Behind The Lens - Last-Minute Shoot Adventures with Clash of the Comics

Being a freelance photographer is full of surprises—and sometimes the most memorable shoots happen at the very last minute. That was exactly the case for James at the recent Clash of the Comics event, where big-name celebrities gathered, and the energy was electric.

The Unexpected Booking

The shoot came through as a last-minute opportunity. As a family, we’re huge fans of Celebrity Traitors UK, which was launching the same evening of the event. Naturally, we were gutted to miss it —but timing meant the whole family had to hold off while I headed to cover the event.

Star-Studded Encounters

Arriving at the venue, I found himself among a crowd of familiar faces from the Independent Wrestling Scene - Nina Samuels, Big Damo, Simon Miller (WhatCulture Wrestling and YouTube) Cara Noir, Bullit, and La Cyclonica. Plus of course Rishi Gosht. As a comedy fan, it was merging two of my favourite pastimes so this mash up featuring a long list of UK comedy talent like Phil Wang, Ed Gamble, Maisie Adam, Joe Lycett - the big boss of course, event MC Ivo Graham, commentators; Nish Kumar, Sara Pascoe & Greg James plus recent Taskmaster contestants; Maisie Adam and Ania Magliano and so many more...

Ed 'The Gambler' Gamble In The Ring at Clash Of The Comics

If you are reading this from the UK...imagine my surprise to see Joe Marler, rugby star & Celebrity Traitors Royalty. Charming and approachable, Joe took the time to chat me, and even shared some personal rugby tips for my son—a heartwarming moment that reminded me why being a working photographer can lead to such unexpected, joyful encounters.

Phil Wang emerging from the crowd in Clash Of The Comics

Clash Of The Comics Creators Max and Ivan

Joe Lycett the big boss at Clash Of The Comics

Ed Gamble launching at Phil Wang Clash of The Comics

Maisie Adam in a hold with Nina Samuels Clash Of the Comics

Rosie Jones wrestling superstar at Clash Of The Comics

Ivo Graham as the Event MC at Clash Of the Comics

Joe Marler supre relaxed in the ring

Cara Noir backed by Apollo crowd at Clash Of The Comics

The Commentators getting stuck in at Clash Of The Comics

James Acaster showing just how alert he is at Clash Of The Comics

How to really make an entrance with

Life Behind the Camera

This shoot perfectly captures the spontaneous nature of freelance photography. One minute you’re waiting at home, the next you’re photographing high-profile personalities at a major event. Being ready for last-minute chaos with professionalism is an art in itself to master. It can be really nerve racking but capturing the energy, excitement, and genuine moments of the day is worth it.

Why It Matters

For those considering photography as a career, this is a real example of how flexible, unpredictable, and exciting the job can be. It’s about being ready, staying creative, and finding joy in the unexpected.

Watch the Moments

There are some snippets from the event shoot in our YouTube Shorts, giving you a peek behind the lens and showing what a working day for a freelance photographer really looks like. Or check out the actual matches with the UK TV release on U. Watch out for the brilliant promo content too - your bound to see some of my pics pop up...like this Virgin Media Article