As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us take a moment to recognize the incredible contributions of female photographers and artists throughout history.

Despite facing significant obstacles and biases, women have persevered and produced some of the most iconic and meaningful photographs of our time. From Dorothea Lange’s powerful images of the Great Depression to Annie Leibovitz’s stunning portraits of celebrities, women have made an indelible mark on the industry.

But we cannot stop there.

We must continue to push for greater representation and recognition of women in the photography industry. Whether it’s supporting female photographers through mentorship and training programs or advocating for more diversity in hiring practices, we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable and inclusive industry.

Gender Inequalities in the Photography Industry

Photography is a dynamic industry that has been traditionally dominated by men, however, female photographers now account for more than half of the working industry according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021.

Despite the rise of many talented female photographers in recent years, the industry still faces significant pay disparities between men and women.

Women are dominating the photography industry… So why are they making less income?

Data from 2020 reveals that the average salary for male photographers was $49,567, while the average salary for female photographers was $29,792. Meaning female photographers earned 20% less than their male counterparts. It is crucial to highlight these statistics to underscore the severity of the issue and the need for action to address this disparity.

One of the primary reasons behind the pay gap is gender bias, which still pervades the industry.

Despite the rise of female photographers who have established themselves as accomplished and creative, male photographers are still more likely to receive higher pay and more opportunities.

This is partly due to the fact that many of the gatekeepers in the industry are men, including art directors, photo editors, and gallery owners, who are more likely to hire and promote other men, perpetuating a cycle of bias that is difficult to break.

Although women tend to receive less recognition, visibility, and appreciation compared to men, the situation is even more challenging for non-white women.

Intersecting Forms of Bias

Black women photographers face even greater pay disparities than their white counterparts. Findings from 2016 state that the median earnings of Black women photographers were only 72% of the median earnings of white photographers (who make up 83% of the industry).

The struggles of Black women photographers go beyond just pay disparities. They also face inequalities in access to job opportunities, resources, and visibility. The lack of representation in the industry further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for Black women photographers to break into the field and succeed.

To address these inequalities, it is crucial to support and uplift the work of Black women creatives.

This can include providing mentorship programs, funding opportunities, and showcasing their work in exhibitions and publications. Additionally, actively seeking out and hiring Black women photographers for projects and assignments can help diversify the industry and promote equitable hiring practices.

It is also important to acknowledge and confront the underlying systemic issues that perpetuate these inequalities. This includes examining the ways in which racism and sexism intersect in the photography industry and actively working to dismantle these oppressive structures.

The photography industry must take concrete steps toward promoting equity for Black women photographers. By addressing both the pay gap and the systemic barriers they face, we can create a more inclusive and diverse industry that values and uplifts the work of all photographers.

Stepping Stones for Equality

As entrepreneurs, we have complete control over our business finances. We decide on our prices, packages, services, and offerings. So why is it that many women are hesitant to pay themselves what they truly deserve?

The answer lies in a long-standing societal norm that has led women to undervalue themselves and their work. Women have been conditioned to believe that asking for more money or advocating for their worth is somehow inappropriate or even arrogant.

This is especially true when it comes to women entrepreneurs, who may feel pressure to keep their prices low in order to compete with larger, more established businesses.

However, it’s important to recognize that undervaluing ourselves ultimately harms not only our own financial well-being but also the overall success of our business. By paying ourselves less than we deserve, we limit our ability to reinvest in our businesses, expand our offerings, and hire additional help.

It’s time to break this cycle of undervaluation and start paying ourselves what we truly deserve by setting fair prices and not being afraid to advocate for our worth to potential clients or partners.

Of course, it’s easier said than done. Women in particular may face pushback or criticism when they ask for more money or assert their worth. However, the key is to stay confident in our abilities and the value we bring to the table.

It’s important to remember that asking for fair compensation is not a sign of weakness or greed, but rather a reflection of our hard work and expertise.

How You Can Make an Impact

If you’re looking to make a positive impact on the photography industry and support female photographers, there are practical steps you can take.

You can start by hiring and commissioning the work of women photographers, attending their exhibitions, sharing their work on social media, and purchasing their prints. By doing so, you’re actively showing your support and helping to promote equity and diversity in the industry.

As an established photographer, you have a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be incredibly valuable for emerging female photographers. Consider setting up mentorship and training programs to help provide them with the resources, tools, and networks they need to advance their careers.

Networking and building relationships are key to success in the photography industry. Attend events, join organizations, and connect with other photographers to build your network. These connections can lead to opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and referrals, helping you to create a supportive community.

It is crucial for women to have transparent conversations about their salaries in order to address the persistent issue of the gender pay gap. By openly discussing their salaries, women can gain a better understanding of what their male colleagues are earning for the same or similar work, and identify any disparities that may exist. Additionally, transparent conversations about salary can help break down taboos around money and promote more openness and fairness in the workplace overall.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to use your voice and speak up for yourself and others. If you notice gender bias or discriminatory practices in the industry, call them out and take action. Use your platform to raise awareness and support initiatives that promote equity and diversity.

Remember that you have the power to make a difference in the industry, no matter how big or small your actions may seem. By supporting female photographers and promoting equity and diversity, you’re helping to create a more inclusive and empowering industry for all.

It Starts With Us

Acknowledging the pay gap between male and female photographers in the industry and taking steps to eliminate gender bias is crucial.

Let us commit to supporting and empowering women photographers in the industry. The fight for gender equality is ongoing, but by acknowledging the pay gap and advocating for change, we can create a more equitable and diverse industry.

To all the female photographers out there, know that you have the power to shape the industry and inspire others through your work. Don’t let gender bias or pay disparities hold you back. Keep pushing forward and pursuing your passion, and know that you deserve to be compensated fairly for your talent and hard work.

As we continue to break down barriers and challenge societal norms, we can create a future where all women, regardless of race or gender, are valued and recognized for their contributions. So let’s keep fighting, keep creating, and keep pushing for a more just and inclusive world.

Beyond Pay Discrepancies

To gain a deeper understanding of this issue, we highly recommend reading “Give Us Features, Not Flowers,” a study conducted by Wallflower Studios in 2022.

This study delves into how gender bias within the photography industry surpasses just unequal pay, exploring the representation of male and female photographers in leading camera brands, ambassador programs, and Google SEO.