Stories told in a portrait – Grzegorz Turnau

On April 27, 2017, as part of the photo series “Stories told in a portrait,” we realized in Krakow a portrait session of a Polish artist, arranger, pianist, composer, vocalist and poet,  poet Grzegorz Turnau.

Grzegorz Turnau portret artysty kompozytor wokalista fotograf Krzysztof Zaleski
Grzegorz Turnau portret artysty kompozytor wokalista fotograf Krzysztof Zaleski
Grzegorz Turnau portret artysty kompozytor wokalista fotograf Krzysztof Zaleski
Grzegorz Turnau portret artysty kompozytor wokalista fotograf Krzysztof Zaleski
Grzegorz Turnau portret artysty kompozytor wokalista fotograf Krzysztof Zaleski

The session accompanied the meeting of Piotr Skrzynecki’s memoirs on the 20th anniversary of his death. During the meeting at his monument in front of the entrance to the Vis-à-Vis cafe on the Main Square (funded by Zbigniew Preisner), Friends from “Piwnica pod Baranami” performed the song “Lilies of the valley, lilacs or pet” written just after his departure (Jan Kanty Pawluśkiewicz – music, vocal; Jan Nowicki – words, vocal; Grzegorz Turnau – vocal; Elżbieta Towarnicka – soprano).

The session took place near Vis-à-Vis in a mobile photo studio at Cafe Europejska Restaurant in Krakow.

Organization of the session: Monika Muracka.

We especially thank the manager Elżbieta Towarnicka Wiktor Czajkowski for the support in taking photos.

Biography

Grzegorz Turnau – composer, singer and pianist, songwriter, arranger. He was born on July 31, 1967 in Krakow. He studied piano at the State General Primary Music School of Ignacy Paderewski in Krakow, is a graduate of the Krakow V Fifth High School August Witkowski. He studied English philology at the Jagiellonian University. In 1984, as a high school student, he received the 1st Prize at the 20th Student Song Festival, soon afterwards he went to Piwnica pod Baranami, with which he was associated for 13 years.

In 1991, his debut album “Nothing really happens” was released. Since then, he has released 16 solo albums and participated in several dozen other phonographic projects.

He performs regularly and intensively. Currently on stage, he is usually accompanied by a band of several people (including Jacek Królik-guitar, Leszek Szczerba-saxophone, Mariusz Pędziałek – oboe, Cezary Konrad – drums, Robert Kubiszyn / Łukasz Adamczyk – bass, Michał Jurkiewicz – viola, keyboards), and also chamber string ensembles. He collaborates with many outstanding artists (including Anna Maria Jopek, Dorota Miśkiewicz, Aga Zaryan, Sebastian Karpiel-Bułecka, Jan Kanty Pawluśkiewicz, Andrzej Sikorowski, and Stanisław Soyka).

He composes music for film and theater (including collaborating with the director Jarosław Kilian for many years), he is also the author of major musical forms and (from 2016) the music director of the Lalka Theater in Warsaw.

Although he was born and lives in Krakow, he has been associated since childhood with the city of Inowrocław, whose honorary citizenship he received in 2013, as well as the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, where he is – founded by Grzegorz together with Zbigniew and Jacek Turnau and Tomasz Kasicki – Winnica Turnau.

He has won many awards, including 9 Fryderyk, 2 Wiktor, Grand Prix at the Opole Festival. He received the Gloria Artis medal and the Golden Cross of Merit. In 2016, he was awarded the City of Krakow Award in the field of culture and art.

Privately – husband of flutist Maryna Barfuss and father of Antonina Kondrat.

You can follow more information about the Artist, news about concerts with his participation and publications on: grzegorzturnau.pl and on the official Facebook fanpage: HERE.

By sending a link to the official music video of the song “Lilies of the valley, lilac or pet” (CLICK),, I invite you to view portraits of other Artists taken that day in Krakow: 

Testimonials

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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