The effort will culminate in a large-format illustrated book, a documentary film, and various exhibitions, showcasing Poland’s landscapes, culture, commerce and everyday life.
The project, titled One Day in Poland; 24 Hours in the Heart of Europe, is the latest in a celebrated series which was created by Rick Smolan, a renowned storyteller and pioneer in integrating photography with advanced media technology.
The series began in 1981 with A Day in the Life of Australia. Over the past four decades, variations of the series have produced nearly 20 volumes, selling millions of copies worldwide, and establishing entirely new benchmarks for illustrated photo books, in terms of both the scope of production and innovative technologies used.
Smolan's other projects have highlighted diverse subjects ranging from healthcare and the Internet to the global water crisis and American politics.
This will be the first time Smolan's team undertakes such a project in Poland.
Explaining the choice, Smolan pointed to Poland’s growing global prominence.
"Interest in Poland has been steadily increasing, thanks to the achievements of its artists, entrepreneurs, and athletes, as well as its inspiring response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. I’ve been deeply moved by the generosity of the Polish people and believe now is the perfect moment for a high-profile project to further elevate Poland’s image as a vibrant, fascinating country worth exploring," Smolan said.
The initiative aims to provide a fresh perspective on Poland, delving beyond its well-known landmarks to portray the diversity of life across cities, small towns, and rural areas.
“Our photographers will go everywhere — from Warsaw and Kraków to villages and countryside — capturing the soul of the nation through its people and places,” Smolan explained.
The Day in the Life series and its associated titles have consistently attracted Pulitzer Prize winners, World Press Photo laureates, and other top-tier talent.
Smolan noted that these projects focus on capturing "everyday, ordinary life," showcasing what unites humanity through work, celebrations and traditions.
"In a world where divisions are growing, these projects build bridges by cherishing our common humanity," he said.
For Poland, the team will feature both internationally acclaimed photographers and rising stars, with around 20 leading Polish photojournalists participating.
Tomasz Tomaszewski, Poland’s most prominent photojournalist and a long-time National Geographic contributor, will advise the project.
“To have my homeland portrayed by such distinguished colleagues is an absolute pleasure,” Tomaszewski said.
While the book is central, the project will include a behind-the-scenes documentary, large-scale exhibitions, and digital content.
Ralph Talmont, the Warsaw-based producer, emphasized that the goal is to create "a rich, wide-ranging experience built around excellent photography," with thousands of images distilled into a compelling portrait of Poland.
Public participation will play a significant role. A dedicated website will invite amateur and professional photographers to contribute their images, replicating the success of Smolan’s America 24/7 project, which combined professional and public submissions into a widely celebrated series.
Funding for the project will come from corporate sponsors and other sources.
Smolan is seeking partnerships with Polish companies and global corporations investing in Poland.
“We aim to create a lasting, positive impression of Poland, promoting its global image and its position as a key player on the international stage,” Smolan said.
The project draws on Smolan’s proven track record of driving tourism and cultural interest.
Spain’s former director of tourism, Ignacio Vasallo, recalled working with Smolan on A Day in the Life of Spain. “It became one of the most successful promotions of Spain during my tenure, driving both international and domestic tourism,” Vasallo said.
Smolan’s career includes projects that have transcended photography, such as his National Geographic assignment about Robyn Davidson’s solo journey across the Australian Outback, and Davidson's own book about the adventure, being turned into the 2013 film Tracks, starring Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver.
As preparations begin, Smolan is optimistic about the project’s potential.
"With our experience in high-profile media and publishing, I believe we can tell Poland’s story in innovative ways that resonate globally," he concluded.