Kilian Amrehn

Music Photography Cologne

Press photos, covers and portraits for bands, solo artists and DJs.

Parzhuber Trio laughing, band photo, music photography Cologne

A release needs a picture people recognise at once. For press kits, Spotify, posters and the cover. I photograph bands, solo artists and DJs in Cologne and wherever your music is made.

With bands, it is about what happens between you. Who laughs first, who stands at the edge, who holds the others together. That is what the photo should show, rather than four people in a row.

For covers I think square from the start, with room for type. Light and colour come from the music: a song that sounds like night does not get daylight.

In a studio, the rehearsal room, outdoors in Cologne or on stage. Beforehand we listen together and talk about the idea, the light and the place.

Tell me what you have in mind.

Examples

Parzhuber Trio, band photo, three musicians laughing in patterned shirts against a mauve background, 2025, photographed by Kilian Amrehn Band photos → Mario Nyeky, musician, in a white tank top with an acoustic guitar, cloud of pink and orange powder against black, 2021, photographed by Kilian Amrehn Solo artists → Nicole Da Silva, album cover AMBA, face with white paint in front of an orange and black pattern, 2025, photographed by Kilian Amrehn Covers → Zahnatzin, DJ, with glasses and silver bangles reaching toward the camera, wide angle from above, dark red room, 2025, photographed by Kilian Amrehn DJs →

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

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 are band photos different from single portraits?

The more people in a picture, the more of them need to feel at ease at the same moment. So we take more pictures at each location, to make sure there is one where everyone looks the way they see themselves.

How does an album cover come about?

Either you already have a clear idea, and I make it happen. Or you send me the music and we build the concept from it. I plan the cover square from the start, with room for type.

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.

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.

Where do you shoot?

In a studio, outdoors or at your place. I don’t have my own studio, but I know plenty in Cologne and pick the right one. For locations of yours, photos or a short video beforehand help me a lot. And I travel wherever the shoot takes us.

Can you bring hair, make-up and styling?

If you like. I work with hair and make-up artists and stylists I can bring in. You are also welcome to get ready yourself.

When do I get the pictures?

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

See also

Tell me what you have in mind.