Do you ever wish you could go back in time and spill alllll the secrets you have learned over the last 5 years? Today’s podcast we are doing just that! The year 2019 and our 2024 selves are holding nothing back. From not taking every wedding that comes your way, to alining yourself with the right brands, to just being 100% authentic to yourself- we are covering it all. And even though this a great episode for those just starting out, everything we are covering is applicable no matter how long you have been in the industry. So what do you think? Did we miss anything? Let us know!
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If we could go back and talk to ourselves five years ago, we’d have a lot to say. Running a wedding photography or videography business is a journey filled with a lot of trial and error. You learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to navigate the ups and downs. But if there’s one thing we’ve realized, it’s that you don’t have to figure it all out the hard way. Sometimes, getting insight from people who’ve already been there can save you years of frustration.
We’ve been talking a lot lately about the things we wish we knew back when we were just starting out, and it’s crazy to think about how much has changed. When you’re in the early stages, it’s easy to feel like you’re just throwing things at the wall to see what sticks. You take on every inquiry, work with whoever comes your way, and often don’t have a clear sense of who your ideal client really is.
Looking back, one of the biggest shifts that made a difference for us was moving from that “cast a wide net” mentality to being more intentional about the clients we wanted to serve. Early on, it’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity because you’re trying to get experience, build your portfolio, and make some money. But after a while, you realize that just booking more weddings isn’t the answer to building a sustainable business.
One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned is that it’s okay to be selective. It’s not selfish to turn down a client if they’re not aligned with your brand. In fact, it’s one of the smartest things you can do for your business. In the early years, we didn’t really think about who our ideal client was. We just wanted to book as many weddings as possible. But what we didn’t realize was that saying yes to the wrong clients was holding us back from attracting the right ones.
If you keep booking budget-friendly or low-commitment clients, that’s who you’ll continue to attract. It’s a cycle that’s hard to break unless you intentionally change your strategy. It took us years to realize that aligning ourselves with high-quality planners, venues, and vendors would naturally put us in front of the clients we actually wanted to serve. The goal isn’t just to book weddings—it’s to book the right weddings.
A game-changer for us was when we stopped trying to fit into every planner’s network and started intentionally building relationships with the ones who shared our vision. It wasn’t just about getting on a list—it was about creating real connections, showing up professionally, and proving that we could handle high-end events with the level of service they expected.
Another thing we wish we knew earlier was how valuable relationships are. Not just casual connections, but real, strategic partnerships with people in the industry who understand your brand and believe in your work. It’s tempting to think you can do it all on your own, but the truth is, the wedding industry thrives on community and collaboration.
For years, we thought we had to keep our heads down, do good work, and wait for people to notice. But high-end clients don’t just find you. You have to put yourself out there, build rapport with planners, and make it clear that you’re not just another vendor—they need to know what makes you different. Once we started being intentional about connecting with planners who served luxury clients, everything changed.
It’s not about spamming people with your portfolio. It’s about showing genuine interest in their work, sharing resources when you can, and being a reliable, trustworthy presence. When planners know they can count on you, they’ll keep recommending you. It’s that simple.
One more thing we wish we knew back then is that it’s okay to evolve. The version of your business from five years ago doesn’t have to be the version you’re running now. In fact, it shouldn’t be. You’re allowed to change your style, adjust your pricing, and pivot your brand if that’s what it takes to move forward.
At some point, you’ll reach a level where your current strategies aren’t taking you any higher. That’s when you know it’s time to shift your mindset from being just a service provider to becoming a sought-after brand. When you make that shift, you start attracting clients who don’t just want a photographer or filmmaker—they want you. They value your vision, your process, and your artistry.
That’s the sweet spot. And it doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you take the time to invest in your business, whether that’s through education, mentorship, or just being willing to step back and evaluate what’s working and what isn’t.
If any of this resonates with you—if you’re tired of booking the same kind of weddings and not seeing your business grow—we’ve got something that can help. Our Luxury Mastermind is designed for photographers and filmmakers who are ready to step into the high-end market with confidence.
We walk you through everything from refining your brand to building strategic relationships with planners and clients who actually value your work. It’s not about working harder or booking more—it’s about positioning yourself as the go-to choice for luxury weddings.
If you’re ready to level up and stop playing small, learn more about the Luxury Mastermind at thelevelupco.com/mastermind.
You don’t have to keep figuring it out alone. Get the support and strategy you need to build a business that truly reflects your talent and vision.
