Patryk Olczak

Hi, I’m Patryk. I am a wedding and family photographer based in Rzeszów, Poland.

For me, photography is strictly about emotions and capturing honest moments. I appreciate concrete storytelling without unnecessary distractions.

My goal is to be close to the action without drawing attention, allowing the events to unfold naturally.

Living and working in the Podkarpacie region offers a unique blend of traditions and modern vibes, which I try to reflect in my work. Whether it’s a chaotic wedding reception or an intimate family session, I look for authenticity above all else.

I believe gear should never get in the way of the process, but it should definitely inspire you. I need tools that are reliable, fast, and intuitive.

My kit is a hybrid of modern precision and vintage character. While I rely on top-tier autofocus for key moments, I love slowing down with manual lenses or analog cameras to give my photos a unique, imperfect, and artistic look.

Nikon Z8 – This is my main workhorse. It’s incredibly fast and reliable. The autofocus ensures I never miss a fleeting moment during a chaotic wedding reception.

Nikon Zf – I love this camera for its retro design and tactile dials. It’s the heart of my party setup; combined with a pancake lens and a small flash, it allows me to dance with the guests without looking intimidating.

Zenit-E – An analog classic. It reminds me of photography’s roots and sometimes accompanies me on personal projects or slow-paced portraits.

Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 – This pancake lens lives on my Nikon Zf paired with the Godox Lux Junior. It is my ultimate compact party setup. I use it to flash straight into the subject’s face on the dance floor for that raw, energetic look.

Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S and 50mm f/1.8 S – The core of my reportage. Sharp, fast, and clinically perfect when I need guaranteed results.

Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S – My go-to short telephoto for isolating subjects during speeches or ceremonies without intruding on their personal space.

Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 SC – A gem with single coating for beautiful flares and a classic rendering that modern lenses just can’t replicate.

Helios 44-2 – The legendary swirly bokeh beast. I use it for portraits when I want a dreamy, painterly look.

TTartisan Tilt 50mm f/1.4 – A creative tool that allows me to manipulate the plane of focus directly in-camera.

TTartisan 75mm f/1.5 – A fast manual portrait lens with great character.

Godox Lux Junior – An essential for the dance floor. Combined with the Nikon Zf and 28mm lens, it creates a lightweight rig perfect for that direct-flash, paparazzi style.

Godox V1 Speedlight  – I use four of these with barn doors. They are powerful, versatile, and form the backbone of my venue lighting.

Godox X3 Nano – The interface on this trigger is a game-changer. Small, intuitive, and stays out of the way.

Rebel East Leather Harness – Stylish and comfortable for long wedding days. It supports my back and keeps two cameras within reach at all times.

Magnetic Mounts and Clamps – I actually don’t use light stands. I carry four magnetic mounts and four clamp mounts. They let me instantly stick my Godox V1S to metal beams, railings, or doors. It’s a massive time-saver and keeps the dance floor safe from tripping hazards.

MacBook Pro M4 – The M4 chip handles high-resolution files from the Z8 without a stutter, which is essential for my workflow.

Google Pixel – My tool for quick edits, reels, and behind-the-scenes content during the wedding day. In fact, I used my Pixel to take a photo of this entire spread of gear!

Manual Coffee Grinder – Yes, really. Wedding days are marathons, often twelve hours or more, and I refuse to drink bad coffee. Taking a few minutes to grind beans and brew a fresh cup is my ritual for resetting and keeping my energy up for the dance floor.

Don’t let the gear overshadow the moment. The best camera is the one that allows you to be present. Focus on the people, the emotions, and the light; the rest is just tools.

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