Podcast
LEVEL UP: A Wedding Photography + Videography Podcast
Hosted by Taylor Petrinovich & Kelley Gilster | The Level Up Co. · EN
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/
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
274: Where Is All Your Money Going?
1w ago00:33:44Tap to summarizeLet's be honest... most wedding photographers and filmmakers didn't start their business because they love bookkeeping, spreadsheets, or talking about profit margins.We started because we love creating.But if you want a business that gives you more freedom, more income, and long-term sustainability, you can't afford to ignore your numbers.In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Taylor sits down with financial strategist Gayla McCray to talk about why understanding your finances isn't about becoming an accountant. It's about building a business that supports the life you actually want to live.Together, they discuss the importance of knowing your true costs, making business decisions based on strategy instead of emotion, and creating financial systems that prepare you for both exciting opportunities and unexpected seasons.They also dive into why comparison can lead you away from your own goals and how defining success on your own terms creates a business that's both profitable and fulfilling.If you've ever wondered if you're charging enough, struggled to understand your numbers, or simply want to feel more confident running the business side of your creative business, this episode is for you.And if you're ready to build a profitable, sustainable wedding photography or filmmaking business, we'd love to help. Learn more about The Luxury Mastermind at thelevelupco.com/mastermind.The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here - https://thelevelupco.com/mastermindThis episode was sponsored by VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoAnd don't forget to sign up for our free class on marketing to Gen-Z couples on July 29th at 10AM PT. Register here https://thelevelupco.com/genzTimestamps:00:00 - 01:44 | Sponsor Introduction & Podcast Welcome01:44 - 10:19 | Building a Financially Healthy Wedding Business10:19 - 11:03 | Booking the Next Generation of Couples Training11:03 - 18:28 | Money Mindset, Business Vision & Avoiding Comparison18:28 - 22:14 | Understanding Your Numbers & Financial Habits22:14 - 23:40 | Luxury Mastermind Sponsor Break23:40 - 30:32 | Pricing, Profit, Taxes & Creating Financial Stability30:32 - 33:32 | Preparing for Life's Unexpected Seasons & Final AdviceThe next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 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/resetConnect 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/
Transcribe →273: Everyone Is Using TikTok Wrong w/ Micah Cook
2w ago00:42:00Tap to summarizeIt sounds like you're working hard to build a business that attracts higher-end weddings, raises your prices, and gives you more freedom... but what if the biggest opportunity isn't another portfolio update or Instagram trend?In this episode, Taylor sits down with destination wedding photographer Micah Cook to unpack the mindset shifts, business decisions, and marketing strategies that helped him build a thriving luxury wedding business.Together, they dive into what it really takes to break into the luxury wedding market, why confidence matters just as much as talent, and how TikTok has become one of Micah's most powerful tools for building trust, creating relationships, and booking dream clients.They also discuss why luxury couples often book on a different timeline, how your language influences the clients you attract, and why investing in your business mindset can completely change your trajectory.If you're a wedding photographer or filmmaker who wants to book more luxury weddings, attract premium clients, grow through social media marketing, and build a business that feels both profitable and fulfilling, this conversation is full of insights you won't want to miss.The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here - https://thelevelupco.com/mastermindThis episode was sponsored by VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoAnd don't forget to sign up for our free class on marketing to Gen-Z couples on July 29th at 10AM PT. Register here https://thelevelupco.com/genz00:00 - 01:44 | Sponsor Introduction & Podcast Welcome01:44 - 07:06 | Micah Cook's Photography Journey: From Hobby to Weddings07:06 - 12:20 | Breaking Into the Luxury Market & Booking Higher-End Clients12:20 - 13:28 | Booking the Next Generation of Couples Training13:28 - 20:24 | Using TikTok to Build Trust, Grow an Audience & Book Weddings20:24 - 25:50 | Instagram vs. TikTok & The Power of Client Transparency25:50 - 27:51 | Luxury Mastermind Sponsor Break27:51 - 35:03 | Scaling to Luxury: Pricing, Confidence & Business Strategy35:03 - 41:47 | Luxury Mindset, Networking & Final Advice for Wedding CreativesThe next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 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/resetConnect 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/
Transcribe →272: How Do You Actually Balance Business and Life?
3w ago00:40:14Tap to summarizeThere are some conversations that are just too good to keep behind closed doors.In this special episode, recorded live at Hybrid Conference, we're answering real questions from wedding photographers and filmmakers who are navigating the same challenges you probably are. From posing plus size couples with confidence, to creating better work-life balance as a business owner, to staying consistent with marketing when you're buried in client work, these conversations are packed with practical advice you can start applying right away.One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that sometimes the smallest shifts create the biggest results. Whether it's making a client feel more confident in front of your camera, protecting your time so you can be fully present with your family, or building simple systems that make marketing feel sustainable, success is often about making better decisions consistently, not working harder.If you've ever wondered how other wedding professionals are thinking through these challenges, or wished you could sit in on a live coaching session, this episode is for you.The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here - https://thelevelupco.com/mastermindThis episode was sponsored by VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoTimestamps:00:00 - 03:44 | Welcome to Hybrid: Live Podcast Q&A Series & Conference Kickoff 03:45 - 10:24 | Building a Business That Fits Your Life: Audience Coaching Session 10:24 - 14:16 | Photographing Plus Size Couples with Confidence: Posing Tips That Flatter Every Body 14:16 - 24:12 | Work-Life Balance, Family, and Building a Sustainable Creative Career 24:13 - 32:56 | Audience Business Coaching: Growth, Mindset & Industry Insights 32:57 - 38:51 | Social Media for Wedding Videographers: Marketing Without the Burnout 38:51 - 39:24 | Final Thoughts & Closing RemarksThe next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 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/resetConnect 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/
Transcribe →271: Build a Business That Supports Your Life w/ Shauna and Jordan
4w ago00:32:13Tap to summarizeSuccess in business is rarely about one big breakthrough.More often, it's the result of hundreds of small decisions, years of consistency, and a willingness to keep growing long after you've figured out the basics.In this episode, Kelley sits down with Shauna Cooney of Shauna & Jordan Photography to talk about the journey of building a business alongside your spouse, navigating the challenges of leadership, and creating a life that feels just as fulfilling as the business you've worked so hard to build.Shauna shares how she went from a career in education to running a thriving destination photography business, the lessons she's learned from nearly a decade in the industry, and why continuing to invest in your growth never stops mattering.One of my favorite parts of this conversation is the reminder that success isn't one-size-fits-all.For some seasons, growth looks like booking more weddings. In others, it looks like creating more freedom, spending more time with family, building a stronger team, or creating systems that allow your business to support the life you actually want to live.We also dive into the realities of working with your spouse, learning how to lead well, letting go of control, and building trust as both business partners and life partners.If you've ever felt pulled between building a successful business and building a meaningful life, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that you don't have to choose between the two.The businesses we build should support the lives we want to live.The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here - https://thelevelupco.com/mastermindThis episode was sponsored by VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoTimestamps:00:00 - 01:44 | VidFlow Sponsor: Elevating the Client Delivery Experience01:44 - 04:45 | Meet Shauna Cooney: From Education to Destination Weddings04:45 - 09:07 | Building a Luxury Wedding Photography Business09:07 - 12:30 | Pricing Growth, Mentorship & Industry Abundance12:30 - 17:23 | Working With Your Spouse: Leadership, Roles & Communication17:23 - 20:32 | Kelly’s Husband-and-Wife Business Journey & Leadership Lessons20:32 - 23:34 | Building a Team: Third Photographers & Wedding Day Dynamics23:34 - 27:30 | Parenthood, Travel Weddings & Finding the Right Work-Life Balance27:30 - 31:26 | Scaling a Business, Family Support & Defining Success31:26 - 32:01 | Where to Find Shauna & Closing ThoughtsThe next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 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/resetConnect 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/
Transcribe →270: Am I the A**hole???
Jun 2300:32:06Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a wedding photographer walks off the job? Or when a photographer shows up to a wedding dressed completely inappropriately? Or when a client demands their gallery while their photographer is grieving the loss of a parent?In this episode, we're trying something completely different.We dove into some of the wildest wedding industry stories we could find and gave our honest take on who was right, who was wrong, and most importantly, what wedding photographers and filmmakers can learn from these situations.While some of these stories are hilarious, they also reveal important lessons about professionalism, communication, client experience, online reputation, boundaries, and what it really means to run a successful business.One thing we see all the time is that small decisions have big consequences. The way you dress on a wedding day. How you communicate when something goes wrong. What you post online when you're frustrated. How you handle difficult clients. These moments may seem small, but they shape your reputation and ultimately impact the growth of your business.If you're a wedding photographer or filmmaker who wants to elevate your client experience, build a stronger brand, and avoid the mistakes that can hold you back, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways disguised as entertainment.Plus, you'll probably laugh a few times along the way. 😂In this episode, we discuss:✨ Wedding photography horror stories✨ Professionalism on wedding days✨ Client communication and expectations✨ Wedding photographer attire and brand perception✨ Contracts, delivery timelines, and client experience✨ Social media mistakes business owners make✨ Building a luxury wedding photography and filmmaking brand✨ Lessons every wedding creative can learnGrab your coffee and join us for one of the most entertaining conversations we've had on the podcast in a long time.This episode was sponsored by VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoTimestamps:00:00 - 02:14 | Podcast Introduction & Wedding Industry Reddit Stories02:15 - 08:19 | Wedding Photography Miscommunication: A First-Time Photographer's Dilemma08:20 - 15:21 | Professionalism on Wedding Days: Attire, Reviews & Client Perception15:22 - 17:19 | Growing a Luxury Wedding Business with The Luxury Mastermind17:20 - 23:55 | Family Weddings, Boundaries & Maintaining Professionalism Online23:56 - 30:51 | Client Expectations, Contracts & Handling Delays with Grace30:52 - 31:53 | Final Thoughts & Should We Do Another Reddit Episode?The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 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/resetConnect 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/
Transcribe →269: The Art of Building Legacy Clients w/ Steve Moore
Jun 1600:30:27Tap to summarizeMost wedding professionals spend years trying to figure out how to stand out.They tweak their websites.They refine their portfolios.They spend hours creating content.But often the thing that creates the deepest connection with clients isn't another perfect image or beautifully curated post.It's you.In this episode, Kelley sits down with Steve Sinclair of Sinclair & Moore to talk about the power of personal branding, authentic storytelling, and building relationships that last far beyond the wedding day.Steve shares how a business that started with wedding cakes, custom gowns, and flowers evolved into one of the most respected planning and design companies in the industry. More importantly, he shares why showing up as a real person online has been one of the most impactful business decisions he's ever made.We talk about:✨ How sharing your personal life can help build trust with clients✨ The role hospitality plays in creating a luxury experience✨ Why people connect with people, not just businesses✨ Building legacy clients who come back generation after generation✨ Setting boundaries while still showing up authentically online✨ Creating a business that supports your life, not the other way aroundIf you've ever struggled with how much of yourself to share online, or you're looking to build deeper relationships with your clients, this episode is packed with wisdom you won't want to miss.This episode was sponsored by VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoConnect with Steve:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinclairandmooreWebsite: https://sinclairandmoore.com/Timestamps:00:00 - 01:44 | Sponsor Spotlight: Elevating the Client Delivery Experience with VidFlow01:45 - 04:44 | Meet Steve Sinclair: 24 Years in Weddings and an Unconventional Journey04:45 - 07:50 | From Cakes to Planning: The Power of Service and Hospitality07:51 - 11:34 | Building a Personal Brand Through Family and Authentic Storytelling11:35 - 18:50 | Sharing Your Personal Life Online with Intention and Boundaries18:51 - 22:18 | Human Connection, Brand Trust, and Why People Buy From People22:19 - 29:04 | Legacy Clients, Family Values, and Relationships Beyond the Wedding Day29:05 - 30:14 | Where to Find Steve Sinclair and Final ThoughtsThe next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 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/resetConnect 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/
Transcribe →268: We Asked Wedding Pros Their Biggest Questions. Here's What Came Up.
Jun 900:30:06Tap to summarizeWhat does it actually take to move from the middle market to the luxury market?In this special live Q&A episode recorded at Hybrid Conference, we sit down with wedding photographers and filmmakers from across the country to answer some of the biggest questions about growing a profitable, sustainable business.We cover everything from creating a luxury client experience and building stronger planner relationships to navigating husband-and-wife business dynamics and refining your wedding day workflow.One of the most powerful conversations in this episode centers around success itself. Is being featured on the biggest publications really the goal? We discuss why reputation, relationships, and consistently serving clients well often matter more than industry recognition.We also talk about keeping business in perspective. Growth is exciting, but your health, your relationships, and the people you love matter more than any booking goal or accolade.If you're a wedding photographer or filmmaker looking to attract higher-end clients, elevate your client experience, and build a business that feels both profitable and fulfilling, this episode is for you.Topics discussed:• Moving into the luxury market• Creating an elevated client experience• Building planner relationships• Husband-and-wife business partnerships• Wedding day workflows• Industry recognition vs. reputation• Balancing ambition and personal well-beingLearn more about The Luxury Mastermind at thelevelupco.com/mastermind.This episode was sponsored by VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoTimestamps:00:00 - 03:01 | Hybrid Conference Q&A Series Introduction & Elevating the Client Experience03:02 - 06:14 | Luxury Wedding Day Workflows: Service, Presentation & Planner Communication06:15 - 11:44 | Supporting a Spouse on Wedding Days & Photo/Video Team Dynamics11:45 - 17:57 | Photographer Wellness: Fitness, Recovery & Surviving Wedding Season17:58 - 23:24 | Recognition vs Reputation: Defining Success in the Luxury Market23:25 - 27:28 | Perspective, Health & Keeping Business in Its Proper Place27:29 - 28:01 | Closing Thoughts & Hybrid Conference Series Wrap-UpThe next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 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/resetConnect 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/
Transcribe →267: AI Is Changing the Wedding Industry
Jun 200:32:13Tap to summarizeWhat if the thing holding your business back isn’t your talent… but your workflow? 👀In this episode, we’re sitting down with wedding photographer turned tech founder James Broadbent, the creator of Narrative, to talk about AI, business growth, workflow optimization, and how photographers + filmmakers can stop spending countless hours stuck behind a computer and start creating more freedom in their businesses.James shares how he went from shooting 50 weddings a year to building one of the most widely used AI culling and editing tools in the photography industry, and this conversation is FULL of perspective shifts for wedding creatives who want to work smarter, scale their income, and create more time for the things that actually move the needle in their business 🚀We also dive into the fears surrounding AI in the wedding industry and why embracing new tools does NOT mean sacrificing your artistry. The wedding industry is evolving fast, and the creatives who are willing to adapt, stay curious, and focus on growth are going to be the ones who thrive.One of the biggest takeaways from this episode? Your business does not grow because you are the most talented artist in the room. It grows because you learn strategy, stay consistent, and focus on the right things over and over again 💪Timestamps:00:00 - 05:19 | From Wedding Photographer to Tech Founder05:20 - 10:17 | Building Narrative & Saving Photographers Time with AI10:18 - 16:44 | AI, Creativity & The Future of Photography16:45 - 22:24 | Using AI Tools & Diversifying Revenue Streams22:25 - 26:53 | Business Strategy vs Artistic Talent26:54 - 32:00 | Marketing, Growth & Final ThoughtsThis episode was sponsored VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoConnect with James:Narrative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narrativeapp/Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasewildphotos/Website: https://narrative.so/The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 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/resetConnect 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/
Transcribe →266: An Honest Conversation About Shooting Celebrity Weddings w Samm Blake
May 2600:37:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we’re sitting down with internationally recognized wedding photographer Samm Blake to talk about what it really takes to build a long-term, creatively fulfilling career in the luxury wedding industry. From shooting her first wedding for $500 and losing money on the job to now starting at $40,000 per wedding, Sam shares the mindset shifts, creative risks, and intentional decisions that shaped her journey over the last 20+ years.We dive into the evolution of the wedding industry, building a recognizable artistic voice, and why standing out matters so much more than blending in. Sam shares her perspective on portfolio curation, attracting luxury clients without sacrificing your style, and how photographers can stop chasing trends and start building work that actually feels true to them.We also talk about photographing high-profile celebrity weddings, navigating pressure at the highest level, and the confidence that comes from finally realizing you do not have to conform to succeed in the luxury market.If you’re a wedding photographer or filmmaker wanting to raise your prices, book more intentional weddings, refine your portfolio, and create work that feels both profitable and artistically fulfilling, this conversation is packed with perspective shifts and tactical takeaways you won’t want to miss.In this episode, we cover:• Building a luxury wedding photography brand• How to stand out in a saturated wedding market• Portfolio curation tips for photographers• Creative risk-taking at weddings• Luxury wedding client experience• Breaking into the high-end wedding industry• Finding your unique artistic voice• Growing a profitable photography business without copying trendsThis 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/thelevelupcoTimestamps:00:00 - 02:19 | Podcast Introduction & Elevating the Client Delivery Experience02:20 - 06:10 | Sam Blake’s Photography Journey & Adapting Through Industry Changes06:11 - 09:25 | Moving to New York, Building an International Brand & Luxury Pricing09:26 - 12:14 | Career-Defining Weddings & Photographing High-Profile Clients12:15 - 18:25 | Finding Confidence in Your Artistic Voice Within the Luxury Market18:26 - 20:14 | Outsourcing, Business Growth & Creating Space to Scale20:15 - 23:34 | Standing Out in the Luxury Market Through Authenticity & Curation23:35 - 28:37 | Portfolio Curation, Identifying Weaknesses & Improving Your Craft28:38 - 33:17 | Taking Creative Risks, Experimentation & Artistic Growth at Weddings33:18 - 36:27 | The Value of Representation, Support Systems & Creative Freedom36:28 - 37:14 | Final Thoughts & Where to Connect with Sam BlakeConnect with Samm:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammblake/Website: https://www.sammblakeweddings.com/The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 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/resetConnect 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/
Transcribe →265: The Wedding Industry Is Evolving… Are You?
May 1900:26:50Tap to summarizeToday on The Level Up Podcast, we’re answering your questions straight from Hybrid Co. and diving into everything from networking at luxury events, building real connections in the wedding industry, handling pricing pushback, creating an elevator pitch that actually reflects your brand, and knowing when it’s time to diversify your income beyond weddings.One of the biggest mindset shifts we’ve learned over the years is that growth rarely comes from staying comfortable. The photographers and filmmakers who build sustainable, profitable businesses are the ones willing to keep evolving. They refine their brand. They stay visible in the off-season. They learn how to position themselves differently. And eventually, they stop relying on one single revenue stream to carry the weight of their entire future.We also talk about:✨ How to confidently introduce yourself at networking events✨ Why understanding your ideal client changes everything✨ The truth about “off season” as a business owner✨ How we personally navigate pricing flexibility and client budgets✨ The smartest ways to diversify your income as a wedding creative✨ Why digital products, education, and corporate work can completely change your financial futureIf you’ve ever questioned whether you’re capable of building something bigger, this is your reminder that you are.The wedding industry is changing quickly, and the creatives who are willing to think long-term, take strategic risks, and keep showing up are the ones who will continue to grow.We’re so excited for you to listen.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/thelevelupcoTimestamps:00:00 - 01:44 | Elevating the Client Experience Through Premium Delivery Systems01:44 - 02:50 | Hybrid Conference Recap & Listener Q&A Introduction02:50 - 08:00 | Networking Events: Elevator Pitches, Personal Branding & Ideal Clients08:00 - 12:51 | Off-Season Mindset: Work Ethic, Business Growth & Long-Term Success12:51 - 15:08 | Navigating Pricing Pushback & Making Strategic Business Decisions15:08 - 19:11 | Diversifying Revenue Streams & Reducing Financial Risk19:11 - 25:24 | Revenue Growth Through Education, Digital Products & Corporate WorkThe next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Fall 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/resetConnect 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/
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