Photographic Publication of the Year 2026: Jury Verdict

The Photographic Publication of the Year competition was initiated in 2008 by Krzysiek Makowski. Today, we are presenting awards and honorable mentions in this revived edition of the competition for the fourteenth time. The competition promotes outstanding publications where photography takes center stage – from photo albums and catalogs to limited self-published editions and zines.

The Photographic Publication of the Year is organized through the cooperation of three institutions: Fotofestiwal in Łódź, Bookoff Art Bookstore, and Służewski Dom Kultury. Out of 52 submitted books, the jury selected 11 titles for the exhibition. These publications are characterized by a well-thought-out concept, perfectly matched graphic design, and high-quality production.

The jury decided to honor the following publications

„Theater Memory: Polish Theater Photography from Beginning until the Present”, collective work, curatorial team: Agnieszka Wanicka, Wojciech Nowicki, Bartosz Flak, Magdalena Hueckel, Magdalena Ożarowska, edited by Joanna Targoń, graphic design by Anita Wasik, published by the Zbigniew Raszewski Theatre Institute 

– for a magnificent and multi-layered telling of the history of theater photography; for a historical book that is hard to put down. For subtle touches: handing over parts of the narrative to different curators, the choice of storytelling methods, and the careful selection of printing papers. It represents great archival work on one hand, and a study of the changing and evolving language of theater photography on the other – all enclosed within a single publication! For setting a new standard in recounting the history of a photographic genre.

Konrad Bryczek, “It’s Only October”, graphic design by Krzysztof Orłowski, published by Rust Publishing 

– for an extraordinary ability to share a personal story in a way that is universal, emotional, yet concise. For flawlessly balancing the proportions between image and text, and for enclosing the whole piece in a highly fitting graphic form.

Władysław Nielipiński, „Gorzko!”, graphic design by Andrzej Dobosz, published by the Pix.House Foundation 

– for an incredibly light and captivating lesson in sociological photography. Fantastically chosen tools and superb photographs that flow in a sequence to the rhythm of almost audible wedding music. And also, for an excellent title [Bitter!].

The Krzysiek Makowski Grand Prize and the title of Photographic Publication of the Year 2026 were awarded ex aequo to three exceptional publications. Each of these publications speaks on a different matter, they complement each other perfectly, and none dominates over the others. These are three distinct, carefully thought-out, and refined projects.

Magdalena Hueckel, „Potentially Reversible”, Września Collection 2024, graphic design by Joanna Jopkiewicz, published by the Town and Commune Office of Września 

– for an insightful and unique perspective on the city’s history, exceptional within the history of the Września Collection. For creating a gripping narrative, remarkably consistent in its visual and textual layers, which encourages rereading and reinterpreting. This is a book that becomes a different, highly tactile journey with every reading, offering a carefully planned reading experience – a story that, in a sense, lingers on one’s fingertips.

Katarzyna and Marianne Wąsowskie, „Waiting for the snow”, edited by Francesca Todde, Gonzalo Golpe, Katarzyna Wąsowska, Marianne Wąsowska, graphic design by Francesca Todde / Départ Pour l’Image, published by YOGURT

– for an outstanding and captivating photographic edit that emotionally engages the reader and places them right inside a complex, multi-layered story. For a brilliant combination of archival photography and contemporary frames, and for an innovative approach to the subject. Finally – for an excellent choice of graphic elements and design quality.

Antonina Gugała, „Running to the Sun”, edited by Stefan Lorenzutti, graphic design by Nicole Salnikov, published by Bored Wolves

– for a sincere, modest, and quiet project that demands the viewer to pause. For telling a universal story in a fresh, personal, yet inclusive way. This book resembles a volume of poetry – it can be read from cover to cover, but it is best opened at any random moment to linger within it a while longer before moving on. For its immense sincerity and exceptionally chosen elements: the graphic layout, the choice of paper, and the way the publication opens. Each of these details carries meaning and remains at the service of the story.

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Jury members: Katarzyna Białousz (Fort Institute of Photography), Anita Osuch, Agata Bartkowiak, Anita Andrzejewska, Franek Ammer (Fotofestiwal Łódź), and Paweł Rubkiewicz (Bookoff Art Bookstore).

The exhibition will also be on view at the Fort Institute of Photography in Warsaw from June 24 to August 31, 2026.