Event photography in challenging lighting conditions: A corporate event at Weles Bar

  • Customer: Savills
  • Type of event: Corporate events
  • Event Date: Listopad 2024
  • Location: Weles Bar, Warszawa Śródmieście
  • Documentary-style coverage time: 3 godziny
  • Number of photos donated: 384
  • Turnaround time: zdjęcia dostarczone w ciągu 3 dni
  • Location:
  • Type of event: Corporate event, integration, illusionist show
  • Challenge: Working in difficult conditions, maintaining speakeasy atmosphere, dynamic documentary-style coverage

Weles Bar is undoubtedly one of the most atmospheric places on the event map of Warsaw. Hidden in the basement, it stands out for its speakeasy styling, glass glitter and elegance. For guests, it guarantees an amazing atmosphere and intimacy. For the photographer? This is one of the most serious tests of technical and equipment skills.

As event photographer I often encounter legitimate concerns from clients (event managers and marketing departments) organizing events in such challenging locations. The questions are usually the same: “Will anything be visible in the pictures in this darkness?” or “Won’t you spoil the mood with constant, aggressive flashing?”.

This realization is proof that it is possible to reconcile the technical quality and sharpness of the photos with the unique, mysterious atmosphere of the place. You don’t have to choose between visibility and atmosphere.

A framed graphic depicting two golden birds facing each other over buffalo horns on a dark background hangs on a wall with intricate ceiling tiles above. Warm lighting highlights the graphic.

How to photograph in dark interiors? My approach (Case Study)

I’m not going to pull the wool over your eyes that it’s possible to work exclusively on “ambient lighting” in a basement bar, if the goal is professional business photos where people look favorably. You can’t cheat physics – the matrix needs light. The key, however, is not to give up the lamp, but balance, feel and hybrid technique.

At this corporate event, I used a three-step approach to reflect the character of the evening:

  1. Bright optics as a base: I build most of my frames using ultra-bright lenses. They are the ones that allow me to “see” as much as the human eye can see, and preserve all those nuances of color – the warm glow of the big chandelier, the backlit bar and the discreet points of light on the walls. This makes the background not a black spot, but a vivid amber scenery with a beautiful bokeh effect.
  2. Smart flash (Flash): When participants stood in deep shadow or in unfavorable spotlighting (which can create ugly shadows under the eyes), I used flash. But note – not to “flood” the room with flat, white light. I use it point-and-shoot, often bouncing the light to just gently sparkle faces and bring out the foreground. Guests look fresh and professional, and the speakeasy atmosphere remains intact.
  3. Natural skin color and balance: Weles is a feast of colors – from deep reds to cold blues. What builds the atmosphere of the interior can ruin a portrait, giving the skin an unnatural, “corpse” tone. Conscious use of flash allows me to achieve natural skin color (skintone), which is crucial in branding portraits. The flash also saves group shots, where often one person stands in perfect light and the other in darkness – the lamp evens out these contrasts. Sometimes it also allows for creative touches, as in the final shot with the bartender, where the flash froze the movement of the shaker, capturing the dynamics of working behind the bar.

Emotions and details: illusionist show

The main attraction and highlight of the evening was the magician’s performance. B2B event photography is not about documenting the tricks themselves – the illusionist’s hands are usually faster than the shutter, and the “secret” of the trick remains hidden anyway. The photographer’s real goal is people’s reactions.

A group of women sit at a table, smiling and watching a magician perform a card trick. One of the women is holding a glass of wine, while the others look intrigued and amused. The setting seems lively and sociable.

Live magic is a test of reflexes. The surprise on your face or the burst of laughter from the entire team lasts for a split second. With a combination of reflexes and the right equipment settings, I was able to capture those authentic, unposed emotions – from disbelief to shock to pure joy.

Why is this important? Because these are the shots that build the greatest value of material for HR and PR. They show commitment, integration and a great team atmosphere, which is crucial in employer branding communications.

Looking for a photographer for an event in Warsaw?

Are you planning an event in a venue with difficult lighting, such as a club, bar or banquet hall? Need a photographer who will deliver sharp and technically correct footage without destroying the event atmosphere you’ve worked so hard to create?

Contact me. I know the peculiarities of Warsaw event venues (such as Weles Bar) and how to show your event from the best side – no matter how dark the room is. No lime.

A crystal chandelier hangs over empty round tables in a dimly lit, elegant restaurant or bar with dark wood furniture and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
A dimly lit bar with a large, ornate chandelier in the foreground. Various bottles of liquor stand on shelves behind the bar. The bartender stands behind the counter, and one person sits in front of the bar.
The dimly lit stage in the cozy bar includes a microphone, stool and music stand. Dark red curtains and warm yellow lighting create an intimate atmosphere with wooden benches and exposed brick walls in the background.
A dimly lit, rustic interior with a worn, textured wall, ornate metal staircase and a single candle gently glowing in the foreground, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Close-up of an antique dark green leather armchair with upholstery upholstered with buttons and decorative brass nails, placed on a brown tiled floor in warm lighting.
A close-up of an elegant appetizer spread on a table, featuring skewers of cold cuts and dried fruits, vegetables, cheese cubes and a glowing candle in the background, creating a warm, festive atmosphere.
A person with curly hair stands in front of a microphone, looking into the camera in warm, dim lighting, suggesting the intimate atmosphere of a live musical performance.
A young person with wavy hair plays an acoustic guitar and sings into a microphone on a warmly lit stage, wearing a dark jacket.
Two people stand at the dimly lit bar, one holding a drink and smiling. Warm light shines behind them, creating a cozy atmosphere. In the background you can see shelves of bottles and a glowing "Savills" sign.
The bartender pours a measured amount of liquor from a jigger into a glass with ice on the dimly lit bar counter.
A man in a suit and glasses stands in a room, partially lit by warm light, talking to another man with his back to the camera. Red curtains hang in the background, creating an intimate atmosphere.
Three people stand together in a dimly lit bar, engaged in conversation. One woman smiles, another stands with her back to the camera, and a man with glasses listens. Bottles are visible in the background.
A woman with dark hair and a white top smiles warmly while talking to someone in a softly lit, cozy environment. The focus is on her face, while the person she is talking to is blurred in the foreground.
Black and white photo of a crowded bar with people sitting and standing, engaged in conversation. Two men are standing and talking to a woman, while others are sitting at tables. A bartender is visible in the background.
Three men in suits stand together and talk at a dimly lit event or party, with other people and chandeliers visible in the background.
Close-up of a hand pouring white wine from a bottle into a glass on a dimly lit bar counter, with bottles and jars in the blurred background.
Two women sit close together, looking thoughtfully at a large, ornate chandelier overhead. Other people can be seen in the softly lit, elegant room in the background.
A man wearing glasses and a jacket sits, listening intently to the person in the foreground, who gestures with his hand. The image is in black and white and has a casual, conversational atmosphere.
A lively group of people in a dimly lit bar, drinks in hand. Three women chat and smile at a small round table in the foreground, while others chat and mingle in the background.
A smiling woman with a glass of red wine sits in a dimly lit restaurant and appears to be engaged in conversation with the man next to her. The background is made up of exposed brick walls.
A man with glasses and a dark beard, wearing a suit and tie, gestures as he talks in a warmly lit room.
A man in a dark suit stands next to a wooden staircase, crossing his arms and smiling slightly, against a textured, weathered wall. The photo is in black and white.
A woman with glasses and dark hair stands with her arms crossed, smiling in a warmly lit room with several other people in the background, suggesting a social or networking event.
A group of well-dressed people are standing close together in a dimly lit bar or social event, smiling and preoccupied with something outside the frame. Bottles and glasses are visible on shelves in the background.
The performer stands on a dimly lit stage, gesturing with one hand, while the audience in formal attire watches intently under a chandelier in a warmly lit, intimate venue.
A smiling man in a dark jacket performs a magic trick, holding a thin, flexible object stretched between his hands in a warmly lit, rustic interior.
A person holds a lighter near a 50-unit bill in a dimly lit area, giving the impression that he is burning money.
A man in a dark suit with a pillowcase stands in warm, dramatic lighting, wearing a headset microphone and smiling slightly, with a blurry audience and a darkened background behind him.
A man in a pinstripe suit and glasses smiles warmly in a dimly lit room with soft, warm lighting and fuzzy figures in the background.
A person in low light holds a notebook with handwritten "ENCYCL OPEDIA" in red ink, while others sit in the background of a rustic room.
A woman with dark hair in a bun, wearing a layered necklace, smiles as she stands among the crowd at a room party. The image is in black and white.
Three people are sitting at a small round table in a dimly lit environment, smiling and talking. On the table are glasses of water and a small lamp. The scene is black and white.
The musician stands in warm, low lighting, playing his guitar and singing into a microphone in an intimate, rustic venue with people in the audience.
Three people sitting together in a room, smiling and holding playing cards. The man on the left holds a fan-shaped deck, while the two women next to him show the face-down cards, seeming to enjoy a magic trick or card game.
The musician performs with his guitar and microphone on stage, while two women stand near a small round table with drinks, watching intently in a dimly lit, intimate area.
A man and a woman stand together at the bar, smiling and holding drinks. Other people gather in the background, and the scene is warmly lit with a stylish, cozy atmosphere.
Three men in suits stand at the bar and talk. One is holding a bottle of beer, another is carrying glasses, and in the background you can see shelves of glassware and other guests in a dimly lit, stylish environment.
A group of women sit at a table, smiling and watching a magician perform a card trick. One of the women is holding a glass of wine, while the others look intrigued and amused. The setting seems lively and sociable.
A black and white photo showing people in a dimly lit room with a large chandelier overhead, some sitting and some standing, creating an intimate and elegant atmosphere.
A group of people in formal attire watch a man performing a card trick while holding a deck of cards unfolded. The spectators seem engaged and smiling in the dimly lit room.
Close-up of the hands of three people holding and passing decks of playing cards, suggesting a card game or magic trick, against a dark background.
Three people stand together in a room, laughing and smiling. One woman holds a cocktail with ice and a straw, while another person holds a playing card. The atmosphere seems lively and joyful.
A man in a dark suit is holding playing cards and appears to be performing a card trick for a small group of people who are watching intently in a dimly lit room.
A person with painted nails writes on a playing card with a black marker, holding a drink with ice and a straw on a dimly lit table.
Two women are sitting together in a room and talking. One woman, with dark hair, is smiling broadly, while the other, with blond hair and wearing a light jacket, is seen from the side. The environment seems warm and cozy.
Two men in suits face each other in conversation, warmly lit by orange tones. A woman stands in the blurred background, creating a sense of depth and focusing on the men's interaction.
A dimly lit bar with a large crystal chandelier, a ceiling lined with gold panels and shelves of bottles behind the counter. People gather, chatting and drinking at tables and the bar, creating a lively atmosphere.
A woman with long red hair smiles as she holds a drink at the dimly lit bar, surrounded by others engaged in conversation. Bottles and glasses stand on the bar counter.
A man and a woman stand together at a marble bar table, each holding a drink, smiling at the camera in a dimly lit, cozy bar. A musician plays guitar in the background, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.
A group of people sit at a dimly lit table in the bar, smiling and chatting. There are drinks on the table, and the atmosphere is warm and lively.
A lively bar with groups of people at tables and a counter. Glasses and bottles are visible, and the bartender serves drinks in the background. The atmosphere is warm and inviting.
Two women sit close together and smile for the camera in a dimly lit bar or lounge, with drinks on a marble table in front of them and others talking in the background.
A group of people in formal attire meet at tables with drinks in a dimly lit bar. One of the men gestures while the others smile and talk in the warm lighting and red drapery.
A man in a suit stands at the dimly lit bar, looking over his shoulder and smiling. Shelves filled with bottles are blurred in the background, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
A woman sits at a dimly lit bar, smiling with her hands clasped under her chin. She is surrounded by other people in a warm, lively atmosphere. Glasses and a lamp stand on the table in front of her.
A bartender in a white shirt and black gloves shakes a cocktail shaker behind a dimly lit bar, with shelves full of various bottles and glasses in the background. Streaks of light create a dynamic atmosphere.

See also

Grupa ludzi stoi uśmiechnięta i świętuje przed dużym ekranem ogłaszającym zwycięzców konkursu. Na ekranie czytamy: "Pierwsze miejsce: Linghos; Drugie miejsce: Nethica; Trzecie miejsce: Dima.

ReaktorX Demo Night – the finale of the startup gas pedal in the PKO Rotunda

Documentary-style coverage of the ReaktorX Demo Night finale at the PKO Rotunda. Photography of startups and pitches with an eye...

A panel of seven people sit on a stage in front of a large screen with Polish text at a business conference. Three national flags stand nearby. The panelists are engaged in discussion, some holding microphones.

Photography for the Public Sector: Forum for Economics and Social Policy

Professional photography for an expert forum. See how I document public sector events and deliver finished PR material in record...

Trade show photographer poznań - A large crowd of people gathers in front of a stage with a large screen displaying "PGA Poznan Game Arena 25-27 X 2024" during the gaming event, with green lights and gaming-themed decorations overhead.

Event photo coverage from Poznań Game Arena 2024 for Intel – or how to show technology hidden in the background?

How do you photograph a processor you can’t see? Intel at PGA 2024 abandoned its closed fortress in favor of...

Looking for a photographer for your event?

If you want similar photos of your event, you just found the right photographer! I am booking appointments for photo coverage. Do not hesitate and contact me now!

Ask for a date

Leave a Comment

Marcin Krokowski - Event Photographer

Ask for a date and quote

Event photography, event photography, event photographer. I photograph in the Mazovia province (surrounding areas of Warsaw, Marki, Ząbki, Kobylka, Wolomin, Zielonka, Radzymin, Pruszków, Nowy Dwój Mazowiecki, Powsin, Żyrardów, Skierniewice, Sochaczew, Brok, Blonie, Białobrzegi, Czerwin, Dąbrówka, Górki, Garwolin, Halinów, Izabelin, Jabłonna, Jasienica, Józefów, Leszno, Lochów, Legionowo, Małkinia, Mława, Milanówek, Nadarzyn, Otwock, Pułtusk, Płock). I also photograph in large cities such as Lodz, Krakow, Gdansk, Poznan, Czestochowa, Lublin, Bialystok. I can also photograph outside Poland in Germany, France, Spain, Great Britain, Switzerland, Holland and other countries. If an event photographer is the person you are looking for - check out my offer documentary-style coverage.

Blog for photographers / wedding photography / interior photography / virtual tours
Site Map

2025 © MarcinKrokowski.com | Warsaw, Poland | +48 501 650 433 |. ko*****@*************ki.com | Google reCAPTCHA Privacy Policy |
Privacy policy | Cookie policy

Communication possible in English and Polish.