Photography stays stubbornly controlled by guys. In terms of commissioning, exhibit and publication of work, there is a noticeable absence of equality in the market. Information collected by our friends who are women photographers, an action to promote their photos and support photographers women, 8 of the world’s leading papers printed far fewer lead pictures by women than by males.

Go deeper into the photojournalism market and it gets bleaker. Taking a look at the UK Union of Journalists membership, the photography sector is especially lacking in the balance between men and women.

In the most recent global report on The State of News Photography 2/3 of women, photographers said that they faced discrimination in the workplace. When further inquired about challenges to success, they pointed out sexism, market stereotypes or practices and absence of chances for women.

What changed?

Historically, patriarchal dominance and institutional power structures in the market were reinforced by the language and images used in photographic advertising aimed at women. While all the ads are targeting male photographers considered they have more knowledge and higher ability, women such as the Kodak Girl were used to offer this to more women. First introduced in 18 century, she was commonly provided as a sign of female independence, flexibility and development for 80 years, however, the underlying implications of phrases like “even mum could use it” were less favourable.

Regardless of such unfavourable stereotyping, not all women were discouraged from picking up their first electronic camera, but the longer-term impact of gendered language is manifested in the states mentioned above.

Thankfully things are slowly beginning to improve, and both women and males are challenging photography’s patriarchal discourse. 1/3 photographers selected to show were women.
Lots of more women are consisted of in this year’s programme, including younger and emerging practitioners as well as established names. The truth of the matter is that it took a challenge to the status quo for the problem to be addressed, rather than gender equality being an inherent part of the celebration.

Galleries of female-only photographers

The type of intrinsic equality that the industry requires is beginning to appear at more of a grassroots level. Collectives and along with female-artist only galleries such are appearing. They assure to reveal that greater variety produces a richer and more nuanced collection of visual responses.

More can certainly be done to make the work of female photographers more popular. Speaking at the Women in Photography conference earlier this year, industry teacher shared data gathered from female photographers about what could be done to make sure much better assistance and career progression for them and other women. The usual best answer – “more responsibilities”. The mentorship was also high on the list and can be extremely efficient in constructing confidence and developing professional networks.