Gender disparity is prominent across varied fields. Whether it’s law, design, architecture, or even photography, women have been given far fewer chances than their male counterparts. In fact, not too long ago, we even reported that women freelance photographers earn 25% less than male photographers. Akin to this, women are also underrepresented in photography awards. To tackle this, the British Journal of Photography launched Female in Focus in 2019, and after a two-year hiatus, the awards are back with Nikon. If you are a woman photographer, then this article is for you.
What is Female in Focus and Nikon’s Role?
The British Journal of Photography conducted research in August 2024 with 1000 participants, of whom 43% identified as women. The report revealed that 30% of women earned less, while 55% faced gender discrimination in the workplace. Of them, only 34% have won an award. Despite the awareness, progress is, as usual, slow. And now, Female in Focus has partnered with Nikon for its new edition, which hopes to reach wider audiences and allow more talented women to showcase their talents.
“Unfortunately, it’s still such a male-dominated industry, especially when it comes to folks of color,” says Heather Agyepong, Female in Focus judge, Multi-Disciplinary artist, and Nikon Ambassador. “Problematic gazes around our work create warped ideas about the sort of photography we should be making. I’m glad that Female in Focus can really and truly be inclusive of the female gaze in all its hues.”
Each year, participants are given a theme; this year, it is “renewal.” According to the platform, renewal is a process of rejuvenation and rebirth and often means starting something new. The interpretation could be applied to personal journeys, environmental rehabilitation, or societal change. Thus, the images could showcase beauty, strength, hope, or what it means to begin again.
This year, the jury will choose 20 single photographs and two projects as winners. There is also a People’s Choice award, a first in Female in Focus’ history, which will give the people a chance to pick their favorite images. As for the prizes, the series winner will receive a Nikon Z Series mirrorless camera and two NIKKOR Z lenses of their choice. The winners of single images and series will also be exhibited at East London’s 10.14 gallery and The Glasgow Gallery of Photography in 2025.
Why This is a Great Chance?
For starters, your photographs will be seen by the most renowned names worldwide. For instance, Galerie Number 8’s Marie Gomis-Trezise, Financial Times’ Naoise O’Keeffe, 10.14 Gallery’s Effie Price, Singapore International Photography Festival’s Gwen Lee, and the Bronx Documentary Center’s Danielle Jackson are all part of the judging panel, an along with Agyepong and another Nikon Ambassador Alia Ali.
In addition, there is no age bar. You can continue to participate whether you are 18 or well over 50. In fact, all the entrants will be judged based on their caliber and their work. As a result, you can let your work speak. This is also a great opportunity for mothers who face discrimination in the industry due to their role as caretakers. In that regard, Nikon and BJP are working towards creating a safe environment and ecosystem where women’s voices are heard, and they get a global stage to reveal the untold stories they have encountered.
The contest is open for submissions and ends December 10. For more information, visit the Female in Focus website.