Women photographers are fortunate. Unlike other titles, photographer has no gender. Women photographers don't have to force stilted language like "flight attendant" instead of "stewardess," or "letter carrier" instead of "mailman." "Photographer" doesn't have the historical male/female titles such as "author" and "authoress," or "actor" vs. "actress." Women photographers may not even have to battle the associated gender that "doctors" or "nurses" do. Did you know that bank tellers always were men up until WWII because it was thought that women couldn't handle money?
So when you visualize a photographer, is it a man or woman? It probably depends on your most recent contact with one. But when you look at a photograph, can you tell whether it was taken by a man or a woman? Probably not. So, at least on one side of the lens, it doesn't make a difference that the photographer is a woman.
So why is it important to talk about women and photography? Because, according to a recent study conducted at the University of California at Irvine, women's brains are different than men's.
The study found that women have more "white matter" than men. White matter handles the connections of the brain's processing centers. Men, on the other hand, have more "gray matter" than women. Gray matter controls the information processing centers in the brain. According to Rex Jung, a neuropsychologist and co-author of the study, "this may help to explain why men tend to excel in tasks requiring more local processing (like mathematics), while women tend to excel at integrating and assimilating information from distributed gray-matter regions in the brain, such as required for language facility." Although different, the study found that both types of brain designs are "capable of producing equivalent intellectual performance." http://today.uci.edu/news/release_detail.asp?key=1261
It therefore makes sense that when women think and learn about photography, and even when they take photos, their approach is different than men's. What should women photographers do, then, with this information?
First, women should acknowledge and celebrate their differences. There is no right way to approach photography, as long as it works for you. Don't try to imitate male photographers, and certainly don't be uncomfortable with how you shoot. Second, study the work of women photographers who were pioneers, such as Imogen Cunningham and Dorothea Lange, as well as current women photographers such as Linde Waidhofer, Lisl Dennis and Joyce Tenneson. They may have created easier paths for you to follow.
Most important, you should look for support as a woman photographer. There are organizations that specifically serve the needs of women photographers. A primary example is "Women in Photography International." Its mission is to promote the visibility of women photographers and their work through a variety of programs, exhibitions, juried competitions and publications.
Seek programs like that provided by the Professional Photographers of America ("P.P.A."). It held its 2nd annual "Women in Photography Retreat" this past August. The purpose of the event was to "embark on an exciting journey of self-discovery . . . to forge new friendships, cultivate your strengths, and shape strategies for your personal, professional and creative development in a relaxing, stress free resort." You also should evaluate your situation. Does your local camera club involve you as a woman photographer? Do you get the support you need from your friends and family? You may have to make some careful choices about your associates if they don't encourage your art.
Likewise, you should examine whether you are getting the photography instruction that you need. It doesn't have to come from a woman for it to help you. Choose photography workshops that offer the opportunity to share the passion and inspiration with all photographic artists in a welcoming environment. Finally, you should use your female advantage in photography. There are the obvious areas. You can be in the bride's dressing room and you can make a connection with the crying baby. There are the less obvious items, too. You can "communicate" with the person who speaks a different language, connect with the wild animal or see the unique lines of the landscapes. Let your vision expand to its fullest, female state.
This is not to suggest that you become a ranting feminist photographer. The art of photography is to be cherished and appreciated, regardless of whether it is done by a woman or a man. The point is that photography has no gender. As a photographer, you should create superb images of enduring quality. The viewer won't care who it came from. Don't let any artificial designations get in your way. But you also should acknowledge, celebrate, explore and nourish your difference. You may be pleased with what you discover.
Copyright 2005 Carolyn E. Wright
--- ABOUT THE AUTHOR ---
Carolyn Wright is a professional photographer with an active portrait, event and nature photography business. Shooting for 25 years, her award-winning images have been used in books and corporate marketing materials. Her wildlife photos will be included in the upcoming book, "Captivating Wildlife - Images from the Top Ten Emerging Wildlife Photographers" by Scott Bourne and David Middleton. She also is working with Scott Bourne on "Wolfscapes," a photo book documenting the beauty and strength of wolves. Her wildlife images can be viewed at http://www.vividwildlife.com..
On the faculty of Olympic Mountain School of Photography, Carolyn's passion is enhanced when teaching photography. She enjoys writing and speaking on the subject, as well, and is a regular columnist for PhotoFocus, an online magazine for serious photographers.
Culver prom limo ..For years I wondered how big the bucks were that... Read More
A few years ago I became interested in digital photography,... Read More
Early cameras of the 16th and 17th century were able... Read More
Too many people have the idea that being paid to... Read More
Disposable cameras are cheap and easy to use. If you... Read More
A photo buyer calls for a picture of pigs. It... Read More
It's hard to find sometimes but it's making a resurgence,... Read More
Remember the good old photography days?Film camera in hand, you... Read More
I've been practising wildlife photography on safari for over twenty... Read More
It doesn't matter if your emailing photos of your grandson... Read More
There are many different types of photography. You can take... Read More
The path to picking a digital camera usually leads to... Read More
Portrait is defined as, "A likeness of a person, especially... Read More
Photography is a vast world. There are many different types... Read More
Digital photography has taken off like wildfire these days, primarily... Read More
There is a wide world of photography. It touches each... Read More
Point and click. The new life of digital cameras gives... Read More
The digital camera being a fantastic and technologically advanced device... Read More
Like many people who've made the switch from film cameras... Read More
Looking at the digital camera, a person can visualize it... Read More
You may have already started to make money from your... Read More
There are a large number of digital camera accessories available... Read More
So you have this great digital camera and you've taken... Read More
There are really great advantages in digital photography:You can shoot... Read More
If you have hopes of becoming a professional photographer, or... Read More
Wood Dale limo ..Every Mom wants to take great photos of their babies... Read More
What have you done with the photos you've taken with... Read More
Love is in the air at the Venice Rookery. The... Read More
The digital camera being a fantastic and technologically advanced device... Read More
Outlined below is a list of genres that call for... Read More
Women photographers are fortunate. Unlike other titles, photographer has no... Read More
Think about Laurel and Hardy for a moment, or Charlie... Read More
Imagine taking your new digital camera on a vacation and... Read More
Underwater photography's is primarily focused towards entertaining and informing the... Read More
There are a large number of digital camera accessories available... Read More
There is one simple technique any body can do to... Read More
The photos you took of the party are really great... Read More
In the age of home phones and 8x10's we all... Read More
When my old Olympus digital camera got broke while caving... Read More
What I learned from a mentor that enabled me to... Read More
Let's get something straight right out of the box. If... Read More
Tight BudgetsTight budgets are common these days. But the demand... Read More
So you are a small business person or web designer... Read More
Why Pinhole Photography?It's fun. It's creative. It's educative about the... Read More
There are a large number of top 10 digital camera... Read More
You've read all the "best digital camera" articles, got the... Read More
PrefaceIn order to understand color management, it is important to... Read More
Photography is a vast world. There are many different types... Read More
About Personalized Photo Calendars:Photo Calendars are 12-month, wall-hanging calendars that... Read More
Demystifying Digital Camera JargonWant to buy a digital camera but... Read More
Photography |