Łukasz Bartyzel

Canon Ambassador Łukasz Bartyzel plays with minimalism and movement to create his eye-catching shots. Whether it's an attractive model walking towards the camera lens or an expressive face captured in the perfect close-up, the Polish portrait and fashion photographer has cultivated a talent for creating styled imagery that has seen him become one of his country's most in-demand creatives.

"I love minimalism. In my opinion, less is more," Łukasz says. "I also really like black and white pictures, and I have many of these in my portfolio."

"I watched a lot of fashion editorials and always tried to imagine how these pictures were taken, how the models were directed, how the lighting had been set up," Łukasz says. "I would then try and find backstage movies from the photo shoot and check it against my observations. I learnt everything on my own."

After working as a retoucher and graphic designer in a photography studio in his hometown, Łukasz moved to Poland's capital, Warsaw, in 2018 and began building up his portfolio. Today, his images have been published in a number of major fashion titles. "It's always very nice to see my own work in magazines," he says. "To see my portrait image in Vogue Poland felt amazing."

Łukasz, who is entirely self-taught, has honed a style that is sleek, modern and alive with emotion and energy. "I'm inspired by so much," he says. "Street fashion, architecture, old-fashioned magazines and editorials; I especially love Vogue Italia. Sometimes I improvise on photo shoots because the climate and location can inspire me on the day. Often, I take a white background to locations to create something completely unique."

During his impressive career, Łukasz's striking portraits have featured in more than 50 publications across Poland. As for his proudest moment to date? "The day I found out I would be a Canon Ambassador," he says.

"I have taught myself everything, and when you start working with the best in the industry, you start to understand what professionalism means. I am always learning and every shoot for me is exciting. I love working with interesting subjects and I am so excited for the future."

What would you say are the key elements to successful fashion photography?
"In my opinion, publishing a lot on Instagram is very important. Instagram is now my portfolio; it's the best option because it's so quick to publish what I do. Work with better and better teams and photograph more and more interesting people. If you have a better model, you have better photos, and this is the key."


How do you direct your subjects?
"When I am photographing portraits, I try and have a nice conversation ahead of time. When you have a good atmosphere and the model is comfortable with you, the pictures are natural and that shines through. In fashion shots, the presentation of clothes is so important, and for that I try to always take a picture when the model is moving. It could be walking, running, jumping – movement is key for me."


In such a competitive industry, how do you ensure your work stands out?
"For me, it's important to be minimalist. I think that makes my work stand out. I love minimalism; it's like architectural photography. I love modern architecture, and that really inspires my minimalist photography."


Who are your photographic influences?
"Steven Klein, Steven Meisel, Peter Lindbergh, Helmut Newton – there are so many. I am inspired by a real range of photographers."


What is next for you? Which ambitions remain unfulfilled?
"I would love a cover photo story in a fashion magazine. I would also really like to host an exhibition."

"Patience and hard work are key. You must work hard and you must not give up – just keep trying. This is important advice for anything in life."

Facebook: @Łukasz.bartyzel.photography

Instagram: @lukaszbartyzel

Twitter: @LukaszBartyzel