Enthst Stories: Jan Nyka
Interviewed by Łukasz Gronowski
Photos: Natalia Jakubowska
Jan Nyka is one of Poland’s leading photographers, specializing in mountain and trail running. He is the only photographer from Poland invited to the most important mountain running events, such as the Lavaredo Ultra Trail, UTMB, Zegama-Aizkorri, and races in the Golden Trail and Skyrunning International series. We will talk with him about how his sensitivity to art, sports, and mountains was shaped by his upbringing and what his running truly looks like.Hi Janek. Please introduce yourself to those, who don’t know you.Jan Nyka, an outdoor photographer and graphic designer. On a daily basis, I work a regular 9-to-5 as a designer and graphic artist, taking on projects that often leave little room for artistic freedom. Photography, especially tied to running—mountain and trail running in particular—is both my passion and my second career. It brings that much-needed sense of freedom and creativity into my professional life. It’s my artistic outlet where I get to decide how the final shot looks. Usually, when someone hires me for a specific job, it’s because they value what I can do and appreciate that my perspective and my photos are uniquely mine.
Where did this passion of photography came from?
I’ve been into photography since I was a child—my dad passed `his passion on to me. I still vividly remember the emotions and joy I felt in the darkroom during my childhood. It was pure magic for me, and that’s probably why I spent a big part of my childhood and youth there rather than kicking a ball on the field.
Art was always present in your family home. Art and the mountains…
My parents created a home filled with art and mountains, a place where inspiring people would often come and go—a home where adventure and humanistic values always came first. My perspective on the world, my sensitivity, and my creative drive were also deeply shaped by my studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw.
Your father, Jozef Nyka, was a figure around whom the most important figures in mountain sports revolved….
Yes, my father was the author of numerous books on mountain-related topics, as well as thousands of articles published in the world’s most prestigious mountaineering magazines. He began his climbing career in 1952 and was one of the leading climbers in the Polish Tatra Mountains, where he established many extreme climbing routes, both in summer and winter conditions. For nearly 30 years (1963–1991), he served as the editor-in-chief of Taternik, Poland’s most important mountaineering journal, which, under his leadership, gained international prestige. As an editor, he became one of the most prominent authorities in the field of mountaineering, reporting on the expeditions of outstanding climbers and chronicling mountain exploration worldwide, while building close relationships with many notable figures in the mountaineering community.My parents had an open home, where, in the evenings, instead of watching TV, you could hear live stories about the mountains. I listened to fresh accounts of climbs and expeditions, as well as tales from the pioneers of mountaineering. All the stars would pass through… I know from my dad that, for example, Wanda Rutkiewicz would visit us as a young girl. Friends and acquaintances of my parents, all connected to the mountains, were frequent guests at our home. Some would drop by occasionally, while others were regulars, almost like family members, such as Andrzej Zawada, Wanda Rutkiewicz, Michał Jagiełło, Andrzej Paczkowski…During official visits to Poland, global stars like John Hunt, André Contamine, or Jean Franco would even stop by for tea. I often found myself as a quiet observer of the planning of bold, groundbreaking ventures. Fortunately, those years were full of the greatest mountain achievements, so there was always a lot happening. News of Polish successes in the highest mountains was the most anticipated and brought joy to many. However, there was a trade-off—tragedies were an inevitable part of this sport. These were particularly painful as they often involved people who were close… Sadly, over those years, many of our friends stayed in the mountains forever.
But you’ve found your own place in the mountains. Art and mountains—it’s your thing. Your passions have led you to photography for some of the biggest trail running events in the world!
For the past few years, I’ve been working regularly in Poland and abroad at international running events like the Lavaredo Ultra Trail, UTMB, Zegama-Aizkorri, Monte Rosa Skymarathon, KAT100, Ultra Tour Monte Rosa, Hochkönigman, and races from the Golden Trail and Skyrunning International series. I’ve specialized in capturing mountain and skyrunning events. I’m fortunate to be invited to these kinds of events as the only photographer from Poland, alongside world-class photographers like Alexis Berg and Ian Corless. This work allows me to continually improve my craft, draw inspiration from the best, and build connections with athletes from all over the world, whom I get to witness up close in deeply emotional moments. As for the top runners in mountain racing, I’ve probably photographed most of the key athletes out there. It’s hard not to when you get the chance to work at the world’s biggest running events, like the UTMB in Chamonix, or at iconic races—every trail runner’s dream—like Zegama-Aizkorri in the Basque Country.
What role do emotions play for you in running? I can see both: calmness and extreme emotion in your photos…
As a photographer, I try, above all, to be a sensitive observer. Close enough to capture emotions and heartfelt moments, yet far enough to stay out of the way. All the contrasts that are brought out by people’s struggle with each other, the effort beyond measure, the taste of defeat and the joy of victory. An honest portrait can sometimes reveal much more about what truly happened than an elaborate photographic story ever could.What captivates me the most are the emotions that surface in people, drawn out by intense exhaustion and the emotional rollercoaster of races or sporting challenges—especially those over long distances. The experiences etched in their eyes, on their faces. It’s a theme that remains an open book for me, full of new challenges and endless fascination. Every person carries a different story, and I feel there are still so many more beautiful stories waiting to be told.
Do you keep in touch with the runners you photograph?
Of course. I’ve been part of this community for a long time—first as a runner and, for almost a decade now, as both a runner and a photographer. Because of that, I know many runners from Poland and around the world, and I’ve formed friendships with quite a few of them.Working at major European running festivals, which often last several days, involves building connections with athletes from around the globe. I get the chance to observe them up close, often in very personal and emotional moments.
If you weren’t a runner yourself, you probably wouldn’t understand the people you photograph so well. Let’s talk about your running journey!
I’ve been running for quite a while now—I started jogging regularly through the woods around 2007. For a few years, distances under 10 km were enough for me. But in 2013, I fell in love with mountain running and ultra distances. When the first edition of the Ultra Trail in the Tatra Mountains was announced, I thought, “This is for me!” A 73 km course in technically challenging terrain sounded like a beautiful challenge for someone who had never run in the mountains before.I managed to register (which wasn’t easy), and most importantly, I completed that incredibly tough race—and I was hooked! The mountains turned out to be the ultimate playground for me, whether it’s summer or winter, regardless of conditions, on short or very long distances. Trail running comes in second place for me, and if the chance arises, I don’t shy away from road running either—on hard surfaces, I prefer distances up to a half-marathon.
Whenever you can, you avoid running on asphalt, don’t you?
When it comes to the difference between environments—road running versus trail and mountain running—they’re definitely two distinct worlds, even though they overlap and influence each other. I’d compare it to climbing on artificial walls versus real mountains, or swimming in a pool versus open water. It seems relatively easy to transition from city running to trail and mountain running, but once you fall in love with trails and mountains, it’s almost impossible to go back to just road running. Of course, mountain running isn’t for everyone—not everyone enjoys the mountains. Some people don’t feel comfortable with exposure, and others might have a fear of heights or wide-open spaces.
What motivates you the most to run? Watching the achievements of other runners, personal records, or maybe just plain addiction?
Like a true addict, I don’t need motivation to run!
What matters the most to you in running: improving your personal records, maintaining physical and mental health, or simply the ritual of it all?
For me, it’s definitely the act of running itself. Running is a mix of everything that brings me a sense of well-being.
Do you prefer running solo, with a close companion, or in a group?
All of these options are close to my heart, each adding something unique to the running experience.
What’s your approach to races? Do you always aim for a personal best, or do you simply enjoy taking part in it?
I love races and the spirit of competition. I always give it my all, but that doesn’t stop me from appreciating the joy of participation.
What’s your most intense running experience?
When it comes to the scenery, I find the biggest emotions and the most satisfying dose of adrenaline in challenging mountain terrain—what’s often referred to as skyrunning.
How do you handle injuries?
I don’t ever get injured.
Do you listen to music while running? Those ultra runs can be pretty grueling, right?
I love music, but I don’t need it while running. I feel like it distracts me from immersing myself in the sounds of nature.
What role does your diet play?
A high-protein diet with regular meal times works best for me. I try not to overeat and keep gaps between meals to no more than 3–4 hours. I’m a “meat-eater” and eat almost everything—except junk food, of course. About a year ago, I completely gave up alcohol, and I’ve noticed what a positive change it’s been.During races, I avoid overly sweet products. Most running gels don’t work for me because of their high sugar content or “artificial” taste. My favorites are HOLYFAT Brutal Salty, and occasionally GU or Huma.
What other factors impact the quality of your running? Sleep, meditation, training plans?
Ever since I started exercising daily (gym/bands), I’ve noticed how much a strong body contributes to the quality of my running—just as much as running training itself. As a result, I run lower volumes, but that doesn’t interfere with my progress, and it significantly reduces the risk of muscle fatigue and injuries.
What about your favorite recovery method?
I definitely need to work on carving out more time for recovery! I absolutely love the sauna and a good, strong sports massage.
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Thanks, Janek. I wish you balance between your work and passion—and plenty of time to recover!
ŁG