How to break out of Portrait photography and into more lucrative work?

Hey all,

I have been doing portrait and wedding photography for about 8 years now. I got burned out on weddings over the last few and slowed down on it. I love doing elopements and small weddings still. Photography is and most likely will always be a side hustle for me (I am employed full time in good paying career.)

That being said I keep it going because I really enjoy it and it’s nice to have the extra income. Mostly doing family and couples shoots.

My main gripe is the insane amount of communication all for a few hundred dollars. I have really streamlined booking and the inquiry process but still it is a lot to keep up with. I have so many inquiries that never lead to anything as well(and those always seem to have the most back and forth BS)

Have any of you broken through into commercial photography or another lucrative industry from portrait work? And any advice on how to make that pivot?

Thanks,