Advertise on podcast: LEVEL UP: A Wedding Photography + Videography Podcast

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

What if the thing standing between you and your next level isn’t your talent... but believing you’re actually capable of getting there? This week on The Level Up Podcast, we’re sitting down with wedding filmmaker Taylor Nichols, who filmed her first wedding for a whole $10 😅 Fast forward to today and she’s traveling the world filming destination weddings, and after joining The Luxury Mastermind, took her starting price from $3,200 to $6,500 with collections reaching nearly $10K 🤯 Taylor shares the mindset shift that took her from asking, “What do they have that I don’t?” to “Why NOT me?” and the tangible changes that helped her business grow FAST. We’re talking about investing in the right education, elevating your brand, curating your Instagram, showing up differently on wedding days, and paying attention to the small details luxury clients and planners absolutely notice. If you’re a wedding photographer or filmmaker ready to raise your prices, attract higher-end weddings, and stop playing small, this episode is your reminder: Why NOT you? 🚀 Timestamps: 00:00 - 10:13 | From a $10 Wedding to Full-Time Filmmaking 10:14 - 19:56 | Building Confidence, Investing in Education & Finding Community 19:57 - 21:48 | The Luxury Mastermind 21:49 - 25:33 | Doubling Her Prices & Breaking Into Destination Weddings 25:34 - 30:19 | Destination Wedding Filmmaking & Traveling for Work 30:20 - 36:50 | The Brand Shifts That Helped Her Reach $10K Weddings 36:51 - 39:30 | Finding the Right Mentors & Actually Implementing the Advice 39:31 - 40:46 | Final Thoughts & Taylor’s Upcoming Scotland Wedding Connect with Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/taylornicholsfilms/ https://taylornicholsfilms.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/

After 3.5 years and over 400 students, this chapter is coming to a close. 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/

What if the thing standing between you and your next level isn’t your talent, but the way you’re positioning it? In this episode, we’re sitting down with Southern California wedding photographer Alysha Miller to talk about her 10-year journey in the wedding industry, what finally made her realize she was ready for MORE, and the changes that led to her first five-figure wedding booking. For years, Alysha described her business as a “plastic bag in the wind.” She was talented, experienced, and booking weddings, but her portfolio was all over the place, her brand lacked a clear direction, and she kept finding herself at the same venues and around the same $5,500-$6,000 price point. Eventually, she decided something had to change. We talk about what happened when Alysha raised her prices and was willing to book LESS while she repositioned her business, how she learned to recognize and leverage luxury weddings already within her reach, and why understanding the subtle signals of the luxury market can completely change the way you curate and market your work. We also get into one of our favorite parts of Alysha's story: how YEARS of showing up with integrity as a second photographer eventually resulted in a referral for her first $10,500 wedding. No quick hack. No viral Instagram post. Just relationships, trust, patience, and doing the right thing when no one was watching. If you’re a wedding photographer or filmmaker who feels like you’ve been stuck at the same price point, attracting the same weddings, or wondering why simply raising your prices hasn’t created the growth you expected, this episode is for you. Sometimes getting to the next level isn’t about becoming more talented. It’s about building a brand, client experience, portfolio, and reputation that finally MATCH the level you’re ready to charge for. 🚀 Timestamps: 00:00 - 04:55 | Meet Alysha Miller: Branding, Website Design & Her Business Journey 04:56 - 34:00 | Introduction & Alysha's Photography Origin Story 34:01 - 42:00 | 10 Years in Business: Finding Her Niche in Southern California 42:01 - 48:20 | Using Fashion & Luxury Details to Elevate Your Brand 48:21 - 56:55 | Raising Prices, Booking Less & Breaking Into the Luxury Market 56:56 - 01:05:05 | Why Your Brand & Client Experience Need to Match Your Pricing 01:05:06 - 01:11:45 | How Relationships & Integrity Led to Her First $10K+ Wedding 01:11:46 - 01:12:41 | Final Thoughts & Alysha's Next Chapter Connect with Alysha: https://www.instagram.com/alyshamillerphoto/ https://alyshamiller.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/

Wedding albums are making a comeback… but maybe not in the way you think 👀 In this episode, Kelley sits down with Antonia from Dekora Albums to talk about the shift happening with Gen Z couples and why, despite growing up in an incredibly digital world, they’re craving things that feel REAL, tangible, and personal. From scrapbooking and needlepoint to printed invitations and wedding albums, physical keepsakes are having a moment again. And for photographers, this creates a huge opportunity to not only elevate the client experience, but add another meaningful revenue stream to your business. We’re talking about how Gen Z is changing the traditional wedding album, why personalization matters more than ever, and how photographers can sell albums through STORYTELLING rather than treating them like another add-on. Plus, if the thought of designing albums immediately makes you want to run the other direction 😂 we’re talking about ways to simplify the design process, when to introduce albums to your couples, and why an album sale doesn’t necessarily have to happen before the wedding. Whether you already offer wedding albums or have been wondering if your clients even WANT them anymore, this conversation might completely change the way you think about them. Because digital galleries are convenient. But an album? That becomes part of their family’s story. ❤️ Timestamps 00:00 - 02:40 | Why Wedding Albums Still Matter in a Digital World 02:41 - 07:47 | Gen Z’s Return to Tangible, Personalized Keepsakes 07:48 - 11:12 | Selling Albums Through Storytelling & Simplifying the Design Process 11:13 - 13:44 | How to Introduce Albums Into Your Wedding Photography Business 13:45 - 16:52 | The Rise of Editorial Coffee Table Wedding Albums Connect with Dekora Album: https://www.instagram.com/dekoraalbum https://www.dekoraalbum.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/

Disappointment is part of running a wedding photography or filmmaking business. No matter how experienced you are, there will be moments where a client is frustrated, expectations get crossed, or something doesn't go according to plan. The good news? Those moments don't have to define your business. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Kelley sits down with destination wedding photographer Eric Kelley to have an honest conversation about something we rarely talk about: how to handle difficult client situations with confidence, professionalism, and empathy. We dive into how to set better expectations from the very beginning, communicate proactively throughout the client experience, respond without letting emotions take over, and turn disappointing situations into opportunities to build even more trust. Whether you're a wedding photographer, wedding filmmaker, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation will help you create a stronger client experience, avoid common communication mistakes, and build a business that's known for professionalism just as much as incredible work. If you've ever received a difficult email, worried about disappointing a client, or wondered how seasoned professionals navigate these situations, this episode is for you. Timestamps: 00:00 - 02:23 | Meet Eric Kelley & Why Disappointment Matters 02:24 - 09:53 | Managing Client Expectations & Preventing Miscommunication 09:54 - 17:59 | Responding to Difficult Clients Without Reacting 18:00 - 22:26 | Proactive Communication That Builds Trust 22:27 - 25:15 | Turning Setbacks Into Long-Term Success Connect with Eric: https://www.instagram.com/erickelley https://erickelley.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/

What if growing your wedding business didn't mean booking more weddings? So many photographers and filmmakers believe the only way to make more money is to raise their prices or fill their calendar. But there are other ways to build a more profitable, sustainable business. In this episode, Kelley sits down with Taylor Nixon from Narrative to talk about the power of diversifying your income through authentic brand partnerships and affiliate marketing. Whether you've ever considered becoming an affiliate or partnering with brands you already use and love, this conversation will challenge the way you think about additional revenue streams. One of the biggest takeaways is that great partnerships aren't built on follower count. They're built on trust. Brands are looking for genuine creators who have real influence within their community, not just the biggest audience. We also dive into one of the biggest mindset shifts creatives need to make. So many opportunities are missed simply because we assume we'll hear "no." But you'll never know what's possible until you're willing to take the first step. If you're a wedding photographer or filmmaker looking to create more stability, more freedom, and more opportunities outside of weddings alone, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover why building multiple streams of income could be one of the smartest business decisions you make. 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/

What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn't your talent... it's your perspective? In this episode, Kelley sits down with wedding photographer Bailey Pianalto to talk about the moments that completely changed the trajectory of her business. From attending her first industry conference to realizing there was a much bigger world outside of her local market, Bailey shares what it really looked like to shift her mindset, refine her brand, and start building a business that aligned with the life she actually wanted. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed by comparison, or wondered why your growth isn't happening as quickly as you'd hoped, this conversation is for you. Growth doesn't come from copying what everyone else is doing. It comes from getting clear on where you're going, staying consistent with the fundamentals, and trusting the process even when the results take longer than expected. Whether you're a wedding photographer or filmmaker trying to break into the luxury market or simply looking for your next level, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, challenged, and ready to keep moving forward. Timestamps: 00:00 - 01:15 | Sponsor: Elevating the Client Delivery Experience 01:15 - 04:43 | Meet Bailey Pianalto: From Travel Photography to Wedding Photography 04:43 - 09:18 | Finding Growth Through Networking, Rebranding & Industry Perspective 09:18 - 13:08 | Defining Success Beyond Awards, Lists & Comparison 13:08 - 15:14 | Why Real Business Growth Takes Time and Patience 15:14 - 17:21 | Sponsor: The Luxury Mastermind Program 17:21 - 20:50 | Returning to the Basics and Creating a Better Client Experience 20:50 - 24:42 | Building Planner Relationships, Refining Sales & Attracting Ideal Clients 24:42 - 25:32 | Final Goals, Where to Connect with Bailey & Closing Thoughts 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/

Let'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/mastermind This episode was sponsored by VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupco And 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/genz Timestamps: 00:00 - 01:44 | Sponsor Introduction & Podcast Welcome 01:44 - 10:19 | Building a Financially Healthy Wedding Business 10:19 - 11:03 | Booking the Next Generation of Couples Training 11:03 - 18:28 | Money Mindset, Business Vision & Avoiding Comparison 18:28 - 22:14 | Understanding Your Numbers & Financial Habits 22:14 - 23:40 | Luxury Mastermind Sponsor Break 23:40 - 30:32 | Pricing, Profit, Taxes & Creating Financial Stability 30:32 - 33:32 | Preparing for Life's Unexpected Seasons & Final Advice 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/