With a keen eye for detail and a passion for precision, Krzysztof Czernecki, known professionally as Christopher Photography, is redefining how we see drinks and liquids in commercial photography. Based in London and internationally recognized for his bold, high-impact imagery, Krzysztof blends technical expertise with creative vision to craft compelling visual stories. Specializing in high-speed and motion control videography, he captures fleeting moments with cinematic finesse, turning the movement of liquids into visual art. In this interview, he shares his unexpected journey from close protection services to becoming one of the industry’s most sought-after drink photographers, offering insights into his process, challenges, and sources of inspiration.
Christopher, let’s start from the beginning. What first sparked your interest in photography, and how did you find your way into specializing in drinks and liquids?
From my teenage years I was always fascinated by photography. The whole process seemed like magic. Life took me on a different path working in close protection services in which a big part was surveillance work. The time had come to purchase a new DSLR camera and going through menus with a cup of coffee I photographed that cup of coffee on the table. In that moment something clicked in my head and the whole process of learning everything about still life photography started. Then my interest went even deeper into high-speed photography and liquids. The mesmerizing world of light refraction within ever evolving forms and shapes of liquids took me in. The elusive possibility of controlling the process fascinates me to this day.
Every creative path comes with hurdles. What were some of the early obstacles you encountered, and how did you work through them?
At first you might think that the main obstacle is the lack of so-called professional gear, which was also true in my case in the early days, but quickly I realized that in-depth knowledge of light is the only thing that held me back. Slowly through creating a portfolio I realized that physics, especially fluid mechanics, will turn the art of coincidence into a controlled act, well almost controlled.
Your work is full of precision and energy, especially in capturing splashes, pours, and reflections. What’s your approach to planning and executing those dynamic moments?
Having a military background I’m always conscious that nothing ever goes according to plan but still I plan my shoots in detail. My approach is almost holistic but the main rule I stick to is to prepare for every failure that might happen. Time spent on planning saves tons of time later and at the same time reduces stress allowing you to have fun, to create and experiment on the go knowing that you are covered for any mishaps.
There’s a strong visual identity in your work—rich textures, dramatic lighting, and bold compositions. How did your signature style evolve over time?
Style is something that evolves over time, we make improvements, or we totally change it, influenced by something or someone. I was raised and always fascinated by the high-end magazines’ product imagery, the timeless perfection and elegance.
No matter what trends were in the industry across the years they’ve never changed. Somehow, I wanted to create the same feeling with a note of drama, something that maybe breaks the rules but does it while understanding the brand message, the product, and the target audience.
Can you walk us through your typical setup for a drinks shoot? What are the must-have tools or techniques in your kit?
In this case I dare to say there is no such thing as a typical setup for a drinks shoot. It totally depends on what final image we need to achieve. From the simplest (though there’s nothing simple about it) hard light set ups to elaborate shoots of splashes and pours for multilayered assets the kit has endless styling kit, multiple containers that can be used to shape the pours and splashes, custom made trays in different colors, textures and transparency. Items that look more in place somewhere in the hardware store than a photographer’s studio. All sorts of reflective cards and mirrors from standard ones to more or less dulled. Motion control rigs that allow precise repetition.
Of course, the flash kit with the capability of short flash duration and consistency in output and color balance for composite shots. Endless forest of stands and grips to build the set and of course the camera. Mostly medium format as it’s able to capture the theatre of light refractions within the liquids or on its surface with the smoothest rendition and fall off. And of course... a coffee machine to keep powering up the creative spells.
In your experience, what part of commercial photography do you find most fulfilling or pushes you to grow creatively?
Product and advertising have the most of my attention. As society's shopping habits are shaped these days by images presented everywhere, the attention span of a viewer shifts to a very short span.
The challenge of creating an image that captures and conveys the message of the brand that needs to grab those few seconds and induce further exploration has more and more value. Little details that until now might not have been so significant become crucial in grabbing attention. It’s great when the client is happy with the result but it’s even better when you manage to push things from good to excellent and then to extraordinary.
The ever-existing challenge of finding ways of delivering better product, finding solutions that will be beneficial for the client and the brand. In drink/splash photography I’m always trying to turn the “art of coincidence” into a controlled act. The never-ending challenge fuels my creative work.
You’ve created striking portfolio work featuring brands like Coca-Cola, Hermes, and Jameson. Can you tell us about your approach when working with big-name products, whether speculative or commercial?
Working with a product of a major brand has its challenges. The brand message is one thing, the brief is a clear direction, but a deep understanding of brand history and its previous advertising campaigns brings a clear view of a current brief, sometimes showing you hidden boundaries that even unspecified allows you to push your creativity in a right direction. Sometimes even small details make a huge difference to the final product.
As you have been working on global campaigns, how important is it to have a strong network of global production contacts to ensure the photography process runs smoothly?
Once you start working in the international market you quickly realize that your personal network of production team is as important as anything else. Commercial shoot is a team effort and a good reliable team is crucial to make it happen smoothly. There will always be unexpected snags, but good contacts make it easier to resolve and concentrate on delivering good results reducing stress for the client and yourself. Smooth, snug free, happy and organized shoot is the recipe for recurring business.
Are there particular artists or photographers who have significantly influenced your style and approach?
It would be too many to mention, masters of the days gone by and current ones but quoting a great photographer Tyler Shields:
“…before the maker I was a watcher…”helps to tell my story.
Always fascinated with photography I was acquiring skills in lighting and photography techniques to be able to create everything that my brain registered over the years. Learning light from an absolute guru like Karl Taylor and Urs Recher brought me to a place where I can experiment comfortably, find new looks and play with light. Once you master the tools to convey feelings all is left is to create.
As a commercial photographer, what advice would you offer to emerging photographers aiming to specialize in product and drink photography?
It has been said many times but forget the gear at the beginning, use what you can afford but spend all the time and money on learning light. And commit yourself to it, explore and fail. Fail and learn only to repeat the process. This is the only way remembering that whatever time you invest in learning and testing, you get back results soon enough. Trust the process and most of all enjoy it!
Is there a photographer, artist, or creative whose work has deeply inspired you? What about their work resonates with you?
I take inspiration from everything, current known photographers of drinks and liquids as well as emerging talents, TV and cinema. It’s difficult to name and shortlist a few as every one of them brings different elements to my inspiration.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in commercial photography to keep your work innovative?
As I always said, knowledge these days is widely available, going through online publications, following what’s new in technology is easy. It can be challenging to filter from noise information that is relevant to the craft and the business.
Looking ahead, are there any emerging trends or techniques in photography that you’re excited to explore or experiment with in your future work?
Knowing that today’s world of commercial photography well passed the times of still only assets, I am immersing myself in high-speed videography, virtual production, Unreal Engine, advanced motion control and practical SFX.
Are there any personal projects or upcoming collaborations you're excited about and would like to share with us?
There is a big personal project in the pipeline involving talent, drinks and liquids. Someone will call the genre lifestyle but trust me there will be a significant personal twist to it. Vibrant and impactful with style and enigma to it.
You recently became a member of Production Paradise, congratulations! What kind of value do you see in being part of Production Paradise when it comes to showcasing your portfolio?
Joining Production Paradise seems like a wise idea in times where everyone is bombarded with hundreds of thousands of portfolios. PP is placing my work in front of relevant eyes as a trusted platform. It’s a massively important tool in my marketing strategy. Trusting in expertise and experience leaves me more time to focus on creative work.
We're grateful to Krzysztof Czernecki for giving us a glimpse into the precision, passion, and creativity that drive his work. From mastering the art of liquid motion to building powerful visual narratives, his dedication to the craft is as inspiring as his imagery. Be sure to explore more of his work through Christopher Photography, and keep an eye out for more interviews with the artists shaping the future of visual storytelling.
