Charlotte Patmore and Katy Cummings reflect on launching our first podcast and haring behind-the-scenes stories, standout moments, and advice from episodes 1 to 5.
From tour buses to studio shoots, the duo have spent years capturing the music world through their lenses. Now they're turning their focus inwards, stepping behind the mic to host podcasts that dives deep into life as a creative in the music industry. We caught up with them to hear what it's been like launching the series and the moments that moved them most.
1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us more about your work as photographers?
Katy: I’m Katy Cummings, a music photographer who’s been lucky enough to tour the world with bands since 2015. Over the years, I’ve worked with artists like Two Door Cinema Club, You Me at Six, The 1975, and Billie Eilish, and I’ve had my work featured in places like NME, Kerrang, and Elle UK. Beyond touring, I’ve also done campaign work with brands like Doc Martens x Office Shoes, and I’ve started branching into film and TV stills - most recently working on a BBC drama. I love anything that tells a story through imagery, captures a moment in time – documenting music history, whether it’s a live show, a press shoot, or behind the scenes. I’ve always seen photography a bit like painting and unusually, the editing is my favourite part. There’s something really calming about sitting with my images for hours after a shoot. Live music photography grabbed me from the start because of that; the lights, movement, and atmosphere just really fit with the way I like to work. I try to capture the feeling of the sound through my images, and over time, I’ve landed on a style that feels like mine.
Charlotte: I’m Charlotte Patmore, I’m a London based photographer, originally from Wigan.
Starting out studying Fashion Photography and Styling at LCF, and initially working within fashion, I moved to music photography and built my portfolio volunteering and shooting at festivals. I secured a job on the NME picture desk in 2013 and worked across the digital and online publication as well as shooting bands and going on tour initially within the indie music scene, working with labels on artists in development then moving into more established artists as my career grew. Working with the likes of Sam Fender, Charli XCX, Self Esteem, Clairo, Lola Young, Mitski, Raye, Wolf Alice, Tyler the Creator, Kate Nash. I’ve shot multiple album campaigns, music videos as well as magazine covers, toured the world intimately documenting artists. I shoot primarily on film and specialise in portraits. Taking photos of people where they feel truly seen or represented is what brings me the most joy to my work.
2. Tell us more about the podcast? What is it about? Why should people watch?
Katy: This podcast is everything I wish I’d had when I was starting out as a photographer, and throughout my career too! Music photography with all the excitement and positive experiences that comes with it, can also feel lonely at times in such a competitive space.
Charlotte: That’s why having honest, creative, and inspiring conversations with other photographers and artists about how they found their way in, what life is like on tour, and everything in between feels so important. It’s exciting to be able to share these stories and help listeners feel more prepared for all aspects of the industry! You don’t have to just be a photographer lover though, hearing the insights into the realities of shoots is fascinating for everyone!
3. This was the first time you hosted a podcast, how was the experience?
Charlotte: I’ve been wanting to do a podcast myself for a while now, so it was such an honour to be invited to host the podcast with my favourite human and bestie Katy! Recording at Abbey Road studios, which is such a hub for music and creativity and getting to speak to really inspiring creatives has been such a privilege.
Katy: Yes, now I’m obsessed, and hope I have more presenting roles in my future! Hosting
alongside my real-life support and best friend Charlotte was such a joy, and we’ve had some
moments I’ll never forget. It’s made me fall in love with the music photography all over again.
4. What moments stood out to you in the series?
Charlotte: There are so many! But a couple of standouts for me was when Pooneh was talking about the mental health impact of touring. How to prioritise yourself for a moment each day while on the road, it was such an important conversation that really hit home - and you could feel how valuable it would be for listeners too.
Katy: The Alia episode where we discussed how learning some really simple DIY methods to create high quality work without using an expensive studio, I loved this as this is something I have also done in my career. Also, the tent nearly blowing away at Love Supreme!
5. If you could share one piece of advice with up-and-coming photographers, what would it be?
Katy: We say this in most episodes, but the worst thing anyone can say is no, and then you are in the same place you were anyway. Reaching out to managers, asking artists, build real relationships and shoot as much as you can.
Charlotte: Always being open to opportunities, if you’re making effort to put yourself in the right place then being ready for that right time opportunity to show up and seize it. Chatting with everyone at gigs and festivals and letting people know that photography is what you want to do is also a great way to establish yourself so if someone does get a commission through or a shoot brief you’ll be on the top of their mind.
6. We know you are big supporters of the MPA – why should people enter the competition?
Katy: We absolutely love the MPAs. It’s the first time that the artists behind the lens who work so hard to capture music history are being celebrated themselves and put at the forefront.
Charlotte: Entering is also such a good opportunity to showcase your work, and coming from
Abbey Road itself, a place where some of the most iconic music images have been photographed. It’s amazing to have your work seen by people who fully understand the craft as well as your peers in the industry.
Katy: Absolutely, it’s also about being part of that creative community and supporting each other.
7. Where can the community find the podcasts?
You can listen to the podcast wherever you normally get your shows, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Feel free to drop us questions or thoughts, we love hearing from listeners! We hope you love the podcast as much as we did making it!