Wow… Life is always interesting as a woman. I love your attitude and totally understand why it builds up until an (excellently written) article is required to vent. Sending hugs of a supportive type. Take care Dina.
When I began shooting professionally in the late 90s I think I could count on one hand how many female photographers were known well - I'm in Toronto btw. Now, in the industry I continue to work in (weddings) there's been a flip - it's almost all female photographers in the wedding space. There are some (many) males that are threatened by that. Women actually DO have a big advantage in the wedding business - I agree and admit to that reality, but what can I do about that? Nothing. Should I whine and complain that women are taking our toys? No! To those of you that do that, get over it! There are some (more than there should be) men that hit on women photographers at weddings. Those guys...well...those guys will always be around, but over time I think they are being pushed aside. As a man who is married to a woman who is 100X smarter and more successful than me in her career, and as a father of two daughters, I think its great that you're doing what you do. And by that I mean, just do what you want to do regardless of your sex. The men in your life that support you and think you're incredible (like your husband I assume) are the only ones that matter.
People behaving badly, or rather men behaving badly, can and should not be 'normal'. I cannot help think that in the online/virtual community we could avoid a lot of this by eliminating the ability to make comments, or post anonymously. Put up, or shut up! If you want to say something, sign it. Stand by it, and live with the consequences. Happy belated Women's Day!
I, too, am increasingly aware of misogyny. The older I get, the more I want to speak out instead of playing nice like I was taught. You are a photographer, an artist. There is no need for gender references.
Very good, Dina. I appreciate the disclaimer re men vs jerks. Also, absolutely correct re “woman vs disgruntled violence”. I know this experientially. As an older white male. there are some things I cannot do on the street…or at least do very discerningly.
Fucksticks are gonna Fuckstick. Thus it has always been. It's one of the reasons that I no longer maintain social media accounts. It took me a long time to decide to open a Substack account, finally deciding to do so because it looked like it was not oozing down the path toward Social Media. Sadly, the FS are here too.
Certainly, technology has changed the way shooters advertise what they do, and I suppose that it is incumbent on (most) photographers to maintain the typical SM accounts for professional porpoises, but, the crap that accompanies SM is more than I care to put up with.
Do I have a solution? No.
What advice I might give would reflect @jeremygrenemyer, Keep Kicking Ass! (also, Fuck 'em!)
Wow… Life is always interesting as a woman. I love your attitude and totally understand why it builds up until an (excellently written) article is required to vent. Sending hugs of a supportive type. Take care Dina.
When I began shooting professionally in the late 90s I think I could count on one hand how many female photographers were known well - I'm in Toronto btw. Now, in the industry I continue to work in (weddings) there's been a flip - it's almost all female photographers in the wedding space. There are some (many) males that are threatened by that. Women actually DO have a big advantage in the wedding business - I agree and admit to that reality, but what can I do about that? Nothing. Should I whine and complain that women are taking our toys? No! To those of you that do that, get over it! There are some (more than there should be) men that hit on women photographers at weddings. Those guys...well...those guys will always be around, but over time I think they are being pushed aside. As a man who is married to a woman who is 100X smarter and more successful than me in her career, and as a father of two daughters, I think its great that you're doing what you do. And by that I mean, just do what you want to do regardless of your sex. The men in your life that support you and think you're incredible (like your husband I assume) are the only ones that matter.
People behaving badly, or rather men behaving badly, can and should not be 'normal'. I cannot help think that in the online/virtual community we could avoid a lot of this by eliminating the ability to make comments, or post anonymously. Put up, or shut up! If you want to say something, sign it. Stand by it, and live with the consequences. Happy belated Women's Day!
I, too, am increasingly aware of misogyny. The older I get, the more I want to speak out instead of playing nice like I was taught. You are a photographer, an artist. There is no need for gender references.
I am genuinely curious about the lava photo (a fantastic shot, btw). How close to it are you here? Was it slow moving?
Very good, Dina. I appreciate the disclaimer re men vs jerks. Also, absolutely correct re “woman vs disgruntled violence”. I know this experientially. As an older white male. there are some things I cannot do on the street…or at least do very discerningly.
Fucksticks are gonna Fuckstick. Thus it has always been. It's one of the reasons that I no longer maintain social media accounts. It took me a long time to decide to open a Substack account, finally deciding to do so because it looked like it was not oozing down the path toward Social Media. Sadly, the FS are here too.
Certainly, technology has changed the way shooters advertise what they do, and I suppose that it is incumbent on (most) photographers to maintain the typical SM accounts for professional porpoises, but, the crap that accompanies SM is more than I care to put up with.
Do I have a solution? No.
What advice I might give would reflect @jeremygrenemyer, Keep Kicking Ass! (also, Fuck 'em!)
Keep kicking ass.
As a boomer male, I am disgusted by the experiences you are subjected to. Keep fighting the good fight.
This is bad… thanks for sharing
I’m glad your professional experience has been positive in general. Those blokes are trash and need to grow up. It’s not right.
Either I had a very fucked-up life-or am still a lucky bastard. Can it be "both are true"?
Thank you Dina-always love your posts.
Thank you for sharing