Recently Nikon released a new camera. It is one that many have been waiting for, the D850. It is the update for the popular 800 series and has been highly anticipated. Nikon Asia naturally wanted to promote the camera and pulled together 32 photographers from around Asia, across many different genres. Nothing really wrong with that, except there was.
Not one of them was a woman.
Apparently sexism in the photography industry is not just in my imagination.
Nikon copped a lot of flack for doing this. Which is to be expected and should happen. It is horrendous that here we are in 2017, 50 years after the 60’s and we don’t seem to have got anywhere. Companies still think their market is men.
Is it because men are designing for men? Is it because the marketing people are men, so they don’t think that women take photos?
Nikon’s response was that they contacted some women but they never responded. Seems they didn’t try to hard. There are a lot of women photographers out there who would have been more than happy to try it out.
It is a band wagon I’ve been on a few times. Women do not get the same recognition in the photography industry as men. You see it all the time. If you look at the ambassadors for Nikon the number of women are far less, and the ones that are there are all portrait, wedding or photo journalists. Apparently women don’t do landscape photography, or anything that doesn’t have people in them. In fact look at Nikon Australia Ambassadors and find they are all men.
Maybe I am bitter. Maybe I have to accept that I am crap and that is the real reason.
I’ve tried hard to get Nikon Australia to work with me, but they don’t want to have anything to do with me. My photography isn’t good enough, my writing isn’t good enough. I don’t know what the issue is. Is it because I am a woman, and an older one at that?
I approached Sony and was told to put in a proposal. I did as requested and was told that someone from Sony would be in touch. That was over six months ago and I’m still waiting.
I recently approached Canon Australia to see if we could work together in some way. It was all looking good and I felt positive that we would be able to work something out. They seemed excited about the direction I was heading in, and I got to write one article for them, but again, was told no thanks. It isn’t the first time. So, the door has been slammed in my face again. Do I need to ask that question, is it because I’m an older woman?
It has to be asked, if I was a man doing the work that I do would more opportunities be open to me? It seems clear they think my work is good. I’ve been told on many occasions my photography is beautiful, but then nothing. I have even been told it is unique and different, but they don’t want that, apparently.
I have tried asking the questions, is it because I’m a woman? Is it because my work is too different? Is it because I’m in my 50’s? I get told it is none of those, but not really told what the problem is.
When I saw all the stuff on Facebook at the release of the D850 I was saddened. I’m very happy that Nikon was held accountable for this decision, though, in many ways it really confirms for us what most of us already knew.
Where does this leave me?
I guess it means I have no loyalty to any of them now. I have ordered the D850 from Nikon Australia, though at the rate they are going with filling orders I won’t get it until next year. I had hoped that I would get it soon so I could start writing about it, but it will be old news by the time I see it. Still, I’m excited about it. It does look like an amazing camera.
NB – The featured image was taken with the Canon 5D Mark IV, a comparison between it and the D800 series, will be coming soon.
This is interesting… Would love for you to check out my posts! On fashion and beauty😍😘 all unique and cleverly though out items🌷
Thank you so much Jessica.
No problem xx
I just stumbled onto this blog. So, naturally I had to check out your photography. OMG!! All I can say is that it is their loss. Your stuff is phenomenal! Woman, man, martian.. what difference does it make? Talent is the only thing that should count.
What a lovely thing to say David, thank you so much. YOu would hope that talent would all that is needed, but apparently not.
I would be very intrigued to see you conduct an experiment: make similar proposals to Nikon, Canon, whoever – but use a male alias. If you could get them to not recognize you as the same female photographer who approached them before, would they treat you differently? If they *did*, that would be highly revealing.
It would be interesting, but I don’t think I would get away with it now, my work is too recognisable, they know me, but it would be interesting for someone else to try. I have often wondered about it. Thank you Brianna.
Ambassador or not, you’re still a photographer most excellent.
Thank you so much, I appreciate you saying that.
Hey Leanne … gosh you got people talking! So many interesting comments. I agree with you, I think that it is bizzare that women wouldn’t have responded when approached. Being female and older may well play a part, I would like to think this isn’t the case, but I have my doubts. The crazy thing is that you are an amazing photographer, you know and love your craft, plus you are more than happy to assist those to improve theirs. You are an inspiration. No doubt about it! I’m sorry that this has happened to you. But knowing you, nothing will hold you back! Thank heavens … Go girl. Oh and get your new camera – I’m busting to know how good it is 🙂
I certainly did, which was nice, except for a couple, I did lose my temper a bit. I agree, I know I would have responded if they had contacted me. I think the two together play a part, ageism is certainly alive and kicking. Yes, perhaps if I had had the opportunities to show how amazing I was about 20 years ago, it wouldn’t have been a problem. It just annoys me that it is now just because I am older. There are so many people my age taking up photography, you would think that we are a relevant age, but I guess we don’t look good in the commercials. lol
Thank you so much Julie, no idea when I am going to get this new camera. I hope soon, though not until at least next month, which is what they said last month. It is a bit frustrating.
Funny thing is, I know more than a couple photographers who do it as a hobby or are just starting out… they are ALL women.
I’m the only Male photographer in my social circles…
I think it’s just poor foresight on Nikon’s part.
I find most of my clients are also women, so it is hard to understand how Nikon doesn’t get that.
That is great to hear you going out with other photographers, always good.
Thank you Ben.
I participated in a recent Canon Event just a few weekends ago. They had a Masterclass for four different genres and the four groups were given a photographic challenge to complete in 24 hours. I was lucky enough to win the Travel photography genre, but the greatest result was that each genre challenge was won by a woman. The guys featured too with some honourable mentions. The Canon team told me they thought this was the first time for women to win in all categories and they were excited for us. I hope this is an omen for the future and women photographers.
First of all Vicki, congratulations, that is wonderful that you won your genre. I hope it is a good omen as well. It would be good if it was.
I wish Nikon did things like that, they really suck at the community aspect for their users. We really are just a sale to them. Thank you Vicki.
Hi Leanne. To be honest, I am pretty disappointed to read this.
I think you have used a very important and relevant issue to have a rant that to me sounds incredibly entitled. The Nikon thing was not good – and they rightfully got roasted for it. But to use that issue as a means for you to play the sexism card with your own experiences of rejection is diluting its importance.
Do you want proposals from photographers to be chosen on their merits, or chosen based on the gender of the proposer? If you want to cry sexism whenever somebody says no to you, then your answer is the latter. And therein lies the irony of your article.
I think you are a great photographer, but I happen to know for a fact that you have been offered many more opportunities through your photography than a lot of your similarly talented peers have. I have no doubt that you deserved those opportunities. But there are plenty of male peers of similar ilk that have been told no. Should they write an article like this?
You’ve mentioned 3 different camera brands that you have made proposals to. That’s unusual for a photographer. Most people find one they like, and stick to it, and go from there in trying to affiliate themselves with it based on the quality of their work AND the strength of what they can offer to that brand. And the fact that they actually believe in that brand.
What are your motivations here?
Having a brand want to work with you is not a participation prize. It’s not a hand out. It’s a marketing exercise. What can you offer that is going to help that brand?
Sexism in this industry is real. Nikon proved that. And I’m glad the conversation has been started. But to imply that your proposals are rejected simply because of your gender and age is actually really offensive to other hard-working photographers out there – regardless of gender or age – and entirely destructive to the issue at hand.
Keep doing what you do – you are great at it – but maybe think about what your motivations are. Do you want to grow as a respected and widely recognised female photographer, or do you just want to have a brand name behind you?
If you are simply desperately chasing brand-backing, then that might actually be a clue as to why you are getting rejected. I’ll add to this that I’ve also written an article for Canon that never got published – I was glad for the potential opportunity. I’ll also add that I’ll probably never get near being able to get my hands on a 5DIV or a D800 (let alone 850) – so, you’re doing OK. Yes, I’m a male.
I guess that is your right to be disappoint Rob, though I think you have misunderstood my motivations here, if indeed I had any at all.
I knew if I did this post that I would be burning down any bridges I had with those companies, so I know that I will never be chosen for anything. Though I didn’t do it until I knew for sure that that was the case. Do I think they rejected me because of my sex, who knows, I like to think not, but I do think they need to look at who they do have as ambassadors and make sure they do represent their market better, acknowledge that women do take photos and have more of them as ambassadors. After all, are they not the people who are meant to be the ones we all look up to and want to be like.
Am I bitter about my experiences, damn straight I am, and it is my blog and I can rant about anything I want really. Though having said that, I have always wanted to disclose my motives or what I’m attempting to do. It has been quite frustrating at times. When you get told by a company that your work is amazing or wonderful, but then they don’t want to have anything to do with you, then you do have to question it.
I often do proposals, just to see what would happen, will I get a response or won’t I. I also did it because I wanted a new camera and wanted to find some way to work with them to pay one off. I only approached the others after I knew Nikon had absolutely no interest in me.
You do have to start to wonder if that is the problem, the sex and age, I have experienced it so many times, and if you read the comments by many other ladies here, I’m not the only one. You don’t get reasons why they don’t want to work with you, just told no.
I also hope that me writing something like this will help other women, not me, obviously, but hopefully they will think about this issue more. Consider it more. I won’t be contacting them again. That was it for me.
Yes, well I don’t know that my article will be published either. I will add that I am married, and luckily for me my husband does support me, or I wouldn’t be taking photos at all, I hardly make any money from this and no way could I support myself on what I earn. Perhaps the fact that you are male means you don’t understand what it is like for a women in her 50’s trying to compete.
I hate to say it as I totally agree, but for some reason you made me laugh in places. Maybe we should start a new program called FPA, Female Photographers Anonymous. The fist step is that we have to accept that we are crap. Sheesh, why am I laughing so hard. Its tragic!! Truly!!
Perhaps we should follow along the path of female writers such as Mary Ann Evans whose pen name was George Eliot for the very reason to discourage any female stereotyping. She was not alone in doing this. You can be Liam Cole…that way you keep your initials.
I know you mentioned Sony already but I am feeling rebellious enough to look into their mirrorless systems. They seem really great and my son is doing well with them for fashion photography. Good tonal range for landscape I hear too. Maybe you can get a trial on one.
Keep kicking around..oh you are not old either!!
Perhaps we should Judy. I don’t know why you are laughing.
I had considered that, maybe calling myself Lee Cole, leave off the Anne. Though I think perhaps it is too late for that.
The reality is they are all the same, so you may as well get what you want. I hear Sony are good.
I will Judy and you do the same, thank you.
Your not alone in your thinking. I’ve had many experiences like this being a female photographer. I was at a large photography fair a few years ago with my ID badge clearly labelling me the director of my company yet every single stall holder approached my father first to sell to. He quietly listened to the sales pitch and then would point towards me and say you’d better ask my boss, she’s the director of the company not me. By that point it was usually to late. I was too annoyed to make a purchase. When I wrote to the organisers to make them aware they suggested…..wait for it…..I try wearing a suit next time. I’ve never returned to that photography fair!
I have had similar experiences going to buy a car, it doesn’t matter how many times you tell the sales person that my husband doesn’t drive, doesn’t have a licence, they still address all questions and answers to the questions I ask to him. Then when they send info about the car afterwards, address it to him. I sent it back and told them if they want their survey answered then they should address it to the person who owns and drives the car. Unbelievable. OMG I can’t believe they told you that, seems to many women still don’t have brains. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I totally agree with you Leanne and it bothers me. I’m not a professional but it’s something I’ve noticed in general since taking up photography. I try to follow as many women photographers as I can now. Your work is amazing, and I mean AMAZING, so don’t ever give up! 👍🏻☺️
Thank you Norma. I have noticed that I have a much bigger female following than men. I do find that really interesting. That is such a beautiful thing to say Norma, I really appreciate it and I am fairly certain I won’t be giving up anytime soon.
‘Maybe I am bitter. Maybe I have to accept that I am crap and that is the real reason.’ I think you have every right to be bitter, but I do see that you have put in a lot of effort over the years to evolve your photography to get to where it is today. You make a very good point when you say that women doing photography would jump at the opportunity to be an ambassador – plenty of women do photography and would love that kind of exposure. It is common sense really and I don’t believe there is a thing called a ‘man’s photography’ or ‘women’s photography’. Photography is photography but most of the world doesn’t seem to think so. Perhaps you could promote The Photographer’s Mentor sans your personality (which I am guessing you are doing that to quite an extent) and see how far you can take it.
Thank you Mabel. I have put a lot of effort, to learn and develop what I do. I absolutely think so, it is just maddening that Nikon Australia have no women as ambassadors. So many women do photography, so it is just crazy. Nikon don’t like women, is that what we are meant to take from this. Yes, I really want to push The Photographer’s Mentor and see where we can do with it. Thanks again.
Leanne, There at two of my peers that I follow. One is Leanne Cole. The other is tony And Chelsea Northrup. They give free tutorials and have a talk show. To my knowledge They will not accept free bees. They buy all their gear and review it to the Public. This way they give you an Honest Report. Some times scathing. They bought two Nikon 850.s and took them too the Carribean and will place review soon. He says it is awesome. If you have not look at their site. But is BIG and I will be surprised if you can watch them all. Let me know what you think when you have time.
They look interesting and I will take a better look. I would love to be that autonomous, but I can’t afford to buy everything. Though I would never review something that I didn’t like. I have got stuff that I have sent back because I didn’t like it. I will have to get back to you Geoff, thank you.
Canon EOS training in U.K have a senior trainer called Nina Bailey. She’s far easier to understand and get enthused by than her male counterparts and appears to be their senior trainer. She is an older lady. We need more women in those sort of jobs – so it starts to show the world that photographers are not all men.
On the flip side, I started to follow a young attractive female automotive photographer recently, as that is one of my focus areas. She seems to have a great job in a world dominated by men, with many followers. I’m wondering how much of the attention is on her as a pretty young women, rather than anything to do with her images !! I’m neither pretty or young – so hard work is the order of the day. And belief in my creative ability !!
It is funny what you say, I get told all the time that I teach really well, that I help people to understand things very easily. Yet, I find it so hard to get students.
You do have to wonder about that as well. Though having lots of followers doesn’t always translate to sales or money. I am the same, lots of hard work, for both of us. Thanks again Amanda.
Hi Leanne,
I’m a career changer and in my fifties – finding it very tricky to get established. I’m in the UK and hadn’t considered the sexism issue before and I’m horrified to hear how the camera companies are setting such a bad example. I’ve been thinking that it’s an age thing with me. I recently got turned down for a job where there were 4 apparently excellent candidates. I wasn’t chosen – and have heard nothing despite asking for feedback, so it could be age and/or gender – and of course they can’t admit to that so they keep quiet …
Your photography attracted me right from the start – because of the the fact that it is emotive and refreshingly different. Keep on inspiring others !!
It is a tricky thing when you start to reach a certain age. I think it can be a combination of both, sexism and ageism. I had a similar thing, I sent an email to a place about a job and mentioned my age, I never heard from them again.
Thank you Amanda, that is always good to hear and it helps me to keep trying.
I question why you would still order the Nikon if your feelings run so strongly against the company as a sexist organization. I do think we have made strides since the 60’s but I’m not sure how great they are. Here in the states we seem to have regressed back to sexism as well as racism. I think you must continue to fight and be heard because just from reading these few comments your post has generated, I would argue that your voice is important. I’ve always enjoyed your work since the first time I saw it and have tried to emulate some of the things you have done from time to time. I admit I have not been successful. But I will not give up. Neither should you. Your work is important. So is your voice.
I feel like i don’t have a choice really. I have all the gear, and I want a new camera, so really I have to go for them. Though having said that I owe them nothing, and don’t feel like I have to be polite anymore. I also suspect that all the camera companies are basically the same.We have made some strides, I agree, men can’t abuse their wives like they used to, and women are protected from sexual harassment, but there are still areas that need work. I suspect we will never see it. I thought racism had been driven away, and now it is so bad, and has been since our governments started being racist, which has led people to believe that it is okay for them. I hate it. Thank you disperser, I will continue fighting, I have been planning on doing more on the blog, so I guess we can see where that goes.
That is good to hear from people, like you, who like my work. No you shouldn’t give up and I promise I won’t, though sometimes it seems like the easiest option.
Well, I’m glad you explained your reason for the new Nikon purchase. Something so obvious and yet I didn’t even think if it. As someone else in your comment thread said, it’s probably a combination of sexism, ageism, and name recognition. Doesn’t make it right but maybe it helps a little. 😏
If I could change, I would in a heartbeat, but I do feel locked to Nikon now. No, it doesn’t make it right. The problem too is that while they can’t say it is because I’m a woman, or because of my age due to legal reasons, they can always find other reasons. It is sad because you really know if the reason is valid or not. Thank you so much Emilio.
That is horrendous, Leanne…I wish I could avoid Nikon for such foulness…
And…I am sadly not surprised.
Your talent FAR exceeds the norm- your imagery has tremendous artistic quality, as well as a polished, absolutely gorgeous, professional look- which one does not often find. I have seen so many images in the industry that are professional, rather perfect-looking (too perfect if you ask me), but without artistic value- completely dead and dull. Your images have incredible soul. You would be a fantastic asset to both companies. I some of it is petty politicking- picking big names over someone newer, despite that person’s incredible talent- and yes, I do agree, gender plays such a role in this world. I deal with it constantly- living in the Southern US, it gets to be downright degrading- and what other females blithely accept drives me even more insane. I love that you are speaking out and NOT fitting into the cutesy little shape they want to cram you into by force.
You are my hero, Leanne.
Regards!
smiling toad
I suspect some of it is petty politicking, rather**
P.S. Absolutely gorgeous photo at the top, just love it.
Hopping off now-
toad
I suspect you are right.
Thank you, it is one of my favourites.
I wish I could as well.
I am not either, which is kind of sad.
Thank you so much Toad, that is wonderful to hear. It is so encouraging to hear when people like my work and find it inspiring. Apparently, I am not an asset for anyone. I do know what you mean, but it seems they want people who do a particular type of work and not ones that are outside the box. Ordinary, you could almost say. Yes, I’m not afraid to speak out, my mouth does get me into trouble from time to time.
I know what you mean, how women just accept it drives me mad. People just don’t want to upset anyone anymore, it is so frustrating.
That is such a wonderful thing to say, I hope I can continue to be your hero and to keep inspiring people.
Yes, flat and almost ordinary, you’ve hit it- or “safe” comes to mind. I see this in the film industry too- peddle what has proven to turn a profit in the past and recycle the same tired content over and over. Different could detract, different could lose a profit, different is too risky- even if different is better, inspiring, a whole new avenue to explore.
It says something a little unsettling about the average consumer out there, too, I think…where is the craving for art, real art, anymore? Or just to stop and ponder for a while? Where have our standards gone? I like what pushes past the boundary, what dares the viewer to think, and stirs them into feeling something more than bland admiration for a perfectly ordinary, overdone, safe and acceptable image. What happened to our natural lust for real art? How have we become so complacent and tolerant of the mundane?
Very frustrating, indeed. And they don’t want to be made upset, or removed from their mindless stupor, either.
Ha, “asset” was really the wrong word…that is a word they would use amongst others of a similar revolting class…
I ended up quitting a volunteer photography position for similar reasons- they wanted safe, uninspiring PR imagery and were oh so cloying and condescending in the process.
You always will be so with your art, and your words, Leanne. I get lost in your work.
Enough babble from me. Have a sublime week.
toad
It is a little sad that we are in a world where different is not something that is worth striving for. Trying to stand out seems to be hard.
I see the craving for that art, the people who follow me are always showing me that they want to see what I do and want to know how I do what I do. So it is there.
I completely get what you are talking about, and I think social media is partly responsible, people want success so they push out the same stuff that everyone else is doing. Not always good.
That is amazing that you did that, would have taken a lot of courage.
Thank you so much Toad, that is such a beautiful thing to say, I love it. Brilliant, it inspires me to keep pushing.
Aloha again, Leanne.
I think you are right on the social media angle. I always forget that social media is a big part of people’s lives now.
YES the ones who come here, and others among the bloggy sea, are the ones who give me hope!
Thanks for letting me ramble- excellent topic.
Yes, I think everyone is trying to be popular on Social Media. That is wonderful to hear. No problem with the rambling, this whole post was a massive ramble.
Leanne, I’m total with you on this and with all the female professional photographers through out the world. I have already responded to you on face book, hope you got it. Happy and successful shooting to all of us female pros.
That’s great to hear Cornelia. I saw your post and hopefully you have seen my response. Thank you Cornelia.
We have come a long way since the ’60s, but not all the way. Discrimination exists everywhere. Women are still not getting the same pay or receiving the same promotions. The cop out that she has to take care of a sick child, get pregnant or will quit when married doesn’t work any longer. Husbands are helping with children and women work up to the last few weeks of pregnancy. And, two incomes are needed today. Racial discrimination still exists. Antisemitism still exists.
So very true, we are seeing it, and for a civilised society, as we like to think we are, we aren’t very much at all. I think the world is becoming less tolerant.We need to keep being reminded I think.
There is a new form of discrimination we are seeing too now, ageism. The world makes me so angry.
Sexism rears its ugly head now as it has forever, Leanne. It always hurts when it does – as does any form of discrimination.
You are right Sheila, though hopefully that doesn’t mean we have to accept it.
We absolutely must never accept it.
Absolutely agree Sheila.
very nice though provoking idea..certainly raise question..!! and force all of us to rethink,…!!
I hope so, it would be nice to get people talking and thinking about it, maybe even a few will do something about it.
Sadly gender discrimination continues to exist and in some places even be nurtured in many industries. I think what’s great is that people like you are making more noise about doing it rather than just moaning and then quietly accepting the status quo.
It does get me into trouble though, I am sure I’m labelled a trouble maker. I just hate seeing stuff like this. Women can be their own worse enemies though. It is sad that those of us who do want to make a difference don’t always seem to have the backing of the rest of them. Thank you Laura.
Hi Leanne I think it’s more than just a sexist issue.
Your name’s not Lisa Wilkinson or Tina Arena with many years in the public eye so canon will never be interested. Equally I’m not Dr Chris Brown, television personality.
I think you might be right Evan, I think the only way Canon will ever be interested is if I sell my soul. I just see it so much, it is also the way that women photographers are portrayed in the industry as well. Women only do portraits and weddings, so if you do anything different, you don’t exist.
Thanks Evan.
This post confirms my suspicion that sexism and discrimination in the corporate world is alive and well. The only way to remedy the situation is make an impact by buying products from the more enlightened companies. That’s the only way that big corporations understand.
Normally I would say yes, and go for it, but I am stuck with Nikon for now and from what I can tell all the other camera companies are much the same.Perhaps if there are more posts like this, and they can start to see how unhappy everyone is, then changes can be made. I live in hope. Thank you Peter.
By the way, the site is loading very slow. At the bottom, it says it’s waiting for “googleapis.com” and then “gravatar”. Don’t know if you have some widgets or apps that are slowing the loading of the page, and it may be temporary, but it takes a shade over half a minute to load, and in this day and age, that’s like an eternity.
My site usually loads slow because I have a ton of photos (or at least that’s what the metric say). You don’t have a lot of photos in your posts.
I don’t care because I’m not trying to make it a business. If people don’t want to wait, I don’t lose sleep over it. But, if you’re trying to build an audience, you might want to speed up the loading of the page.
I don’t know why, I haven’t done anything, or changed anything. Not on the blog anyway. I don’t even know what googleapis.com is, I will have to take a look. I’ve been noticing a few things lately so maybe it is that. Thanks for letting me know.
I almost hesitate to answer, but . . . is it a similar case for Europe and the US? I ask because I view many of the asian countries still mired in views reflecting a culture of male dominance. I think that here (US) companies are more aware of such things. Whether that’s a marketing decision or they actually respect women customers/professionals as equals is another matter.
There are other factors as well. You can find surveys where women themselves trust the opinions of men over that of other women, and companies are aware of this.
One additional factor in the age issue is the target demographic for many products (20-45?) basically dictates both promotions and advertising. For instance, it could very well be that if what they are looking for are dinamic “action” shots promoting a social lifestyle, and if you’re doing landscape work, even as good as it is it’s not going to get the nod.
And yes, who you know and networking has always mattered and continues to do so. For instance, as much as I want to get published, I run into the same things you do but in reverse. Something like 80% of the publishing world is run by women editors. Most of the people who get published cultivated connections in the industry in shows and events and are very active in online social circles (having the person making decision knowing your name helps). Age is a peripheral factor because a lot of the connections I might need are with people much younger than I am.
Again, content matters; what I like to write and what is popular out there do not overlap, or if it does, only in the periphery.
Note, I’m not minimizing or dismissing your recognition problem, but like writing, photography is highly competitive and flodded with very talented people all looking to break through the ranks. The combination of all of the above — who you know, what you photograph, etc. — can all play a factor.
That said, I’m guessing you’ve had more success than many others in getting your name out there. Don’t get dijected or mad; continue doing what you love and finding a path to what you want.
It may be that it takes a long time, or that it may never happen, or that it all works out next week, but regardless, chart a course and go forward because the alternative is to quit.
One quick thing about loyalty . . . in my view, it should never be to a company; if anything, it should be to your readers and fellow photographers. If you tell me that you are loyal to a brand, I don’t know that I can trust your opinion of it. It’s why I don’t listen to people who absolutely love Apple. I want to talk to the person who hates Apple but still decides to use their products because they’re better. Just my two cents.
You have made some great points disperser, There is also the issue with women not thinking they are valued, or have the talent to do things. I have heard and seen this a lot.
It would be nice of companies could do more to encourage women. Not necessarily me, I think I have burned my bridges now and it is time for me to start working in a different direction. I think you are absolutely right and I need to start finding that path.
I agree and think I need to do that about loyalty more. I want to be honest with people. Though if I am going to promote something it will always be because I like, want it or have it. I am never going to support something that I don’t like or think is any good. That is just crap. I hope you and others will keep me honest.
Networking hasn’t really worked all that well for me, but I keep trying. Good luck with your endeavours disperser, we both have to keep going. Thank you.
There is definitely a gender gap in photography, and pretty much all industries. Amazing as this is the 21st Century and it is not much better than the early 20th Century.
I totally agree Tamara, it is everywhere. You see it in politics, you see it in the entertainment industry. I know, there has to be a reason for it, not just that women don’t get a shot.
Awe give us a break. I am weary of people jumping on to the sexism band wagon. We appreciate your photography for what it is Leanne. I really enjoy your work. I wonder how many men encounter the same difficulties but they aren’t crying gender or sexist discrimination. They just accept that they didn’t do enough or shout loud enough to get noticed. These corporations are out to make money. Big Money. Do you really think that they actively discriminate against PERSONS that they think could make them big money solely on the grounds of their gender. Sorry but I just don’t buy into this one Leanne. It’s too easy to put a lack of real success (notice I didn’t say failure) down to race or gender. In case you hadn’t guessed last time I looked I was still a man.
You don’t have to believe me, but take a look at who gets picked. It is all there.
Damn straight I will jump on the band wagon, I hate the attitude we shouldn’t do anything, you obviously have never experienced it, but women are still getting paid less, still getting treated like sex objects and still not getting the same recognition. Your attitude is part of the problem. Imagine if all us women did what you said, we would have no rights, would not be allowed to vote, our husbands would still be allowed to beat the crap out of us.
I also said, I wonder if it is that reason, of course they aren’t going to say it is, because that would be illegal, but when you look at who they pick and how they are all men, well, it is hard to believe it isn’t sexism.
I have a thought. People change over time, people who make decisions change jobs over time. No argument from me about sexism in larger, usually conservative companies. (that is how companies that grow big stay big, by becoming conservative, by maintaining the status quo)
You can choose to publicly stand on your principles or find a different approach to affect change.
Do I have a suggestion? Yes, a thought or two but not how to win over Nikon, Canon or Sony. You can email me if you want my suggestions.
Leanne, I only know what I would do, not what you should do, so remember anything I say is my personal perspective.
I think you are right Robert, big companies are the worse. I am trying to accept that I can’t change anything, but maybe by being more public about it, it might help others. I would like to think that if more women do this then we can make a change.
I know I have to find another way to move forward, find another direction. Happy for you to email me Robert.
It’s funny, you know? MOST of the photographers I know in the states are women.
I find the same here Marilyn, and most of the people who follow me and my work are also women. Apparently we don’t exist in the photography world.
Are you aware of Jackie Ranken – she is a Canon Master and won loads of awards and her style is quite different. She is married to a prestigious photographer Mike Langford. She might have some interesting insights from her POV
http://jackieranken.co.nz/
Thanks Stacey, I have no idea what it is. I wonder how much of it is because of who she is married to as well.
I am also wondering if there is a fair amount of ageism involved as well.
She is likely a similar age, possibly older.
Okay, I do find Canon is slightly better at that sort of thing. Still a massive discrepancy between the genders. Canon Australia have 8 Canon Collective Ambassadors and only 2 are women. Does that represent who they think their audience is, only 25%. According to Nikon Australia their audience is 0% women.