Professional Business Photos: Man – Tools – Vision

Creating professional business photos is a huge responsibility and challenge for the photographer taking them each time. But also joy and enthusiasm! After all, each client is a unique personality with unique character traits, the depiction of which using a business portrait is a fascinating journey to discover a newly met person.

In order to create a business portrait that we care about, a professional photographer should notice this uniqueness and understand what it means in the approach to the client as well as when taking a photo.

In my article, I would like to introduce you to the backstage of professional business photos, and more precisely the approach that a professional photographer should accompany during their implementation.

Who is behind the camera lens?

When we are looking for a photographer for a business portrait, we are often faced with questions: who is the person behind the lens? Is this a professional I can trust? Will it meet my expectations and take into account all the issues I care about?

It is very good that we ask ourselves these questions. During the photo session, we want to be under the care of a specialist who knows his stuff, giving us a sense of security, understanding and satisfaction with the result obtained. Thanks to the questions we ask ourselves, the process of selecting a professional has a better chance of success.

When taking a professional business photo, is the photographer’s experience most important? If I were to say yes, that would be too simplistic. In my case, 25 years of experience undoubtedly helps and affects the way I work with the client. But experience is not enough. Maybe passion is the most important thing? It would be a banal statement, although it sounds good. After all, it is obvious that behind 25 years of experience in creating a professional business portrait, there is a passion for photography and image, resulting from a passion for photos. So, what special feature should you pay attention to when selecting a photographer? My answer is: people’s curiosity.

As I mentioned at the beginning, each person is unique. But in order to capture a trait of uniqueness in a business portrait, a photographer should like people, enjoy contact with them, be perceptive, sensitive to nuances, and be able to listen, ask questions and answer them. In this way, clearly communicated needs and requirements on both sides will create an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust. There are people who are intimidated by the lens. They do not feel confident in front of him. It is good for the photographer to be aware of this and be able to face such a situation, providing professional help and professional advice, thanks to which the intimidation will be replaced by certainty, openness and naturalness. In a good atmosphere, a photo session can turn into a new, almost magical experience not only for the photographer, but more importantly, also for the person being photographed and, as a result, result in exceptional photos.

What camera is the photographer hiding behind?

Business portraits are primarily people, their history and atmosphere during the photo session.

But would the synergy of these three elements be captured without photographic equipment? I’m smiling. Without photographic equipment, we could then speak not of photography but of painting. Photographic equipment and skilful use of it are indispensable attributes of a professional photographer in the implementation of business portraits. In order for the photographer to focus fully on the subject, they should not be distracted by technical issues such as camera operation. Here you need certainty, fluency and smooth operation. The lack of certainty affects the comfort of work, the duration and course of the session, and thus the quality of the photos. Therefore, a professional photographer should: know his / her photographic equipment, never hesitate to use it, always be prepared for unexpected technical situations and have more than one camera, lamp or lens on his sleeve.

In my case, the reliability of photographic equipment is a priority when taking professional business photos. Before starting the session, first I plan it in detail, taking into account all technical issues, so that during the shooting, I focus only on the photographed person and the image purpose of the photos that are to be created. I use a whole range of different cameras: from large format SINAR camera through the medium format PHASEONE to a small format Canon, and the choice of the camera depends on the application, the nature of the portrait and the photo session plan. The same goes for lighting. To achieve the optimal image effect, I chose Profoto lamps, which in my opinion are the best strobe lighting system on the market.

The excess number of cameras, lamps and lenses is my standard guaranteeing the continuity and efficiency of the session, and thus the optimal use of the valuable time that the client spent on taking photos.

Lamps, camera, glass and …

The awareness of the tools, their technical capabilities and the way they are used is the basis for obtaining the highest quality photos. But about the artistic and image result of photography, its uniqueness, whole and expression is determined by one “element”, which is impossible to obtain, buy or duplicate. It’s a human eye. It captures countless details in the blink of an eye, arranges the details into a complete picture and defines the shot. The trained eye of the photographer determines the aesthetics of the photo and the impression it creates. That is why the artistic sense of the photographer, his sense of aesthetics, form and shape plays such an important role in the entire process of creating professional photographs.

Creating professional business photos is a complex, challenging journey through all aspects of image photography, which includes the personality and history of the photographed person, the atmosphere during the session, the proficiency in using photographic equipment of the highest quality and the aesthetic sense of a skilled eye.

Result? Successful cooperation, satisfaction and the end result in the form of a unique photo.

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Testimonials

  • I had the pleasure of using Krzysztof Zaleski's services - a business portrait and I am absolutely delighted with the results. Krzysztof is a true magician behind the lens - I have never looked so good in a photo! His professionalism, attention to detail and ability to create a relaxed atmosphere during the session are invaluable. If you are looking for a photographer who can capture the best of you, I highly recommend Krzysztof. Thank you for a great experience!

    Krystian Lewecki Head Of Legal Affairs

  • Full professionalism and remarkable commitment to work. The photo session took place in a calm, warm, empathetic atmosphere. Mr. Krzysztof is a very nice person, and at the same time a great specialist. He provides valuable advice and guidance. This makes you feel confident and at ease in front of his lens. The effect of the session was delightful: beautiful portraits that show emotions. I am grateful and cordially recommend!

    Beata Rubanowicz Ophthalmologist

  • I definitely recommend Krzysztof Zaleski - for years, at various stages of my career, when I need professional photos, and not only business ones, I have been using his services. Krzysztof is a professional in the full sense of the word, with a perfect understanding of business needs and goals, who is also characterized by flexibility and speed in actions. I recommend it to all those who are looking for something more in their photos.

    Michał Świderski Marketing Manager, Management Advisor

  • An excellent Professional is focused on working with people and not merely on the technical side of photography. Thanks to this, the quality and credibility of the photos is high. Krzysztof is able to bring out the character of a person and emphasize his or her best features. Great pleasure to work with such a Professional. Thank you.

    Palina Romaniszyn General Manager at STADA Group

  • I heartily recommend Krzysztof Zaleski. I have worked with many photographers, but Krzysztof Zaleski has one unique feature - he works until he gets a WOW effect for the client. I sincerely recommend!

    Sergiusz Trzeciak Expert in political marketing, public image shaping and personal branding

  • Working with Krzysztof is fantastic - stress-free and relaxed, but at the same time very professional. Even before the session, we received detailed tips: what clothes to take, what patterns or colors to avoid - it was very helpful. During the photoshoot, Krzysiek gave specific advice, but at the same time, there was room for our own inventiveness and time to fool around. Through numerous conversations and detailed questions, we managed to determine the nature and atmosphere of the photos. Krzysiek is a very considerate and cultural man. I recommend him to anyone who does not stand in front of the camera on an everyday basis and wants to have professional and cool, but not necessarily obvious photos.

    Aneta Stawicka Communication and Education Manager Rekopol SA

  • Photographing myself is, to put it mildly, not my favorite pastime. The photo session with Krzysztof was comfortable and quick. In addition, the effect is good in my opinion. Professional approach to the client. I highly recommend to everyone.

    Andrzej Kotfis Andrzej Kotfis SME/SOHO Sales Director Orange Polska

  • Photographer, Krzysztof Zaleski, was recommended to me by my friend some time ago. I am really glad that I finally managed to use his services - Krzysiek made several business portraits for me, which I am very happy with. The photoshoot went really smoothly, in a pleasant atmosphere and with full professionalism. I am glad that I had the opportunity to work with a man full of passion, and at the same time extremely warm and accessible. I recommend him to everyone, because the image is something important, and Krzysztof knows how to get the best out of the photographed person.

    Beatrice Bouchet President of the Management Board B&B Hotels Poland.

  • I asked Krzysztof for a couple of business photos. Working with him during the shooting was a distinct pleasure. Krzysztof was very friendly and welcoming — we immediately connected. Krzysztof has shown a rare devotion to detail and a relentless pursuit of the best possible results. Krzysztof delivered the final photos promptly and they were of outstanding quality, both from technical and communication point of view. I highly recommend Krzysztof for any business photo job.

    Marek Kowalczyk MANDARINE Project Partners

  • Mr. Krzysztof Zaleski has run several business-related photo sessions for MGW Corporate Consulting Group Sp. z o.o. Each time a session was carried out in a professional manner and with commitment. Thanks to his interpersonal skills, Mr. Krzysztof is able to build up a kind and friendly atmosphere and photographs the way it highlights the photographed person's character. Additionally, we value good communication with Mr. Krzysztof, both via phone and e-mail, which positively influences our cooperation. With pleasure, we recommend Mr. Krzysztof Zaleski as a reliable, competent and passionate photographer.

    Małgorzata Janic Sales Support Specialist at MGW Corporate Consulting Group Sp. z o.o.

  • If you are looking for someone who will not only take beautiful pictures of you but also will take care of every detail during the session, I recommend Krzysztof. A sense of style and positive atmosphere during the session guaranteed.

    Weronika Jelińska Legal counsel

  • I strongly recommend Krzysztof Zaleski's services. I value his professionalism, flexibility and endless kindness. From the first contact and stage of working on details, we could count on perfect communication, openness to our needs and understanding. As the result, we' d managed to have a photo session for 20 people run smoothly. What distinguish Krzysztof is his great empathy and understanding of both the business aims and a fantastic approach to photographing people. The same relates to a selection of photos and post production, in which Krzysztof puts lots of effort. We're greatly impressed by the professional service, taken photos as well as Krzysztof's attitude towards the session and customers. Thank you, we certainly recommend!

    Katarzyna Gorczyńska PR Manager at Plej Advertising Agancy

  • Meeting with a photographer who likes himself, people and what he does often brings results that significantly exceed the customer's initial expectations. This was my case, for which I am really thankful.

    Tomasz Chodkowski President in Grenevo Polska Sp. z o.o.

  • We've worked with Krzysztof at many business sessions, both for individual clients and company teams. Together, we implement the project of “Lawyer through the lens.” I was also pleased to stand in front of his camera myself. What happens during these sessions is difficult to describe. You just have to experience it! Let’s be specific. It’s the atmosphere. As well as patience and individual approach. Everyone is just as important, the most important at the time. Each portrait helps build a business image. To anyone. I am glad that I met on my way a person, photographer, who knows that a good portrait is our asset and shares this knowledge with others. No just in business. It also helps in self-awareness that what we do is important and how we communicate is important; that in the modern times of the Internet and marketing 2.0. people around us will get to know us on the net and that we can influence how they will perceive us during this first contact. It also helps to smile at the thought that this lady in the picture is pretty cool! He is also surrounded by professionals who care about how we look and feel in the picture. I am thankful for that and recommend Krzysztof to everyone who sees measurable value in quality and appreciates professionalism. To anyone who wants to enter a higher level. See you at the next session!

    Monika Muracka Development Manager, Marketing for Lawyers

  • The need to build a professional image appears at different stages of career. In the past, the only formal image necessary to take care of was a passport photo – nowadays for more and more people it isn’t enough. For several years I had photos taken by magazine and news paper photographers who publicated them as illustration to my articles. Usually, these half-hour or hour sessions were guick but professional. However, I was lucky enough to meet Krzysztof Zaleski on my career path – a passionate photographer. According to Krzysztof the portrait of a professional should reflect personality, interests and life mission of the photographed. Such final effect demands time for conversation and collecting necessary information about the person - Krzysztof was very engaged in this task. After a long conversation he prepared several conceptions in cooperation with graphic designer. Having discussed and chosen one of the options, Krzysztof started making it real. It wasn’t easy though – I would probably give up encountering such odds, but not Krzysztof, he succeeded. The session took place and finished according to arranged schedule. I highly recommend cooperation with Krzysztof – it was a real pleasure and a fascinating adventure.

    Grzegorz Turniak Owner of Akademia Rekomendacji

  • I had the pleasure to cooperate with Krzysztof Zaleski in an advertising project which involved major clients of my company. The project itself was a very difficult issue because individuals participating in the session needed to be treated with particular sensitivity and at the same time the desired effects had to be achieved – session circumstances demanded full adaptation to the working conditions in the printing (the production was in full swing). Krzysztof successfully completed the task creating a pleasant atmosphere, which allowed to save the stress of my clients as well as their precious time. Professionalism, as shown by Krzysztof, resulted in a series of perfect photos that decorated both the covers of professional magazines and the stand of Agfa Graphics company during the fairs „Poligrafia 2007” in Poznań. I highly recommend cooperation with Krzysztof Zaleski!

    Paulina Suchodolska AGFA GRAPHICS