To all women image makers

‘10 years ago I was standing at a bus stop with 2 kids by my side, on my way to a women’s refuge.’ she said.

‘Since then I guess I’ve been hiding.’

I had blitzed the photographer’s work and we were on a Zoom call. In amongst the lovely short-depth-of-field peonies on tables and little girls running through fields, there were images that had leapt out at me more.

They were powerful, direct, confident images of people, and they had something to say. They seemed at odds with her fluffy light imagery.

When I talked to her about my discovery she was shocked.

She revealed her story.

She’d been keeping herself small behind cutsey pictures of flowers and anything to NOT stand out. Just getting by. (Which she did very well, via lots of editorial work).

It took the Blitz for her to remember who she was. An incredibly strong woman who had survived abuse and now deserved to REALLY be seen (which we made happen).

Images don’t lie.

But she’s not alone.

Many women who’s work I see seem to be hiding a little. Trying to fit in.

In fact as a mother of a child with ASD, I learned that even with autism, a syndrome known to substantially reduce social awareness, this is an issue.

Psychologist Rachel L Hiller says,

‘Girls may be hiding in plain sight. They appear to have less severe symptoms than boys and to be better able to mask their social challenges at school’

When I was an agent, the few women photographers who came to see me were perfectly capable, very professional and good communicators, but I’m going to be honest here. The work was often boring.

In a world where the entire purpose was to help brands stand out, I was always looking for photographers who stood out to me, and would stand out to the creatives I worked with. I knew that’s what they wanted.

And they still want that now.

Of course I did rep some amazing women photographers.

And these days I am privileged to work with many many women image makers, and am passionate about helping them own their uniqueness, and stand for something.

In fact, it’s essential that more and more women and non-binary photographers, filmmakers, and creatives stand out from the crowd.

As we approach the end of woman’s history month, I want to celebrate all those amazing women creatives.

For being brave enough to choose a career that was always the domain of men.

For succeeding against all odds.

And if you are owning your own unique visual voice, well that’s next level.

This IS your time.

If you need help defining your own unique voice, schedule a free call with me here to discuss how I can help you find clarity and direction and stand out from the crowd.