The Brief

In 2025, Stryker approached us to capture their annual Kickoff Meeting in Sydney. As a long-time client, we jumped at the chance to document the event properly - with two goals: a highlights film the team would want to watch back, and an image gallery they'd look back on fondly for years to come.

We drew inspiration from boutique and editorial wedding photography, alongside the black-and-white event photography of the 1950s. The result was a gallery built around colour, light and composition, with black-and-white alternates offered throughout for a more timeless, historic feel. The video was shot documentary-style - capturing the event as it unfolded, in real time.

Our Approach

We briefed with the Events team multiple times ahead of the event to lock in a smooth runsheet. From there, the approach was simple: let the event unfold naturally, watch for the moments worth capturing, and act as a mirror for the room - reflecting back the energy and excitement rather than manufacturing it.

For video, we shot entirely on natural light, so the room never felt like a set. For photography, we moved between on-camera and off-camera flash - on-camera for classic, conventional event coverage, off-camera when we wanted something more editorial.

With free mornings during the event, we were able to turn images around overnight, circulating a gallery from the previous day for the team to relive as the event continued.

The Result

  • 1 event highlights film

  • A full event gallery, including award-winner photography — over 1,300 final retouched images

  • A gallery of memories the Stryker team will have for years to come

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Our Solution

Registration area at the Stryker Kickoff Meeting in Sydney, event photography by SMITHFLX
Black-and-white photo of a packed crowd cheering at the Stryker Kickoff Meeting, Sydney
Attendees on their feet and cheering during a session at the Stryker Kickoff Meeting
Guests entering a circus-themed tent past a ringmaster at the Stryker Kickoff Meeting
Event hall set for dinner under stage lighting at the Stryker Kickoff Meeting
Presenter on stage addressing a full conference hall at the Stryker Kickoff Meeting
Stryker team group photo in formal wear at the Kickoff Meeting awards night
Audience laughing and reacting during a session at the Stryker Kickoff Meeting
Guests on a harbour cruise passing the Sydney Opera House during the Stryker Kickoff Meeting
Stryker team members working together at a table during a Kickoff workshop
Black-and-white photo of a guest arriving at the Stryker Kickoff awards night
Two Stryker guests in black tie celebrating at the Kickoff awards night
Presenter at the lectern during the 2025 SSP Annual Awards at the Stryker Kickoff Meeting
Black-and-white photo of guests celebrating at their table during the Stryker awards night
Guests toasting with champagne on a Sydney Harbour cruise during the Stryker Kickoff Meeting
Stryker team cheering at their table during the Kickoff conference
Black-and-white wide shot of a full auditorium at the Stryker Kickoff Meeting
Black-and-white photo of guests at dinner tables during the Stryker awards night
Band performing on a purple-lit stage to a dancing crowd at the Stryker awards night
Black-and-white photo of guests embracing on the dance floor at the Stryker awards night
Attendees moving through the venue foyer at the Stryker Kickoff Meeting
Award winners posing at the lectern during the Stryker Kickoff awards night
Black-and-white photo of two guitarists singing on stage at the Stryker awards night
Black-and-white photo of guests dancing in front of the media wall at the Stryker awards night
Black-and-white photo of a guest celebrating at her table during the Stryker awards night
Stryker team members in astronaut costumes at the Kickoff Meeting
Black-and-white photo of guests embracing at the Stryker awards night
Attendees applauding during a session at the Stryker Kickoff Meeting
Black-and-white photo of a live band performing at the Stryker awards night
Guests celebrating on the floor during the Stryker Kickoff awards night
Crowded networking session at the Stryker Kickoff Meeting
Speaker with a microphone presenting to the room at the Stryker Kickoff Meeting
Black-and-white photo of performers singing on stage at the Stryker awards night
Black-and-white wide shot of the awards night ballroom at the Stryker Kickoff Meeting