Photographing Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at the Rogers Centre in Toronto was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my career. But what made it truly meaningful went beyond the music or the stage—it was what the experience taught me about business, leadership, and how we show up for big moments.

Whether you’re building a personal brand, leading a team, or saying yes to something that scares you a little—these are the takeaways I brought home from one of the most iconic tours in history.

---

1. Everything is Figureoutable (Even If You’ve Never Done It Before)

This was my first time photographing a stadium concert. Did I know exactly what lens to use? How the credentialing worked? What the lighting would be like? Not exactly.

But I said yes anyway—and then made it my job to figure it out.

I researched gear. I watched behind-the-scenes videos of other tour photographers. I asked questions. I made a plan.

The truth is, you’ll rarely feel 100% ready before a big leap. Whether you’re launching something new or stepping into a next-level opportunity, success comes from saying yes first—and learning fast.

---

2. Leadership Is How You Make People Feel

A moment that stuck with me: Tree Paine, Taylor Swift’s publicist, personally welcomed every photographer before the show. She explained Taylor’s stage movements, helped us prepare, and made sure we felt taken care of.

That small gesture? It created trust, clarity, and a sense of belonging. It reminded me that leadership isn’t about control—it’s about how you make people feel.

Whether you’re managing a team or onboarding a client, people will always remember how you treated them. And when people feel valued, they show up with more care, creativity, and commitment.

---

3. Preparation Is a Superpower

I arrived early for the show—and I’m so glad I did. A mix-up with my press pass had me circling the stadium, working out the issue with security. Because I gave myself time, I wasn’t stressed. I could troubleshoot, reset, and still deliver my best work.

In business, preparation isn’t about being rigid—it’s about giving yourself the space to think clearly when surprises happen (and they always do).

Being early. Being ready. Thinking ahead. It protects your focus so you can stay present for what really matters.

---

4. Running a Business Is a Lot Like Photographing a Live Show

You’re working with moving parts. Constant change. A high-stakes environment. And still—you’re responsible for delivering something intentional, aligned, and powerful.

If there’s one thing this experience solidified for me, it’s that your mindset determines your momentum. Show up curious. Stay generous. Plan deeply—but be ready to pivot. That’s where the magic happens.re, and preparation, you set yourself up to deliver your best.

---

The Gear I Used to Photograph Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour

For photographers wondering about the tech:

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

The 400mm lens was the perfect tool for a venue this size. It allowed me to get close-ups that felt intimate—even from hundreds of feet away. I captured details like the shimmer on Taylor’s costumes and that split-second connection when she looked straight into my lens.

It’s not just about gear—it’s about choosing tools that match the scale of the story you’re telling.

---

Owning the Work—Like Taylor Swift Does

One thing that makes photographing Taylor Swift even more powerful today? She owns it all now—her work, her image, her creative output.

Watching her on stage, performing music she re-recorded to reclaim her masters, was more than iconic—it was a masterclass in taking ownership of your art. That energy? It was palpable in every frame I captured.

As a photographer and business owner, it reminded me of what we’re all working toward: not just creating great work, but owning it. Owning your voice. Your worth. Your output.

Taylor’s story is a reminder that when you take full authorship over your craft, it changes how the world sees it—and how it values you.

Final Thoughts (and a Few BTS Moments)

I also had the honor of sharing this experience on national television—my story about photographing Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was featured on CTV News. It was a full-circle moment that showed just how much people resonate with the creative journey behind the lens, not just the performance on stage.

📺 Watch the CTV News feature →

Photographing the Eras Tour taught me that the things that grow you as a photographer also grow you as a business owner: trust your instincts, lead with care, prepare like it matters, and don’t wait to feel “ready.”

If you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes, scroll through for a few shots of me working the show. And if you have any questions—leave them in the comments!

---