Do your words match the quality of your visuals? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Sarah Orman of CEÁRR Creative shares how copywriting impacts your brand, attracts high-end clients, and enhances your website’s effectiveness. From creating a signature brand voice to fixing common copy mistakes, Sarah explains why the right words are just as powerful as stunning visuals when it comes to booking luxury weddings. If you're a wedding photographer or videographer looking to refine your brand, ...
Oct 26, 2023•43 min•Ep. 129
What does it really take to scale a wedding business into the luxury market while staying aligned with purpose? In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Alex of Vowed on Film, who shares how he went from actor to luxury wedding filmmaker, the lessons he's learned from showing up with excellence, and why investing in yourself and serving others are the real secrets to success. Alex opens up about his journey—including a recent destination wedding in Lake Como, creating passive income to suppor...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 128
Feeling stuck in your wedding business despite your talent? You're not alone. In this motivational episode of The Level Up Podcast, Taylor and Kelley uncover the hidden ways wedding photographers and filmmakers self-sabotage and how to overcome them by taking small, intentional steps. From ignoring opportunities to fearing success, they reveal how to identify self-limiting behaviors, shift your mindset, and trust the process to grow a thriving business—especially as peak booking season approache...
Oct 10, 2023•34 min•Ep. 127
Want to grow your wedding filmmaking business with intention and impact? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Kelley and Taylor chat with Kara and Drew of Lens of Lenox, a powerhouse husband-wife team scaling from the lovely to luxury market with strategy, storytelling, and heart. They share how planning their own wedding sparked their business, the exact steps they’ve taken to level up, and how the Luxury Filmmaker Mastermind helped them raise prices by 44%, all while staying aligned with t...
Oct 04, 2023•45 min•Ep. 126
What happens when you stop mimicking others and fully embrace what makes you unique as a filmmaker? In this inspiring episode of The Level Up Podcast, Gabrielle Fordham shares her journey from editor to high-end wedding filmmaker and how she’s carved out a niche by leaning into storytelling, connection, and emotional awareness. You’ll hear how she doubled her prices, rebranded with clarity, and created a vision for a sustainable, family-aligned business—all with support from the Luxury Filmmaker...
Sep 26, 2023•43 min•Ep. 125
Want to raise your prices, refine your brand, and book luxury weddings without moving across the country? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Taylor sits down with Jake and Nate of Runaway Vows to share exactly how they went from $2,000 Utah weddings to consistently booking $9K+ clients—while staying local and aligning with their values. They break down the exact strategies that helped them reposition their brand, identify planners as their true ideal clients, and leverage emotional intelli...
Sep 19, 2023•45 min•Ep. 124
In this transformative episode, we sit down with John Bunn of How to Film Weddings and John Bunn Films to explore the path from burnout to business brilliance. Learn how John scaled back from 50 weddings a year to shooting just a handful of luxury events—while charging premium rates and feeling more fulfilled than ever. In this episode, we cover: ✅ John's journey from Redeemed Productions to John Bunn Films ✅ Why scaling down led to greater profits and better films ✅ The impact of branding and d...
Sep 12, 2023•35 min•Ep. 123
In this episode, Kelley interviews Taylor about her journey from hobbyist YouTuber to luxury wedding filmmaker charging $15K+ per wedding. Discover the mindset shifts, strategic moves, and bold decisions that helped her scale from $875 bookings to fully booked luxury seasons—all while raising three kids. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How Taylor landed her first wedding with zero experience ✅ Building a sustainable portfolio through styled shoots ✅ Navigating business growth during COVID ✅ Why pri...
Sep 05, 2023•38 min•Ep. 122
In this behind-the-scenes episode, Kelley Gilster of 618 Studios shares her journey from shooting her own wedding video to becoming a sought-after luxury filmmaker charging $25K+. With over 13 years of experience, Kelley opens up about the mindset shifts, missed opportunities, and the steps she took to finally own her value. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Kelley’s origin story & how she found filmmaking ✅ The shift from mainstream to luxury weddings ✅ Key lessons from booking $7K weddings that...
Aug 29, 2023•32 min•Ep. 121
Let’s face it—Instagram isn’t just an app anymore. For wedding photographers and filmmakers, it’s your digital handshake, your portfolio, and a powerful lead generator. In this episode, Taylor and Kelley break down the most common Instagram mistakes they see creatives making—and how to fix them with strategy, intentionality, and confidence. In this episode, we cover: ✅ The four biggest mistakes wedding creatives make on Instagram ✅ How to repurpose content for ongoing visibility ✅ Using DMs to b...
Aug 22, 2023•31 min•Ep. 120
In just six years, Erickson Corbin went from entry-level bookings to a high-end wedding filmmaker averaging over $12K per event. In this episode, he shares how to turn your best weddings into business gold through smart content, planner relationships, and strategic pricing. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How Erickson built a 5-figure wedding film brand ✅ Turning one free job into a luxury career and generosity as the ultimate marketing strategy ✅ When to add a third shooter to elevate production ✅...
Aug 21, 2023•35 min•Ep. 119
Want to attract high-end wedding clients? It starts with how you speak. In this episode, Taylor and Kelley share simple but powerful ways to elevate your communication style—from email templates and signatures to tone, word choice, and even font. These small tweaks can lead to big trust and higher bookings. In this episode, we cover: ✅ The #1 language mistake filmmakers make with luxury clients ✅ Why copywriting matters—from website to DMs ✅ How to make emails look & feel more high-end ✅ Tip...
Aug 08, 2023•25 min•Ep. 118
In this insightful episode, Kelley sits down with Amanda of Mae & Co Creative to talk about the realities of growing in the luxury wedding space. From navigating trends to maintaining a distinct style, this conversation is a must-listen for any filmmaker or photographer aiming to build long-term success in high-end markets. ✅ What You’ll Learn: ✅ The difference between budget, lovely, and luxury markets ✅ Why luxury clients value experience over aesthetics ✅ Amanda’s advice for transitioning...
Aug 01, 2023•46 min•Ep. 117
If you're a creative entrepreneur thinking about building a team—or struggling to keep one—this episode is for you. Taylor and Kelley sit down with Katie from Intertwined Events to talk about what it really takes to lead well, retain talent, and scale with purpose in the luxury wedding space. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How to hire the right team members from day one ✅ Creating a company culture that people stay for ✅ When to delegate & how to build trust ✅ Why your leadership style impacts...
Jul 26, 2023•42 min•Ep. 116
Luxury isn’t just about a price tag—it’s about presence. In this deeply reflective episode, Garrett Richardson shares how he built a thriving destination wedding photography brand by leading with service, empathy, and human connection. His approach challenges creatives to slow down and build real relationships that result in art with impact. ✅ What You’ll Learn: ✅ Garrett’s journey from burnout to purpose-driven artistry ✅ How to create meaningful experiences, not just beautiful images ✅ Why emo...
Jul 18, 2023•51 min•Ep. 115
Dreaming of shooting weddings in multiple cities or luxury destinations? In this episode, Taylor and Kelley sit down with filmmaker Kelly LaFleur to talk about how she successfully expanded her business into multiple markets—without relocating. This convo is packed with practical tips and strategic mindset shifts for any wedding creative ready to go big. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How to book weddings in new locations without living there ✅ The secret to filling portfolio gaps with purpose ✅ W...
Jul 11, 2023•43 min•Ep. 114
If inquiries have slowed or bookings feel inconsistent, you’re not alone—and you’re not failing. In this solo episode, Taylor and Kelley unpack the real reasons why 2023 has been slower for many creatives and share actionable steps to course correct with confidence. In this episode, we cover: ✅ The truth behind the industry-wide slowdown ✅ How to assess what’s actually broken in your business ✅ Smart visibility tactics to reach new clients ✅ Why your website and messaging might be misaligned ✅ C...
Jul 04, 2023•29 min•Ep. 113
What happens after you've “made it”? In this eye-opening episode, Brandon Kidd shares what 20+ years in the luxury wedding space have taught him about business longevity, burnout, and preparing for what’s next. This is a must-listen for seasoned photographers and videographers who want to build beyond the hustle. ✅ What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why longevity requires more than talent ✅ The mindset shift from "hustle" to "legacy" ✅ What an exit plan looks like for creatives ✅ Redefining your identity beyo...
Jun 27, 2023•44 min•Ep. 112
In this episode, Zach and Bethany of Current Films share how they’ve built a thriving wedding film brand rooted in purpose, alignment, and community. From defining their style to nurturing planner relationships and turning down projects that aren’t a fit, their story is a masterclass in building a business that’s both profitable and sustainable. ✅ What You’ll Learn: ✅ How to create a brand that reflects your values and style ✅ Why client alignment matters more than volume ✅ Building vendor relat...
Jun 23, 2023•51 min•Ep. 111
Sometimes the key to growth isn’t more gear or a better edit—it’s how you think. In this episode, Taylor and Kelley chat with filmmaker Cassie Hiatt about the daily mindset habit that helped her overcome fear, clarify her brand, and grow into the confident, booked-out creative she is today. ✅ What You’ll Learn: ✅ Cassie’s journey from struggling to thriving filmmaker ✅ The daily mindset practice that changed her business ✅ How to overcome fear and scarcity with intentional habits ✅ Tips for stay...
Jun 06, 2023•41 min•Ep. 110
If you're stuck in editing limbo or struggling to scale, this episode is for you. Brady Huff of Huff Weddings and Wedding Post House joins Taylor and Kelley to share how strong systems can transform your client experience, increase profitability, and protect your creative energy as you grow. ✅ What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why workflows are essential for luxury client experience ✅ How Wedding Post House is solving a major problem for filmmakers ✅ Where to start when building systems into your business ✅ ...
May 30, 2023•43 min•Ep. 109
Destination weddings can look dreamy—but are they as glamorous as they seem? In this episode, Stanton Giles shares the honest truth about what it really takes to thrive in the destination wedding world. From pricing pitfalls to travel fatigue, he unpacks what most creatives don’t see—and how to build a fulfilling business on your own terms. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What destination work actually looks like behind the scenes ✅ How to price travel weddings for profit ✅ The biggest myths about ...
May 23, 2023•40 min•Ep. 108
What does it really take to move from mainstream to luxury as a wedding creative? In this episode, Kelley and Taylor share the mindset shifts, strategy, and vision behind their Luxury Filmmaker Framework. Whether you're ready to raise your rates or refine your brand to attract high-end clients, this episode will show you the path forward. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What defines the luxury wedding market ✅ How to shift your mindset and brand accordingly ✅ Common fears that keep filmmakers stuck...
May 16, 2023•36 min•Ep. 107
In a world that celebrates hustle, Charlie Hilbrant shares the other side of the story. In this refreshingly honest episode, we talk about the toll that constant growth can take—and how wedding creatives can build a thriving business without burning out. In this episode, we cover: ✅ The hidden cost of “doing it all” in your business ✅ Why outsourcing and boundaries matter ✅ How Charlie balances growth with groundedness ✅ Why saying no is sometimes the best business move ✅ Encouragement for creat...
May 09, 2023•35 min•Ep. 106
What happens when you launch a wedding film brand at 17—and grow it into a luxury destination business before 23? In this inspiring episode, Lucy Mann of Lucy Camryn Films shares her story of early success, creative burnout, and how she reconnected with her purpose to build a business that reflects her style and values. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How Lucy built a high-end brand before her mid-20s ✅ Why niching down attracts aligned, luxury clients ✅ Signs of burnout and how to rediscover creat...
May 02, 2023•45 min•Ep. 105
No one grows alone. In this heart-filled episode, wedding filmmaker Miguel Garcia shares how leaning into relationships, kindness, and consistency has shaped his career. Whether you're trying to break into luxury or build vendor trust, Miguel’s story is proof that who you surround yourself with matters just as much as what you do. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why community is critical to long-term success ✅ How Miguel built a network that led to referrals and growth ✅ The role of trust and relia...
Apr 25, 2023•30 min•Ep. 104
If you're ready to book higher-end weddings, you’ll need more than a great portfolio—you’ll need to elevate your client experience. In this episode, Taylor and Kelley unpack what it really means to serve clients at a luxury level and how to showcase that in your brand and communication. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What defines an “elevated” client experience ✅ Touchpoints that matter before, during, and after the wedding ✅ How to exceed expectations and build client loyalty ✅ Personalization st...
Apr 18, 2023•37 min•Ep. 103
If you want to consistently book luxury weddings, your relationship with planners matters more than you think. In this insightful episode, Heather Hoesch of LVL Weddings shares what she looks for in a videography team—from communication and collaboration to storytelling and delivery. Packed with planner-perspective wisdom, this is essential listening for any wedding filmmaker or photographer wanting to grow in the luxury space. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What planners really value in filmmaker...
Apr 11, 2023•45 min•Ep. 102
Your success on the wedding day starts long before you hit record. In this episode, Taylor and Kelley share the exact routines and strategies they use the week leading up to wedding days. From mindset prep to gear checklists and planner communication, this is your guide to showing up calm, confident, and creatively ready. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How to prepare one week out from a wedding day ✅ Day-before routines that help you stay organized and clear ✅ The importance of rest, movement, and...
Apr 04, 2023•32 min•Ep. 101
If you’re looking for ways to improve your skills, build industry relationships, and attract dream clients—second shooting might be the opportunity you're overlooking. In this episode, Daniel Shackleford shares how assisting other filmmakers helped him grow faster and with more clarity. Whether you're in your second year or scaling past six figures, this episode is packed with strategic insight. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why second shooting accelerates growth ✅ How to turn one opportunity int...
Mar 28, 2023•49 min•Ep. 100
