Chapter 6: Women Photojournalists - Trials and Triumphs

Image by: unknown
Image source:http://www.thebetterindia.com/13969/homai-vyarawalla-india-first-female-photo-journalist/

Homai Vyarawalla was the first woman photojournalist in India. She was born in Navsari, Gujarat in 1913. Vyarawalla became interested in photography at a young age. Her boyfriend who later became her husband was a photographer for a newspaper in India as well as an accountant for The Times of India. After beginning her career, she began taking pictures of some of the most influential people of her time from all over the world. Not only was she a female, but she was a part of an era where greatness occurred both in India and around the world. She had the opportunity to be a part of history. Kainaz Amaria from NPR states: “Vyarawalla's black-and-white images poetically captured monumental moments in India's history, such as the first flag raising, the departure of British Viceroy Lord Mountbatten and the funeral of Mahatma Gandhi, as well as notable dignitaries who passed through Delhi, such as Jacqueline Kennedy, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King”.“Vyarawalla's story of triumph and commitment would have faded away had it not been for an inquisitive Delhi-based photographer who noticed a lone female name in a long list of men in the Press Information Bureau records”. Homai Vyarawalla worked hard to become the photographer she was. She had to battle through people’s opinions and hurtful words of being a women in a profession dominated by men. Her great work was published by numerous famous magazines like Time and LIFE of India. But it was not until 1970 that she gave up her career shortly after her only son and husband passed away. Vyarawalla later passed away at the age of 98 in January of 2012.

After doing though research on the women of photojournalism and learning about all the struggles they faced to earn their positions in the profession, I also learned that they are not the only ones. Women in the field of Science and Technology also face difficulty in their line of work. Aauw.com states: “While the number of women earning college degrees in science has increased in the past decade, two recent reports remind us of the hostile environment and discrimination women still face in the workplace. As AAUW research has shown, stereotypes, gender bias, and the climate of academic departments in colleges and universities continue to block women’s participation and progress in science, technology, engineering, and math”. As being a female myself pursing a career the medical field, this shines the light on the truth in the work place. Even in 2016, women still face difficulty being treated as equals. Our work ethic, and education is no different than of males. It is the duty of educated women to continue paving the way to equality in the work place. To set the tone for the future of the women in the world.



Image by: Everett Collection
Image source: http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2014/07/women_in_science_technology_engineering_math_history_of_advocacy_from_1940.html

I have heard many testimonies from the women in my family and the war they face every day at their jobs.  One that came to mind as I write this assignment is my aunt who was a part of the U.S Navy. When she joined back in 1980’s, being a woman in the military was less common than it is now. She encountered many obstacles that made her question her decisions on joining the Navy. Men using degrading words towards her, treating her like she was incapable of doing the same things as the men in her unit. But none of that stopped her from continuing on with the hard work she was ready to put in. Now in 2016, she finds herself to be a successful police officer in Miami, FL and she continues to prove that women can do anything they put their mind to.  

Image by: Scott Olson
Image source: http://www.kgw.com/news/nation-now/military-officials-women-should-register-for-draft-just-like-men/30569329

Assessment of Images from above:

Image 1: Homai Vyarawalla Subject's Expression- Homai's face is relaxed, with her eyes focused on something other than the camera. Her body is slouched a bit with her camera placed on her left shoulder. She appears interested in what is in front of her, and she looks ready to capture her next memorable picture.
Quality of Light- The background of this image seems cloudy, as if the day was gloomy and dark, therefore the image itself is not bright. The overall quality of the picture is clear.
In or out of focus- The image is in focus, and you can see that she is the main subject of the photo. the background is slightly off focus, but is gives the picture a soft feeling. Her expression also plays a role because it focuses on her facial appearance.
Why I chose this image- Out of all the pictures of Homai, I felt as though it capture a true representation of her and her work. She looks timeless in this photo, and it capture a bit of her culture in the background as well.


Image 2: Women in Science
Keep it simple- The photo is cluttered a bit, with what appears to be a science lab. But without the background, the image would not serve it's purpose. The point of the chemistry lab and utensils being shown in the picture mean that she is in a setting with chemicals and she is doing a "mans" job. There is no one else in the picture except for her which means she is independent.
Use of shadows- Shadows are used very nicely in the picture. In the glass containers are chemicals and liquids and the shadows make them appear darker and showing the smoke building in the bottles. Also the background has shadows where the book case is and it gives the images a smoky effect.
Black and white- The image was taken in black and white which adds character to the picture. The women's hair also gives off that this was taken in a different era, possibly the 1950's which is fascinating given that she is a woman working in a chemistry lab. The black and white captures the rawness of the photograph showing that it was in a time where it was rare to see a women being educated and head strong.
Why I chose this image- From the images that appeared when I searched for women in science, they were all of women that are seen today. But what captured my attention was that this image was taken long ago. It is a true representation of how long women have been breaking the chains of social norms. I also liked it because it was in black and white.


Image 3: Women in the Military
Exposure time- A fast shutter speed would have been used to take this picture. The women in this photo are in the middle of a drill or specific workout and they do not have the leisure to stop to take a photo. therefore I believe this image was taken with a fast shutter speed in order to capture the women in the middle of their hard work.
What feeling does this image create? This photo is a representation of mind over matter. The girl in the photograph is pushing herself to continue to fight and to not achieve anything but that. She is carrying heavy bags on her shoulders which are a symbolism of the criticism she must face every day. 
Background compliments- The background is of dirt roads, women holding riffles and trees. The impact of the background tells a story beyond the girl being photographed. The dirt demonstrates isolation, the trees represent nature and growth and the military girl is strength. They all make up the ultimate purpose of the image.

 Why I chose this image- I enjoyed this image because it wasn't just of females posing for the camera in their military uniforms smiling. This photo shows the true, everyday life of a female soldier who has to work harder than her peers to prove she is capable to do anything she sets her mind to. This photo represents women as hard working and dedicated people.