To coincide with International Women’s Day on 8 March, renowned portrait and documentary photographer, Lisa Maree Williams, and senior director for editorial content at Getty Images, Cassie Trotter Spencer, have launched the Australian Women in Photography Directory (AUSWIP Directory) . The resource is a comprehensive database of professional Australia-based female and non-binary photographers which allows for people to find, commission, and connect directly with some of Australia’s leading creatives.
The directory will feature established female and non-binary photographers with at least five years’ experience in their chosen field, and cover photojournalism, commercial, fashion, portraiture, wedding, family, and sport, amongst other genres. The directory currently has 70 photographer profiles featured, and counting.
Acting as a conduit, the directory listings feature a gallery and biography as well as links to the photographer’s website and social media channels, and those listed can be found via a name, location, or speciality search. Photographers listed are not required to pay a fee.
“Our mission is to develop, promote, and support female and non-binary photographers and creating and maintaining this public directory is pivotal to achieving our aims,” said Cassie Trotter Spencer, co-founder of Australian Women in Photography. “We no longer wish to hear the words ‘I couldn’t find a woman’ when opportunities arise in our industry, and we hope the directory will make it simpler to find experienced and diverse photographers for work, collaboration, and connection.”
Lisa Maree Williams, co-founder of Australian Women in Photography said that as a result of fielding requests for female photographers in Australia, creating an easy-to-use directory seemed like a logical next step. “Our industry is changing, some traditional organisations have slipped away, and it quickly became apparent when we started the social networks that there was a lot of interest – and so much talent in Australia – both emerging and established. Photography is often a solo pursuit, I think this is another way to bring creators together, be inspired and invite opportunities for those featured. Like Cassie, I think it’s important that we see the world from a variety of viewpoints, not only through different genders, but also diverse ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. It’s tough to be considered for opportunities if people can’t find you.”
Lisa Hogben, a female-identifying photojournalist, stated: “Cassie and Lisa have worked tirelessly over a number of years to build a platform for women photographers in AUSWIP, which is inclusive and diverse and is a step in the right direction towards addressing issues related to gender equity in the industry”.
Australia-based female and non-binary photographers who meet the criteria are invited to apply to be listed in the directory. Submissions are open until 31 March, 2022. Going forward, new applications will be accepted twice a year. and will be open for new applications twice a year.
About Australian Women in Photography
Australian Women in Photography (AUSWIP) has a mission to develop, promote, and support female and non-binary creatives in the photographic industry. Inspired by the #metoo movement and noticing a gap in the Australian market for a female-focused photographic organisation, AUSWIP immediately began connecting Australian creators and sharing work via social media. AUSWIP maintains a directory of Australia’s top professional female and female-identifying photographers, hosts social events, photographic talks, and maintains a community via social media. At the end of each year, AUSWIP produces a highlight of Australian female work, ‘AUSWIP Time Capsule’.
Get more stories like this delivered
free to your inbox. Sign up here.