Taylor Swift Meets Kids Photography Academy

Dec 3
With Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour wrapping up in Vancouver this week, I thought it would be fun to share some of her lyrics—and how they connect to kids learning and growing through photography.

Now, full disclosure: I wouldn’t call myself a Swiftie! Sure, I’ve listened to her music and appreciate her talent, but I’m not an all out over-the-top fan. This topic for a blog post just felt like a creative way to show how photography can inspire and empower kids.

I’ve picked out a few lines from her songs and reflected on what they can teach us about creativity and growth in photography. **Please note, these insights of mine are 100% based on individual lines, not the full context of the songs. So, let’s have a little fun and dive into some Taylor-inspired photography wisdom!

“You took the time to memorize me, my fears, my hopes, and dreams.”
— Stay Stay Stay


Photography is such an incredible way for youth to share their unique perspectives with the world—it’s why I always say it’s one of the most powerful forms of self-expression!

I want kids to know they’re not just capturing moments through their cameras; they’re also capturing pieces of themselves. Their photos can reflect their fears, hopes, and dreams, creating visual memories that represent their inner world. That’s the power of it!

Over time photography also becomes a way for them to connect with others—to see and preserve the emotions and stories of their subjects. By doing so, they’re taking the time to capture not only their own fears, hopes, and dreams but also those of others around them.

As a professional photographer, I know firsthand just how powerful this is. Every time I pick up my camera, I have the privilege of telling someone else’s story. Seeing kids embrace that same ability—that’s huge! It’s a reminder of how photography can build empathy, understanding, and connection through every click of the shutter.

“We never go out of Style.”
— Style


This line made me ask myself, hmmm, what never goes out of style in photography? The answer brought me straight back to the basics!
Techniques like good lighting, strong composition, and understanding exposure will always be timeless. These fundamentals form the foundation of every great photo. I want kids to know that by mastering these essentials, their photography will always stay "in style," no matter how trends may change!

“Don’t you dream impossible things?” (Starlight)
Who hasn’t looked at a photograph and thought Wow, how did they take that?!?! At first, it might seem impossible, but with curiosity, creativity, and practice, those magical, “impossible-looking” shots are absolutely within reach.

It could be as simple as forced perspective shots or reflections to create unexpected effects. Or more involved light trails using a long exposure or creative angles to make a tiny world of toys look life-sized.

I hope this lyric inspires kids learning photography to dream big. Because with a camera in hand and a spark of imagination, the possibilities are endless!

“Don't you dream impossible things.”
— Starlight


Who hasn’t looked at a photograph and thought Wow, how did they take that?!?! At first, it might seem impossible, but with curiosity, creativity, and practice, those magical, “impossible-looking” shots are absolutely within reach.

It could be as simple as forced perspective shots or reflections to create unexpected effects. Or more involved light trails using a long exposure or creative angles to make a tiny world of toys look life-sized.

I hope this lyric inspires kids learning photography to dream big. Because with a camera in hand and a spark of imagination, the possibilities are endless!



“It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me."
— Anti-Hero


Mistakes are an inevitable part of learning, especially in photography. Sometimes, kids feel frustrated when their photos don’t turn out as they hoped, thinking, Maybe I’m just not good at this. But like I wrote last week —those “mistakes” are actually stepping stones to improvement!

Whether it’s a blurry photo, awkward composition, or overexposure, it’s important to embrace trial and error. Each "oops" moment is an opportunity to learn and experiment with new techniques. Kids quickly realize that experimenting and even messing up are essential steps toward becoming better photographers.

Photography is all about discovery—what works, what doesn’t, and what surprises can happen when you try something new. So when things don’t turn out perfectly, it’s not a problem—it’s progress!

“The rest of the world was black and white, but we were in screaming color."
— Out of the Woods


This lyric is the perfect invitation to explore color in photography! Colors have an incredible ability to evoke emotion and tell stories, and kids can have so much fun experimenting with them.

Encourage kids to notice how different colors make them feel—bright yellows might bring joy, deep blues could create calm, and bold reds might add energy or drama. They can also play with complementary or contrasting colors to make their photos pop, or use muted tones to create a sense of nostalgia. Teaching kids to use color intentionally helps their photos stand out and adds depth to their creativity.


“When you are young, they assume you know nothing."
— Cardigan


This song is a favorite of my daughter’s, so I had to include a line from it—and she’s right, this lyric is one I deeply believe in. Kids often feel underestimated when it comes to their creative potential.

Through photography, they have a powerful way to prove just how much they see, understand, and feel. Kids capture moments from their own perspectives, often revealing details and emotions that adults might overlook. Photography gives them a voice, showing the world that being young doesn’t mean knowing less—it just means seeing differently.






A huge thank you to Heather Rivlin for her beautiful photos she took at the Toronto concerts —she was one of my mentors when I first started photography, and her timeless black-and-white images of newborns and children have always been a source of inspiration for me.

And of course, thank you to Taylor Swift, not just for inspiring millions around the world but also for sparking this newsletter idea to inspire young photographers everywhere. Because whether it’s through music or photography, the power to tell your story is a gift we can all share!!!