Bimbo & Butch LIVE
There’s something different about shooting a live show. The energy, the unpredictability, the atmosphere, it all hits differently compared to a controlled wedding day or a planned shoot. Recently, I had the chance to step into that world while capturing behind the scenes photography for the Bimbo & Butch Podcast, featuring Jenna and Emer.
And this wasn’t just any recording…
This was a completely sold-out live show at the iconic Millennium Forum.
From the moment I arrived, you could feel it, this wasn’t going to be a quiet, sit down podcast recording. The crowd brought a level of energy you’d normally associate with a gig or live theatre performance.
The queue outside. The buzz in the foyer. The anticipation as the doors opened.
Inside, the stage was set. Lighting dialled in. Mics ready. And a room full of people who were completely invested before the first word was even spoken.
My role was to document the night as it unfolded authentically and without interruption.
That’s the beauty of behind the scenes photography:
You’re not directing anything. You’re reacting.
Some of the moments I focused on:
The pre-show nerves and excitement backstage
Candid interactions between Jenna & Emer before going live
The crowd reactions laughter, shock, connection
The subtle, unscripted glances that tell the real story
Live events move fast, and you don’t get second chances. It’s all about instinct anticipating moments before they happen and being ready to capture them in a split second.
Unlike weddings or styled shoots, live podcast events bring a unique set of challenges:
Lighting changes constantly – stage lighting can be dramatic, unpredictable, and unforgiving
Movement is limited – you have to work around the audience without becoming a distraction
Moments happen once – miss it, and it’s gone
But that’s also what makes it exciting.
You’re working in real time, under pressure, with no control over the environment and that’s where the magic lives
Events like this are more than just shows they’re experiences.
The connection between Jenna & Emer and their audience was unreal. You could feel the authenticity, the humour, and the honesty in the room. That kind of connection is exactly what makes live podcasting so powerful and why capturing it visually matters.
Photos from nights like this don’t just document what happened…
They bring people back to how it felt.
Below you’ll find a selection of my favourite shots from the night, moments that capture the energy, the emotion, and the personality of a sold out live podcast at the Millennium Forum.
Shooting the Bimbo & Butch Podcast live in Derry was a reminder of why I love what I do.
It’s not just about clean shots or perfect composition it’s about storytelling. Whether it’s a wedding, a film, or a live event like this, the goal is always the same:
Capture something real.
If you’re planning a live event, podcast, or show and want it documented in a way that feels cinematic and authentic, get in touch.
— Simon