Art / Photography
Womxn-only camera club provides a safe space to learn photography skills
Every other Tuesday, a group of womxn descend on Pennywell Studios to talk all things photography.
Bristol Womxn’s Camera Club only started in November 2019, but already has a growing membership.
Founded by Rosie Foster, a professional photographer living in Brislington, wanted to start a group where everyone felt equal, safe and represented.
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“I moved to Bristol from Plymouth in July 2019,” Rosie explains. “Photography is often done all on your own, so I wanted to create a safe space where people could talk through ideas and be excited about their projects.”
Rosie found that herself and others often found that conventional photography clubs, which are often dominated by white, middle class men, were patronising and judgemental.
Since the group began, a group of six regular attendees have held discussions on what the group will look like, and how the club needs to be a collaborative effort: Responsibility for the club is shared among its members, so that no one feels they have to ‘lead’ everyone else. “It’s a really nice group of passionate people,” says Rosie.
The club held their first practical session at the end of March and experimented with taking portraits using studio lighting. “It was just nice to have a space to experiment,” Rosie says. “There’s no pressure, no time limit, and no one needs to spend any money as the sessions are free.”
The group meet every other Tuesday at Pennywell Studios in Easton. Photo courtesy of Rosie Foster
Rosie hopes the group will grow and that speakers can eventually be invited to speak at group meetings. The club also wants to visit St Paul’s community dark room in the near future.
“I want everyone to offer something when they come for the first time,” says Rosie. “We’re all equal here. No one is the teacher; we all learn from each other.
“We’re all people who love photography, teaching others our skills in the art form.”
Find out more about Bristol Womxn’s Camera Club at www.facebook.com/groups/1085043991691072/
Main photo courtesy of Bristol Womxn’s Camera Club
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