Photographers who happen to be women?
hello world,
Today I have something that I just have to ask. (although some here say I shouldn’t)
I just want to get this out there, air it out a bit and get some insight from the photo public. Male and female.
I also feel the need to stand up for some of my photographer friends that happen to be women and happen to be amazing.
Disclaimer .....I am in no way trying to offend, stir up bees or anything of the sort. I am in no way stating that I don’t like women photographers and I am in no way saying that men are better photographers. Those would be very stupid pig headed statements. I actually feel quite the opposite. Ok, so now that you know where I am coming from......
I have been hearing about this photo magazine for women. Its description is as follows...
“PIX is a photography lifestyle magazine for women. If you love to snap photos, chances are you’re pretty creative and artsy about the rest of your world too. It’s important to you that your business is modern and cool, you’ve always got an eye out for hip clothing and accessories, and looking professional and shooting well are top priorities. If this sounds like you, PIX is here to help! In each issue you’ll find tips, ideas, products and trend reports for women in photography. PIX also includes features, beauty and fashion tips and much more!”Here are a few cover articles for this issue...“Get stronger, Follow our Fitness Tips”
“Shoot in Style, more than 50 irresistible accessories”
“Smudge-proof makeup tips for long days behind the camera”
Could this be more offensive to women?!
When I first read this I was immediately disgusted. I found it extremely degrading to photographers who happen to be women. It reads like a Cosmo or even a Tiger Beat! It screams that women photographers should worry more about trends, clothing options and smudge-proof makeup than any actual photography techniques. As long as we are cool, trendy and beautiful all is well. Who needs to know what an f stop means. Does my nail polish match my L lens? Flats or pumps? You get the idea.
I guess i’m just pissed that this publication and those like it make women look weak in the world of photography when this is the farthest from the truth. Some of the most iconic images in history were made and will be made by a photographer that happened to be a woman. I’ll list a few off the top of my head, actually off of my bookshelf. These are photographers that have inspired me and thousands of others.
Diane Arbus
Margaret Bourke-White
Bernice Abbott
Eve Arnold
Dorothea Lange
Imogen Cunningham
Annie Leibovitz
Mary Ellen Mark
Joyce Tenneson
These of course are just a few, but ones that get me in the heart.
Seriously can’t we just be photographers?
Next thing you know there is going to be a trash photo mag for men out called Dix.
Lets see what some of the cover stories would be there...
"How to shoot a 12 hour day and not feel like there is a 1/4 of water in your underwear"
"Boxers or jockeys for those 100 degree days"
"Best facial hair for a beach wedding"
Ok so do you as women also find this magazine degrading or am I way off base here.
My feeling is if you're in the magazine... get out! It is just feeding the morons that are making a buck at the cost of segregation.
There’s the topic of the day.... Discuss.
Keep on clickin'
Parker J (photographer)