Meeting after 10 years – image session of Grzegorz Turniak

One of the things I like about my job is meeting interesting and inspiring people. I like it even more when cooperation does not end with one session and we meet after years to stand on opposite sides of the lens again. An example is Grzegorz Turniak – an amazing speaker and inspirer who, 10 years after the first session, contacted me to take image photos against the background of Warsaw.

Grzegorz Turniak’s first session took place in 2008. It was a portrait session in the cabin of a Boeing 737, which I will remember forever. Why? Because she proved that the impossible becomes possible and you can portray anyone, in any circumstances, to reflect their personality and interests as much as possible. But this entry is not about the session in the Boeing. After 10 years, Grzegorz contacted me because he wanted to refresh his business portrait. He decided to do a session against the background of Warsaw. Before I discuss our meeting after many years, a few words about what an image session is.

What is an image session?

I can use definitions from guides for photographers here, but I prefer to focus on what such a session means to me. My goal is not to show the man as such, but to show who he is. How do I achieve this?

I will use the analogy of a tailor, who sews to measure. To be able to start working at all, you first need to talk: get to know the person, find out what they do, what stage of their career they are at, where they spend most of their time, etc. Then I ask what the intention of the photos is and what emotions they want there. conclude. Of course, the client does not always have a vision for his or her session. What’s more, very often my clients say that they don’t like their photos and/or don’t like posing – then I step in and help them.

I suggest the location of photos and frames, and even clothing and styling; I also give advice on posing. Sticking to the tailor’s analogy, I choose not only the fabric and cut, but I make sure that the outfit is not tight anywhere, fits the circumstances and looks good in a given context. I also make sure that my client feels comfortable and natural with what I propose. Without this freedom and naturalness, the image session will simply fail.

A well-made business portrait should immediately suggest to the recipient your specialization and profession, be credible and inspire trust. There is no place for artificial poses and frames – the priority is to show the environment in which the photographed person operates on a daily basis. This is why a veterinarian is photographed with animals, a real estate agent is shown in front of the buildings he has sold, and a book enthusiast is shown in front of his bookcase. A person becomes a showcase of his business and passion.

The pre-production process involves a lot of exchanges of comments and arrangements, but everything takes place in a friendly atmosphere that is as least burdensome for the client as possible. I want everything to be as aligned and consistent as possible. Thanks to this, both pre-production and the session run smoothly, while respecting valuable time. On the one hand, I want the client to feel good and know that they are well taken care of, and on the other hand, such solid preparation definitely shortens the work during the session, because we achieve satisfactory results faster.

I wrote more about what an image session is for me in a separate article: Professional image photography — “the human face” of the business

I will now discuss the photo session with Grzegorz.

10 years have passed…

On May 20, 2018, I did an image session for Grzegorz Turniak. Ten years after the portrait session in the Boeing 737 cabin, Grzegorz called me and said that he wanted to refresh his business portrait.

During a telephone conversation, he told me that this time he would like to have a portrait with Warsaw in the background. He mentioned the view of Śródmieście from the Siekierkowski Bridge. Why there? Warsaw is the city where Grzegorz works and where he often travels. This view accompanies him almost every day, at different times of the day. Most importantly, he just likes it.

It is not without significance that the city from this perspective fits perfectly into the frame of the business category and, in addition, perfectly reflects who our hero is. By combining the view of Warsaw with Grzegorz’s person, we wanted to emphasize his business character and show what he does every day – connects people in business.

Grzegorz Turniak’s image session against the background of Warsaw

The session with Grzegorz was preceded by four visits to the bridge, during which I determined the location of the photos, the frames and the exact time of the portrait. I must note here that these visits confirmed my belief that the place was perfect for portraying Grzegorz – it had the spirit of a big-city business capital, and at the same time it was a bit idyllic and picturesque thanks to the view of the water, which erased the predatory character of Warsaw.

If you are interested in what the stages of a session look like, check out: What does the session look like?

The photos themselves went very smoothly and I have very fond memories of our meeting. The session was full of challenges, e.g. we had to find the nearest parking space so as not to carry the equipment too far. Another challenge was the weather, which ultimately determines the success or failure of the project. The days and hours before the session are actually about tracking forecasts to be prepared for a possible change of date. Every photographer here will probably agree with me that you have to be very lucky with the weather. Moreover, the time frames are also strictly defined. After all, the sun sets according to its plan and we have to adapt to nature’s plans.

In an outdoor portrait session, it is also a challenge to work in the urban fabric – people walk on the sidewalks, cars and bicycles drive on the roads; we also have curious onlookers. On the one hand, this may affect the photos themselves and extend the working time (e.g. when someone unexpectedly appears in the frame), and on the other – it may cause stress in the subject. Therefore, the entire work should be planned in such a way that there are as few stressors as possible for the subject.

Fortunately, Grzegorz is a person who adapts well to any situation. This is due to what he does – he is passionate about people and relationships, he runs development programs; he also lectures at postgraduate studies. So far, he has conducted over 2,000 networking sessions for over 150,000 participants! (as of 2023). He is an excellent person who not only feels great in the company of people, but also does not get stressed when he is the center of attention. Additionally, he feels natural both on the podium and in front of the camera. Thanks to this, it will be suitable for any men’s photo session – I have no doubt about it. Evidence? Please – below is a video from the session. (Here’s my thanks to Marta Uczciwek, who not only assisted me, but also video the making of ).

Watch the backstage video:

The day after the photos, Grzegorz and I selected the final shots. Finally, the most important thing could not be missing – a consultation with an image consultant and Grzegorz’s life partner, namely his wife Aldona. Everything went smoothly and four days later Grzegorz received his new business portrait.

Through Grzegorz’s eyes – a report from a portrait session

I know many people who take perfect care of their image. I have always been fascinated by work and relationships with people. I am lucky to have people who support me in various areas. One of such people is Krzysztof. 10 years ago he encouraged me to have my dream photo session. He offered me several variants of scenography. I chose the cabin of a Boeing 737. During my membership in BNI, our business relationship and sympathy deepened. Krzysztof offered me to take care of my professional image for the second time. And this time it was a fantastic experience. Talks about scenography. And then the session itself. Krzysztof is a perfectionist. He prepares everything down to the smallest detail. He also has a good sense of beauty, space and business image. Thanks to this, the session was a pleasure and the photos make a great impression on everyone.

Need a business portrait?

It doesn’t matter what you do. I believe that everyone should have a good business portrait, regardless of whether you are a doctor, a successful businessman, a blogger, you run a shop or a hairdressing salon, you teach languages, or maybe you are an employee in a corporation. Thanks to a professional portrait, you will be noticed and, what’s more, you will create a good impression. This is what I do. I help and bring out the best in people. I portray their self-confidence and availability. I make them the faces of their businesses, passions and competences.

Let’s talk about your business image needs.