Tomek Kozlowski is a documentary and portrait photographer, co-founder of WhyNot Agency and holds a PhD in economics. Based in Poznan, Poland, he has over 25 years of professional experience with a photographic practice focused on cultural heritage, human stories and social issues. Between 2015 and 2026 his long-term photographic projects took him to more than 40 countries across South America, Southeast Asia, Europe and beyond. His photographs and photo essays have appeared in publications including LFI – Leica Fotografie International, National Geographic, Kontynenty and Poznaj Świat.

His work has received numerous awards and international recognition, including distinctions and finalist selections at Grand Press Photo, Sony World Photography Awards, National Geographic Award, Travel Photographer of the Year, Kuala Lumpur International Portrait Award, International Photography Awards (IPA) and others. His recent long-term projects InSight Fishermen, Following the Viking Expeditions and InSight FarEast explore cultural identity, traditions and the relationship between people and their environment. Developed with the support and collaboration of National Geographic, Leica Camera and Kontynenty these projects reflect his approach to documentary photography, combining in-depth storytelling with a distinctive visual narrative.

In 2026–2027 he continues his documentary work in India and East Asia, expanding his ongoing exploration of cultural heritage and contemporary life. Tomek is represented by WhyNot Agency and is available for international editorial assignments, photographic commissions, and collaborative projects worldwide.

Selected Awards

  • 2026: XXII Grand Press Photo / Climate responsibilty (Warsaw / PL)
  • 2026: Sony World Photography Awards / Lifestyle category (London, UK)
  • 2026: IPA International Photo Awards / People / Portrait category (Los Angeles, USA)
  • 2025: 11th Fine Art Photography Awards 2025 (3rd Place in Professional People category)
  • 2025: 11th Fine Art Photography Awards 2025 (Professional Street Photography category) 
  • 2022: IPA International Photo Awards / People / Portrait category (Los Angeles, USA)
  • 2021: IPA International Photo Awards / People / Portrait category (Los Angeles, USA)
  • 2021: XVIII Rybnik Festival of Photography (Rybnik / Poland)
  • 2021: Hamburg Portfolio Review (Hamburg / Germany)
  • 2019: Travel Photographer of the Year / Street Life category (single image category) (UK)
  • 2019: IPA International Photo Awards / People / Culture category (New York, USA)
  • 2019: IPA International Photo Awards / People / Portrait category (New York, USA)
  • 2019: Sony World Photography Awards / Culture category (London, UK)
  • 2019: Moscow International Foto Awards / People / Culture category (Moscow, RUS)
  • 2019: Kuala Lumpur International Portrait Award (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
  • 2019: National Geographic XV Photo Award / Hydropolis category (Warsaw, Poland)
  • 2018: Sony World Photography Awards / Portrait category (London, UK)
  • 2018: IPA International Photo Awards / Portrait category (New York, USA)
  • 2018: IPA International Photo Awards / Culture category (New York, USA)
  • 2018: Kuala Lumpur International Portrait Award (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
  • 2018: National Geographic XIV Photo Award / People category (Warsaw, Poland)
  • 2018: Top 100 Photography Award / Photokina (Cologne, Germany) 
  • 2009: Canon Professional Network / Portrait category (New York, USA)

All images 2026 © tomek kozlowski / whynot gallery

All rights reserved. All images contained within this website may not be reproduced without prior written permission. Any unauthorized copying or reproduction of this material is prohibited.

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