“The World Is Where You Choose To Stop” received a recognition in the Photo Slideshow category of the “2025 Through the Lenses of Polish Women Photographers” competition, organised by Polish Women Photographers.
On 7 March 2026, the opening of the exhibition “2025 Through the Lenses of Polish Women Photographers” took place at the Gallery of Photography of the City of Rzeszów. The competition results were announced during the opening.
This year’s edition received 99 entries in three categories: single photograph, photo project, and photo slideshow. The jury, consisting of Anna Bedyńska, Jan Skwara, Mariusz Guzek and Małgorzata Wakuluk, selected the winners and recognitions in each category.
My work “The World Is Where You Choose To Stop” received a recognition in the Photo Slideshow category. The prize was a voucher for a photography trip, sponsored by the boutique travel agency Pakuj Plecak.
“The World Is Where You Choose To Stop”
My photo slideshow consists of 37 photographs and lasts just under three minutes.
It is a record of my small journeys to the nearby city park in Nysa – and, at the same time, journeys towards myself.
When photographing nature, I stop at things that are usually easy to overlook: a small detail, light, texture, shape. I am interested in the little things that appear right beside us when we simply give ourselves enough time to notice them.
This is how “The World Is Where You Choose To Stop” came about.
I am happy that this work was recognised specifically in the slideshow category. This form allows individual photographs to come together as a short story and to show not only the images, but also a way of seeing.
Rzeszów – More Than Just a Competition
Our trip to Rzeszów was also an opportunity for a family trip. This time we travelled by train, which was a nice change in itself and became part of the adventure.
And Rzeszów? I have to admit that it surprised us with its charm. Instead of treating the trip solely as a photography event, we had the chance to walk around the city, spend some time together and discover it.
The opening and meeting with the photographers at the Gallery of Photography of the City of Rzeszów were a very good experience for me. Especially as the event took place just before International Women’s Day.
“2025 Through the Lenses of Polish Women Photographers” – Also in the Book
An important part of the project is also a photography book featuring all the works submitted to this year’s open call.
I am happy that my work – “The World Is Where You Choose To Stop” – is included as well. The publication features a short note about my slideshow and one of the frames from the work.
It is a lovely feeling to see my photograph not only on a screen, but also in a publication documenting this entire edition of the project.
The Exhibition Continues Its Journey
The story of “2025 Through the Lenses of Polish Women Photographers” does not end in Rzeszów.
After the summer break, the exhibition set off on the road again. On 4 September 2026, it arrived in Zamość, where another opening took place – this time at the Gallery of Photography at the Town Hall.
The exhibition features works selected from the submissions to this year’s edition of the project. The programme also included a meeting with Anna Bedyńska devoted to photography and its impact on social change.
Relacja fotograficzna autorstwa Marka Rysia; strona Facebook: Polish Women Photographers i Zamojskie Towarzystwo Fotograficzne
I am happy that “The World Is Where You Choose To Stop” can travel with the exhibition and reach new places and new audiences.
For me, this story began with small journeys to the nearby park in Nysa. Then it took me to Rzeszów, on a family train journey, and now – together with the exhibition – it continues on its way. The exhibition will travel next to Warsaw and then to Spain.
And I think that is what I like most about photography. You never quite know where one photograph might take you.
A small record of the journey
I am also keeping a few tangible records of this moment – the recognition certificate and competition certificate, which now join the growing collection of documents documenting this part of my photographic journey.
