Keegan Burckhard
As a drummer, Keegan Burckhard’s connection to music is as personal as it gets. Having photographed many acts, he is now looking to turn the lens on himself
Photo 2022 © Keegan Burckhard | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, 1/250 sec at F2.8, ISO 2000
Mirror Image
For many image makers, passion lies in the process. While we are unquestionably in tune with our subjects, we remain outside observers – more focused on the craft than the moment. Keegan Burckhard, however, is no typical music photographer. From his formative years, he has experienced life on both sides of the lens.
“I’ve always been interested in music. I got started drumming when I was around ten years old, and did that all throughout middle and high school. I got a little burnt out and wanted to try something new. So, in college, I started studying visual and digital art with photography. After college, I fell in love with the process,” he begins.
“I’d planned to move straight to LA, but my dad was sick, so I stayed close to home for a while in Saint Paul, Minnesota. At night, I couldn’t sleep, so I was going to these local music shows. They were like therapy in a way.”
After making professional moves – filming weddings and music videos, and touring with a few musicians – Keegan discovered applied and was selected for Fujifilm’s Students of Storytelling project at the Desert Daze festival. Soon enough, he was on the road to Lake Perris for a formative weekend of music and imagery.
Photo 2022 © Keegan Burckhard | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, 1/250 sec at F2.8, ISO 2000
Photo 2022 © Keegan Burckhard | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, 1/500 sec at F2.8, ISO 2000
Photo 2022 © Keegan Burckhard | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, 1/500 sec at F2.8, ISO 2000
“Once we got there, we were introduced to our three mentors, Tom Baumgaertel, Robin Laananen, and Giulio Meliani. We planned to cover certain sets with the crew, then got out there to start making images. I was with Tom the first night and we photographed Babe Rainbow together.
“Tom is into effectively editing the photo before he’s made it. He had his settings dialed so much that he didn’t need to do anything in post,” Keegan continues, reflecting on his most memorable moment of mentorship. “He showed me how X Series cameras let you go in and set the curves, bring the blacks down, choose a Film Simulation, change the hues and tints, then also use techniques like double exposure. Sometimes, he would create six or more images in one frame. He’d nail the moment right there, then move on.
Photo 2022 © Keegan Burckhard | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR, 1/100 sec at F2.8, ISO 6400
“I also valued my time with Robin. She gave me some great techniques of her own, but we mostly spoke about the business side. She works with touring bands a lot, so she gave me invaluable advice on how to approach musicians and build professional relationships to further my photography career.”
As is so often the case, the most meaningful lessons build upon existing skills. For Keegan, Tom opened a door into a creative, new system – but also helped him refine a years-old vision.
“As part of Students of Storytelling, I was given FUJIFILM X-H2S, which I loved. It renders a beautiful image, but the Film Simulations were my favorite feature. It’s cool photographing that way, using Tom’s tips, because you can see the exact result through the viewfinder. It’s an easy way to keep your style in mind while working, and it’s easier to visually emulate the show’s atmosphere in the moment rather than in post.”
“One thing I always focus on is people’s faces,” he explains. “I love creating portraits. Even during live music shows, I try to get a good facial expression or view of their eyes. Images are always more powerful when you can see that emotion close up.
Photo 2022 © Keegan Burckhard | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR, 1/100 sec at F2.8, ISO 6400
Photo 2022 © Keegan Burckhard | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR, 1/3200 sec at F2.8, ISO 640
Photo 2022 © Keegan Burckhard | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR, 1/3200 sec at F2.8, ISO 640
“Intense, high-energy moments are enjoyable, alongside that intimacy. Motion blur is a cool technique, to match the vibes coming from the bands. I often soften or partially obscure the lens if it fits the mood, but mostly I don’t have go-to techniques for every show. I prefer to play around, stay creative and present, listen to what the band is playing, then try to visually match it.
“At one point, I was watching a band I love, Men I Trust, doing sound check from side stage,” Keegan recalls. “I saw their manager and asked if I could get a portrait of them. They were down for that, so I got to snap the picture before their show.
“I was also given FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR for the festival – a solid, good-quality lens. It’s perfect for those portrait moments with musicians and festivalgoers, but the focal range also let me go from tight compositions to wide frames at the shows.”
Photo 2022 © Keegan Burckhard | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR, 1/320 sec at F1.4, ISO 2000
Other artists will almost certainly remain of interest to Keegan, but as he returns to the stage himself, he has plans to share an even more intimate perspective than his work so far. The Students of Storytelling experience will undoubtedly shape his output – from technical skill to practical execution.
“It was a huge festival and an even bigger opportunity,” Keegan concludes. “It was inspiring, and I came away loving photography more than ever. I want to cover more festivals, but also document everything in my own life right now.
“Being on the inside will bring me a lot closer to subjects. My relationships with the musicians around me are close, so that trust will provide a different experience than most photographers have. It’s a different insight into playing live music and recording, and I know it will be revealing.
“I love the process, it’s a nice way to express myself – I just hope other people can relate to the images.”
To explore more of Keegan’s work, visit his Instagram. Shop FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR today. Learn more and read the full specifications here.
Photo 2022 © Keegan Burckhard | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR, 1/320 sec at F1.4, ISO 2000
Let's Keep in Touch!
Stay up to date on New Products, Promotions, and Special Offers!
COUNTRY / REGION
