Fine Art Project – Homeland

Poland – land of rich history, stunning landscapes and culture. My homeland. In this fine art photography project I will take you on the journey through the heart of Poland.

All the images will be B&W. This project is not a travel guide. I would rather write chapters of Poland’s visual identity Through my lens, I will look at my country from a different perspective. I will show you the natural beauty of unique national parks, streets of historical cities and architecture of the old castles and wooden churches. I will reflect transformations, traditions and diversity.

Please join me to follow the project.

29.05.2024

Bobolice Castle

#5 Homeland – Bobolice Castle II

After a short break, I returned to resume work on the project. I decided to revisit the castle once more. There were two different reasons behind this decision.

Firstly, I wanted to conduct further tests with various filters, aiming to enhance the visual narrative of the castle.

Secondly, I was determined to showcase the castle from a fresh perspective, one that shifted the focus away from the surrounding forest and instead emphasized the character of the castle itself. As I snapped the picture, it felt like capturing the essence of the castle’s spirit.

02.01.2024

Renovated Bobolice Castle

#4 Homeland – Bobolice Castle

Jura Krakowsko – Częstochowska – region in Poland that has a lot to offer for tourists and photographers, but is not very popular.

For me, it’s mainly forests. I can relax and walk in tranquility with natural sounds and green surroundings. Every sunday I take a break from the constant stimulation of living in a city.

But Jura is also known for its Eagle Nests Trail. The trail connects a series of medieval castles. The one in this picture was already renovated some time ago. It is worth visiting. I’m going to show you more of these castles soon.

17.11.2023

Misty morning in the Pieniny Mountains

#3 Homeland – Misty morning in the Pieniny Mountains

Climate change is a fact. But it is difficult to talk about it in Poland. Convince people that this is a serious problem. Do you know why?

Poland has always been quite a cold country. I once told my Asian client that we sometimes have -20 degrees celsius in winter. “How is it possible to live there?” – she asked. But this was the normal temperature some time ago. Same as snow. In addition, our autumn was long, depressing, dark and rainy.

This is changing a lot. Our summers have become hot. When you go to the seaside in summer, you enjoy the sun and warmth. The beautiful weather lasts longer and longer. Even until mid-November we have colorful leaves on the trees and sunny afternoons. From this perspective, it is difficult for people to see what a disaster is approaching us.

The photo above was taken on such a sunny, beautiful fall morning. Due to the cool nights and warm days I was able to photograph mists. The landscape was so mysterious then.

31.10.2023

Kluszkowce – Wooden architecture route

#2 Homeland – Kluszkowce, wooden architecture route

Wooden architecture route – something wonderful and unique. It currently includes old wooden buildings in four regions. Some of them are on the UNESCO list.

In Poland and actually throughout Eastern Europe, you can observe how quickly and how much the world around us is changing. You can still see wooden huts here. Not only in open-air museums. People still live in traditional villages, especially in the east of the country. And although they are quickly depopulating – young people prefer to live in big cities – now is the time when you can still preserve these places and way of life in photos.

The photo above shows an object from the wooden architecture route. It is located in Kluszkowce, in southern Poland. Its history is complicated. In the 1990s, a dam was built on the Dunajec River and Lake Czorsztyńskie was created. However, this resulted in the flooding of several mountain villages. Buildings from these villages were moved and a settlement was created. I feel weird there… I’m thinking of the remaining buildings that were left behind. My imagination creates scenes about an underwater city. The theme suits me for All Hallows’ Eve that we have today.

21.10.2023

Backstage – Mini Trip to Lipowiec Castle

Lipowiec Castle – iPhone backstage image

I live in the south of Poland. Due to its location, Poland was very often attacked by foreign countries. For historical reasons, there are many very old fortified castles in my area. Most of them are now just picturesque ruins. The perfect subject for black and white photography.

Today I went on a reconnaissance trip to a castle I didn’t know before. When I go on a trip like this, sometimes I decide to go without photography equipment. I’m just looking for a good frame. I assess whether the place suits me and my projects.

I don’t always come back afterwards. Sometimes I realize that I won’t take a good photo. Because the place, although interesting and beautiful, will not look good enough. I’d rather not take a photo than take one that doesn’t satisfy me.

I’m not sure yet what I will do with the Lipowiec Castle. I like the shot from iPhone. Will perfectly suit to my Fine Art Project – Homeland.

20.10.2023

First steps – Tatra Mountains

#1 Homeland – Tatra Mountains

If I were to say what distinguishes the Polish mountains – it is probably their wildness. In other countries, it is easy to get to the highest peaks by car or cable car. This doesn’t apply so much to Poland. The real wonders are hidden high above. It takes some effort to discover them. Although it is possible to take good photos from more easily accessible points – the type of place this photo was taken from.

The real unique heroes of this photo are the wonderful, unusual weather and the lights.

Tatra Mountains is part of The Carpathian Mountains. Mountain range that stretch across several countries in Europe, including Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, and Hungary. They are the second-longest mountain range in Europe after the Alps.

Stay with me to see more photos from the Tatra Mountains, Carpathians and other beautiful places in Poland. Join my newsletter to follow the progress of the project.

15.10.2023

Project Launch

Homeland – Project Cover

I decided to start a new adventure. A little different than what I usually do.

If you’ve been with me for a while, you know that I love traveling around Europe. I like the south of Europe – sunny, optimistic and full of smells and flavors. I also like the harsh north. Cold and inaccessible to most people.

This time I will focus on what’s in between. I will focus on what is close to me. Close not only in terms of distance, but also close to my heart. I am proud of what my country looks like. How much it has to offer to tourists and photographers. And yet I didn’t show it often. That will change now.

I plan that the project will last 2 or 3 years. I would like it to end with the release of a black and white album and an exhibition. I will be happy if you join my newsletter to follow the progress of the project.