Meet Caroline Grzelak, a Warsaw-based photographer and art director whose imagery blurs the lines between reality, memory, and emotion. With a background in graphic design from the Magdalena Abakanowicz University of Fine Arts, Caroline has crafted a style she calls “Emotional. Unavailable. Frozen.” She’s passionate about sparking the imagination and inviting viewers to interpret each image in their way.
We asked her to share a bit about her inspiration, her style, and what it’s like to create pictures reflecting her story.
We’ll move from family photos with a plastic camera to developing her unique imaging approach. Let’s get into it.
What’s your first photo memory?
My first memory related to photography dates to the 90s in Poland, with the sun, my family home, and a small plastic film camera. It was always magical and astonishing to me how photographs were created. Back then, the camera accompanied my family everywhere; it was a part of us. At that time, it never crossed my mind that I would be using those same cameras to create my own art in a few years. However, one thing remains the same – that strange feeling of freezing a moment in time, whether it’s a family photo or my project. This feeling stays with me, and I often think about it when taking pictures.
Why did you choose photography?
In a way, photography chose me. I was born into a family where many photos were taken, so I was connected to it from a young age. My father took many images and taught me much about film, giving me his cameras to take pictures with. My photography journey led me through sculpture, drawing, painting, and graphic design, ultimately bringing me to where I am today. I am very grateful for this experience because it had a real impact on developing my photographic style.
Who or what inspires you?
My initial inspirations, probably like everyone else’s, stemmed from other photographs, films, or art. At a certain point, photography started to live its own life, my life and my mood. Subconsciously, I began to pour myself into my photographs, capturing my emotional states. Music significantly influences this, so, in short, music or, rather, the emotions associated with it. Of course, I am inspired by other artists I follow. Still, everything I create comes from the heart, through the lens of my sensitivity, with different imagery serving only as a spark in a specific direction, not as the destination.
How would you describe your unique style?
Emotional. Yes. Or emotionally unavailable. Frozen. My style emerged from me – naturally. The characters in my photographs reflect my sensitivity. It was never a purposeful act; simply by taking pictures, I began to unconsciously put a part of myself into them while also showing the models’ personalities. I like the way I capture them because it resonates with me. So, to sum up – emotional, unavailable, frozen in time and space.
What’s a must-have on a photoshoot, and why?
A well-coordinated team where everyone knows what they are doing and does it with total commitment. This is of great value because, in the end, it is a team effort. Besides that, good music and a matcha latte!
Do you have a photography experience that stands out to you?
Certainly, exceptional moments for me are all the firsts – the first well-exposed roll of film, the first perfect handprint in color grading, the first time photographing a top model, the first cover, and the first campaign. Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of work, you forget how much you’ve achieved and how pleasant it feels when your dreams come true, sometimes without even realizing it!
Is there anything that stands out about your workflow?
Good timing in taking photos is essential to me because I like to shoot quickly and capture everything in the first moment so that the energy and emotions of the model are fresh, portraying them as they are and as I see them from the very first moment.
What’s next – anything you’d love to shoot in the future?
There are many magazines, models, and locations I would like to shoot for, and it’s impossible to list them all. However, I want to push beyond my comfort zone and experiment more. I want to do more projects that will help me look at my photography from a different perspective and allow me to create something I haven’t done before.
See more of Caroline’ work on her Instagram.
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