Women Photojournalist -- Trials and Triumphs

Homai Vyarawalla

Photo by Sabeena Gadihoke

principle #1: Movement-- She is clearly in motion, she has expression and even her hair is seemingly blowing in a breeze. 

principle #2: Gradation--The shadowing of the different parts of her make her the focal point. There's both light and dark hues. 

principle #3: Harmony-- It's a monochromatic photo so the elements are similar yet the secondary subject in the background lends to compliment her by making her stand out even more. 

Why this photo? Simply, I thought it was cute! She's clearly having fun, enjoying herself. And it's a change from the many stoic black and white photos we often see. 

Her Story: India's first Female Photojournalist

Born on December 13, 1913, Homai Vyarawalla came into a world that was on the verge of many changes and conflicts of it's time. One of the first instances of trials and tribulations came when she photographed everyday life of Mumbai women but her photos were published to outlets under her boyfriend's name. Her status as a woman and lack of published work discredited her. From here, Homai took the reigns for herself and undoubtedly set the movement of females in photojournalism in motion. 

Her historical timing is impeccable. The events that changed the world and India politically were all within the window of her 4 decade career. From photographing Congress meetings that lead to the partition of India to captured thw world's leaders including President JFK, Queen Elizabeth, Martin Luther King and the Dalai Lama. Despite her obvious portfolio of amazing work, she still had to adhere to societal standards of dress in particular areas of India. Many times she had to wear a saree while on assignment. This conservative rule led to her standing out even more amongst her male collegues. 

Left: Photo of Alice Stebbins (First policewoman for LAPD); Right: by Andy Katz

Photo of Alice Stebbins: 

principle #1: Shape--It does lack depth and is evidently limited in height or width. It's very straightforward in composition.

Principle #2: Proportion--The subject fits perfectly in frame. Her neck up takes up half the frame and the collar of her uniform down takes the other half.

Principle #3: Balance-- The image is quite even on both sides, symmetrical in a way. 

Why this photo? I felt it necessary to place a historical figure such as Alice Stebbins for the simple fact that I didn't even realize that some of the first officers did appear that long ago. It's kind of an ode to my own ignorance in some parts of women's history. But I'm happy I got to scratch the surface in this assignment!

Modern photo of female officers:

Principle #1:Emphasis-- The main subject is in clear focus while the background is blurred out. 

Principle #2: Color-- Because it's the most recent image on this point it has better quality and color. It's a bit more emotive with the color in a way. The brightness lends itself to add to what seems like a positive even for this officer. 

Principle #3: Variety-- the subjects aren't even aligned. Different sizes and distances lend to a picture with variety. 

Why this photo? Honestly the woman in this photographed popped right off the page for me. In a setting where the other people appear stoic, she's having a moment with the camera. I thought it was a great picture. 

Women in Law Enforcement Discrimination

There are particlar images of what comes to mind when you mention particular professions. Firefighter. Bodyguard. Police Officer.

Those are a few professions that people usually invision males in those positions. These are jobs that are symbolic of strength and protection in our society. Although we've come a long way with equality politically, financially and socially, the image of protector is still not a role many people find fitting to women. In the particular profession of law enforcement, you have women not only in protector roles but very dominant, assertive (and when necessary) aggressive roles. The reality is, many people aren't ready for that yet. In both of these images of officers above, I think of Professor John Nordell's reference to Frances Benjamin Johnston's portrait of her displaying herself in what would've been viewed as scandolous at the time. These female officers dared to oush the envelope, and even today stand side by side to prove their strength is not only proven in their muscles but in their loyalty to their communities.

Much of the parallel between female officers and what I heard Linsey Addario speak about is access. In the case of female officers, the increase of female officers in the field has increased reporting for abuse crimes against women. There was also data to show descalation of domestic violence situations with female officers present. Linsey Addario recognized the access she was granted because of her gender in the setting she was in. She was aware of the societal guidlines that were in a way, beneficial to women in that men aren't allowed in such close quarters with women they aren't related to. Her belief in establishing relationships with the people she photographs --especially the women-- is an undeniable strength that has been granted in part by her gender.