ENTRY DESCRIPTION
Distance That Took You Away captures a reflective moment during a train journey through Poland in the early days of spring. The stark landscape, marked by bare trees and muted tones of early-spring in Poland, contrasts with the sharp, focused presence of my Border Collie Ciri, as she is always my travel companion - and the best one. What's most important - she really enjoys it!

The image explores duality: the juxtaposition of stillness and motion, with Ciri’s calm, grounded figure set against the fleeting blur of the passing scenery. Her reflection in the glass adds a deeper narrative, symbolizing both connection and distance, as well as the transient nature of time and travel. This photograph highlights the quiet interplay of emotion, movement, and the enduring bond shared in moments of transition.

AUTHOR
Alicja Zmysłowska is a dog photographer based in Upper Silesia, Poland, with 18 years of experience capturing the beauty and individuality of canine subjects. Her journey began in 2007 as a 12-year-old girl with her first camera and her cherished Golden Retriever, Kiara—a puppy she had dreamed of for years. Since then, she has seamlessly blended her two greatest passions—dogs and creating art—into a thriving career.
In 2011, a video she recorded went viral, and in 2014, her iconic photo Friends, featuring three hugging dogs, further cemented her place in the global photography community. Alicja's work has been celebrated in exhibitions, including a solo showcase at the prestigious Palace of Fine Arts in Krakow.
Over nearly two decades, Alicja has developed a signature artistic style—emotional, dreamy, and globally recognized. As a true pioneer in dog photography, she consistently pushes boundaries with unique, innovative ideas. Her images transport viewers to another world, seamlessly blending the breathtaking beauty of nature with the unique personalities of the dogs she photographs. Known for her mastery of color and tone, composition, and expression, Alicja has also set the standard for the soft, dreamy aesthetic that defines her work.
As the first-ever Canon Europe Ambassador specializing in dog photography, Alicja is passionate about sharing her art with the world. Her portfolio spans a variety of styles, from capturing dogs in awe-inspiring landscapes to creating fine art black-and-white pieces and colorful, dreamy portraits. Many of these portraits include the dogs' humans, highlighting the magical bond between them. Alicja's work has taken her to 20 countries across three continents, and for over 12 years, she has led workshops worldwide, mentoring aspiring photographers in her craft.
Alicja has been awarded in prestigious photography competitions, including the International Photo Awards, I Shot It by Leica, National Geographic.

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