Kilian Amrehn

Portraits for Art and Literature

Photos for painting, sculpture, books and anything people make themselves.

Painter Nicole in a white shirt holding brushes, portrait for art, Cologne

A book needs a photo for the jacket, an exhibition one for the catalogue, a reading one for the poster. I photograph painters, authors and anyone who makes things, in Cologne.

Ideally where the work happens. In the studio, at the desk, between the canvases. The light is the light that is already there, only directed.

You get a clear portrait for publishers, press and galleries, plus pictures that show how you work.

Beforehand we talk about your work, your space and what the pictures are needed for.

Tell me what you have in mind.

Examples

Nicole, painter, at her easel in a dark studio, a narrow strip of light across the canvas, black and white, 2026, photographed by Kilian Amrehn Nicole, painter → Nicole, painter, in a white shirt by a window holding brushes, looking aside, black and white, 2026, photographed by Kilian Amrehn Nicole, painter → Artist in sunglasses bracing her feet against a pillar, black paint-splattered clothes on the street, black and white, 2019, photographed by Kilian Amrehn All portraits →

How a shoot works

  1. IdeaYou tell me what the pictures are for. If you already have something in mind, a Pinterest moodboard is the quickest way to show me. If not, we develop the idea together from the start.
  2. PlanningWe settle on location, light, clothes and accessories. Studio, outdoors or at your place. Hair, make-up and styling can join if you like.
  3. ShootA typical portrait shoot takes three hours. We take the time it needs for the pictures to look like you.
  4. SelectionYou get every picture unedited to choose from. I retouch your favourites.

Questions

Do you prefer shooting in the artist’s studio or a photo studio?

I love artists’ studios. But a photo studio quickly turns into one when a few works and your tools come along.

Do you also photograph artworks and exhibitions?

Yes, artworks and exhibitions too.

How much does a shoot cost?

The focused shoot is three hours with ten retouched pictures included. The intensive shoot is five hours with fifteen. You can add more pictures at any time. All prices are in the price list.

How long does a shoot take?

From two hours for two or three different set-ups. A typical portrait shoot takes three hours. Depending on location, light and scope, it can also be a full day.

When do I get the pictures?

That depends on how busy I am. If there is a deadline, I meet it.

What can I use the pictures for?

Press, social media and your website are always included at no extra cost. If the pictures are to be sold or used on large advertising spaces, we talk about licensing.

I’m really not photogenic. Will it still work?

The media show us a pretty boring idea of what beautiful looks like. Not fitting it is no reason to feel bad. Every person carries a great deal of beauty. That is exactly what we look for.

See also

Tell me what you have in mind.