LEVEL UP: A Wedding Photography + Videography Podcast

Working More Isn't the Flex You Think It Is

Taylor Petrinovich & Kelley Gilster | The Level Up Co. Episode 209

You 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 growth

Connect with Kristen:
🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenthomison/
💻Website: https://kristenthomison.com/

NEW TRAINING: The Luxury Wedding Playbook - Learn how to attract luxury clients (without chasing them) https://thelevelupco.com/playbook


📲 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/