Capturing Innovation in Black and White: A Unique Approach to Corporate Workshop Photography in Cape Town


Last week, I had the exciting opportunity to photograph a unique corporate workshop in Cape Town. The "Solve Differently" workshop, hosted by I am Jack Frost, took place at UCT's Hasso Plattner d-school. The venue's incorporation of natural light provided an excellent foundation for photography.


The Setting

The d-school's modern architecture, with its large windows and open spaces, created a bright, inspiring environment that perfectly complemented the workshop's innovative spirit. As a photographer, this setting offered me the opportunity to work with the natural light, laying the groundwork for impactful black and white images.


The Workshop

"Solve Differently" brought together an small group of 10 participants, guided by three experienced facilitators - Paul, Graham, and Eve. The workshop's structure, alternating between pair exercises and group feedback sessions, created a dynamic environment rich with photographic opportunities. With only 10 participants and three facilitators, the workshop was intimate and engaging - perfect for capturing expressive moments in black and white.

Corporate photography featuring a candid shot of a workshop presenter in action in Cape Town

Photographic Challenges and Solutions

Capturing engaging images without disrupting the workshop's flow presented a key challenge. To address this, I employed a strategic mix of lenses and camera techniques, balancing versatility with unobtrusiveness.


I alternated between zoom and fixed lenses, each serving a distinct purpose. The zoom lenses allowed for quick transitions between wide-angle overviews of the space and detailed close-ups of participants, providing versatility in capturing the dynamic workshop environment.


Among the fixed lenses, the 35mm f/2.0 proved particularly valuable. Equivalent to a 50mm lens on a full-frame camera, this compact lens offered a natural perspective that closely mimics the human eye. Its small size allowed me to work discreetly, while its wide aperture enabled beautiful shallow depth of field effects, isolating subjects and adding a layer of artistic focus to the shots. The lens's quick and accurate autofocus ensured I could react swiftly to fleeting moments of expression and interaction.


I also used my Fujifilm H2's silent electronic shutter to avoid any distracting camera sounds. This combination of technical choices - from lens selection to silent shooting - allowed me to document the event thoroughly while preserving its integrity. The result is a series of candid, expressive images that truly capture the essence of the "Solve Differently" workshop, all achieved without interrupting the participants' journey of innovation and discovery.

Event photography capturing a small group collaboration during a corporate workshop in Cape Town

The Black and White Decision

The client asked for a selection of images in black and white. It felt like the perfect artistic direction. By stripping away colour, the focus shifts to expressions, gestures, and the interplay of light and shadow. The lack of colour, emphasises the intensity of the participants' engagement and the workshop's creative energy.


Technical Approach

To achieve a consistent and impactful black and white look, I utilised Capture One's powerful editing tools, including the new beta feature "Match Look". This allowed me to create a custom style that preserved highlights and shadows while enhancing contrast. The result is a set of images with rich tonality that truly captures the essence of the "Solve Differently" workshop.

Event photography outdoor workshop space at Hasso Plattner d-school in Cape Town

Black and White in Corporate Photography

The decision to present this corporate event in black and white aligns seamlessly with the workshop's innovative approach. Just as the participants were challenged to think differently, viewers of these images are invited to see corporate events in a new light. When done right, black and white photography can add a layer of sophistication and focus to corporate imagery, making it an excellent choice for clients looking to stand out in their visual branding.


The Value of Workshop Photography

Good photos can really help showcase what these workshops are all about. These images provide potential participants with insights into the workshop experience, illustrating the level of engagement and the interactive nature of the sessions. For event organisers, high-quality photographs serve as powerful marketing tools, helping to attract future participants and demonstrate the workshop's impact.

Corporate event photography highlighting an interactive session with engaged participants

Conclusion

Photographing the "Solve Differently" workshop in black and white presented a unique opportunity to merge technical skill with artistic vision. The resulting images not only document the event but also capture its innovative spirit and the participants' journey of discovery. For businesses and event organisers in Cape Town looking to elevate their visual storytelling, professional event photography – especially with a creative twist like black and white – can make a significant impact.

Planning a corporate event in Cape Town? Let's chat about how I can capture it in a way that's as unique as your business.