See what #EachforEqual means to these photographers as they prepare for International Women’s Day 2020, and learn ways you can add gender diversity to your own portfolio.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2020 on Sunday, March 8th 2020 is #EachForEqual, with gender equality as a global issue at its forefront. The campaign slogan says it all: “An equal world is an enabled world.”
Jen Huang | Offset photographer Santa Barbara, California
Jen is a California-based fine art wedding photographer known for her light-filled portraits, shot on medium-format film. She has been featured internationally and published in a wide variety of publications including Harper’s Bazaar and New York Magazine. This is what Jen had to say about International Women’s Day 2020.
“What we see as the female form in art is usually what men have chosen to see.”
“For me, expressing gender equality is expressing the way that women are seen and photographed in modern times. For thousands of years, women have primarily been depicted by men through painting, drawing, sculpture, etc. What we see as the female form in art is usually what men have chosen to see.’
“It’s only been in the most recent century that women have been depicted and seen by other women. It’s empowering and freeing and I find that most women feel much more comfortable with another female photographing them. It takes away much of their anxiety, and allows them to see themselves through their own eyes and mutual experience. It also opens up the world for more intimate experiences — pregnancy, birth and non-sexualised boudoir — and in turn expresses another point of view that many have not seen or celebrated before.”
Caroline Woodham, Offset photographer Ketchum, Idaho
Caroline is an industry pro. Not only does the exceptional business owner own her own company where she works as an editor, stylist, and photo producer, she’s also a photographer in her own right. Her influences range from fashion magazines to television ads. This is what Caroline had to say on International Women’s Day 2020.
Bring a unique perspective to the world.
“Both male and female persons bring a unique perspective and contribution to the world. It would not be whole/enabled unless each were regarded equally. As Ayaan Hirsi Ali has pointed out, an equal world is possible but it will take immense fortitude and perseverance for many years to come without giving up. I hope this can be done without immense sacrifices to women.’
“This must be done on a global scale by the youth. More than ever, youth need to think collectively why this is important to strive for a more functional society. This has to be done through education and photographs are a giant tool for doing this through social media. Empowering messages need to be told through photos and stories to the youth so they start believing in the possibilities and the truth behind equality.” On sharing images with intention:
“Images need to be shared smartly, not belittling which may cause more harm than good.’
“By smart, I mean powerful and firm, but respectful. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have a responsibility to choose the content they want to share with the world. They are the largest platforms to make a choice to be accountable to equality. No more destructive content that keeps the youth at bay. They are the ticket to a breakthrough in a dream for equality.’
“I say choose responsibility over greed when it comes to content on these platforms. Be the change and help educate through visual imagery!”