch her growth since then! Every photographer and filmmaker hits that moment when they realize something has to change. The work is there, the passion is there, but the business side feels heavy. The pricing conversations, the boundaries, the burnout, the self-doubt. You start to wonder if you are really capable of building the kind of brand that commands respect, trust, and luxury-level bookings. In this episode, we sat down with Taylor, a talented creative who made the bold decision to reinvent her business from the inside out. From raising her prices with confidence to navigating the leap into the luxury market, she shares what it truly takes to grow beyond comfort and into clarity. The truth is, your next level is not waiting on a viral post, a new camera, or a perfect moment. It is waiting on your decision to finally step forward. You are capable of building a brand that attracts high-end clients, of creating work that feels both meaningful and profitable, and of running a business that supports your life, not the other way around. Doors to the Luxury Mastermind are now open. This is your opportunity to step into the next level of your business with strategy, clarity, and community that will support your growth every step of the way. 👉 Learn more at thelevelupco.com/workshop Timestamps: 00:00 – 03:00 | Mastermind Announcement and Episode Introduction 03:00 – 10:30 | Taylor’s Journey from Planner to Photographer 10:30 – 17:00 | Pricing Growth and Shifting Toward Luxury Clients 17:00 – 23:00 | Social Media Boundaries and Professionalism in Business 23:00 – 32:00 | Networking, FAM Trips, and Building Industry Relationships 32:00 – 48:46 | Overcoming Fear, Elevating the Client Experience, and Mastermind Invitation The FINAL round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 10 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/

September 15, 202630 min

282: Building Your Brand Beyond Your Local Market

We have another rerun for you today and this one is a good one!! 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 networking, and the right business moves can make all the difference. We’re diving into how to: - Stop playing small with your pricing and own your worth. - Build relationships that position you as a premium vendor. - Maintain work-life balance while scaling your business. - Tap into new markets and make your brand irresistible to luxury clients. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting to think about leveling up, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you book higher-paying clients without burning out. 🎉 You’re more capable than you think—and sometimes, all it takes is shifting your mindset and getting in the right rooms. 💪 Tune in and get inspired to GO FOR IT! 🏃‍♀️ Timestamps: [00:00 – 05:45] Starting and Scaling a Profitable Wedding Business [05:46 – 10:12] Breaking Through Pricing Plateaus [10:13 – 15:00] The Role of Education and Mindset in Growth [15:01 – 25:30] Building a Sustainable Business and Expanding to New Markets [25:31 – 30:30] Creating Exceptional Experiences That Lead to Referrals [30:31 – End] Growth Mindset, Final Takeaways, and Networking Tips Connect with Skylar: 🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylarball_/ 💻Website: https://skylarball.com/ The FINAL round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 10 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/

September 8, 202636 min

281: How to 3X Your Wedding Prices in Just 12 Months

Today we are running it back with a very special TLM Alumni Myla Li!! This episode was recorded in August of 2024 so make sure you go take a peek at her work to see how much she has grown since then! What if you could scale your wedding photography business from $3K to $10K+ weddings in just one year? That’s exactly what Myla Li did, and she’s sharing her journey in this episode of The Level Up Podcast. From second shooting over 20 weddings in her first year to booking five-figure weddings for 2025, Myla reveals how she used Instagram marketing, strategic branding, and unique offerings like Super 8 film to differentiate herself in the luxury market. She also discusses the mindset shifts that helped her break into high-end weddings and scale her business—while still working full-time as an engineer. If you’re a photographer or filmmaker looking to raise your prices, attract luxury clients, and build a profitable brand, this episode is a must-listen! In this episode, we cover: ✔️ How Myla went from $3K weddings to booking five-figure weddings in one year ✔️ The role of second shooting and portfolio curation in building a luxury brand ✔️ Why branding and Instagram marketing are key to attracting high-end clients ✔️ How adding Super 8 film photography & videography helped her stand out ✔️ The mindset shifts required to confidently increase pricing without pushback ✔️ How The Luxury Mastermind helped Myla scale her business quickly 💬 What’s your biggest challenge in growing your wedding business? DM us on Instagram @TheLevelUpCo or share your thoughts in the comments on YouTube! ⭐ Loved this episode? Subscribe, rate, and review to help more wedding photographers and videographers level up their businesses. Timestamps: 00:00 – 05:00 | Introduction 05:01 – 12:00 | Meet Myla Li: From Engineer to Luxury Wedding Photographer 12:01 – 20:00 | Starting a Wedding Photography Business in 2021 20:01 – 28:00 | Scaling from $3K to $10K+ Weddings in One Year 28:01 – 34:00 | The Power of Branding & Instagram for Growth 34:01 – 39:00 | Final Thoughts Connect with Myla: https://www.instagram.com/mylaliphotos https://mylaliphotos.com/ 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/ The FINAL round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 10 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/