This is Part 2 of our Bands as Bands 24 blog series. If you missed Part 1, read it here.
After an incredible first night capturing Hera’s transformation into Sabrina Carpenter, I was beyond excited to photograph the full Bands as Bands 2024 event at The Park Theatre. This sold-out show brought together by Real Love Winnipeg, passionate performers, an electric crowd, and an atmosphere filled with creativity, music, and pure joy.
Behind the Scenes: The Final Touches
As always, things never go exactly as planned, but that’s part of the magic. Instead of prepping at the studio before soundcheck, last-minute adjustments meant that Muriel (makeup) and Jer (hair) had to do Hera’s glam backstage at the venue. When we arrived, Hera led us through the tight, dimly lit backstage area—a true rockstar setup. Despite the lighting challenges, the team worked their magic with a ring light and their travel kit, proving that professionals can adapt to anything.
This time, Hera had more time for hair and makeup, and you could feel the anticipation building. She was headlining, and the excitement was palpable.
Between touch-ups, we laughed and shared in the pre-show adrenaline rush.
Screenshot of a video recording of us trying to figure out what to do for space.
The Concert Begins
I took my place, camera in hand, ready to capture the night as Peter Harder opened as Lana Del Rey. The moment he rolled onto the stage on a motorcycle, the crowd erupted. His voice was soft yet powerful, mesmerizing the audience as he swung on a stage prop. You could feel the intensity in the room, as if the entire crowd was hypnotized by the performance.
Peter Harder
The band members deserve the spotlight too. It takes an entire team to put beautiful shows like this together.
When doing event photography, i think its important to capture the FEELING of the audience.
The man behind the sound. When doing events, i like capturing the details. The entire team matters but sometimes I get caught in the moment that I sometimes forget. I am sorry if I missed you this time!
Rein doing his thing behind the camera!
Bush Lotus as Chappell Roan – A Star on Stage
As the lights dimmed and the first notes hit, the energy in the room shifted. The audience ROARED as Bush Lotus as Chappell Roan, took the stage. From that moment on, it was pure magic.
I found myself standing beside their mom in the crowd, both of us watching in awe. For a moment, I imagined myself in her shoes—seeing her child shine so brightly, owning the stage with confidence, passion, and electric energy. It was a surreal and emotional moment. The way Bush Lotus moved, the way they connected with the audience—it was as if she was born for this.
It was a room full of women, LGBTQ+ people, and creatives, all celebrating music together in a space that felt safe and inviting. When they performed Hot To Go, everyone was on their feet, dancing and singing at the top of their lungs. The chemistry on stage was undeniable—the way the band members interacted, smiled, and played off each other was pure magic.
Hera Takes the Stage
Just before Hera’s performance, I was called backstage for some final shots. Muriel and Jer were laser-focused, making sure every detail was perfect before she hit the stage.
The moment finally arrived—Hera stepped into the spotlight as Sabrina Carpenter, and the crowd lost their minds.
She was pure confidence, playful, flirty, and full of star power. Every movement was intentional, every look to the audience was magnetic. Seeing her perform after spending so much time with her through the process was surreal. She embodied the essence of Sabrina Carpenter—fun, sultry, and effortlessly cool.
Between snapping shots, I found myself singing along, completely immersed in the performance. I usually stay behind the camera, quietly observing, but this night was different. I felt like a part of the moment, a piece of the experience rather than just an observer.
Hera speaking to the band & team before she goes on stage. She insisted that we all hold hands.
The Final Bow
As the final notes played and Hera took her bow, the crowd erupted into cheers. It was a full-circle moment—from a small virtual planning meeting to this epic performance in front of a packed venue. Hera had manifested this dream into reality, and I felt so honored to have been part of her journey.
This night was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of artistry, community, and self-expression. Winnipeg’s music scene is thriving, and I feel so grateful to have captured this unforgettable event.
A Full-Circle Moment 🎶✨
The last time I was at The Park Theatre was years ago. I had stepped away from the music scene for personal reasons, carrying a complicated relationship with it. But this night felt like a full-circle moment—a rewriting of my connection with music in Winnipeg.
Winnipeg has always been known as a small city where creatives often leave, but this night showed something different—what we can offer when we come together.
Art and music make life beautiful, yet they’re so underfunded. Most artists survive on passion and community, but putting on shows isn’t cheap. We fight norms, juggle jobs, and keep creating because without expression, there’s no life.
Thank you for such a magical event, Winnipeg. I can’t wait for more.
💛 Support local artists. Show up, donate, share. It makes a difference.
Love,
Emmeline
A cute post from Muriel's instagram story