When You Get Asked to Photograph an AJR Concert in Tampa, You Say Yes

When a friend in production texts you and asks if you’re available next week to photograph an AJR concert in Tampa, you say yes. No questions asked.


This isn’t just a story about God opening up a really cool opportunity to photograph the AJR Brothers and work with iHeartRadio and GEICO… it’s also a story about God’s provision.


In true AJR lyrical fashion, I could “skip to the good part,” but what value would that bring? To truly appreciate how good this opportunity was, I have to rewind a little.


(You can view the full photo gallery here, but also, keep reading!)


About the Concert Experience

Interactive Fun and Crowd Surprises


The AJR concert was as much about the fans as it was about the music. The crowd didn’t just hold signs—they issued challenges!



From spinning a dreidel to doing push-ups, the audience playfully dared the brothers to engage, hoping to be a lucky participants and win one of the famous “Jack-hats.”


One standout moment: they pulled up a teenage boy who confidently claimed he could play any AJR song on any instrument. He nailed it, earning applause and the brothers’ admiration (and a fun surprise gift at the end).

Activations & Immersive Fan Experiences


Local radio station hosts from 93.3 were on site, interacting with the their Tampa Bay listeners, while GEICO brought their own energy with a pop-up activation. Guests could strike a pose with green-screen photo-ops and inflatable guitars that made it look like they were on stage performing their own concert.


Everyone left with clear, concert-friendly, Geico-branded fanny packs, and their selfies could even appear on the crowd-sourced LED screens throughout the venue. I really enjoyed the immersive fan experiences for all ages.

Views and Unexpected Adventures


A quick (and slightly heart-pounding) note to self: when an officer of the law follows you to the fourth floor of the parking garage for a safety check, maybe skip saying things like “shooting the band”—context matters! But wow… the view from up there was worth it.



Taking in the whole scene from above gave a new perspective on the energy and scale of the event.

Setlist Highlights


The show featured a mix of hits and fan favorites:


  • BUMMERLAND
  • REMIX
  • SOBER UP
  • WAY LESS SAD
  • THE BIG GOODBYE
  • BANG!
  • WORLDS SMALLEST VIOLIN
  • BURN THE HOUSE DOWN

And a Crowd- Choice between songs like:

  • STEVE’S GOING TO LONDON
  • KARMA
  • THE GOOD PART
  • 100 BAD DAYS
  • WEAK / MARCHING BAND

The Story of How I Got Here

Going Full-Time in Photography

(And Letting Go of a Steady Paycheck)


Since taking the leap into full-time photography in May 2025, I’ve been adjusting to life without a steady paycheck. Instead of predictable income, things now fluctuate based on how many gigs I book each month.


Some months feel solid. Others feel scary. There are moments I wonder how I’ll reach my financial goals, usually paired with an internal pressure to work harder (a pressure placed entirely on myself… honestly, my husband has been my biggest supporter, cheering me on every step of the way).


This season has been weird, to say the least.

Learning to Trust God’s Provision in an Unpredictable Season


Instead of booking months—or even years—out, I’ve been landing gigs weeks… sometimes days… in advance. And every single time it happens, I’m reminded of God’s provision.


In the Bible, the Israelites walked through a wilderness season where God instructed them not to store food for the next day. He promised that each morning, He would provide manna from heaven. When they tried to save it, it spoiled overnight—a reminder that provision requires trust, not control.


Over the past seven months, I’ve found myself worrying about tomorrow. Wondering when the next gig would come, or when the next inquiry would land in my inbox. And in those moments, God gently reminded me: If I could provide manna in the wilderness, I can provide for you and your husband, too.

Booking Weddings After Quitting My Job

For example, my three Fall/Winter weddings were all booked after I quit my job—less than five or six months out for each one. In the wedding industry, that’s almost unheard of.


Each booking felt like another quiet confirmation that I wasn’t walking this season alone.

Photographing AJR at iHeartRadio’s Feel Good Fest in Tampa


And then there was this AJR concert opportunity.


It was confirmed literally the day after my husband and I gave a significant amount to our church’s year-end offering. And the amount I was being paid? The exact same amount we had given the day before.


No rounding. No coincidence. Just God reminding me that obedience doesn’t lead to lack—it leads to provision.


So on December 17, I packed up all my gear in my Pelican case, stopped by LensPal to pick up a dream lens rental, drove two hours to Tampa, Florida, and photographed AJR’s meet-and-greet and concert set at iHeartRadio’s Feel Good Fest at Thunder Alley, sponsored by GEICO.

Why Live Music Photography Feels Like Home


And it was so gosh-darn fun.


Don’t get me wrong—I was nervous. I felt insufficient. I questioned whether I was ready for something like this. But by the end of the night, I was thrilled with how the photos turned out and had this overwhelming sense of this is where I’m meant to be: shooting live events.


I loved the energy of fans lining up outside the gates. The handwritten signs scattered throughout the crowd. The shared excitement between first-time and longtime concert-goers. And of course, the animated, electric performance by the AJR Brothers on stage.


The energy was unreal.

The Good Part:

AKA The Part That Matters Most


With their unforgettable performance, this concert was a reminder that AJR shows aren’t just about music—they’re an experience.


And in the end, my clients were genuinely happy with my work—which honestly matters most. Happy clients keep coming back.


Oh… and AJR tagged me in a photo on Instagram, and I absolutely lost it. Full-on fan-girling. No shame.

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