I really don’t care too much about being famous or not. I just want to do the work and get my art out there and make art for people that, you know, want it and appreciate it, and that is right for them.
Casey Steinmiller
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Casey Steinmiller has created an energetic career in the fast-paced world of music photography and videography, capturing the raw energy of live performances with some of the industry’s most iconic bands. From working with renowned names like Skillet and Papa Roach to managing VIP programs and creating visual stories that resonate deeply, Casey is successfully navigating the unpredictable and vibrant world of touring life.
This episode takes you inside Casey’s inspiring journey, beginning in a small town in Kansas where his passion for photography was first sparked. Overcoming challenges that included a heart attack at a young age, Casey’s resilience and drive have shaped a life full of creativity, innovation, and meaningful collaborations. We’ll explore how he balances the logistical intensity of managing VIP programs with the artistic side of photography, his approach to storytelling in a live setting, and what drives his ambition to create iconic images that stand the test of time.
Casey’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of persistence, adaptability, and passion in achieving your dreams. Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:
- How Casey’s small-town roots and love for music shaped his path in photography.
- The dedication it takes to thrive as a “Swiss army knife” on tour, blending logistics with creative artistry.
- Insight into his creative process for capturing the energy and emotion of live performances.
- The resilience and mindset that helped him bounce back stronger after a health scare.
Get ready to be inspired by Casey’s extraordinary tale of creativity, determination, and capturing life’s most electric moments behind the lens. We hope you enjoy the episode, cheers!
Q: How do you find ways to keep yourself grounded and ultimately still creative in such a fast-paced and vibrant world?
Casey: On the road, having two separate jobs helps. For the VIP work, it’s all logistics and people handling, while photo and video are all creative. Switching between these keeps things fresh. When I get home, I fully decompress—playing video games, hanging out with my fiancée, and just relaxing. It’s important to have that balance because while on the road, you’re almost always “on.”
Q: What advice would you give to someone trying to break into the music photography industry?
Casey: The bar for entry is low, but making it a career is the hard part. Start local—reach out to local bands and offer to shoot for free. If you want to work with bigger names, it’s tougher, but you can try working with press outlets or online magazines. Just know that making money in this field takes time and persistence.
Q: What do you hope to achieve in this great big photography world?
Casey: My biggest goal is to take photos of an artist that are iconic—images that, when you see them, you instantly know who the artist is. It’s not about attaching my name to the photo; it’s about creating something timeless that captures the essence of the artist.
Key Links and Mentions From the Episode
Steinmiller Productions
Casey Steinmiller’s official website and portfolio showcasing his music photography, videography, and creative direction. Explore his work capturing the energy and emotion of live performances with renowned bands.
Visit Casey’s Website
Instagram
Follow Casey on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his life on tour, his creative process, and stunning shots from concerts and events.
Follow Casey on Instagram
People Mentioned
Casey’s Family: Casey credits his supportive family, particularly during his recovery from a heart attack, as an essential source of strength and encouragement throughout his career.
Bands Mentioned: Artists such as Skillet, Papa Roach, and Story of the Year, whom Casey has captured in iconic ways through his lens, were referenced throughout the interview.
Tools & Gear
Nikon Z8: Casey’s go-to mirrorless camera for its powerful capability to handle both photography and videography, allowing him to adapt seamlessly on the fly.
Pelican Case: A compact, durable solution Casey uses to safely transport all his essential gear while on the road.
Constant Lights and DIY Backdrops: For creative studio work, Casey utilizes constant lights and DIY setups with simple items like bed sheets, making high-quality portrait shoots accessible and affordable for artists.
Projects & Opportunities
Touring with Skillet in Europe (2025): Casey will be embarking on a month-long European tour with Skillet, creating visual content and managing elements of the tour’s visual storytelling.
Creative Services for Musicians: Casey offers an evolving range of services from photography to brand and creative direction, helping artists develop visuals that capture their essence.
DIY Studio Portrait Sessions: Casey collaborates with smaller artists to produce artistic and affordable portrait photoshoots, making professional-grade visuals accessible.
Places and Locations
Kansas: The small town where Casey’s passion for photography was born and where he cultivated his craft.
On the Road (Global): From cozy bars in Kansas to large tour venues across the U.S. and Europe, Casey has captured moments in a variety of unique settings.
Europe: Casey’s destination in 2025 for a promising tour with Skillet, marking another exciting chapter in his career.
Key Themes Discussed
Adaptability in the Creative World: Casey’s ability to juggle logistical VIP management with the free-flowing creativity of photography showcases the importance of versatility in building a career.
Capturing Raw Emotion: His approach to photographing live performances emphasizes the art of preserving the energy, passion, and fleeting moments that define concerts.
Turning Challenges Into Growth: From networking at local bars to overcoming a life-altering heart attack, Casey’s resilience has fueled his rise in a competitive industry.
Building Iconic Visuals: Ambitions to create timeless, symbolic imagery for artists demonstrate Casey’s dedication to capturing the essence of his subjects.
The Power of Humility and Connection: Casey’s grounded perspective and focus on building real connections with artists drive his success and keep his work genuine.
Balance Between Art and Life: From decompressing with video games at home to long nights editing after shows, Casey leans on balance to fuel his creativity and maintain sustainability in his fast-paced career.
