What a great time it is for women photographers from around the world. NYTimes has just added a delightful photoessay:
The ‘Female Gaze’ in
Fashion Photography
This interview with Alessia Glaviano, senior editor of Vogue Italia, is a wonderful point of view. I agree with her wholeheartedly that 'objectifying' women in photography is not black and white. I have used nude models many times not to imitate male photographers point of view or desire but because the female form is just a more beautiful shape. I see the female form as a shape in many of my compositions. The NYTimes LENS Blog edits are wonderful and a must see. What Girlgaze has been missing at times visually (many of their images start to look similar in style and modeling), I think PhotoVogue has picked up the slack ... a more mature, technically proficient, well rounded conceptual understanding of the female gaze. I wish I could see this exhibit. Here is another of my favorites...
Untitled, by Aida Muluneh
No matter which gaze 'project' you prefer, the momentum to support all women photographers (young and old) is what has moved me with these endeavors. Whomever is using their positions to better educate, fund, share, or show these female photographers has a place in my heart.