IBS is hosting an exhibition showcasing Bulgarian birds through the lens of the Polish Ambassador, Dr. Maciej Szymański, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Bulgaria
The International Business School (IBS) in Sofia has opened its doors to all nature and art enthusiasts with the inauguration of the photo exhibition “The birds of Bulgaria through the eyes of a Pole” This impressive exhibition features 25 exquisite bird photographs captured by Dr. Maciej Szymański, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Bulgaria.
The exhibition was officially opened by Ms. Lena Gaydarska, President of IBS; Prof. Dr. Georgi Apostolov, Rector of IBS; and Prof. Dr. Milen Baltov, Rector of Burgas Free University. In their welcoming speeches, they emphasized the importance of integrating culture, art, and nature conservation into the educational process and public awareness. Dr. Szymański personally presented his works, sharing insights on the inspiration and challenges he encountered while photographing the birds.
The ambassador has been an avid photographer since 2001, and in 2007 he began actively photographing birds across various countries, including Serbia, Croatia, and Poland. Since then, he can’t imagine venturing into nature without his camera. His favorite winged subjects are swifts, symbols of grace and freedom in the sky. His profound knowledge of birds gives him a distinct advantage in capturing them, which he describes as one of the most challenging areas of photography. Birds often inhabit hard-to-reach places, are easily startled, extremely mobile, and do everything possible to prevent the perfect shot from being “caught.”
To capture the perfect shots, Dr. Szymański relies on patience, focus, and specialized equipment, such as nets, tents, and camouflage suits that blend seamlessly into the surroundings—techniques reminiscent of those used by hunters or special forces. This approach starkly contrasts with his usual formal attire as a diplomat. Today, he photographs with professional Canon EOS 7D Mark II and Canon 90D cameras, using Canon 400mm f/5.6L USM and Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM S lenses, allowing him to capture the beauty and dynamism of wild birds in their natural habitat.
Guests at the opening, including representatives from cultural, academic, and diplomatic circles, highly praised Dr. Maciej Szymański’s work. They were impressed by his skill in capturing not only the beauty but also the unique behavioral moments of birds, while emphasizing the importance of such exhibitions in fostering a love for nature and its study.
The exhibition “The Birds of Bulgaria Through the Eyes of a Pole” will be open to visitors until December 15, 2024, in the lobby of the International Business School. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in nature to discover the beauty and diversity of Bulgarian birds through the precise lens of a photographer and diplomat deeply dedicated to nature.
