Tomasz Tomaszewski
Tomasz Tomaszewski holds a Ph.D. from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw and is a member of the Union of Polish Art Photographers, the Visum Agency of Hamburg, the National Geographic Creative Agency, and the International Press Club. Specialising in journalistic photography, his work has appeared in leading publications including National Geographic Magazine, Stern, Paris Match, GEO, The New York Times, and Time. For over thirty years, he has been a regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine, producing eighteen photo essays, and has received numerous Polish and international awards
Tomaszewski has built an internationally recognised career documenting the human condition with a distinctive, humanist approach. His work blends artistic composition with an instinctive understanding of social and cultural contexts, creating images that are both aesthetically powerful and narratively rich. Throughout his career, he has contributed to some of the world’s most prestigious magazines, using his lens to explore stories from all continents.
His ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds has been central to his photographic practice, enabling him to gain rare access and portray subjects with dignity and depth. In addition to his editorial achievements, Tomaszewski has authored numerous books, each reflecting his curiosity for the world and his commitment to long-form storytelling. His dedication to the craft has been recognised through awards both in Poland and abroad, affirming his position as one of the leading figures in contemporary photojournalism.
Beyond his editorial and book projects, Tomaszewski’s work has been exhibited extensively, with solo shows in countries including the USA, Canada, Israel, Japan, Brazil, Madagascar, India, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Indonesia, Bulgaria, and Poland. These exhibitions highlight the global reach and universal appeal of his photographic vision.
Education and mentorship are also integral to his career. Tomaszewski has taught photography in Poland, the USA, Germany, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Italy, sharing his expertise with both emerging and established photographers. His teaching reflects his belief that photography is not only a technical skill but also a form of cultural engagement and self-expression. Through workshops and lectures, he encourages photographers to explore beyond surface impressions, to build trust with their subjects, and to approach storytelling with empathy and precision. His career stands as an example of how journalistic photography can both document and interpret the world in ways that remain relevant and resonant over decades.
Tomaszewski has authored numerous books including Gypsies, The Last Ones; In Search of America; In the Centre; Astonishing Spain; A Stone’s Throw; Overwhelmed by the Atmosphere of Kindness; Things that Last; Everything Can Be Anything; Happyland; Black Magic Woman; Possession; and The World Is Where You Stop. He has co-illustrated over a dozen collective works. His exhibitions have been held in fourteen countries across multiple continents, showcasing his diverse range of subjects and visual narratives. These books and exhibitions reflect his enduring commitment to telling compelling human stories through both the printed page and the gallery space.