creators you should know: Szymon Stępniak
Szymon Stępniak is a Berlin-based Polish photographer known for his distinctive aesthetics across editorial and documentary-style photography. From fashion shoots to portraying queer communities, his images are featured in publications like DAZED, Gay Times and Vogue.
Starfish Magazine had the opportunity to talk to Stępniak about the evolution of his work, photography techniques, Whole Festival, musicians, and the defiant joy unique to the queer community.
I first came across your images in a 2023 issue of Gay Times, where you photographed horsegiirL’s cover shoot. What was it like working with her, and did it have any impact on future photographs?
Szymon: It was such a fun shoot, and I was super excited to be part of such an iconic project. It’s always a thrill to collaborate with talents, especially when their personal image isn’t widely known to the public yet. I have very fond memories of that day. The experience definitely had an impact on my work; it confirmed for me that working with music artists and celebrities is something I really enjoy and want to keep exploring.
How would you describe the evolution of your work from living in Warsaw to living in Berlin? What about these cities do you think has influenced this?
Szymon: In Warsaw, I was working in the art field, assisting curators and artists, and often documenting exhibitions or performances. At the same time, I was much more focused on politics and social movements. I documented protests, and through studying fine arts and working in galleries, I also portrayed artists and the art world around me. It was also the time when lomography was quite a thing, so I enjoyed experimenting with film photography.
When I first moved to Berlin, I was still interested in social movements for a little while. I also covered the 2020 Black Lives Matter march, attended by over 15,000 people, with some images later included in a zine I presented at TIFF in Wrocław. Over time, my focus began to shift.
That period became more introspective. I was journaling visually; photographing my daily life, relationships, new friends. Basically documenting my new life in Berlin. After graduating from my MA, I focused entirely on photography. My first steady work was in fashion. I also joined a collective studio and darkroom, which gave me the space to develop my own ideas. That really paid off: I started doing a lot of editorial photography, portraits of musicians, street style, and events. Berlin has been very nourishing in that sense. I’ve loved connecting with other creatives and collaborating on projects.
The Gay Times cover with horsegiirL was a great start to 2024. I also worked on a project documenting queer intimacy, which was part of a DAZED exhibition in London, then shot HINGE SLEEK collaboration, and H&M sessions.
Throughout these years, I learned good hygiene of work being a freelancer, it's easy to feel like you work all the time. I am still learning how to be gentle with myself but I guess it's always a struggle, especially in the creative industry.
You are a regular attendee at Berlin’s Whole Festival, having even taken portraits for DAZED over the years. Who were some of your stand-out performers and artists this year?
Szymon: I was really excited about MYSS KETA. I am a fan. Knowing I’d get the chance to photograph her made it even more special. Overall, I had the most fun on Friday and gravitated more towards the Arena with its heavier beats rather than the performance stage. I was a bit sad that Loïc Koutana / L’Homme Statue wasn’t part of the program this year; they were my big discovery last year. I loved their energy, honesty, and the kind of charisma that completely pulls the audience in.
Do you think any of them will be influencing future work? Are there any particular queer musicians who currently inspire your photography?
Szymon: Definitely! Working with artists is always inspiring. Their energy, charisma, and image definitely can generate new ideas and push me to think outside the box.
Lately, I’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic about music and television culture. I’ve been rewatching music videos from different eras, doing some YouTube surfing, and rediscovering songs and artists through their visuals. It’s super inspiring. Those short formats, the lighting, a bit of dance; all of it sparks new ideas for me.
From contemporary musicians in general, I really like the visuals around Lola Young, Chappell Roan, the new videos from FKA Twigs, and Doechii. And of course, legends like Prince and David Bowie still feel fresh. They pushed boundaries around gender norms and created timeless images. That spirit keeps influencing how I approach my work.
There is an undeniably queer perspective in your photography. Was this a conscious decision or something you found organically happening in your work?
Szymon: I’m naturally drawn to photographing within queer spaces. They feel safe, energising, and full of possibilities. Over time, I was also getting to know myself and the queer world around me, which turned out to be very different from most of the references I’d grown up with. Mainstream images in media representations often felt reductive, so finding and portraying something more layered and authentic became part of how I work.
At first, it was a conscious choice. I engaged in queer initiatives, human rights campaigns, etc. Over time, I think this perspective became part of how I work, more organically.
One of my favourite things about the queer community is our constant return to defiant joy, no matter how dark the world can seem. Would you consider your photographs to be an example of this?
Szymon: Definitely! Festivals like Whole are a perfect example of that defiant joy. Queer people really know how to celebrate and live in the moment. Maybe it’s a bit of escapism, but honestly, who can blame us? Sometimes it feels like the world is falling apart, but the gays are still out there gaying, haha.
Being around community-like-minded people, outsiders, just creates this feeling of safety and joy, no matter what’s going on.
That’s how I feel when I go to queer events and spaces. Maybe that mood is what comes through in my photos, or maybe it’s just part of the atmosphere. Either way, focusing on that joy does me good. And it’s exactly why I keep going back.
What are your favourite and least favourite aspects of editorial studio photography and journalistic-style street photography?
Szymon: When I’m in the studio, I love the control and teamwork involved. It’s like having superpowers. You can craft moods and lighting effects that don’t exist in everyday life. Sometimes it feels like playing a video game with cheat codes, where you get to shape everything exactly how you want. There’s a predictability that’s really satisfying because you know you can create something fantastic and surreal.
On the other hand, journalistic-style street photography has a whole different vibe. I’m drawn to the people I meet along the way; it’s always a bit of an adventure. You need flexibility and patience, and there’s this fun challenge of running around with a camera and flash, trying to use whatever’s around you to make the shot feel natural or more interesting. It’s less controlled but full of surprises.
Which photography technique are you most interested in or drawn to lately?
Szymon: Lately, I haven’t been tied to just one technique, I like mixing things up. Analogue and digital both have their place for me, and there’s a certain magic in instant photography or playing around with developing processes. Still, when it comes to personal work, I find myself more attached to film.
August has been pretty full-on, and after spending too much time online, I’m ready for a bit of a reset. I’m heading to the lake with my family, keeping my phone use low and leaning on analogue cameras instead. I’m especially looking forward to photographing my two nieces before they hit their teenage years. I also picked up an 8mm camera last year, so this feels like the perfect moment to experiment a bit and just create without any pressure.
And lastly, do you have any advice for aspiring photographers who wish to work in the fashion industry?
Szymon: My advice? Stay curious and keep finding inspiration wherever you can: exhibitions, concerts, walks, whatever sparks you. Find people you vibe with and don’t be afraid to collaborate. Assisting others is a great way to learn. Be patient, things often take time, but enjoy the process and have fun!
Interview by: Leona VC
Copyeditor: Mia Craven
