Fearless Lens: A Polish Photographer’s Daring Journey Through the Depths of War

Wojciech Grzędziński’s portfolio consists of a diverse collection of subjects, ranging from piano performances and political leaders to road trips and famous personalities—however, it is his war photography that has propelled him into the global arena.

In recent times, the definition of war has been synonymous with Ukraine, where the Warsaw-born Grzędziński dedicates a significant portion of his time deep within the conflict zones to capture the persistent atrocities caused by Vladimir Putin.

Rich in emotional resonance, his photographs depict various facets from the harsh reality of life at the front lines to poignant representations of civilian life at the brink of despair.

“However, it’s not merely a single narrative of suffering,” he explains to TVP World. “The media primarily highlights the large-scale assaults, but I aim to reveal something distinctive and portray Ukraine from an alternative viewpoint—I seek out narratives, for unique individuals.

“It’s not always solely about devastation, because amidst that chaos, there are also instances of joy and normalcy.” This skill to immerse viewers in a largely unseen reality adds layers of intricacy to his imagery.

“I seek out emotion,” Grzędziński asserts. “For me, a compelling photograph is not just defined by its composition or the captured moment; it ought to reveal the feelings of the subject—it needs to evoke how the character feels. Emotions are the cornerstone of my photography.”

Grzędziński’s ability to encapsulate these sentiments is reflected in the numerous accolades and honors he has garnered.

After winning three consecutive Grand Press Photo awards, his entry for 2022 is a poignant reflection on human endurance. It features a young woman seated at a piano amid a bombed-out living area, where the emotional weight of the scene contrasts with the spirit of defiance emanating from the photograph.

More recently, his award-winning shot for 2024 illustrates the frightened visage of a woman ensnared under mounds of debris following the bombing of a pizzeria in Kramatorsk. “She survived,” Grzędziński recounts, “thirteen others were not as fortunate.”

For Grzędziński, capturing these moments of profound anguish is a commonplace endeavor, not devoid of ethical dilemmas.

“It is understood, if no one else is present, the first action I would take is to set aside the camera and assist someone,” he states, “but I am not a fully trained medical professional, nor do I bear a Red Cross insignia on my back.

“In scenarios where there are more qualified individuals to assist someone, I need to remind myself that my role is to document the unfolding events, for otherwise, no one else will—through my imagery, I can enhance awareness of the reality at hand.

“For me, it’s not capturing the image that raises the ethical dilemma, rather it’s the act of sharing it; one must be conscious of the impact it may create.”

However, this aspiration to effect change fuels Grzędziński’s drive.

“Documenting wars is merely a fraction of my photographic endeavors,” he notes. “Yet perhaps it holds more significance than others, as many journalists hesitate to venture into conflict zones—if we don’t, these accounts risk being overlooked or silenced.”

Currently in his mid-40s, Grzędziński has gathered a vast array of experience after documenting his inaugural conflict in Lebanon back in 2006. Following that, he has covered Iraq, Afghanistan, Georgia, South Sudan, among others.

“I’ve discovered that war unveils either the finest or the most despicable aspects of humanity,” he remarks. “There’s nothing in the middle. In times of war, facades vanish; they simply fall away, and in such dire situations, it becomes easier to discern who embodies goodness and who embraces malice.”

While other conflicts have certainly impacted him, it is the war in Ukraine that resonates most deeply.

“A war rages right at our border, and if we lose, the ramifications will transform our lives for decades,” he expresses.

“Additionally, as a Pole, I resonate with Ukrainians—while we may not be identical, our backgrounds and mindsets are alike. We have a grasp of what Russia truly is, a notion that remains challenging for ‘Westerners’ to fathom.”

The brutalities Grzędziński has observed first-hand are unveiled through haunting images depicting piles of body bags, mourning civilians, amputated veterans, and traumatized soldiers.

“This isn’t my initial experience with war,” he states in a straightforward manner. “I recognize the repercussions, and I’ve acquired the skills to navigate through them.”

However, while he is cautious about discussing the direct effects of war on his mental state, he is less reserved when it comes to fear. “Naturally, I feel fear,” he acknowledges, “and if I didn’t, I’d likely be dead by now—fear heightens your awareness of dangers, and it also sharpens your focus allowing you to capture more images.”

“It’s not about the fear itself but rather knowing how to manage those sensations effectively.”

Although he lacks strict protocols to reduce risks, Grzędziński insists that being prudent and fortunate are crucial in his profession.

“One must be acutely aware of the environment one is entering and be adaptable,” he advises. “Prepare thoroughly and contemplate thrice before taking any action.

“Evidently, that doesn’t ensure your safety, thus there’s an element of chance involved.”

Currently recuperating from a fractured hand, Grzędziński intends to head back to Ukraine in the forthcoming weeks yet remains unsure of what may lie ahead.

“I cannot start to conjecture,” he states. “There are numerous elements we aren’t privy to, like the political maneuvers occurring behind doors, so what is evident is that the circumstances will undergo significant and swift changes in the next two or three months.”

He continues: “I have no clue what could happen, but my greatest concern is that it won’t be in Ukraine’s favor. I believe that neither Poland nor the rest of Europe can fathom what this might entail, yet undoubtedly there is optimism—if there wasn’t, there would be no struggle.”