Szymon Brodziak - Pictures, Art, Photography Szymon Brodziak

Szymon Brodziak


Background Information about Szymon Brodziak

Introduction

Szymon Brodziak creates photographic worlds in black and white – precise, atmospheric, and meticulously composed. His focus lies above all on the female figure. In his work, he constructs aesthetic spaces where strength, sensuality, and symbolism converge. His images resemble film scenes that were never made – orchestrated, yet emotionally charged and layered with meaning.

Brodziak works with light as a language. His photographs are not mere representations, but projections – deliberate, visually commanding compositions that prompt reflection on identity, perspective, and presence. “What you see is who you are” – for Brodziak, this is not just a title, but a declaration of intent.

His work has been exhibited across the globe, making him the first Polish artist to be shown at the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin. Widely recognized as one of the leading photographers of his generation, Brodziak has received numerous awards – including the title of World’s Best Black & White Campaign Photographer in Cannes, 1st place in the One Eyeland Awards ranking of the world’s top ten black-and-white photographers, as well as multiple medals from the Prix de la Photographie Paris, the Spider Awards USA, and the reFocus Black & White Awards (2024: 9 medals and 3 honorable mentions)

His publications – among them ONE (featuring a personal dedication from June Newton) and What you see is who you are – have earned international acclaim and multiple gold medals. His photographs are held in collections and galleries worldwide – and can also be found in unexpected spaces, such as Room 304 of the Galleria Vik Milano, curated entirely with Brodziak’s monochromatic imagery.

Beyond his artistic practice, Brodziak founded the Brodziak Academy, a platform for creative exchange and photographic education. Here, he shares what has driven him for over 25 years: discipline, vision – and the pursuit of beauty beyond the obvious.

Brodziak is a storyteller in contrast. His photography doesn’t shout – it speaks with unmistakable clarity. It doesn’t seek attention – it commands and sustains it.

Bio

The internationally acclaimed black and white photographer Brodziak was born in 1979 in Poznan, Poland.
After training in economics, he worked in his parents' company and then switched to the agency scene.
His time as an assistant on fashion and advertising shoots gave him the basic knowledge that he now applies to perfection.

Awards


2025Silver Award – New York Photography Awards, Horse exclusively available at LUMAS
20243 Gold Medals / London Photography Awards
3 Gold Medals / reFocus Awards
3 Silver Medals / reFocus Awards
2 Bronze Medals / reFocus Awards
19th Black & White Spider Awards – 3rd Place in category “Fashion” for the picture Flower, exclusively available at LUMAS
202311 Honorable Mentions / MonoVisions
1 Gold Medal / London Photography Awards
Honorable Mention / London Photography Awards
20222 Platinum Medals / Muse Photography Awards
7 Gold Medals / Muse Photography Awards
2021Photograph of the year / MonoVisions Awards
2 Bronze Medals / Prix de la Photographie
20196 Silver Medals / New York Photography Awards
3 Honorable Mentions / Tokyo International Photography Awards
6 Honorable Mentions / International Photography Awards
1st Place – World’s Top 10 Black & White Photographers 2019 / One Eyeland
Gold Medal and 2 Bronze Medals for the album project “What you see is who you are” / Prix de la Photographie Paris 2019
2016Advertising Photographer of the Year / Prix de la Photographie Paris
Honor of Distinction – Advertising Photographer of the Year Black & White / Spider Awards USA
1st Place – Advertising / Fashion / International Photography Awards USA
Gold Medal / Prix de la Photographie Paris
Silver Medal / Prix de la Photographie Paris
2 Bronze Medals / Prix de la Photographie Paris
12 Honorable Mentions / International Photography Awards, USA
1st Place Outstanding Achievement – Fashion, Black & White / Spider Awards USA
2nd Place Merit of Excellence – Advertising & Nude Black & White / Spider Awards, USA
2013World Best Black & White Campaign Photographer / FashionTV Photographers Awards Cannes
Shortlist / London International Creative Competition Awards
Honorable Mention / London International Creative Competition
20123 Gold Medals / Prix de la Photographie Paris
2 Silver Medals / Prix de la Photographie Paris
2 Bronze Medals / Prix de la Photographie Paris
Shortlist / London International Creative Competition
Honorable Mention / London International Creative Competition
20114 Silver Medals / Prix de la Photographie Paris
2 Official Selections / Prix de la Photographie Paris
Shortlist / London International Creative Competition
Honorable Mention / London International Creative Competition
5 Honorable Mentions / International Photography Awards
20104 First Prizes / Prix de la Photographie Paris
Second Prize / Prix de la Photographie Paris
4 Honorable Mentions / Prix de la Photographie Paris
4 Honorable Mentions / International Photography Awards
Johnny Walker Keep Walking Award
2005Johnnie Walker Keep Walking Award for constant fulfilment of dreams and passion for setting new paths in the search of beauty.
20021st Place – "Woman in the Frame" Photo Competition / Pani Magazine