“As a longtime journalist I have worked with many, many photographers. I know how rare it is to have that special eye, that extra something, that makes a portrait zing. Lukasz Izdebski has that, and more. From the moment I arrived at the shoot I was made to feel at ease. The ambience was just right; Lukasz has impeccable musical taste, and invests time in finding out who you are, so to bring out that essence in a photograph. Serious, fun, corporate, arty ... Lukasz really got me. Hugely recommended.”
Jane Cornwell, journalist. London Evening Standard
ABOUT
Hi, I’m Lukasz. I am a photographer currently based in London, UK.
I am a storyteller. I use photography to make deeper connections with people and get to know them. Being able to share these stories with others and particularly untold stories makes the invisible visible. I am interested in and often inspired by national identity, human rights, community and well-being.
For many years I had to find the courage to overcome the fear to approach people to learn their stories. This way of working with strangers, this interaction, meant I was not just an observer but initiating a dialogue, like starting a conversation, allowing the subject to relax and determine how they are feeling. This interaction starts to shape how the image is framed; you don’t force your narratives on the person. It’s more like a natural curiosity about the subject, or the moment they are in at the time, the context there and then.
I have memories of being eight years old and running around with a camera I got as a gift. I have been trying to document the world around me ever since. After working with analogue cameras and developing and printing photos in a darkroom for some years, I began photographing gigs and live shows using digital equipment. This is when I became aware of different states of light and developed a real “Interest in light”. My camera is my tool which allows me to meet people and interact with them in a way that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. It opens up conversations and helps me learn and convey something about other human beings. My work is often inspired by national identity, human rights, community and well-being. I look for interesting stories and alternative lifestyles.
I’ve had some really inspiring tutors along the way who helped me develop my work. I hope to further develop more concentrated themes/thematic projects. And focus on people and telling their stories, both in public exhibitions and publications.
Exhibitions, awards, publications
2023 The Royal Photographic Society - International Photography Exhibition 165 - Shortlist
2023 International Photography Awards - 2nd Place, Category: Editorial / Press-Personality
2023 Shutter Hub’s OPEN Exhibition
2023 Queer Britain Madame F Art Award - Special Mention
2022 Portrait of Britain - Shortlist
2022 Budapest International Foto Awards - Bronze Winner, Category: Editorial-Personality
2022 Budapest International Foto Awards - Honorable Mention, Category: People-Portrait
2022 International Photography Awards One Shot / Color Photo Contest - Official Selection, Category: Portrait
2022 Shutter Hub Yearbook Exhibition - Portraits of Strangers
2022 We Are Queer Britain Exhibition - Portrait of Asifa Lahore
2022 Mid Year Review Zine - Glasgow Gallery of Photography
2020 The International Portrait Exhibition - Glasgow Gallery of Photography