There are photo shoots where someone comes as a client. And there are those where my best friend comes. Anna and I did a photo shoot in Gdańsk in September—and that day was exactly what I think every good portrait is about: someone finally seeing themselves the way we, who know them, do.
Who is Anna?
Anna Jakubowska launched the Pentalingua translation and interpreting agency in January 2008, initially as a one-person business. Today, she works with a team of experienced professionals who translate legal, business, financial, and technical texts, as well as websites and software, in 21 languages. They also provide interpretation services for meetings and conferences, including simultaneous and online interpretation.
Anna's motto is: Translating is good, but ensuring a good translation is a mission. Anyone who knows her knows that she really means it.
The essence of his work is to speak on behalf of others. The success of a contract, a negotiation, or a conference often depends on his precision—even as he himself remains in the background. Perhaps that is why it was so special that this time, he took center stage.
Why Gdańsk?
From time to time, I take photos in the Gdańsk area as well, and Anna and I decided to spend the day there. We worked at KARIROOM Studio: a bright, minimalist space with large windows.
A new city, different lights, a day outside my usual routine.
How does a photo shoot like this work?
A branding photo shoot with me never starts with us simply stepping in front of the light. First, we talk: who the photos are for, where they’ll be published, and what impression they should make on someone seeing them for the first time. The head of a legal translation firm needs different photos than a creative entrepreneur.
And there’s no rush during a photo shoot. There’s time to arrive, laugh, change clothes, and start over. The best photos usually happen when the client forgets they’re being photographed.
Why is it worth it for an entrepreneur to invest in their own photos?
People buy from other people. Choosing a translator, interpreter, or consultant is a matter of trust. An honest portrait builds trust more quickly than any list of services.
The client sees the person they'll be working with. Not a stock photo, not a picture taken with a cell phone ten years ago. This is the first impression, even before the first phone call.
A series of images, a variety of platforms. Whether it’s a website, a LinkedIn profile, a Google business profile, a speaker’s introduction at a conference, or a press appearance—the same tone and the same quality are consistent across the board.
A long-term investment. A well-planned branding campaign continues to benefit the business for years to come.
And there’s also a more subtle benefit. After the photo shoot, many people see themselves in a different light. They see what others have been saying about their work all along: that they’re confident, well-prepared, and a pleasure to work with.
If you run your own business and feel that your current photos don’t reflect who you are today, let’s talk. I’m available in Budapest, Dunaharaszti, and Gdańsk.
Schedule an appointment and learn about branding photography! »
Anna: "It's no secret: Iza and I have known each other for quite a few years now, so the way she sees things is probably completely unique. It’s not just the photo shoot itself that matters—the lighting, the compositions—but also the preparations. Iza pays attention to every detail: what outfit you should wear, what you want to express with each piece of clothing, and on top of that, she adds the perfect finishing touches to your makeup. She knows exactly how you’ll be able to present yourself in the best light. I love having my picture taken—I’ve been in many photo shoots—but that moment when you feel that Iza is focused entirely on you, on what you want to convey, on your very essence, is truly palpable. Hiding behind the lens, she captures fantastic images of you. When I saw the photos, I was so happy because looking at them, I felt exactly what I felt right then, in that very moment when they were taken.
Trust. Love. Show yourself: I see you. You’re beautiful.”
How do you feel when you see my pictures?
