BLACKRAPID Spotlight: Andy Keilen

Andy Keilen

Keilen Photography
I’m primarily a music photographer, but I also shoot portraits, events/weddings, headshots, family, anything!

I first picked up a camera in 2008, shot my first concert the same year (Thanks to Bryce Avary from The Rocket Summer and his wife Tara). From there, I cold-called Rolling Stone Magazine in NYC until they gave me an internship. Moved to NYC and 2 years later, found myself in Los Angeles where Rolling Stone gave me my first gig.

Since then I have became the touring photographer/videographer for Incubus, work with AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys, am a house photographer for the Forum in LA and still shoot for Rolling Stone!

What’s a Good Photo Tip?

Always be researching and looking at other photographers work for inspiration. I have found that you should never become content or complacent with your work. Constantly be searching and evolving your style.

My first time photographing my favorite band, The Red Hot Chili Peppers

After 8 years of shooting concets, I finally got my chance to shoot my favorite band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Rolling Stone assigned me to cover the 2nd Will Ferrell/Chad Smith drum-off here in Los Angeles. The event was for charity and besides the drum-off, Devo and RHCP were slated to perform.

After Devo opened the show and Will & Chad had their drum-off “teams” peform (which included Tommy Lee, Taylor Hawkins, Stewart Copeland & Mick Fleetwood fyi) RHCP was a bout to start. Once they came on stage, everything kind of hit me….I was shooting for my dream publication (Rolling Stone) about to photograph my favorite band (RHCP) and when they started, they opened with my favorite song (Can’t Stop).

The first few frames were shot through tears, I couldn’t help myself. At that moment I felt like the years of paying my dues and working so hard towards the goal of becoming a pro-music photographer had payed off.

What is in your bag?

• 2x Blackrapid Double Breathe Camera Harnesses
• 2x Blackrapid Cross Shot BK’s

Cameras

• Canon 1Dx
• Canon 5D Mark IV
• Canon 7D Mark II
• Lumix Gh5

Lenses

• Canon 16-35mm 2.8
• Canon 24-70mm 2.8
• Canon 70-200mm 2.8
• Canon 50mm 1.4
• Lumix 12-35mm 2.8
• Lumix 35-100mm 2.8

Flashes

• Profoto A1x
• Profoto B2

Social media links

• Instagram – @keilenphotography
• Facebook – Keilen Photography