Pure Freedom and Instinct — Grzegorz Bys and His Monochrome World: A Masterclass in Perspective and Street Poetry
An Exclusive Interview with Pure Street Photography
Discover how, with a Leica in hand and a vision in his heart, By’s is rewriting the rules — capturing instinctive moments that feel deeply human and profoundly poetic
Interview by Dimpy Bhalotia and Kamal Kumaar Rao
16/04/2025
(c) Grzegorz Bys
(c) Grzegorz Bys
We would love to know more about you! Who you are and where you're from? When did you start street photography?
Hello, I am Grzegorz Bys and I am from Poland, my passion for photography started about 6 years ago.
What inspired you to become a street photographer?
When it comes to any form of art, whether its writing, painting, making music, filming, photography, etc., we also have to ask what is creativity, thinking about this fundamental question of where do good ideas came from and how can we make them to fruition, and that's what inspires me.
How would you describe your work in terms of style and/or approach?
My style is free, I rarely go to the photo shoots with a plan of what I want to photograph on a given day, what counts for me is capturing the moment, it's like being in the right place at the right time, but these inspire the next ones, on which I take the time to capture the frame that I see in my imagination. Every photo shoot is different, it’s a combination of my emotions with places where I am.
(c) Grzegorz Bys
(c) Grzegorz Bys
What is your photography routine like? Do you photograph every day?
I am a full time abseiler for Living. Being on tall buildings gives me the opportunity to look at the world from a different perspective, just like photography, which is my hobby and passion, gives me freedom and escape from everyday life and is a form of artistic realization for me, which is why I willingly devote all my free time to it.
What camera or mobile device do you use for photography? Do you shoot digitally, on film, or a mix of both?
The camera I use is a digital rangefinder Leica M10 monochrome.
What challenges do you face when photographing on the street?
Street photography takes place in public space where people go about their daily lives. Therefore, it is difficult to predict when the perfect moment will come because the scene is constantly changing.
Do you ever wonder what happens to the people in your photos?
Very good question, honestly, I have never thought about it, although I hope if they find themselves in my photos, they will be very happy.
(c) Grzegorz Bys
(c) Grzegorz Bys
In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about street photography?
There are ethical considerations regarding street photography that apply. We all know the solution of photographing the homeless, sick people in crisis. I personally we should not photograph such people, the justification for such situation, if any, is photographer gathering context for a wider story, e.g. photojournalism, but also in the case a community with them and are no longer an external figure, profiting from their misfortune.
What are your favourite elements to capture in a street photograph? (light, colour, composition, human interaction, etc.)
I have always liked the architecture of cities, I think that light, shadows, reflections and people in their background create unique images that not everyone sees on a daily basis.
I found that black and white make them even more interesting.
What is your take on social media influence on street photography?
The positive impact of social media on photography is that those who cannot go to a gallery in person can at least see work online. Social media make it easier for photographers to stay in touch on global scale and maintain friendship around world.
Are your prints available for purchase? If so, where can art buyers and collectors contact you to purchase them?
Yes, you can order photos from me, I will happily print and frame it, I have a company that does it. The best way to contact me is by email gbys@hotmail.co.uk.
(c) Grzegorz Bys
(c) Grzegorz Bys
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
I personally recommend media like your (Pure Street Photography) because there you can find a lot of interesting places, photos and also get to know photographers and their work which can be very inspiring.
A huge thank you to Grzegorz Bys for sharing his incredible journey.
In Frame : Grzegorz Bys