Honorable Mention
The Little Dreamer
DESCRIPTION
In this series, I wanted to tell a story of childhood marked by journeys, longing, and responsibilities that arrive too early. I used old suitcases, a globe, coins, and simple toys to create a symbolic world where a child becomes both a dreamer and someone forced to carry burdens greater than their age.I used warm, dramatic light and painterly tones to emphasize the contrast between hope and hardship. Each photograph represents a fragment of a larger narrative: a boy counting coins as if calculating the price of his dreams; holding a globe that fascinates him yet weighs heavily; sitting on suitcases that become a metaphor for travel, migration, and the search for a better place.
This work is also deeply personal. I emigrated myself, leaving my family behind in search of a better life. I had to build everything from zero, and this series echoes that experience. The suitcases symbolize departure, the child reflects both uncertainty and hope, and the light becomes a metaphor for strength—the force that allows us to endure and dream.
Through this series, I aim to capture a universal truth: even in the most difficult moments, we carry resilience and imagination that guide us.
AUTHOR
My name is Agnieszka Plotnicka and I am a portrait photographer since one year, based in the Netherlands, specializing in fine art photography. For me, photography is not only a profession but also a way of telling stories and capturing emotions.I originally studied Polish philology and Human Resources, but photography has become my true path. I am fascinated by the way light, color, and atmosphere can reveal beauty and strength, while also expressing something about a person’s inner world. My inspiration comes from classical painting, literature, and the subtle emotions of everyday life.
During my sessions, I strive to create a safe and calm atmosphere where people can truly be themselves and open up in front of the camera. My goal is to create portraits that are more than photographs – timeless stories filled with authenticity and soul.
I am also a mother to my four-year-old daughter, Zuzia, who teaches me to notice the fleeting nature of moments and the importance of preserving them. Because of her, I value even more the power of photography to turn today’s moments into tomorrow’s most precious memories.
I constantly develop my craft through workshops and learning from other artists. In April 2025, I participated in a fine art photography workshop with Krzysztof and Maria Słowińscy in Obiszów, which helped me refine my approach to light, styling, and artistic direction.
Through photography, I am able to combine my passions – art, emotions, and human connection – creating images that remain meaningful for years to come.
