There comes a point in your creative business where doing “more” isn’t the answer—working longer hours, booking more weddings, saying yes to every opportunity. If you’re feeling stretched thin or creatively uninspired, it might be time to shift your strategy.
In this episode, we’re breaking down the simple (but powerful) shifts you can make behind the camera that instantly elevate your work and speak to a more luxury clientele. We’re talking real-time choices, intentional artistry, and how to shoot with the final product in mind—even when the budget isn’t massive or the conditions aren’t perfect.
Because here’s the truth: high-end clients don’t just want beautiful—they want intentional, elevated, and editorial. And that doesn’t mean shooting differently for them, it means learning to bring more of you into every frame.
This is your reminder that the most successful creatives aren’t the ones who follow trends, they’re the ones who lead with clarity. So if you’ve been waiting for permission to evolve your process, tell better stories, or raise your standards—this episode is for you.
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One of the biggest mindset shifts we encounter with our Mastermind students (we’re 5 weeks into our current program right now) is how to craft your portfolio to look better than it felt in real life. It’s the epitome of “fake it till you make it.” And I have a secret to share, every one who work in the luxury market from planners, to photographers, to filmmakers, to florists have done it.
We recently brought in Alison Hotchkiss with Alison Events to teach our students and she very much had to use this strategy to climb the ladder rung by rung until she reaches the ultra-luxury market.
This is what we tell our students, you don’t have to wait until you’re fully immersed in the luxury market to start creating work that feels luxury. In fact, some of the most impactful changes you can make in your business are simply shifts in mindset and how you approach a wedding day.
Whether you’re shooting a six-figure celebration or a sweet hometown gathering, how you show up and what you choose to capture can make all the difference in how elevated your work appears. We’ve all been there, filming in tight prep spaces with cluttered countertops, battling harsh light, or making the best out of the white folding chairs at the ceremony and reception. But here’s the truth, luxury isn’t always about what’s in front of the camera. It’s about how you choose to frame it. AND how you choose to display is inside of your portfolio.
Being observant is one of the most underrated traits of a strong creative. Not just noticing the pretty florals, but seeing the crooked chair that could be fixed, the plastic water bottle ruining a gorgeous bridal portrait, or the harsh spotlight that could be avoided by shifting two feet to the left. Taking that extra moment to adjust your angle or fix a detail doesn’t just elevate your film, it elevates your entire client experience. These are small shifts with big returns. They’re what turn a budget wedding into a portfolio piece. They’re what get planners referring you again and again.
Taylor and I have done the hustle oursleves, not too long ago in fact. We’ve filmed in less-than-ideal conditions and learned how to stretch every moment into something beautiful. And now, we’re sharing the exact mindset and strategies we’ve used to book five-figure weddings collections and stand out in a crowded market.
If this episode hit home for you and you’re ready to elevate the way you shoot without waiting for permission or a bigger budget, check out our Elevated Shot List at thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list. It’s packed with intentional, elevated shots that will transform the way you film weddings and help you deliver work that feels high-end, no matter the setting.
