A Polish photographer whose visual style has been likened to that of the iconic director Wes Anderson has taken Instagram by storm with his striking images of the southwestern city of Wrocław.
Shifting away from the more standardized portrayals of the city, Piotr Zemlak's photographs are defined by their ethereal sense of dreamy detachment. As if using the Anderson playbook, Zemlak absorbs viewers deep inside a neatly framed world that’s all perfect geometry and soft pastel colors.
“I do hear the Wes Anderson comparison quite often, and while this wasn’t intentional at first, I can see the parallels,” Zemlak tells TVP World.
“Anderson’s films are known for their symmetry, unique colors, and certain retro charm, all of which resonate with me. I think what appeals to me most about this aesthetic is how it brings a sense of order and beauty to even the most mundane scenes – it’s a way of seeing things in a whimsical and precise manner,” he adds.
“I do hear the Wes Anderson comparison quite often, and while this wasn’t intentional at first, I can see the parallels,” Zemlak tells TVP World.
“Anderson’s films are known for their symmetry, unique colors, and certain retro charm, all of which resonate with me. I think what appeals to me most about this aesthetic is how it brings a sense of order and beauty to even the most mundane scenes – it’s a way of seeing things in a whimsical and precise manner,” he adds.
Unlike Anderson, however, Zemlak does not use lorry-loads of Hollywood equipment to achieve ‘his look’ but instead largely relies on his mobile phone. “I usually shoot using a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra paired with a Galaxy Watch,” he says.
“Using a phone offers several advantages: it’s always with me, it’s discreet, and the technology has advanced to the point where the quality rivals that of traditional cameras,” he continues.
“Additionally, the watch allows me to control the camera remotely, which is great for capturing unique angles, like shooting straight upwards, without needing to physically lie on the ground.”
“Additionally, the watch allows me to control the camera remotely, which is great for capturing unique angles, like shooting straight upwards, without needing to physically lie on the ground.”
Such shots have become Zemlak’s signature. Earning 23,000 likes on Insta, his most popular image depicts a ground-up perspective of a pristine, white-painted courtyard – the flawless symmetry is disrupted only by a distant vapor trail left by a plane overhead.
“For me, the perfect photo has symmetry, balance, and an element of surprise,” says Zemlak. “It’s about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, whether it’s an unusual angle, unexpected colors, or the way light interacts with a structure. A great photo should tell a story and evoke emotion, drawing the viewer in for a closer look.”
His photographs do exactly that, breaking convention to appear intensely minimalistic yet richly detailed.
Based as he is in Wrocław, Zemlak admits that the city itself has proved a captivating model: “What I love most about shooting here is the city’s rich architectural diversity,” he says.
His photographs do exactly that, breaking convention to appear intensely minimalistic yet richly detailed.
Based as he is in Wrocław, Zemlak admits that the city itself has proved a captivating model: “What I love most about shooting here is the city’s rich architectural diversity,” he says.
“From historic tenements to modern glass structures, Wroclaw offers a variety of subjects that keep me inspired. The city is full of hidden gems, and I love the challenge of finding and capturing them in a way that highlights their beauty.”
For his followers, this point does not go unnoticed. While Wrocław is now one of Poland’s most visited cities, Zemlak follows trails less traveled, peering under the sheets to uncover the secret spots only an insider would know.
For his followers, this point does not go unnoticed. While Wrocław is now one of Poland’s most visited cities, Zemlak follows trails less traveled, peering under the sheets to uncover the secret spots only an insider would know.
“I spend a lot of time exploring the city on foot, often venturing into areas that might not be popular,” he says.
“I’m always on the lookout for interesting things, whether it’s a one-of-a-kind doorway or an old staircase. Sometimes, I’ll hear about a place from a friend or read about it in a local publication, but often it’s just a matter of wandering around until I find something that catches my eye.”
“I’m always on the lookout for interesting things, whether it’s a one-of-a-kind doorway or an old staircase. Sometimes, I’ll hear about a place from a friend or read about it in a local publication, but often it’s just a matter of wandering around until I find something that catches my eye.”
This, he says, is one of the joys of his pastime. “There’s something thrilling about discovering a beautiful space by chance,” he says, “but even when I plan a shot, I like to leave room for improvisation based on what I see in the moment.”
The mesmerizing nature of Zemlak’s images belie his lack of formal training: “My journey into photography started about 20 years ago, when a Sony Cybershot digital camera made its way into our family home,” he says.
The mesmerizing nature of Zemlak’s images belie his lack of formal training: “My journey into photography started about 20 years ago, when a Sony Cybershot digital camera made its way into our family home,” he says.
“Its compact size made it easy to take along on trips, both near and far, but even in those early shots, I found myself gravitating towards minimalism and architecture. I was self-taught, learning through trial and error until I developed my own distinct style.”
Though an English teacher by profession, photography has now become an entrenched part of his daily life, and “a creative outlet” outside the classroom.
Though an English teacher by profession, photography has now become an entrenched part of his daily life, and “a creative outlet” outside the classroom.
“Additionally,” he says, “it has become a source of income. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the top architects in Poland, photographing their projects. This has been an incredibly rewarding experience and has allowed me to merge my passion with professional opportunities.”
That architects have joined his growing fan club comes as little surprise, for it is Zemlak’s ability to capture the nuances of a building that particularly stand out – even the most prosaic structures become things of delicate beauty.
That architects have joined his growing fan club comes as little surprise, for it is Zemlak’s ability to capture the nuances of a building that particularly stand out – even the most prosaic structures become things of delicate beauty.
“The key to getting great shots is to pay attention to details and be patient,” he continues. “Look for interesting angles, play with symmetry, and don’t be afraid to experiment."
"Composition is crucial, so take your time to frame the shot just right. And, of course, practice is key – photography is a skill that develops over time.”
"Composition is crucial, so take your time to frame the shot just right. And, of course, practice is key – photography is a skill that develops over time.”
Yet while it is Wrocław that has tended to be Zemlak’s focus, his wings haven’t been clipped by this town alone. “I enjoy photographing any city with a rich architectural history and diverse style. For example, Poznań has some incredible modernist buildings, while Budapest offers stunning examples of classical and Gothic architecture.
“Each city has its own unique character, and I love the challenge of capturing that in my photos,” he says. It is a challenge that he has met.
“Each city has its own unique character, and I love the challenge of capturing that in my photos,” he says. It is a challenge that he has met.
For more of Piotr Zemlak's images, check Instagram
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