Anna Laza
Creating a platform that celebrates Photography
Anna Laza
Creating a platform that celebrates Photography
Photographer and Founder of FotoSlovo
Jury of FotoSlovo Awards 2025
Jury of FotoSlovo Awards 2025
Anna Laza is a Founder and visionary behind the FotoSlovo Awards, Magazine, and Photography Platform, which mission is to create a meaningful and inclusive space for both emerging and established photographers.
Here we sharing the story behind FotoSlovo, my view on the evolving photography landscape, and advices for artists looking for recognition and purpose through their photographic work.
Here we sharing the story behind FotoSlovo, my view on the evolving photography landscape, and advices for artists looking for recognition and purpose through their photographic work.
"Photography today is more dynamic than ever. The lines between genres are constantly shifting— documentary merges with fine art, traditional techniques are revived and now, AI-generated imagery is becoming part of the conversation.
At the same time, there's increasing pressure to follow trends. That’s why platforms like FotoSlovo matter — we provide space for authentic voices, beyond algorithms or fleeting aesthetics."
— FotoSlovo has evolved over the past ten years into a Platform encompassing educational publications, curated blogs, photography events, and now the International Photo Awards. How has the original idea for FotoSlovo grown and how that vision developed over time?
— FotoSlovo was born from my love for photography—not just as an art form, but as a way of perceiving and connecting with the world. As a photographer myself, I’ve had experienced in the past the challenges many artists face: the lack of visibility, meaningful feedback, and opportunities for growth. So I decided to create a space where photographers from all walks of life could share their voices and find appreciation— not only through FotoSlovo Awards, but through our community, education, and articles.
— What sets the FotoSlovo Awards apart from other photography contests?
— We’ve designed the FotoSlovo Awards to go beyond a traditional contest. Of course, we honor talent through exhibitions, publications, and prizes—but the deeper purpose is to spotlight projects with emotional and conceptual depth. We focus on the narrative behind the work. Our distinguished Jury who are professionals from the photography industry look for images that challenge perception, provoke thought, and inspire empathy.
What makes us unique is also our dedication to giving photographers multiple platforms: from being published in our magazine, to participating in exhibitions at international festivals, to receiving feedback and mentorship. We also reward with practical tools—like Book publishing and tech devices— and we help artists move forward by organising their exhibitions and promoting them.
What makes us unique is also our dedication to giving photographers multiple platforms: from being published in our magazine, to participating in exhibitions at international festivals, to receiving feedback and mentorship. We also reward with practical tools—like Book publishing and tech devices— and we help artists move forward by organising their exhibitions and promoting them.
— How do you see the current photography scene evolving, especially in terms of artistic expression?
— Photography today is more dynamic than ever. The lines between genres are constantly shifting—documentary merges with fine art, traditional techniques are revived through digital innovation and now, AI-generated imagery is becoming part of the conversation.
What inspires me most is seeing artists use all the creative tools to explore deeply personal and socially relevant themes with honesty and boldness. At the same time, there's increasing pressure to follow trends, especially online and social media. That’s why platforms like FotoSlovo matter — we provide space for authentic voices, beyond algorithms or fleeting aesthetics.
What inspires me most is seeing artists use all the creative tools to explore deeply personal and socially relevant themes with honesty and boldness. At the same time, there's increasing pressure to follow trends, especially online and social media. That’s why platforms like FotoSlovo matter — we provide space for authentic voices, beyond algorithms or fleeting aesthetics.
— What advice would you give to photographers beginning to shape their artistic voice or wishing to gain recognition through photography awards?
— To create fearlessly and with intention. Not wait for perfection— just start. Share your work, submit to contests, reach out to peers. Most importantly, stay connected to the "why" behind your photography. What moves you? What do you want others to feel or question?
I also recommend getting involved with platforms like ours. FotoSlovo isn’t just about competition—it’s about being seen and supported.
I also recommend getting involved with platforms like ours. FotoSlovo isn’t just about competition—it’s about being seen and supported.
— Final thoughts?
— FotoSlovo Team, Jury and me are grateful to the artists who’ve shared their stories and images with us. Every submission to the FotoSlovo Awards tells us something about your vision of the world and our shared humanity. If you feel the urge to express something through photography, now is the time.
We are here to receive and celebrate it!
Warmly,
Anna Laza
Founder of FotoSlovo
We are here to receive and celebrate it!
Warmly,
Anna Laza
Founder of FotoSlovo