TITLE: Reflected Presence. My parents in their garden while I appear as a reflection, held in my mother's hand.

This photograph holds significant personal meaning for me. After returning to photography about a year and a half ago, focusing more on independent work and personal projects rather than primarily commercial tasks as I used to, I had a strong realization: despite years behind the camera, I had never taken a proper portrait of my parents, both now 78. It felt like being a "cobbler without shoes" – documenting others' lives but neglecting this essential image of my own family.

Taken during a recent Easter visit – perhaps also driven by the feeling that now was the right time, as none of us are getting younger – I wanted to be truly present with them. Given the distance between us now, the reflection in the mirror became my way of bridging that space and joining the frame; simultaneously the photographer and a son within our family portrait. My mother holding the mirror carries a particular weight for me. Being rarely home, her gesture mirrors the situation of me being rarely home, especially knowing she often calls me nightly out of missing me.

Presented in black and white, the image intentionally draws on the tradition of classic portraiture, reflecting the powerful legacy and continuity of family across generations.

There were also curious coincidences that my sister pointed out: I was 46 when I took the photo, my parents were both born in '46 (making them 78), and I was born in '78. While I don't believe in numerology or horoscopes, preferring observation and reason, these numbers did add an intriguing layer to the moment.

The backdrop, which I painted myself, is another personal touch in this image.

Ultimately, this long-overdue portrait, capturing connection across distance and time, speaks to the quiet strength and enduring power of family bonds.

AUTHOR: Piotr Skubisz (Poland)

Piotr Skubisz is a photographer with a passion for portrait and body photography. Explores themes of self-discovery and cultural identity. Drawing inspiration from studies at The Film School in Lodz and Polish Studies at the University of Warsaw, where he developed an interest in cultural anthropology, his images blend aesthetics with reflection. Recognized for his work, was shortlisted at the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards 2025. Received a Gold and Bronze medal at the PX3 2024 and an official selection in the IPA.
Based in Warsaw but enjoys traveling, eager to explore new horizons.


Awards & Recognition (2024-2025)
• 2025 SWPA Sony World Photography Awards, Shortlist, Open competition, Portraiture
• 2024 PX3, The Prix de la Photographie, Paris): Gold and Bronze Medal (Portrait) 
• 2024 ReFocus The World Photo Annual Awards: Silver Medal (Fine Art), Bronze Medal (People), Bronze Medal (Portrait)
• 2024 TIFA, Tokyo International Foto Awards: Bronze Medal (People-Portrait), Honorable Mentions (4x) 
• 2024 Monochrome Awards: 3rd Place (Portrait), Honorable Mentions (2x) 
• 2024 IPA (The International Photography Awards): Official Selection (Fine Art-Portrait, People-Lifestyle, People-Traditions/Culture) 
• 2024 FAPA, Fine Art Photography Awards, 3x Nominee in Portrait
• 2024 Brodziak Academy: TOP10 Masters of Creation 
• 2024 Annual Photography Awards, Honorable Mentions (3x People: Portraiture) 

• 2024 Life Framer: Black & White Editors’ Pick 
• 2025 LensCulture New Visions 2025, Humanity: Editors' Pick​​​​​​