It’s an undisputed fact; there are fewer women in the arena of nature photography than there are men. But why? Do men bring something special to the arena? Or is it simply a stereotype that this is a man’s profession? There doesn’t appear to be a clear reason for the disparity between the numbers of men and women in this profession.
Let’s dig a little deeper. What are the necessary traits and skills that are actually required of a nature photographer? Imagine the following advertisement:
WANTED: Nature Photographer
Must have:
- A love of nature and adventure
- Skill with a camera and computers
- A creative and artistic eye
- Story telling and writing skills
- Willingness to persist through difficult challenges
- Tolerance and enjoyment of outdoor conditions and all sorts of weather
- Business savvy and marketing abilities
- Patience and a collaborative personality
None of these qualifications are gender based. They are a diverse set of skills that encompass the profession of nature photography. Who says that men possess these talents in greater numbers than women do? Why has this imbalance occurred?
Let’s learn the facts and bust these myths.
Women aren’t delicate flowers.
- We give birth.
- Women are in the military, right alongside male colleagues, carrying heavy combat gear and enduring challenging weather, long hours, and physical battle.
- Women are 50% of our astronaut force.
- Women work on oil rigs and fight fires.
- Women captain ships on every sea.
- Women climb Mt. Everest. In fact, 536 women have reached the summit.
Clearly, women are as capable as men of being successful professional nature photographers. So, if the profession is so gender neutral, then why are there fewer women? We believe that there are multiple, complex factors at play, but there are a few components that seem to matter most.
Safety
As the “Me too” movement has shown us, most women have been sexually harassed, pursued, or simply pestered. This can also happen to women nature photographers. It’s not always safe to be a woman alone, especially in an isolated location. Women are raised to look over their shoulders for potential dangers. Although those dangers could be physical, like extreme cold or having an unintended interaction with a large predator, more often than not, they are related to people (or more specifically to men). Traveling alone in foreign countries can present even more security risks. Possible solutions include preparation, which is the best way to avoid bad situations. Research and carefully laying the groundwork for a safe trip is paramount to personal security. Traveling with a trusted guide, or going with a savvy partner or friend can be fun, in addition to being safer.
Misconceptions
There are also some common misconceptions about nature photography. You don’t have to travel far away or to dangerous places to capture beautiful images or tell a story. Many successful nature photographers make their living locally. The profession goes beyond the “Big 5” or documenting predators in action. Some photographers specialize in insects, flowers and even fungi. The field of nature photography can be sculpted into what works for your personal interests, aspirations, time frame and budget.
Parental responsibilities
Women are often mothers or primary caregivers. While it can be taxing to juggle parenting and career, solutions such as sharing responsibilities with a partner or hiring a nanny can provide emotional and logistical relief. Some women enjoy bringing their children into the field with them, depending on their chosen subject. It teaches kids about developing an appreciation for nature and conservation. It’s all about balance and finding what works for each specific family.
Competition
Nature photography is a very competitive field. There are a plethora of photographers who throw their hat into the ring and hope to get their work published. Unfortunately, there are limited opportunities available, regardless of talent, drive and motivation. While there is no difference in the quality of photographs taken by men and women, men tend to be more overtly competitive than women. Don’t get us wrong. Women, once in a professional setting, are just as successful as men are. But studies, such as one by Stanford, have shown that women often “choose not to compete because of an age-old barrier – lack of confidence.” In many ways, the lack of women in nature photography is similar to the underrepresentation of women in science and other STEM careers. Harvard studies have shown that women are 38% less likely to choose to participate in competitive arenas than men. Societal norms, and in some cases parental expectations, may also steer women away from careers in science and nature photography.
Marketing
It may not be very appealing for women to enter a field that is largely marketed to men. For many years, nature photography has been geared towards males. Camera gear is frequently marketed to and designed for men. The majority of photographers sponsored by camera companies are male. Even some technical gear, such as outdoor clothing for sub-zero temperatures, isn’t made in available women’s sizes.
Role Models
When looking for career inspiration, there is a gender imbalance in the number of female role models in nature photography. With so few women in the career for aspiring female photographers to look up to, it’s hard for some to see the job as a realistic, suitable fit for women. The cycle of nature photography being a male-dominated profession is then perpetuated.
There is no absolute single reason to explain why women are so underrepresented in the field of nature photography. It’s a complex issue, complicated by human psychology, logistics and culture and there are no simple solutions. We can make a dent in the disparity between the numbers of men and women in this profession by encouraging girls to pursue an interest in the field of nature photography. Our founder, Suzi Eszterhas, and numerous other women are thriving despite the challenges— but perceptions and stereotypes need to change.
Inspiring Change
Girls Who Click (GWC) is a new nonprofit organization that aims to inspire a new generation of female nature photographers. Through a network of the US’ most esteemed female nature photographers, GWC will offer FREE workshops for teen girls across the country. Participating students will engage with a role model who helps them to gather the confidence and skills to pursue their passion and apply it as adult photographers.
Please support the launch of Girls Who Click and change the lives of the next generation of female nature photographers by making a donation to our crowd funding campaign.
by far THE most idiotic article, with THE dumbest “arguments” on the petapixel site. Typical stupid feminist empty rhetoric where it starts with “women and men are JUST AS CAPABLE” but then continues with an entire list of motives on why women STILL need SPECIAL treatment – thus blatantly contradicting the “equally capable” LIE made in the first place.
LITERALLY every single “debunking of myths” is simply yet another excuse and blame the others kinda thing presented as real hindrances when the reality is that women are NOT as capable as men.
And the implied rape “argument” is a shameless pathetic disgusting excuse for your incontestable shortcomings.
And then you have the audacity to go on begging for money?!?
When was the last time you saw such a “campaign” to give special treatment for boys/men?
But we are still equal, right? LOLOL
Feminist hypocrisy, delusion and stupidity at it’s finest.
Now go on and delete/censor this comment, another typical trait of such “writers” as you when the truth is simply unbearable to hear.
Wow, that’s a lot of hate there. I don’t know how you can attack this effort to connect young women with role models, and get them outside in nature taking pictures. There is absolutely no question that photography is marketed more towards men than women. There is no question that women traveling alone in remote foreign locations, particularly when carrying expensive camera gear, are at greater risk of attack or theft. If you think women aren’t as capable as men (nature photographers), go out with Ami Vitali, or Daisy Gilardini, or Tui de Roy, or Suzi Eszterhas, or Melissa Farlow, et al, and see how you compete.
🙌🙌🙌🙌
I can hardly think of how you could have better illustrated the underlying problems, Ion! Well played, sir. Well, I assume you’re a sir.
No, we’re not deleting your post as it is a prime example of the sort of sexism that professional women encounter. Thank you for proving our point.
Sincerely, Girls Who Click
Ion,
What are you afraid of? Hiding behind your computer screen and ranting is a base reaction of a frightened animal.
Women photographers don’t want to take anything away from you or any other men (assuming you are male?) . It seems you feel threatened by a woman being interested in conveying the beauty, wonder and importance of the natural world; threatened by the idea that a woman’s eye/brain might open a window not seen before. Your argument hearkens back to the arcane concept of keeping women uneducated and in the kitchen— god forbid that they might intellectually contribute something of value to society. You really needn’t be afraid. Your fear will only block your possible creativity.
The idea posed with this article, of defining a problem and addressing it openly and honestly, can be equally applied to your personal problems— you might consider dismounting from your high-horse and looking yourself in the mirror— then get out there and make some nice pictures.
Comments like these are the reason landscape photography is still a sausage fest. Comments like these make insecure men think it’s okay to say and act in the vein of your comment towards female photographers and females in general. It’s not a censorship on thought and opinion, it’s a good hard lesson on how to act against one another. I’d hate for your comment to be deleted, it’s a prime example towards us men to see how other men act towards women. Regarding the treatment of men and boys, I can highly recommend the documentary “The mask you live in”, I think you need to see it. I hope you keep your mind open. It’s not the 1800′ hundreds anymore. Cheers. And happy shooting.
Ion, as myself a man, reading your comments are incredibly hurtful, untrue, and sad. They also make me angry. I can only imagine how they would make me feel reading them as a women. You too, are one of the reasons women may not feel welcomed in this industry. Don’t be all proud of yourself quite yet, there are more and more women photographers, and with girls who click there will be a ton more. You can keep on ranting, but your voice will be drowned out by all the people who want to create positive change in this world, unlike you.
Thank you Sebastian !! I find the article right on point. I know many female photographers who are amazing, but we cannot get a break when it comes to nature photography. We can do the boring family photo’s or graduation, but for some of us it just don’t move us !! I myself am a wildlife and nature photographer and I’m very good at it as well, but I have male photographers who do triple of what I do and they making a living off of it. It’s almost like we are way back in time and our photo’s our eyes and our love for the great outdoors is not looked at on the same level as a mans. Here is to the Girlswhoclick.. We need more..
Thank you. Your support is so appreciated!
Did mummy upset you Ion when you were young? Go back to your basement and keep your hatred to yourself, and let the grown up talk about women and nature photography
I traveled to Ecuador with 7K worth of camera gear and needed to hire a male personal guard to travel with me so that I wouldn’t get mugged and knifed for my equipment. Men don’t need to do things like that. Let’s just say it’s an extra load of stress and expense to live this photographer’s life as a woman.
Honestly, I can absolutely see why girls don’t go in to nature photography. Most of the amateurs are crashing bores who want to argue about whether a 300mm with a 1.4x TC on a crop sensor is a better choice, or is you need a 400mm with a 2.0x TC on a full frame sensor.
The peer groups in photography are not much better, mind you, but the amateur nature crowd seems more gear obsessed than anyone else.
Good on ya for all your work!
Hahahaha. I donated because a) Amy Vitali rocks, my daughter just started taking photos and playing around with a camera, for Rebecca Jackral (a fab nature photographer taken too early) and because of dumbasses like the dude above who is probably lonely, sad, and boring. Here’s to Girls Who Click.
Thank you for your support!
Bravo for you!
Thank you girls who click for creating the opportunity for girls to enter into a positive environment, for championing their abilities, for helping them create the change they want to see through photography. Such an amazing organization! Keep up the great work!
Wow, “Ion” is a creep and a troll. I’ve survived a couple of male dominated careers, forestry and oceanography. I had a long career with the USFS and about to retire from the NPS. I spent significant time on the fire line, on the Arctic Ocean, working in the field as a forester and a hydrologist. I don’t know what world you live in, but it isn’t mine. I and many others before me, and even more after me have been very successful. There is no reason why women can’t succeed at wildlife photography. Go away, Ion, you are a troll. I recommend the admin delete your comment – because its purpose is served: no one replied and talked about their experience – they only gave attention to your comment. I want to hear encouraging words from others – not responses to you.
Thanks for chiming in, Karen. Wow – what a career you had with the USFS and NPS! You are another wonderful role model for young ladies today!
This has been an interesting read – born in the late fifties I have experienced my fair share of (at the time) acceptable harassment from men as a femle in a male dominated industry. And lately in my third career as a Natural History Photographer the implied harassment from a lack of manners generally from the same e.g. in wildlife hide, limited view, desirable creature apears at the best spot in front of my lens, after a few shots the polite and civilised action is to step down and invite someone else to ocupy the space. The offer is taken with alactrity but I have NEVER had a man do the same – hogging the space till the creature is gone. In my voluntry conservation work I have without fail, stopped to support both sexes, where I think I can offer valuable insights to the creatures / environment in my care. Never received the same consideration from men in the field. But my response isnt meant as a rant and is the first tiem Ihasve publically voiced this view- It is only by leading the way by example can we expect to enhance the membership and characteristics of the Natural History Photographic Genre. Girls Who Click is one of those examples. Fantastic!!!
Great article! In my opinion, the lens plays an important role to make someone a famous photographer, because the lens will make the biggest impact on the final outcome of an image. In regards to the artistic look of a shot, the lens will be in far more control than the camera body. I personally use Nikon D3200 compatible lenses, the reason the lens is still the go-to even for autofocus is that it controls the accuracy, and the accuracy tends to be more important!
As a woman photographer myself I wholeheartedly agree with admin on the dangers and challenges of a woman traveling alone. I lived in Asia for six years and travelled the backroads of China and India and Malaysia in the 1990s. It was difficult to impossible at times for women to be accepted in many villages and on public transportation. I did it. But would not recommend it for the faint hearted. Today I live in the US and am still uneasy about going some places here in the West on my own to photograph wild horses. I’ve done it but have come up against some very queasy situations that make me rethink going back out on my own.