How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
@erinsummer_
I try to support them as much as I can - not only by cheering them on, but also by sharing advice, resources, and information. When I first started out as a content creator and artist, many people in the same field were reluctant to engage with me. I had so many questions that I had to figure out the answers to on my own. I'm very open to answering questions from other artists and I absolutely love watching them blossom and grow.
@bergermargaret
I see female empowerment as a growth process of inner strength, which also comes from leaving gender roles behind and being able to pursue your goals with more freedom. Empowerment can also take place in photography: depicting and documenting everyday topics, interacting and collaborating during photo sessions, supporting and exchanging tips with other women and presenting yourself as a photographer.
My cello teacher many years ago was not only my teacher for the musical instrument, but she also had a huge influence on me personally because she was always kind, strong, fearless and unstoppable. I hope that one day I can be such an inspiration to someone else.
Pictures by @bergermargaret
What is your opinion on Female Collectives/Networks?
@erinsummer_
I love them! I've always found networking in general to be a very positive and rewarding experience. Being able to find a "sisterhood" of creatives is so empowering, especially when you're paired with women with a variety of skills, perspectives and experiences. It helps everyone grow - that kind of support is invaluable.
@ilse_dp
Female collectives or women's networks can be an effective way for women to come together, share experiences and support each other, both in their private and professional lives.
They can have a collective voice and be a positive and empowering force for women. However, as with any social network or community, I think it's important to strive for inclusivity and diversity so that every woman feels comfortable in the group.
Pictures by @ilse_dp
Have you ever been confronted with stereotypes about women in photography/art? If so, what are your experiences?
@bergermargaret
As in any other field, gender stereotypes exist in photography. In my experience, technical know-how is often attributed to men, while women are seen as more amateur photographers.
For me personally, photography is gender neutral. The view through the lens is guided by one's own thoughts, one's own story, one's own interest and one's own preference - I firmly believe that one cannot draw conclusions about whether a photo was taken by a young, female or non-binary person. In my opinion, all photographers should be treated equally on every level, namely with acceptance and respect.
@erinsummer_
I honestly haven't encountered any stereotypes in photography! In my experience, the industry - at least in the community I'm a part of - seems to be very female-centric. The majority of the artists I've interacted with and the clients I've worked for have been women. My work may have a more traditionally "feminine" aesthetic, but I've been lucky enough to work on some incredibly amazing opportunities and never felt like I was stereotyped in any way.
What gives you the most satisfaction as a photographer/artist?
@erinsummer_
I'm not sure I can say that what fulfills me comes from a uniquely female experience. I feel most fulfilled when I manage to capture the imagination and vision of my viewers and make them smile or happy. That's why I like to create things - to bring a little more joy and playfulness into this world.
Pictures by @erinsummer_
Do you have a favorite photographer or artist who inspires you? Can you tell us more about them and why they inspire you?
@ilse_dp
One of my favorite female photographers/artists is @alexandrahaelters . Her images are so beautiful: she finds inspiration in the small, beautiful things that nature has to offer and her artwork is just so amazing. She inspires us all to find joy in everyday things, to look at our environment with open eyes and to see everything with our playful imagination.
@bergermargaret
I just recently discovered Angelica Gonzalez @angiegophoto on Instagram. She is a photographer and longboard dancer who invented "the real women/human movement" ( @realwomen_movement ). I love that her work is focused on celebrating diversity, imperfection, kindness, and sisterhood through art and photography. She takes stunning photos of women's collectives - these photos are powerful, deeply authentic, and reveal this universal desire to be seen as valuable.
@erinsummer_
A particular favourite for me at the moment is Cathy from @easysundayclub . Not only is she an incredibly talented artist and creator, but she also has a YouTube channel where she gives tips and advice for artists. It's a wealth of information and she speaks openly about the ups and downs of being an artist and how to find your own path. She's amazing.
ZG-1316-KK ( @bergermargaret ), ZG-1023-EN ( @ilse_dp ), ZG-1220-EN-KK ( @erinsummer_ )
We are so lucky to work with such talented and open-minded photographers and love supporting their work with our products and interviews. If you've ever wondered whose account is behind one of our photo products, you'll always find the name either on the back of the product or at the bottom of the picture. So you can follow your favorite artists on Instagram and leave them some hearts! In our #pckphototalks you can find out even more about @ilse_dp , @erinsummer_ and @bergermargaret and their creative processes. Have fun!
