Agnieszka Rayss

Dr. Agnieszka Rayss is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Visual Design Department at the Faculty of Design, SWPS University in Warsaw. She also leads the Open Artificial Intelligence Workshop and serves as Head of the Photo-Video Studio at School of Form. Her academic work bridges traditional photography with emerging AI technologies in design.

Her research interests focus on documentary photography, urban landscapes, and the intersection of artificial intelligence with visual design. Rayss explores how photography documents cultural transformations, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, and investigates the evolving relationship between humans and technology in creative processes.

Her publications reveal a consistent theme of documenting societal changes through visual media, with particular attention to urban environments and cultural identity. The works show progression from traditional documentary photography toward exploring technology's role in contemporary visual culture.

• Pictures of the Year competition (two-time winner)
• Hasselblad Masters Award (two-time finalist)
• Grand Press Photo
• BZWBK Press Photo
• Newsreportaż competitions

Rayss leads numerous photography workshops at SWPS University's School of Form, the Institute of Polish Culture at University of Warsaw, and Centre National Audiovisuel in Luxembourg. She has served as curator for the ShowOff section of Krakow Photomonth and as juror for multiple photography competitions. Her Open Artificial Intelligence Workshop explores the integration of AI technologies in contemporary design practices.

Rayss co-founded the Sputnik Photos association and maintains active involvement in both academic and professional photography communities through workshops, exhibitions, and competitions.