Mieczyslaw Michalak, my role model in Press Photography

Mieczysław Michalak is a distinguished Polish press photographer, closely associated with the Wrocław edition of “Gazeta Wyborcza” since its early days. In recognition of his significant contributions to journalism, he was honored with the Journalist of the Year award by the Tadeusz Szwed Prize Chapter in 2009. 

Throughout his career, Michalak has documented numerous events and transformations in Wrocław and the broader Lower Silesia region. His dedication to capturing pivotal moments was evident during the November 11th march in Wrocław in 2016, where he was attacked by participants while performing his duties as a photojournalist. The intervention of police officers prevented more serious harm. 

Michalak’s work continues to serve as a visual chronicle of contemporary Polish history, reflecting both the challenges and resilience inherent in the profession of photojournalism.

He is currently running photography workshops for the younger generation. In 2023, after years of waiting, I finally had the chance to meet him when I visited Poland. The workshops took place at Czasoprzestrzeń in Wrocław, a former tram depot that has been repurposed for art activities.  

Simply put, Mietek has always been and remains my role model in press photography. Whenever I read newspapers published in Lower Silesia, Poland, I often noticed that most of the photos were taken by him when he was still an active member of Gazeta Wyborcza.