Photographing Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was one of the most incredible experiences! But beyond the thrill of capturing a historic event, it taught me lessons that go far beyond photography—lessons that apply to running any business. So whether you’re building your brand, leading a team, or pursuing big opportunities, these takeaways are for you.

1. EVERYTHING IS “FIGUREOUTABLE”

In the words of Marie Forleo, everything is figureoutable. This was my first time photographing a concert. Did I know what gear to use for a stadium show or how to navigate the logistics? Not at all.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to have all the answers to say yes to an opportunity. I asked questions, researched online, watched videos of other photographers in action, and pieced together a plan. What mattered most wasn’t perfection—it was taking the leap and trusting myself to learn along the way.

As a business owner, you’ll rarely feel 100% ready for the next big challenge. But when you show up, commit to figuring it out, and adapt as you go, you’ll realize you’re more capable than you think.

2. MAKE EVERYONE FEEL SEEN AND VALUED

A moment I’ll never forget from the Eras Tour was meeting Taylor’s publicist, Tree Paine. She personally welcomed all photographers, walked us through the show, and explained exactly where Taylor will move on the stage so we can get the best shots.

That small gesture left a big impression. It reminded me how important it is to make people feel valued—whether it’s your team, collaborators, or clients. When people feel seen and appreciated, they show up differently. They bring more energy, creativity, and commitment to the table, and that transforms the outcome of any project.

Whether you’re leading a team, serving customers, or managing a collaboration, the way you treat people will ripple through your work and your results.

3. BE EARLY AND OVER PREPARE

This one might sound basic, but it’s critical. Showing up early and preparing for every potential hiccup saved me when I ran into a press pass issue that sent me circling the stadium to sort it out. If I hadn’t left myself extra time, the stress could’ve derailed my focus and affected my performance. Instead, I handled the issue calmly, reset, and delivered my best work.

As a business owner, preparation isn’t just about logistics. It’s about giving yourself peace of mind so you can focus on what really matters. That clarity translates into better decisions, more creativity, and stronger results.

Take These Lessons Into YOUR Business

This experience wasn’t just about capturing one of the most iconic tours in history. It was about growth, connection, and learning to show up for challenges in a way that pushes you forward.

Whether you’re a photographer, entrepreneur, or leader in another field, these are my tips for you:

• Say yes to opportunities and trust yourself to figure it out!
• Create an environment where people feel valued, and watch how it transforms the results!
• Prepare not just for the task at hand, but to protect your peace of mind!

Running a business is like capturing a live show—it’s full of moving parts, surprises, and opportunities for magic. When you approach it with curiosity, care, and preparation, you set yourself up to deliver your best.

THE GEAR BREAKDOWN

For photographers who love the details, here’s what I used:

• Camera: Sony Alpha a7R III
• Lens: Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM

The Sony Alpha a7R III was my go-to for its high resolution and dynamic range, but for this show, the real star was the Sony 400mm f/2.8 lens. For a stadium-sized production, I knew I needed serious focal length to get the close-ups that bring you into the moment.

This lens didn’t just deliver—it exceeded my expectations. I could see every single jewel sparkle on Taylor’s costumes and catch the exact moment she looked into my lens, capturing the intricate details that make her performances so magical. The 400mm allowed me to create images that felt intimate and personal, even in a venue packed with tens of thousands of people. It was the perfect tool for this scale of storytelling.

And a few behind the scenes of me shooting the concert! Feel free to leave any questions you might have in the comments below!