Event photo coverage of a corporate event at the Koneser Cooperative

  • Customer: Soflab Technology
  • Type of event: Company Christmas Eve, Corporate events
  • Event Date: grudzie艅 2024
  • Location: Sp贸艂dzielnia Koneser
  • Documentary-style coverage time: 4 godziny
  • Number of photos donated: 447
  • Turnaround time: 5 dni roboczych

Dark, industrial and…. without ties. That is, what a modern company Christmas Eve looks like.

Company Christmas Eve in the IT industry is governed by its own rules. Forget stiff wafer-breaking with white tablecloths and forced conversations about the weather. Modern technology companies rely on casualness, inclusiveness and an atmosphere that feels more like a good club than a conference room.

As an event photographer, I love such assignments. Why? Because that’s where the real magic of Employer Branding happens. People are themselves, emotions are genuine, and my job is to provide professional event photo coverage that captures that – no set-up, no “please smile.”

In this post, I’ll show you a behind-the-scenes look at the implementation of event photo coverage at one of the more interesting industrial event venues, but also one of the more difficult photographically in Warsaw – at the Cooperative on the premises of Praga Koneser Center. You will learn how to deal with the lack of light and why event photos are an investment, not a cost.

Event photo coverage of a corporate event - A vivid red neon sign with the word "BAR" on a dark background, with reflections and fuzzy orange lights creating a lively, atmospheric effect.

Event photo coverage for a corporate event – what exactly is it?

Sometimes a photographer at a casual event is simply forgotten. In the flurry of organization, it’s easy to think that since everyone has a smartphone, the photos will “take themselves.” Unfortunately, this often ends in disappointment when, after the event, it turns out that there is not a single sharp frame to show the team. Then it’s too late. And therein lies the key difference between casual “event photos” and professional event photo coverage.

Good event photo coverage of a corporate event is not dry documentation of attendance. It’s also not a hunt for compromising shots (rest assured, I have a built-in “image security” filter!). It’s a story about the atmosphere of the evening.

When I enter the room, I’m not looking for set smiles. I’m looking for moments:

  • Sincere laughter at the bar as teammates tell jokes.
  • Energy on the dance floor when the DJ plays that one song that captivates everyone.
  • The atmosphere of the place, the details and the play of light that the organizers have so carefully planned.

In the case of the Christmas Eve party at Koneser, the event photo coverage was primarily intended as a souvenir for people. Proof that they are able to shed their “corpo-armor” after working hours and just have fun in each other’s company.

Three adults sit at a small table in a dimly lit bar, smiling and chatting, holding cocktails with lime and mint, surrounded by warm hanging lights and industrial decor.

Cooperative in Koneser – a dream venue for an event, a nightmare for an amateur?

My client, a software house from Warsaw, once again chose Koneser for their Christmas party. And I don’t surprise them at all. The place has a brilliant vibe. Brick, steel, several levels, huge space – the industrial character is a perfect fit for the IT industry.

But there is one catch. It’s dark out there. And it’s very.

For the organizer, it’s an advantage – the darkness builds intimacy, encourages conversations at the bar and gets people out on the dance floor. For the casual photographer, it’s a trap. Standard equipment in such conditions simply “wipes out”. The photos come out either noisy (grainy) or, worse, “killed” by the flat flash of the lamp, which destroys the whole atmosphere of the place. And sometimes the space is so arranged that we can’t reach some places with the flash.

The goals of this implementation were clear:

  • No formalities: Other than a brief toast by the board, no rigid agenda items.
  • Pure integration: DJ, photo booth, good food, drinks and conversation.
  • A souvenir for the team: The photos were meant to go to employees to show: “Hey, we’re having fun together.”
The rusted spiral staircase is blocked by a chain with yellow lettering in Polish. The background is dimly lit with red and purple lights.

How to photograph in the dark and not kill the atmosphere? My workshop.

There is a widespread belief that in such a dark place as the Cooperative, taking good photos will be very difficult. And honestly? There’s a lot of truth in that. These are demanding conditions in which an ordinary smartphone is unlikely to cope, turning visitors into dark spots. But rest assured, the situation is not as hopeless as it seems. Where the phone “wimps out”, I step in with the right workshop and just embrace it.

In realizing this documentary-style coverage, I knew I had to work out of the box. In the Cooperative, the ceiling is high and the walls are dark – bouncing flash light (a standard reportage technique) wouldn’t work here, and would only flatten the image.

My setup for this evening:

  • Bright constants (fixed-focus lenses): Instead of dark zooms, I use very bright lenses. They allow the camera to “see” more ambient lighting – that colorful, party light that builds atmosphere.
    A group of people sit around a wooden table in a dimly lit bar or restaurant, talking and smiling, with drinks and plates in front of them. Warm, moody lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.
  • Flash Drag (Long exposure with flash): This is my favorite technique for the dance floor. I set a long exposure time to record the blurry streaks of the DJ’s lights and the movement of the dancing people, while “freezing” the figure with a short flash. The result? The photo teems with energy, you can see the dynamics of the party.
    Photographer for a corporate event - Three people at a party, smiling and holding drinks. A man in a patterned shirt raises his thumb, another man in a light shirt smiles, and a woman in a dress raises her hand excitedly. Warm lighting creates a lively atmosphere.
  • LED Ring and directional lighting: In the darkest corners, at the bar or on the mezzanine, I assisted with led lights to illuminate faces without spoiling the background.
    A group of five people stand close together at a social event in a room, casually dressed and smiling at the camera. Warm lighting and industrial decor are visible in the background.

As a result, the client received material that faithfully reflects how the participants felt, not just how they looked.

Event photo coverage is an Employer Branding tool

Text: A company Christmas Eve is not just an expense in Excel. It’s an investment in the team. In the IT industry, where employee turnover is high and the battle for talent is at its best, such materials are at a premium.

Why invest in a professional photographer for a casual event?

  • Proof of organizational culture: When you recruit a new programmer, he’s bound to check your social media. What will convince him more? A stock photo of an empty office, or a snapshot of laughing people who genuinely enjoy each other’s company?
  • Liaison for remote teams: In IT, we often work in distributed teams, scattered across the country and even the world. On a daily basis, we see each other only as “talking heads” on a monitor. Such an event is a rare opportunity to finally high-five in person. Photos from such a meeting have great sentimental value – they tangibly show that on the other side of the screen there are cool people with whom we form one team.
  • Souvenir and integration: After the pandemic and in the era of hybrid work, offline meetings are rarer. Good photos extend the life of an event. People tag on them, reminisce, laugh on Slack or Teams. It binds the team together.
  • Material “without lime.” Professional photos show that the company cares about quality at every level – even at the event. This builds prestige.

Pro tip for Event Managers: if you’re planning an event at a venue like Koneser, warn the photographer about the conditions. Or hire someone who (like me) has eaten his or her teeth on difficult industrial interiors. You’ll avoid the disappointment of “black spots” and noisy photos in the gallery.

People sit at tables and talk in a modern industrial-style restaurant or cafe with warm lighting. Two men stand talking in the foreground while others enjoy food and drinks in groups in the background.

A photographer is not just a “guy with a camera”. He is part of your team.

This was my second implementation for this client in the same location. This is the greatest compliment and proof of trust for me. They knew I was delivering quality that was repeatable, not random.

At a corporate event, I operate in “ninja” mode.

  • I don’t set people up – I catch moments.
  • I integrate – I hang around the guests, chatting, so that I shorten the distance. After an hour, I am no longer a “photographer”, I am part of the team.
  • I select – I don’t give away 2,000 random photos. I give back the essence of the evening, ready for publication.

Your employees don’t want to feel like they’re in a passport session. They want to have fun. I’m there to document that, without getting in the way of the fun.

A man wearing glasses and a light blue shirt sits at a table, smiling and chatting with others in a warmly lit rustic restaurant. Three other people are partially visible in the foreground.

Frequent questions about photography for corporate Christmas parties

When to book a photographer for a company Christmas Eve?

The best dates (Fridays in December) disappear as early as September/October. If you’re planning an event at Koneser or another popular location, don’t wait until the last minute.

We are planning a photo booth. Do we also need a photographer?

Photo booth is great fun (it was at this event, too!), but it only catches posed faces in one corner of the room. I’m mobile – catching emotions on the dance floor, toasts at the bar and spontaneous reactions. Together we create a complete picture of the event.

How quickly do we get the photos?

December is a very hectic and intense period in the event industry, so deadlines may be a bit longer. Nevertheless, I always do my best to make sure that you receive the finished material before the Christmas break.

Planning an event in Warsaw? Let’s do it together!

If you’re looking for a photographer for a corporate eve, gala or integration who understands the IT industry and isn’t afraid of difficult lighting conditions – you’ve come to the right place.

Write to me. Tell me what you’re planning and I’ll tell you how we can show it so your team (and boss) will be thrilled.

Two people are sitting and talking at a bar, behind which are shelves of bottles of alcohol. A bright neon sign reading "BAR" glows in the background, and Christmas decorations hang above. The atmosphere is warm and inviting.
A small Christmas tree decorated with red ornaments and lights stands in a room near wrapped gifts and Christmas garlands, with a brick wall and plants in the background.
Three wrapped gift boxes stand on a platform next to a metal staircase decorated with garland and red ribbons in a warmly lit, festive interior.
A round plate with several small snacks diced, decorated with herbs and served with a silver spoon on a dark green silky tablecloth.
Close-up of chocolate brownies topped with red fruit sauce, served on small white paper trays with berries, arranged on a black tray.
A Pepsi-branded refrigerator filled with glass Pepsi bottles, with a sign in Polish on the glass door that reads "PLEASE FOLLOW SOFLAB," encouraging people to drink the beverage.
A modern restaurant interior with orange padded benches, a long wooden table with green napkins, black chairs, industrial-style pendant lamps and exposed pipes on the walls.
Several brown paper gift bags with orange ribbon handles labeled "SOFLAB" are neatly arranged on a wooden table in the dimly lit interior.
A bright red neon sign depicting a stylized mermaid holding a sword and shield, displayed behind vertical metal bars in a dimly lit environment.
A variety of colorful sunglasses and novelty eyeglasses, including aviator and Christmas tree-shaped ones, are laid out on a wooden surface.
A neon sign on a brick wall proclaims: "I only drink champagne on two occasions, when I'm in love and when I'm not - Coco Chanel." Industrial lamps hang from the ceiling above.
Black and white photo of people meeting indoors. In the center, two people embrace each other in a hug, while others stand nearby, some smiling and watching the interaction. The environment appears casual and warm.
A bearded man wearing glasses and a festive sweater warmly hugs another person at a social gathering while two others stand nearby, all in a dimly lit, cozy environment.
Four people sit at the bar, smiling at each other and chatting. In the background are exposed brick walls and warm lighting, creating a cozy, relaxing atmosphere. Various drinks and glasses are visible on the bar.
A bearded man in a suit sits at a table listening to another person at a crowded, dimly lit social gathering with people in the background.
A vintage-style lamp with an exposed bulb shines warmly in front of a window. The window reflects neon lights and geometric shapes from outside, adding colorful light to the darkened room.
Two women sit on a tan couch in a modern, dimly lit bar, chatting over a drink. Exposed pipes, hanging lights and a large window with the city's night lights add to the cozy atmosphere.
Four streetlights are mounted inside the building with a purple and orange glow, creating a futuristic and artistic atmosphere. A white cylindrical fixture hangs among the lights. The ceiling has geometric patterns.
Two bartenders work behind a busy bar counter, smiling and interacting as they prepare drinks. The atmosphere is lively, with customers in the background and warm, colorful lighting.
Three men are sitting at a table in a restaurant having a conversation. Two of the men are facing the camera, one is smiling and shaking hands, the other is wearing glasses and a jacket. The third man is standing with his back to the camera.
A group of people sit around a long table in the restaurant, engaged in conversation and smiling. The environment is warmly lit, with dark green walls and modern pendant lights above.
A woman with curly red hair smiles as she sits in a room, holding a drink with mint and ice in her hand. The background is softly lit with warm colors, and a snowflake decoration is visible on the window.
Two men are sitting at the bar talking. One of them, facing the camera, is wearing a white shirt and smiling, while the other is with his back turned to the camera. A neon sign reading "BAR" glows in the background.
A man with a shaved head and beard, wearing a black jacket, speaks into a microphone during a party in a room. The background is blurred with colored lights and standing people.
A group of people sit and stand in a warmly lit room, carefully observing something off-camera. Some are dressed casually, while others wear business attire. The atmosphere is casual and social.
A group of well-dressed people stand in a bar decorated with Christmas garlands and lights, holding drinks and carefully observing something off-camera in a festive, warmly lit atmosphere.
A group of people are sitting at a table in a dimly lit restaurant or bar having a conversation. The image is black and white, with fuzzy lights in the foreground and industrial lighting overhead.
A bartender pours a creamy cocktail through a strainer into a glass filled with ice cubes in a dimly lit bar, with colorful lights blurring in the background.
Two men stand at the bar, smiling and talking. One of them is holding a glass of beer, and both are wearing glasses and casual shirts. The background is softly lit with a purple hue, and other people are visible nearby.
Four people stand together at a social event, holding drinks and talking. Three men and one woman are engaged in conversation, with a vibrant, warmly lit background and guests visible behind them.
Two men stand by a brick wall and talk while holding drinks. Christmas decorations with ornaments and garlands are visible on the railing in front of them. Warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.
Three adults stand together in a room, smiling and talking. One of the men is holding a drink. The background is softly lit in shades of green and purple, creating a warm, sociable atmosphere.
A bearded man in a black polo shirt listens intently to another person with his back turned to the camera while talking in a room. The background is softly blurred.
A group of people sit together at a long wooden table in a cozy restaurant with green walls, talking and laughing while drinks and candles are placed on the table.
Three men are standing and talking in a dimly lit restaurant or bar. Two women are sitting at a table in the background, and string lights are visible through the window.
Two people sit at a wooden table in a cozy bar or restaurant, smiling at the camera. Other customers can be seen in the background, and there are drinks on the table. The atmosphere seems warm and relaxed.
A group of people sit and stand at tables in a dimly lit restaurant or bar, talking and laughing. Some sit while others stand, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.
People gathered in a warmly lit modern bar or restaurant, talking in small groups. Focus is on the group standing near the window, while others sit or stand in the softly blurred foreground.
A group of five people talk by the warm light of hanging lamps in an industrial room with brick walls and a metal ladder.
Four people stand in a group, smiling and chatting while holding drinks in the warmly lit restaurant. In the background, other guests sit and chat at tables.
A woman in a red turtleneck and a man in a plaid jacket sit on a tan couch, smiling and laughing together in the cozy interior, each holding a drink.
A sign reading "PHOTO BOX x SOFLAB" with a picture of a camera and a white arrow pointing to the right, placed on a wooden counter with plants and shelves in a dimly lit room.
Three adults pose in a room against a light wooden wall, dressed in holiday attire. One person wears a Santa hat and sunglasses, another wears Christmas-themed headbands, and all have a cheerful, relaxed posture.
Four people pose for a holiday photo wearing fun accessories such as Christmas hats, sunglasses and novelty eyeglasses. They smile and stand close together against a warmly lit background.
A man wearing novelty glasses in the shape of a Christmas tree and a bright blue shirt is laughing merrily. The woman next to him, partially out of frame, wears a Christmas band in red and green. The background is simple and bright.
A person with blue-painted nails holds a strip of photos showing several smiling people dressed in Christmas accessories. The background is blurred, showing blurry people and warm lights.
A man wearing glasses and a checkered jacket looks up with a surprised expression on his face. He wears a Christmas headband with red ornaments. Another person in the background is wearing a Santa hat.
Four people stand in a warmly lit room and carry on a conversation. Two men are laughing, one person is standing with his back to the camera, and everyone seems to be having a good time.
A group of four people meet in a dimly lit room. A smiling woman with blond hair holds a glass of wine, engaged in conversation with others at the table. The background is warmly lit in shades of red and yellow.
A man in a white shirt stands in the room with a slight smile, looking at someone in front of him. Two other people are partially visible, facing him. The background includes purple lighting and blurred objects.
A group of people chatting socially and clinking glasses around a wooden table at an indoor party, with festive lighting and exposed brick walls in the background.
A person with short brown hair dressed in a blue shirt, patterned scarf and cardigan stands in the room, smiling and looking sideways in the warmly lit environment.
A man in a white shirt smiles and laughs while talking to two other people at a party in a room with warm, pinkish lighting. The scene seems lively and sociable.
Two people in red jackets stand in a room under warm lighting. One person smiles at the camera, holding his hand to his chin, while the other stands next to him, raising his hand playfully and looking into the camera.
Two men sit at a table in a dimly lit restaurant and carry on a conversation. Three large hanging lamps above them cast a warm and dramatic glow over the scene.
Two women sitting close together on a brown leather couch in a dimly lit bar, looking at a phone and smiling. A brick wall and fuzzy lights can be seen in the background.
Three women talk and smile during a party in a room. One woman with curly red hair laughs while another touches her shoulder. A fourth woman stands in the background against a brick wall. The atmosphere seems friendly and warm.
A close-up of a DJ's hands adjusting knobs and controls on a professional DJ mixer, with colored lights illuminating the equipment in a dimly lit environment.
Two men, smiling and standing close together, dressed in casual jackets and shirts, pose for a photo in a room on brown leather sofas. One of the men is holding a drink; Christmas lights and holiday decorations are visible in the background.
A woman dressed in a red leather jacket and black crop top poses with her hands at her chin, smiling slightly, in a dimly lit interior with warm lights in the background.
A DJ in a white shirt stands behind a mixing console, holding headphones to one ear and smiling at the camera against a dark background with red lighting.
A bartender in a black shirt shakes a cocktail shaker behind the bar, with colorful swirling streaks of light and shelves of liquor bottles in the background.
A group of people meet and enjoy drinks at a crowded bar, with glasses on the counter and warm, dim lighting creating a lively, festive atmosphere.

See also

Grupa ludzi stoi u艣miechni臋ta i 艣wi臋tuje przed du偶ym ekranem og艂aszaj膮cym zwyci臋zc贸w 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 pozna艅 - 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 Pozna艅 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, Z膮bki, Kobylka, Wolomin, Zielonka, Radzymin, Pruszk贸w, Nowy Dw贸j Mazowiecki, Powsin, 呕yrard贸w, Skierniewice, Sochaczew, Brok, Blonie, Bia艂obrzegi, Czerwin, D膮br贸wka, G贸rki, Garwolin, Halin贸w, Izabelin, Jab艂onna, Jasienica, J贸zef贸w, Leszno, Loch贸w, Legionowo, Ma艂kinia, M艂awa, Milan贸wek, Nadarzyn, Otwock, Pu艂tusk, P艂ock). 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 漏 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.