I’d always wanted to see Poland, as my family has history in the region. While I couldn’t stay long, I was able to get in a long weekend to Warsaw and Krakow, and begin a couple of projects, which may or may not ever be added to. With grey skies and some rain, there was never such a thing as dramatic light, but it just added to the photographic challenge. I feel as though I came away with several good images, which I always feel good about over a short period of time. I hope you enjoy them.
The Driver, Warsaw
Morning Commute, Warsaw
Soccer practice, Park Lazienkowski, Warsaw
A peacock wanders into the scene as a young man photographs his girlfriend, Park Lazienkowski, Warsaw
Last leaves of autumn, Park Lazienkowski, Warsaw
Young women stroll amidst the autumn leaves, Park Bednarskiego, Krakow
Met Marta in Warsaw, and she agreed to be photographed. It turned out that she worked at an American national park last summer.
Train in the Rain
The last of autumn, from a train window, Warsaw to Krakow
Houses and garden plots, from the train window, Warsaw to Krakow
A woman adjusts her scarf and another waits with her for a bus, Krakow
Window Shopping, Warsaw
Curbside Lunch, Krakow
Lover’s Locks. Couples adorn locks and attach them to a bridge over the Vistula River, Krakow. They then throw the key into the river. There were a few spaces where locked has been torn away, perhaps by a scorned lover?
Birds rest high among the branches, as the last leaves of autumn cling to life. Soon the trees will be but winter’s bones.
A man sits quietly before the eucharist during a time of perpetual adoration inside a Catholic church in Krakow.
A girl reads from a prayer book during a Greek Orthodox service in Warsaw
Night time, Warsaw
A woman smokes a cigarette outside of a restaurant, Krakow
The photographer on a Polish Train (self-portrait, imagining Jason Bourne)
nomadruss in words and photos 
Reblogged this on VIVIMETALIUN.
I miss Poland and the Zapiekanki 😦
I miss everything about Poland (from Gdanska to Krakow)
Thank you for these photographs…
I can understand why you’d miss it, it’s a wonderful country.
Tak! 🙂 That Zapiekanki store must be really popular because i also went to the same shop when I visited Krakow.
The “Jason Bourne effect” seemed real! Piekni! 😀
Reblogged this on akishni.
What a treat to see these pictures. I’ve never been to Poland, but I have a better sense of it now after seeing your beautiful images. My favorites are the church interior, the Camelot restaurant photo and the park pictures.
Thanks for sharing your favorites, it’s always nice to know what connects with people. I’d love to spend more time there…
Superb photos!
Thanks so much!
Beautiful to see this. My girlfriend lives in Poznan… I’m headed back to the country just after Christmas. These photos take me back… dziekuje 🙂
Cieszę się, że do akcji, i jesteś szczęśliwy, człowiek …
Always love seeing your photos. Amazing work, Russ!
Thanks Tom, I appreciate that! I always enjoy seeing your work as well.
Really wonderful photo. Evokes a feeling of being there.
Appreciate that Mike!
Love Poland, the people are so wonderful! Great photographs!
Thanks, it sure is a great country!
Reblogged this on marthalisek and commented:
Poland ♥
love your pics 🙂 thats really really poland! my family is from poland and i am on holidays there every year. 🙂 the picture with the woman smoking her cigarette is fantastic!
Thanks Martha, it was my favorite too!
Beautiful photo essay. Poland’s on my list, too. So glad you got to make the trip!
Thanks Jenny, I’m trult thankful i got to make it!
Thank you for the look into a foreign country that I have never seen. The last mental image I had was during WWII and it wasn’t pretty. So many beautiful pictures. I especially liked the cigarette smoker, the gentleman taking a picture of his girlfriends, the girl who worked at Yellowstone, last autumn, the houses with garden plots…love the plots in front of the houses. I also liked the locks, the girl reading a prayer book, birds in the trees, night time in Warsaw and that suspicious looking guy at the end. 😉 Some real winners on this trip!
Thanks Mrs. P, there is certainly some tough history, but it was good to see the beauty of the place. I like your list of photos you liked. ; )
My favorite image is the girl smoking outside the restaurant. Very interesting shot with so many elements: the corner, the window, the contrast of dark and light and the people’s expressions. Just perfect.
Thanks, i appreciate knowing, that one was my favorite also. Theres enough there to imagine your own story i think.
Jason Born shot is cool too,,,,
Thanks!
Each photograph tells such a story. This set may just be my favorite. I especially like the woman window shopping and the birds in the trees. I’m always looking at the tops of trees. A great capture of Poland!
Thanks Jenifer, i wasn’t fully certain about that photo. But i couldn’t edit it out. The juxtaposition of the poster and the old woman, her shopping bags, and there’s even a womans face looking out that same window. And i think there’s enough there to question. Appreciate the kind words!
As a UK Ex Pat living in Poland, loving these shots – love this country and all it has to offer
Thanks for writing Wayne, I’m always pleased when the photos are well received from people living in the land. You’re fortunate to be there, wonderful country indeed.
Please check out my photography blog! It would mean a lot to me, also feel free to leave good or bad feedback for me so I can improve! Thx 🙂 http://photobeautiful.wordpress.com
Ill be glad to give it a look.
Nomad,
I spent some time travelling through Poland on a train in 91. Your photos are much better. I like the smoker, the night light colors… and Jason.
I think Jason ran across you in Pakistan some years back. Thanks for dropping in brother.
If you ever come back here, don’t forget to visit Poznan- I’d be happy to show you round this beautiful city!
I will make sure that Poznan is on the list. Id be glad to see it with you.
The girl smoking shot is fantastic, it reminds me of my favorite painting. Your train window shots are wonderful though. When do you intend to compile them in a series, or have you already?
AQUI NO BRASIL TEM LUGARES LINDOS BREVE TE MANDAREI FOTOS
I’d certainly love to photograph Brazil!
Claudette, I have not compiled the train window series – yet. In due time, it, along with several other themes will be complied, hopefully in books. And thanks, that shot is one of my favorite because of the girl and the cigarette…
Russ, great set of fotos from the Motherland. Most of my family emigrated from Poland and seeing these fotos reminded me of my visit in 2007 for the first time. I felt so at home there. Your fotos evoked a warm nostalgia. Cheers 🙂
Andrea, i enjoy knowing that those with a Polish connection find that these shots resonate, thanks!
Russ, nice shots! Thanks for sharing.
I appreciate that, thanks!
Hi Nomad, greats shots! Please remember, that I’m living in Poland, in Kraków. Next time please conact me by http://dominiktomczyk.com and I will be your guide in Kraków! Welcome!
Thanks Dominik, I’ll remember that!
What a great collection of images. Such wonderful use of juxtaposition and narrative, linking images through positioning to tell a story. The subdued lighting adds to the narrative, as do the autumnal colours. I really like your work. 🙂
Thanks Sonja, I appreciate your insight. You clearly understand the language of imagery. It’s what I’ve always enjoyed the most about workshops, getting to talk through images. Looking at what works, and doesn’t. Thanks for dropping in!