Photography – A Woman’s Perspective
I am not going to beat around the bush, sometimes it feels like I want to slap someone for assuming I have no clue what I am doing because I am a female. This is not just from men but women as well.
We assume women are not technical and have been brainwashed to think “Because I am a woman I can’t be technical”.
We assume most females are natural light photographers because they don’t know how to use flashes.
Screw that! Some of the best technical photographers I know are women because they were not afraid to challenge the status quo.
How are you going to know if you are not technical if you don’t even pick up a flash and start shooting?
Brainwashed
Most women are brainwashed from a young age that we should stick to lady things. The men are supposed to fix things and work with tools. We get told we are helpless and can’t drive to save our lives. This list goes on! So what do we do? We then think what people tell us, is our reality. We believe we are useless technically. We want to say we are equal to men, yet we remain in a bubble of our comfort zone. We have created our mindset.
Breaking the mold
Some of us are lucky enough to have had moms or dads to teach us some basic skills in life, like changing a plug. My father didn’t stereotype me and was all too happy for me to work alongside him. I have never stood back and let anybody tell me I can’t do something because I am a woman, the only reason I can’t do something is that I have not skilled up on it, yet.
Am I going to drive a forklift… no, not because I am a woman, but because I have no idea what the hell I am doing? Can I learn to drive a forklift? Yes absolutely! Do I want to? NO!
Get out of your comfort zone.
I have so many lady photographers telling me they are not technical, this is a mental block.
How do you know you can’t work some settings on a flash if you haven’t tried?
Women often put themselves in a little box, I am telling you to get the hell out of the comfort zone. Read up, go for courses, watch youtube videos. Your only limitation in life is you.
Take the leap
Ok, you are up for the challenge. Now we have some obstacles in our way, obviously because although you are prepared to get out of the box, people around you are still narrow-minded.
9 Tips for female photographers
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Skill up. Watch Youtube videos, read blogs and go for courses.
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Join a Woman Only photography group on Facebook that inspires and empowers female photographers.
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When buying gear, do some research and if at all possible speak to a lady salesperson if that will make you feel more comfortable.
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Second shoot with female photographers to gain more knowledge for specific photoshoots.
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Don’t take it personally when other people put you in a box. This is their mindset, not yours!
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You need to practice. Try, try and try again. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
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If you don’t know, ask!
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NEVER QUIT!
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Prove them wrong! But do it for yourself and delight in the fact that you did it!
At times during your photography journey, you will get frustrated and question yourself and your capabilities and people will put you down. But as long as you keep on learning and improving your skills you will get to a point one day where you will be empowering other lady photographers around you.
Me in action! If I can do it, anyone can!