LEVEL UP: A Wedding Photography + Videography Podcast - Details, episodes & analysis

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LEVEL UP: A Wedding Photography + Videography Podcast

Taylor Petrinovich & Kelley Gilster | The Level Up Co.

Business

Education

Tv & Film

Frequency: 1 episode/9d. Total Eps: 273

Ready to take your wedding photography or filmmaking business from mainstream to luxury? We are on a mission to equip YOU with the information and resources you need to scale your business into the premiere and luxury markets, where you can successfully 2-3x your prices.

Every Tuesday we invite you to tune in on conversations with Kelley and Taylor, luxury wedding cinematographers and business coaches, as we teach you what we have learned over 22+ years of combined experience in the wedding industry.

Learn the ins and outs of the luxury market, how to align your brand within it, and become fully prepared to take your business from mainstream to luxury.

In a nutshell: this is the wedding filmmaking + photography podcast for creatives striving for MORE in their businesses.

The wedding industry can be a challenging place to build a career, and we are here to help.
https://thelevelupco.com/

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https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind
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https://thelevelupco.com/
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https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle
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https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco
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https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich
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https://www.instagram.com/618studios
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/levelupyourweddingfilmbusiness/
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/levelupyourweddingbusiness
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https://www.facebook.com/flourishmarketing.co/
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277: How to Handle Difficult Clients w/ Eric Kelley

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 • Duration 25:28

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 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/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/

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276: You Don’t Need to be an Influencer to Make Money with Affiliate Marketing

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 • Duration 19:20

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.

📲 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- https://thelevelupco.com/resetConnect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/ https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/ https://www.instagram.com/618studios/ https://thelevelupco.com/

275: Your Work Isn't the Problem. Your Business Is.

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 • Duration 25:44

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

📲 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:- https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle- https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle- https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list- https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework- https://thelevelupco.com/resetConnect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/ https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/ https://www.instagram.com/618studios/ https://thelevelupco.com/

274: Where Is All Your Money Going?

Episode 274

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 • Duration 33:44

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 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 Advice

273: Everyone Is Using TikTok Wrong w/ Micah Cook

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 42:00

It 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/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

00:00 - 01:44 | Sponsor Introduction & Podcast Welcome
01:44 - 07:06 | Micah Cook's Photography Journey: From Hobby to Weddings
07:06 - 12:20 | Breaking Into the Luxury Market & Booking Higher-End Clients
12:20 - 13:28 | Booking the Next Generation of Couples Training
13:28 - 20:24 | Using TikTok to Build Trust, Grow an Audience & Book Weddings
20:24 - 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 Creatives

272: How Do You Actually Balance Business and Life?

Episode 272

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 • Duration 40:14

There 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/mastermind

This episode was sponsored by VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupco

Timestamps:

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 Remarks

271: Build a Business That Supports Your Life w/ Shauna and Jordan

Episode 271

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 • Duration 32:13

Success 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/mastermind

This episode was sponsored by VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupco

Timestamps:
00:00 - 01:44 | VidFlow Sponsor: Elevating the Client Delivery Experience
01:44 - 04:45 | Meet Shauna Cooney: From Education to Destination Weddings
04:45 - 09:07 | Building a Luxury Wedding Photography Business
09:07 - 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 Thoughts

270: Am I the A**hole???

Episode 270

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 • Duration 32:06

What 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 learn

Grab 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/thelevelupco

Timestamps:
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?

269: The Art of Building Legacy Clients w/ Steve Moore

Episode 269

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 • Duration 30:27

Most 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 around

If 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/thelevelupco

Connect with Steve:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinclairandmoore
Website: 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 Thoughts

268: We Asked Wedding Pros Their Biggest Questions. Here's What Came Up.

Episode 268

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 • Duration 30:06

What 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-being

Learn more about The Luxury Mastermind at thelevelupco.com/mastermind.

This episode was sponsored by VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupco

Timestamps:
00:00 - 03:01 | Hybrid Conference Q&A Series Introduction & Elevating the Client Experience
03:02 - 06:14 | Luxury Wedding Day Workflows: Service, Presentation & Planner Communication
06:15 - 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-Up

LEVEL UP: A Wedding Photography + Videography Podcast - Details, episodes & analysis

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LEVEL UP: A Wedding Photography + Videography Podcast - Details, episodes & analysis

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