ABOUT
Hi, I'm Lukasz - a photographer working between the UK and South Africa.
I use photography to make meaningful connections with people and explore our shared experiences, sharing untold stories and making the invisible visible. My work spans documentary and commissioned projects, often rooted in questions of identity, community, human rights and well-being.
I'm not just an observer. I initiate genuine dialogue with my subjects and that exchange shapes the image, guided by curiosity about their moment rather than my own narrative. My camera opens conversations and takes me into spaces and relationships that wouldn't otherwise be possible.
Whether documenting queer communities, cultural festivals or long-term personal projects, I'm drawn to the people and stories that tend to go unnoticed and to the quiet, human moments that happen when someone lets you in.
I also deliver beginner photography workshops in partnership with community organisations, helping people explore photography as a tool for connection and self-expression.
Exhibitions, awards, publications
2026 A Place for Us - Self-published zine
2025 B-Side Arts Festival, Portland, UK
2025 Liberating Love Exhibition - Portraits of the local queer community
2025 POSE exhibition, Queerfest, Norwich, UK
2024 1839 Awards - Honourable Mention, Category: Portrait
2024 100 Faces of Croydon - community project by London Mozart Players
2023 The Royal Photographic Society - International Photography Exhibition 165 - Shortlist
2023 International Photography Awards - 2nd Place, Category: Editorial / Press-Personality
2023 Shutter Hub’s OPEN Exhibition
2023 Queer Britain Madame F Art Award - Special Mention
2022 Portrait of Britain - Shortlist & Publication
2022 Budapest International Foto Awards - Bronze Winner, Category: Editorial-Personality
2022 Budapest International Foto Awards - Honorable Mention, Category: People-Portrait
2022 International Photography Awards One Shot / Color Photo Contest - Official Selection, Category: Portrait
2022 Shutter Hub Yearbook Exhibition - Portraits of Strangers
2022 We Are Queer Britain Exhibition - Queer Britain Museum, London, UK
2022 Mid Year Review Zine - Glasgow Gallery of Photography
2020 The International Portrait Exhibition - Glasgow Gallery of Photography
Jane Cornwell, journalist. London Evening Standard
“As a longtime journalist I have worked with many, many photographers. I know how rare it is to have that special eye, that extra something, that makes a portrait zing. Lukasz Izdebski has that, and more. From the moment I arrived at the shoot I was made to feel at ease. The ambience was just right; Lukasz has impeccable musical taste, and invests time in finding out who you are, so to bring out that essence in a photograph. Serious, fun, corporate, arty ... Lukasz really got me. Hugely recommended.”
Mary Jane Holland, Performer
“I have collaborated with Lukasz Izdebski on several occasions, in different settings and environments. As someone who is rarely in front of the camera, Lukasz is a genius at making me feel relaxed and works with me throughout the process to ensure that I am comfortable at all times.”
Claudia Golder-coelho, Queer Crodyon
“Working with Lukasz has been such a gift - his gentle hand and thoughtful approach have helped me unpack and explore themes of queerness, faith, community and inner acceptance in a way that feels both vulnerable and empowering. The images we’ve created together have been deeply meaningful, even gaining recognition like a nomination for the Portrait of Britain 2023, and it’s been truly wonderful to share this journey with him.”
Merlin the grey, performer
“As a trans person, finding a photographer I can feel fully comfortable with has always been a challenge — and Lukasz has been the most wonderful revelation. From my very first photoshoot with him to now shooting monthly at a local safe space, he’s been attentively capturing my journey as a trans man. Lukasz is my photographer of choice: versatile, knowledgeable, and always up for trying something new. We’ve collaborated on everything from calendar designs and prints to live performance shoots and T-shirt designs, and every time he brings ease, care, and creativity to the process.”
Hannah Maxwell, writer, performer and theatremaker
“Some of the best images of my work that exist.”