LEVEL UP: A Wedding Photography + Videography Podcast

• Average is Taken

  There’s a reason your business feels like it’s hitting a ceiling—and spoiler alert: it’s not your talent. It’s that you’re still playing by rules that don’t serve the next level you’re aiming for.In this episode, we’re digging into the uncomfortable (but necessary) truth: average is already taken. If you’re still trying to blend in or wait for the perfect moment to make your move, you’re going to stay exactly where you are.We talk about what it really takes to stand out in the wedding industry, especially if you’re a photographer or filmmaker who’s been at it for 2+ years and is ready for more—more income, more visibility, more aligned clients. We’re breaking down mindset shifts, why strategy always comes before aesthetics, and how to build something that actually feels like you—not a copy of someone else’s brand.✨ Ready to stop settling for “safe” and start owning your space in the luxury market? This episode is your wake-up call.[00:00 – 04:45] Why Playing It Safe Is Costing You Growth[04:46 – 07:25] Average Is Already Taken: What It Takes to Stand Out[07:26 – 10:12] Scaling in Small Markets: Dismantling the Big City Myth[10:13 – 13:56] The Tools That Got You Here Won’t Get You There[13:57 – 18:00] Strategy Before Aesthetic: Rethinking the Rebrand Timeline[18:01 – End] Fear, Timing, and the Truth About Leveling UpDoors to THE LUXURY MASTERMIND are now OPEN! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 12 week program. Learn more + enroll 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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  25:29
• What This $1 Billion Business Owner Taught Me

  Doors to The Luxury Mastermind are officially OPEN 🥂Learn more + enroll here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermindThere’s a reason we can’t stop talking about Taylor Swift—and no, it’s not just the music. It’s the evolution. The reinvention. The unapologetic confidence.In this episode, we’re breaking down what creatives like us can learn from someone who’s mastered the art of owning her narrative, leading with clarity, and growing on her own terms. Because let’s be honest—your business has eras, too.We’re talking about the mindset shifts that help you move out of your “fearful freshman” era and into your “confident CEO” era.About what happens when you stop trying to be everything to everyone—and start leading like the expert you already are.And about how luxury isn’t luck… it’s strategy, vision, and knowing when it’s time to turn the page.Even if you're not a full-blown Swiftie or even if you don’t care for her at all, you'll walk away from this episode with a fresh perspective on your business, your brand, and what it takes to grow with intention.✨ You don’t have to wait for permission.✨ You don’t have to stay in your mid-level pricing era forever.✨ You get to write your next chapter—boldly.Whether you’re ready to raise your rates, elevate your brand, or step into a new season of growth—this episode will leave you inspired to go for it.Because your next era? It starts the moment you decide it’s time. 💫Timestamps:[00:00 – 02:00] Behind the Scenes of the Mastermind: Who It’s For and What to Expect[02:01 – 08:15] Resonance Over Perfection: What High-End Clients Really Care About[08:16 – 13:45] Leading with Strength: How Successful Creatives Maximize What They’re Best At[13:46 – 19:00] Reinventing Your Brand: Why Evolution Is Essential for Growth[19:01 – 24:30] White-Glove Service: Elevating Your Client Experience in the Luxury Market[24:31 – 28:00] Owning Your Narrative: Showing Up with Confidence and Clarity[28:01 – End] Final Takeaways + An Invitation to Step Into Your Next LevelDoors to THE LUXURY MASTERMIND are now OPEN! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 12 week program. Learn more + enroll 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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  32:08
• Luxury Isn’t Luck: What High-End Creatives Are Doing Differently

  Doors to The Luxury Mastermind are officially OPEN 🥂Learn more + enroll here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermindIt’s not just the portfolio. It’s not just the price tag. And it’s definitely not just the gear.If you’ve been wondering what actually sets luxury photographers and filmmakers apart from everyone else—this episode is your invitation to pull back the curtain and find out.In this conversation, we’re breaking down the mindset shifts and business moves that position you for high-end bookings (without guessing or hoping someone “discovers” you). Because here’s the truth: luxury isn’t about luck. It’s about intention.We’re diving into what luxury creatives are doing differently—like showing up as the leader their clients are looking for, building brands that feel cohesive and aligned, and prioritizing the experience just as much as the work itself.You don’t have to wonder if it’s possible for you.You don’t have to keep playing small.You don’t have to wait until someone gives you permission.If you’re ready to stop crossing your fingers and start positioning your brand for the clients you actually want—this one’s for you. 🚀Listen now and let’s get you out of the guessing game and into the room where luxury bookings happen. 💥Timestamps[00:00 – 04:40] What Separates Luxury Creatives from the Rest (Intro + Workshop Invitation)[04:41 – 09:45] Why Brand Consistency is Non-Negotiable in the Luxury Market[09:46 – 17:25] The Power of Leadership: How Taking the Lead Builds Trust with High-End Clients[17:26 – 25:40] Becoming Selective: Why Intentional Client Alignment Sets You Apart[25:41 – 32:10] Prioritizing the Client Experience Over the Final Product[32:11 – End] The Importance of Intentional Online Presence & Final TakeawaysDoors to THE LUXURY MASTERMIND are now OPEN! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 12 week program. Learn more + enroll 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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  34:02
• Working More Isn't the Flex You Think It Is

  Doors to The Luxury Mastermind are officially OPEN 🥂Learn more + enroll here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermindYou didn’t start this business to feel overworked, underpaid, and creatively drained. But somehow, between booking too many weddings and saying yes to everything, you’ve found yourself stuck in the cycle.If you’ve ever thought, “I love what I do… but I can’t keep doing it like this,” this episode is for you.We're talking about what it really looks like to create a business that supports your life—not one that takes it over. The kind of business where you’re shooting less, earning more, and finally attracting the kind of clients who light you up.Spoiler: It’s not about having the perfect portfolio. It’s about mindset, clarity, and the willingness to say no to what no longer fits.You are allowed to pivot.You are allowed to charge more.You are allowed to work less.If you’ve been craving space, freedom, and a business that feels good again—this episode is your sign to take the first step 💥You’re in the driver’s seat. Time to take the wheel. 🏁Timestamps:[00:00 – 01:07] Intro to the episode and guest welcome[01:08 – 07:21] Starting a photography business, early reinvestment strategy, and focusing on elevated client experience[07:22 – 14:45] Choosing mentorship over gear, investing in education, and building aligned relationships with coaches[14:46 – 20:25] From burnout to balance: shifting from budget bookings to destination luxury and reclaiming personal time[20:26 – 25:12] The mindset and branding shifts that led to premium pricing and a new level of growth[25:13 – 32:50] Mastermind takeaways, the value of networking, social media strategy, and advice for those ready to invest in their growthConnect with Kristen:🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenthomison/💻Website: https://kristenthomison.com/Doors to THE LUXURY MASTERMIND are now OPEN! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 12 week program. Learn more + enroll 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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  33:17
• Building Your Brand Beyond Your Local Market

  Doors to The Luxury Mastermind are officially OPEN 🥂Learn more + enroll here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind🚀 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 TipsConnect with Skylar:🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylarball_/💻Website: https://skylarball.com/Doors to THE LUXURY MASTERMIND are now OPEN! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 12 week program. Learn more + enroll 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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  33:34

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