During the month of March, we had the pleasure to work with seven female photographers for our “OUT” exhibition which was a charity project collaboration with Bethune House in the spirit of International Women’s Day. We asked them a round of questions on what inspires them, what they wish there was more of, and what advice they would give to the next generation.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?Neiahma:
I mainly connect different visuals with metaphors, so everything I see inspires me. Growing up in Hong Kong, the bizarre hustle in local places and the fusion of East and West draw my attention the most.
Tung Tung:
I am not good at expressing my emotions so taking photos became the my way for me of showing my emotions. How I feel and how I see things are my main source of inspiration.
Elizabeth:
A lot of it starts from concepts, mathematical, and scientific concepts. I am very open to every medium, for example, right now I am in coding so I incorporate that into my work. I see myself as a creative other than a photographer.
AS A FEMALE PHOTOGRAPHER, WHAT DO YOU WISH THERE ARE MORE OF?
Nikola:
I wish there was more respect and trust for female photographers. I often find that people think we aren’t able to handle a set or that we are physically unable to do what male photographers can do. I believe that as a female photographer, we do have many advantages- for example- intimate gender work such as lingerie, bridal, and maternity photography as these types of clients would feel more comfortable with a female photographer.
Tung Tung:
More opportunities more assurance. I don't want us to be categorized as weak ( physically and mentally) or unprofessional. That's narrow-minded.
Natalie:
I wish there were more mentorship programs for female photographers, especially by other more established female photographers who have experience in this industry. Workshops that encourage and help the next generation of female creators navigate through this industry.
WHAT WORD OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE NEW ERA OF FEMALE PHOTOGRAPHERS?
Emily:
Just take the camera and capture what you like. Make the visions in your head a reality. Be confident as photography is a very welcoming industry. You can try anything you like and many others will be supportive and there for you.
Ruby:
Trust in the process and believe in yourself.
I didn’t have a glamorous start to my career. I started out by shooting events and taking food photos for restaurants, and I was working for the sake of working. I wasn’t thinking about building my portfolio, it was about how I could find the next client so I could afford the basic equipment that I needed. I didn’t know whether this could be a career for me, and at times when I felt frustrated, I told myself ‘Just hang in there a little longer’, and eventually something amazing will come along.
Elizabeth:
Don't be afraid to box yourself. Look around as there is so much more you can do!
We hope that you got great insights from our female photographers!
Just in case you want to find them in the digital space here are their socials:
Elizabeth @ekezia
Nikola @nixelsandpixels
Ruby @rubylaw
Natalie @natdunn_photography
Neiahma @neiama
Tung Tung @tung903
Emily @emilydrinkschocolate