Bronze in Press/Feature Story / 2026 / Press / Feature Story

• Prize
  Bronze in Press/Feature Story
• Photographer
  Magdalena Grela, Poland
• Date of Photograph
  2024-2025
• Studio
  Magdalena Grela
• Website
  https://magdalenagrela.com
• Instagram
  https://instagram.com/magdalena.grela

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, millions of refugees have entered Poland, including Romani families. An estimated 30,000–50,000 Ukrainian Roma passed through or sought refuge in Poland, though many remain uncounted due to legal limits, fear of discrimination, and missing documents. Facing barriers at the border and unequal access to shelters, many experienced segregation and poor living conditions. Photographed in temporary shelters across Poland, this series documents everyday life in prolonged displacement – shared spaces, fragile routines, fatigue, and waiting.

Social documentary photographer working with long-term projects focused on everyday experiences of vulnerable communities, displacement, and structural injustice in Central and Eastern Europe.

Awards Gold Medal, Humanity (Professional) category, 1839 Awards, The Art of Storytelling Contest, New York, 2026

Honorable Mention: People’s vote, Documentary (Professional) category, 1839 Awards, The Art of Storytelling Contest, New York, 2026

Photographer of the Month, The Glasgow Gallery of Photography, Scotland, 2025

Work of Merit, Rfotofolio, USA, 2025

Silver Medal, Photojournalism Category, B&W International Awards, Paris, 2025