Tomek Kozlowski – co-founder of WhyNot Agency, documentary and portrait photographer with 25+ years of experience, based in Poznan, Poland. He holds a PhD in economics and focuses on documenting cultural heritage and social issues worldwide. Between 2015 and 2026 he worked on long-term photographic projects in more than 40 countries, particularly in South America, Southeast Asia, and Europe. His photographs and photo essays have been published in international magazines, including LFI Leica Fotografie International, National Geographic Magazine, Kontynenty, Poznaj Swiat and more.
He has received numerous awards and has been shortlisted as a finalist by prestigious organizations and photography forums, including the Sony World Photography Awards, National Geographic, Travel Photographer of the Year, Kuala Lumpur International Portrait Award, and IPA. His Viking Expeditions and InSight FarEast projects represent his latest long-term photographic explorations. Developed in collaboration with National Geographic, Leica Camera and Kontynenty Magazine these projects showcase his distinctive approach to documentary photography, combining editorial depth with strong visual narrative.
In 2026 he will continue his work in the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Newfoundland as well as in several countries in the Far East. Tomek is represented by WhyNot Agency and is available for international assignments, collaborations and projects worldwide.
Photography Achievements, Honors and Awards
2026: Sony World Photography Awards / Lifestyle category (London, UK)
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.
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