Women Behind the Lens

Women Behind the Lens: Female Photographers in Memoir, Fiction, and Documentary Film

This class explores the creative lives of female photographers in the U.S. over the past century.

Drawing on memoirs, documentary films, biographies, and photographs, we will analyze the life narratives and visual records of, “women behind the lens.” What opportunities and obstacles did they face in their pursuit of artistic achievement? How did economic, social, and cultural forces shape their visions and styles? How did they combine professional ambitions with romance, friendship, motherhood, and other obligations? What risks did they take in order to break new ground with camera in hand?

While focusing on their biographical stories, we will also explore questions such as: What are the differences between art photography, documentary photography, and photojournalism? Why do some images become iconic while others generate controversy or public disparagement? For photographers who have passed away, what are the ethical responsibilities of the individuals and institutions entrusted with their artistic estates? Class sessions may include short lectures, brief slide shows, and video clips, but most class time will be devoted to discussion.

Please note: 

This is not a class on the aesthetics or theory of photography. Nor is it a survey of canonical artists or images. Rather, we will focus on how stories about female photographers have been presented (or self-represented), and how we can understand the contributions they made to our country’s visual and social history.

Assigned readings include: Sally Mann, Hold Still: A Memoir; Lynsey Addario, It’s What I Do: A Memoir; selections from Pamela Bannos, Vivian Maier: A Photographer’s Life and Afterlife; and several articles and websites to be distributed in class. Students may choose to read the optional biography Dorothea Lange: A Life Beyond Limits by Linda Gordon.

Three documentary films will be viewed at home before the designated class session. Films can be accessed through amazon prime, which is highly recommended to participate in this class.

*Before the first class session, please view the film Grab a Hunk of Lightning about photographer Dorothea Lange (Dyanna Taylor, director.) Additional films include Finding Vivian Maier (John Maloof, director) and Her Aim Is True (Karen Whitehead, director) about rock & roll photographer Jini Dellachio.