women in photography & film Mar 2023

Motion designer and mixed media collage artist Ania Augustynowicz aka Augustynka is currently based in Warsaw. Her fashion industry experience has provided her with a unique perspective from which she creates her art. By combining and decomposing pictures, her unique creative process creates eye-catching pieces of modern art.

Ania’s clients include global fashion brands and magazines including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Celine, and many more. Ania has also participated as a judge in creative events and lectured about collage in addition to her artwork. She combines both photography and videos to create a compelling visual story for musicians, the fashion industry, and a variety of creative clients.

See more of Augustynka’s work here. Ania is represented by JSR, give them a follow on Instagram.

Camilla Camaglia is a beauty, fashion and portrait photographer, based between Rome and Berlin, working freelance for beauty and fashion brands, artists and magazines.

Camilla’s strengths are that she can create impactful and creative images that catch the viewer’s eye, yet at the same time she has a keen eye for details. For her it’s also important to create work that shows diversity and inclusion of any kind.

Camilla’s latest projects include photographing Italian pop music artist Arisa for the cover of her album single “Tú mi Perdición”, and also shot with her for the cover of Italian magazines Oggi and Gente. She recently shot commercial beauty work for Korean skincare brand Yepoda, for Italian nail polish brand Gamax and published editorial work on Gala Greece.

Her photography work has appeared on several magazines such as L’Officiel and Glamour and she has worked for clients such as Universal Music, Glossybox and Kryolan, to name a few.

The New York City-based photography team of Ellen McDermott and creative partner Bridget Sciales produces timeless visual language, with imagery that is both intimate and visceral. 

“As women, we feel we are expected to work harder in the male-dominated field of photography. Securing top assignments is often quite challenging. We have been fortunate to work with creative heads who understand the value of diversity.” 

Giving female photographers equal billing to their male counterparts expands creative energies and acknowledges a different approach in providing new and unexplored points of view. Their photography evokes emotion, which enhances the digital experience for consumers across e-commerce, marketing, and content creation. The approach involves shooting with a studied and refined lighting that immediately provokes the viewer into a time and space.

The work can be seen in ad campaigns, digital content, magazines, books, corporate assignments and private collections throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.

Clients include Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Chicos, One Kings Lane, Martha Stewart Living, Iconix Brands, Toast, Plain Goods, Dwell, Cottages & Gardens, Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Christie's, Sotheby’s and Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt among others.

Ewelina is a self-taught illustrator based in Poland. Her technique combines hyper-realistic pencil drawing, collage and digital painting. Ewelina’s intricately detailed fashion-led illustrations bring a luxurious edge to any campaign.

An extremely versatile illustrator working across advertising, editorial and branding, Ewelina has been commissioned by Bank of America, Kiehl’s, Neutrogena, Condé Nast, The Washington Post, Pentagram, Neutrogena, Playboy, Mandarin Oriental, and Samsung.

Besides her love of cats, Ewelina is a huge fan of design, fashion, non-fiction literature, gardening, yoga and Wes Anderson’s vibes.

Ewelina is represented by JSR, see more here. You can follow the agency on Instagram for the latest news.

Jodie Mann is an award-winning photographer and director specialising in fashion, beauty and advertising imagery.

Mentored by Nick Knight and influenced by the history and landscape of her early life in the Scottish Highlands, Jodie has over a decade of experience in the industry.

“I began my journey into image-making at 17. Whilst living in the Highlands, I created a fine art photo-digital exhibition inspired by the characteristics and folklore of the Highlands, expressed through the human form. The work was selected by the UK’s leading art publisher - Washington Green - to be exhibited nationally, and soon formed the basis of my style and practises today.

In 2022 I collected the IPA’s International Advertising Photographer of the Year Award, and nominated for Photographer of the Year at the Lucies. Currently, I provide services in art consultancy whilst working on large-scale projects for global hotels, fashion, beauty and alcohol brands.”

Julia has been shooting kids, fashion and portraits for many brands and leading independent magazines in the UK and abroad for a number of years.

Constantly inspired by what she sees around her, she is always thinking of stories to capture.  Referencing painting and sometimes vintage photography, she is eager to convey the emotions and moods of subjects and situations through her imagery. Through her lens she pulls something unique out of the scene, using composition and light, capturing a moment.

Featured in the Spotlight is her very latest campaign: Island Feelings for Luna Magazin shot in the Outer Hebrides (Scotland)

Julia Buruleva is a photographer and creative director, specialising in conceptual, fashion, and advertising photography and motion.

With a background in commercial photography, she is also a visual artist, deeply invested in personal art projects. Her greatest strength lies in her ability to seamlessly combine these two worlds, bringing a unique and creative vision to her commercial shoots.

With her team she is already has produced advertising campaigns for jewellery and fashion brands as well as editorials for such magazines as Elle, PAP, Sicky, L'Officiel, InStyle, Rebe, Solstice, Latest, Rolling Stone, HUF and more.

Currently based in Barcelona, she is open to working on projects worldwide.

Represented as a photographer and creative director by the leading European photo agencies:
Germany - Rockenfeller & Göbels / Italy - ARTalents Agency / Switzerland - VisualEyes Artists / Great Britain - HOJ Agency, and as a fine art photographer by InsideOut Art Gallery (Belgium). Julia is a Gold Member and Spotlight Photographer on PhotoVOGUE.

Based in Buenos Aires, Lucila Blumencweig is an award-winning international advertising photographer working between South America and Europe

A creative problem solver with extensive experience in complex cross-media productions and global assignments, Lucila’s high-energy portfolio is full of vibrant, colourful imagery focusing on people and life.

Her work stands out for the honest not poseed imagery and the outstanding professionalism at handling every step of each campaign. Big or small she is a passionate photographer that loves being on set.

Madeleine Penfold, the sought-after photographer and director specialising in all things sports and community, is known for capturing the person behind the athlete, getting to the heart of a stories, and ultimately creating impactful and unforgettable images.

Madeleine’s talents lie in true storytelling and an ability to connect to her subjects. She works with a dedicated team and immerses herself fully in every project to bring important topics to light.

Recently she has been travelling with Manchester United Womens' team, creating work globally for the world's biggest sports brands as well as grassroots organisations on topics of inclusivity.

Her aim is using her work to inspire others.

Mona Lorenz is an Austrian-based award-winning photographer. She has 25 years of experience mainly focusing on food.

She loves to work in an easy-going way with her freelance team of stylists and chefs. She has an evolving and extensive prop inventory that stands out by its variety and quirkiness.

If you have any projcets in Austria you’d like to discuss with Mona, please visit her website or follow on Instagram.

Olivia Beasley began her career as an illustrator before moving over to photography. Memory and storytelling are important triggers for projects and she likes to create a narrative in her photographs capturing people in real places or constructed environments to give a sense of time and place. Her story ideas often begin with a written text which can be re-imagined as still and moving images.

Clients include: American Express, Bacardi, British Airways, BT, Clarks, Ernest Jones, Heals, Levi’s, MasterCard, Merchant Archive, Qatar Airways, Parker Pens, Remy Martin, Soma Magazine, Sony, The Times, The Telegraph, UBS/Tate Modern, Wallpaper* and WWD.

Olivia has many awards under her belt for illustration and photography including D&AD, PDN, Creative Review, Campaign, Association of Photographers and American Photography.

See more of Olivia's work here. Olivia is represented by JSR, follow them on Instagram.

Sara Morris is a highly skilled London based photographer and director who shoots internationally, specialising in food, drink and still life.

Sara’s passion for photography is reflected in her approach to her work. A perfectionist, she strives to capture the ultimate shot each time. She loves the challenges that each shoot presents - and knows how to bring out the best in each subject. When Sara lights she lights for the whole image, carefully considering each element individually. She has a knack of making the most ordinary of objects look beautiful, even ‘imperfections’ are made to look appealing.

Sara shoots regularly for top advertising and design agencies.

Recent clients include Dove, Cadbury, Tesco, Avon, John Lewis and Sainsbury’s.

Her work is also featured in publications including Tatler, The Gourmand, Marie Claire and The Guardian.

Follow Sara on Instagram or check out her website. Sara is represented by Clare Fletcher.

Stef King is a female photographer from Perth, Australia.

In 2017 Stef was approached by Disney to be included as one of 20 female photographers worldwide to shoot a series of images for International Day of the Girl, focusing on girls chasing their dreams.

Since Stef's career began, she has always championed the female focus in her photography. "My aim is to bring out the inner strength in women, to showcase their unique beauty and to encourage viewers off my work to chase their own dreams and achieve their own unique goals."

Is there a female gaze in photography? Do women photograph differently from men?

Margaretha Olschewski's very own, authentic and very emotional view of people is her trademark today. Margaretha brings all her experiences, professional and personal, into her work.

This is how the special moments Julia Keltsch captures with her camera come about on set: her distinct sense of aesthetics and her clear, modern visual language characterise her images. In her strong portrayal of women, she concentrates on the essentials: attention to detail and close-ups.

"It is great to see Production Paradise showcasing women in this special Spotlight.

Women remain under-represented in a creative industry still dominated by men and we applaud anything that goes even a little way to balancing up.

Thank you to our Chelsea Bloxsome, Karen Thomas, Ilka (the ”better half” of dynamic duo Ilka and Franz… sorry Franz) and Jessica Griffiths."

A female-owned business with an all-female team of agents and producers at the helm, Process is a leading artist management agency proudly representing a roster of brilliantly talented photographers and directors.

Following more than 20 successful years in the creative industry, the last 12 months have brought some exciting changes to Process, with a fresh brand identity and a sleek website revamp. Recently welcoming several outstanding new artists to the roster, Process is proud to collaborate with a global network of industry contacts, including international female photographers Lucila Blumencweig and Alexa Singer.

"Developing our creative offering with a global reach, we are thrilled to have talented female image-makers based in South Africa and South America for an exciting alternative to shooting in the UK. Championing female talent is something we are passionate about, and amongst our wider roster, we are proud to support the wonderful Katinka Herbert and Jo Shaw – two further fabulous female artists in the Process family. For a closer look at all our latest news and recent work, head to the Process website."

Diana and Ulrika are the team behind Blissed, a full service production company based in Stockholm, Sweden.

"We deliver tailor-made still and film productions for all clients and budgets. Our services include art buying, casting, negotiation, location scouting and production management.

With an extensive experience from the fashion and advertising industry and with a widespread global network, we can ensure to find the perfect team and set up for your idea or campaign.

Our clients include H&M, Daniel Wellington, Afound, Arket, Svenska Spel, Åhlens, Morris Stockholm, Nordea, Forsman & Bodenfors, Nord DDB, Apoteket Kronan, Lindex, Agent Bauer, Hjärt-Lungfonden, and more.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for any production inquiries."

Cypress Peak Productions is women and LGBT-owned (yay diversity!) full service production company based in Los Angeles. 

"We have 27 years' experience both stateside and in 25 countries around the globe.

From adventure, travel and lifestyle to product to automotive, we’ve done it all. Big or small, we love it.

We believe in building strong relationships and repeat clients.

We believe in working hard and always going above and beyond.

We believe in bringing good people together so the creativity can flow…because that’s the whole point, isn’t it?"

Clients include: Royal Caribbean, OnStar, Toyota, Prana, AT&T, Coors, Goodyear, WB, Pizza Hut, Honda, Nike, The Mission Continues, HP, REI+Subaru, Belize Tourism, Blue Ice Vodka, Snow Peak, RumHaven, Humana Healthcare.

LS Productions was founded by Marie Owen in 2006 and is led by Managing Director Sarah Drummond. LS is a global production partner with exceptional female-led production and location teams specialising in commercials, fashion, sports, music videos, film and tv.

LS are creative collaborators and problem-solvers working from their studio base in Manchester and production hubs in Edinburgh and London. Their reputation, locally and internationally, is built upon professionalism and sustainable production agenda and is strengthened by the ‘people-first’ attitude. LS are an ambitious team with an inclusive and positive culture.

This selection of work is from inspiring and impressive female talent in the industry including Hanna Moon, Zendaya, Sophie Muller, Leonn Ward, and produced by LS’ female team.

To find out more about producing with LS Productions, check out their recent work here or say hello.

Christin Skory is the co-founder and executive producer of Luminosa Production GmbH.

“I entered the world of fashion and advertising photography in 1995 as a fashion stylist. Fascinated by the perfect organisation and logistics of productions in the US, my husband Matteo Skory and I decided in 1999 to open a production company which would fulfill the needs of photo teams, with an special eye on fashion clients. Our base was Lugano, in the Italian Side of Switzerland. Being surrounded by different countries, especially Italy, having the Alps very near, and also the French Riviera ‘around the corner’, we spread our network and services quickly to different places. When Matteo had to step back from productions in 2014 , due to health reasons, I overtook his role , and became the head of production and also executive producer on set, whenever possible."

Clients: Boss, Peek & Cloppenburg, Peter Hahn, Freepeople, Betty Barclay, and many more.

Michelle Methven is based in Edinburgh, and offers a bespoke production and location service for photo, TV and film north of the border in Scotland.

With an intricate and unrivalled knowledge of Scotland, Michelle’s 20+ years in the production and location industry ensures that each brief is tailored to perfection - making for an exciting and professionally sound shoot every time.

Scotland offers the best of wild sprawling remote landscapes, sandy beaches and cliffs, majestic & enchanting castles and country estates - as well as urban modern buildings, architect build homes and a whole host of quirky locations you would maybe not expect - which make Scotland one of the best locations for photographers, directors and creatives.

All aspects of location scouting & management as well as full service production can be taken care of - so whether it’s a flying visit or an intricately planned schedule - do get in touch.

Clients and productions include: Sony / Starz, Hotel Rebel, Barrie Knitwear, Radar Publishing, Flaming Pigeon, BBC, State of Art, Cut Media, GQ, Next, Fit Flop, Great Glen Company, Barbour, Chanel, Bon Prix, Hunter, Sassenach Spirits, Harper's Bazaar, Charles Colby, Cecil, Eberspächer, RBS, Schuh.

Mel Afflerbach, owner of the location agency NOVEMBER OSCAR SIERRA WHISKEY, proudly looks back on her independence as a woman. With a great sense of aesthetics and great enthusiasm for all the beautiful places, she turned one of her greatest passions into a profession and founded the location agency in 2012. For which she is always on the move, always looking for new locations. No two scouting days are alike.

The Location House boasts a wide-ranging location portfolio that is growing daily, continuously reinventing itself to provide an inspiring variety of indoor and outdoor locations for photography shoots, commercials, feature films and events across Switzerland, and beyond borders.

"NOVEMBER OSCAR SIERRA WHISKEY takes care of all your location needs. Follow us on Instagram and check out our website."

One Production is a female-owned and run production company that was established in 2005 in London.

"We specialise in delivering stills and motion content and can help with specific aspects of your production or taking care of the entire shoot. Always positive and sensitive in our approach we are a passionate team that strives on producing great work sustainably and exceeding our client’s expectations every time."

The Production Factory was founded in 2004 by the CEO Lisa Gorman. The company remains independently owned and produces stills and film content worldwide.

A proud Mancunian, Lisa started her career in fashion in Manchester in the 1990’s. She moved to London and in 1999 founded the Lisa Gorman Agency (LGA) representing some of the world’s leading fashion photographers. Whilst working at LGA she noticed a lack of production companies in London so she then started The Production Factory. Lisa quickly expanded the business opening the Mallorca office in 2005 and Miami office in 2007.

In 2015 Lisa was approached by one of her clients to build a studio in Manchester. It was always a dream of Lisa’s to have an arm of the business in her hometown. A production office and four-studio-complex were built that same year. In the following year The Production Factory New York opened.

In the last four years, The PF Group have seen a big expansion with the commercial film division and the launch of a post-production arm, The Edit Factory. Last year the group added a production kit house to the books with the opening of The Kit Factory.