Not Surrendering

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Photographer

Mariusz Smiejek
Prize

1st Place / Book/People
Jury Top 5 Selection

Daria Bonera A classic black and white portraits but emotional and narrative.
Date of Photograph

2010-2020
Socials
Website

http://www.mariuszsmiejek.com

The book introduces us to the daily lives of the British working-class Loyalists as well as members of their illegal paramilitary groups. Recognised as terrorist organizations until recently, these associations still carry weight, sow fear, and control Northern Ireland. The documentary brings to the fore the psychological state of siege which permeates working-class districts in Northern Ireland. The story also spotlights the atmosphere of despair which accompanies each successive generation – trapped socially and mentally in unprocessed conflict traumas from which they cannot escape.

Biography

An independent documentary photographer, visual storyteller, and educator with over 20 years of experience specializing in capturing the raw narratives of human and social conditions. Renowned for documenting a wide range of subjects, including post-conflict communities, refugee crises, child slavery, human trafficking, systemic abuse, environmental degradation, and the human impact of resource extraction.
Awards

2026 World Photography Awards, Shortlisted in the professional category UK 2025 Human Impact Awards, Wex Photo Video, Third prize UK 2024 Budapest International Foto Awards, First prize in category: Book/People Hungary 2024 Prix de la Photographie, Paris PX3 First prize in category: Book/People France 2024 Kolga Tbilisi Award, Shortlisted Georgia 2024 Gomma Photography Grant, Honorable mention UK 2024 Tokyo International Foto Awards, First prize in category: Book/People Japan 2023 Lucie Foundation Photo Book Prize, Finalist in category: Independent First Book USA 2023 International Photography Awards, First prize in category: Book/People USA 2023 International Photography Awards, Top 5 jury selection USA 2021 Photography 4 Humanity Global Prize created by David Clark Cause with global partner United Nations Human Rights, Finalist USA 2021 World. Report Award. Documenting Humanity. Festival della Fotografia Etica. Shortlist in category: Spotlight. Italy 2020 National Geographic Magazine Award. First prize in category: Human and water. Poland 2018 Grand Press Photo. Second prize in category: Daily life, series. Poland 2018 Grand Press Photo. Shortlist in category: Portrait. Poland 2017 Grand Press Photo. Second prize in category: People, series. Poland 2016 The Other Hundred Project, Educators - UK winner. China 2015 National Geographic Magazine Award. Special mention in category: Street photography. Poland 2014 Fotofestiwal ?ódz. Honourable mention by Magnum Photos Agency. Poland 2013 Sony World Photography Awards. Honourable mention. UK 2012 International Photography Award. Honourable mention. USA 2012 National Geographic Magazine Award. First prize in category: Photo Reportage Poland 2011 National Geographic International Photography Contest. Second prize. UK & Ireland