Female Fashion Photographers on Sexism: One Lost a Job for Being Overweight

To be a successful photographer, you don't have to be physically stronger, faster, or tougher. It's not like pro sports where it's normal for the number of men to overpower women. So why are women still facing so much systematic sexism and harassment in the photography industry? 

Whether the discrimination is obvious or subtle, at the camera store or in meetings with major companies, it's been carelessly overlooked and tolerated for years. Although women are doing the same quality of professional work, they are fuming because they are still being turned down for jobs, paid less, and judged because of their gender. Five very talented female fashion photographers — Kristiina Wilson, Kia Caldwell, Adrienne Andersen, BriAnne Wills, and Stacy Kranitz — were interviewed by Racked where they talk about the ridiculous things they've had to deal with while fighting their way to the top. They address the fact that women have such a unique and distinct approach to photography that is cherished by everyone, so there should be no gender gap.

I was amazed to read that Wilson, who has shot for all the major magazines including Allure, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and international editions of Elle, Esquire, GQ, Vogue, and Glamour, can't figure out the sexism. She explains that the playing field should be even, but it's far from it. Andersen, an African American photographer with 15 years of experience, explains that brands and editors are just used to working with certain male photographers, so we have to push our way in if we want to get anywhere at all in this industry.

[via Racked]