Capturing the Essence of Karl Lagerfeld in Munich: A Vintage Polaroid Experience
When KARL LAGERFELD’S Retail Marketing Team reached out to us for their Munich store event, they didn't just want a photographer, they wanted a specialist who could master the unpredictable nature of analog chemistry. The brief was sophisticated: capture the launch of their new collection using black-and-white instant photography to create a "vintage" interactive experience for their guests.
Our lead photographer in Munich, Yana, took on this creative challenge with a blend of professional foresight and artistic curiosity.
The Preparation: Precision Through Testing
Working with instant film requires a different level of responsibility than digital photography, where you can instantly see and fix a shot. Knowing that the client would provide specific Polaroid cameras and cartridges on-site, Yana took an extra step to guarantee a flawless result.
Before the event, she dusted off her personal vintage Polaroid camera and ordered matching black-and-white cartridges. This allowed her to re-master the nuances of the medium, testing the development timing, the contrast levels of the film, and the camera's reaction to indoor light. By the time she arrived at the Munich store on September 14th, she was not just a photographer; she was an expert who knew exactly how the chemical process would behave.
Artistic Depth: From "The Polaroid Book" to the Store Floor
To align her vision with the iconic "Karl" aesthetic, Yana didn't just rely on technical skill. She revisited the legendary "The Polaroid Book" by Taschen, studying how masters like Andy Warhol and Helmut Newton used the high contrast and raw grain of instant film to define fashion history.
The Event: Style, Sound, and Instant Memories
While a DJ curated a stylish soundscape for the Munich crowd, Yana moved through the event creating physical artifacts of the evening. Using the gear provided by the client, she operated with the confidence of someone who had already "pre-lived" the technical challenges of the shoot during her rehearsals.
Guests were thrilled to see their portraits develop in real-time, a tangible piece of the KARL LAGERFELD world they could hold in their hands and take home.
Why It Matters
For our team, every project is more than just a task; it’s an immersive experience. Yana’s dedication, ordering her own film to practice, studying art history, and perfecting the analog workflow is exactly why we love what we do. We don't just show up to take photos; we prepare to ensure that even the most unpredictable tools deliver a perfect result for our clients.
Expert Insight
Working with instant film is a race against physics. The developing process of a Polaroid is sensitive to the ambient temperature of the store, if it's too warm, the colors shift; if it's too cold, the image stays faint. By testing the film beforehand, Yana ensured that every guest received a perfectly balanced black-and-white portrait, despite the busy, high-energy environment of the event.
Delivery: Instant physical prints & digital gallery.
Looking for a similar experience?
If you’re looking to add a unique, artistic touch to your next brand activation or corporate event, we’d love to help. We provide professional coverage across Germany and Europe.
