Sharing The Journey

Sharing our experiences and hopes and fears is what makes for good companionship. Let's not be afraid to open up to others and to listen in turn to what they have to say. We will all feel better if we do, and perhaps we'll open our hearts in the process.

At the beginning there were two of us. Beata Moore and me. We met while working on a project totally unrelated to photography. It didn't take long and we found out that we shared the same passion. That was 16 years ago. Since then we have never stopped talking about photography, sharing our thoughts, ideas, little successes and disappointments. Sharing our journeys and watching each other develop into who we are today. However our world was somehow insular. We didn't use the internet as much, and sharing our images with the outside world was much more complicated in the times of film cameras.

With the introduction of digital cameras and social media, our world opened up. At the same time it opened up a lot of opportunities for us to be a part of it. The more we got to know the world of landscape photography the more we realised how few women are being published or even mentioned in media. We could not believe that women are not simply interested in the great outdoors. So we decided to look for them. That's when the idea of starting the Landscapes by Women group was born. The idea of creating a friendly community in which we can support and inspire one another, share our work, thoughts and experiences. At the same time we would like to increase the visibility of women in landscape photography, change the overall perception, and perhaps help bring a better balance into this area.

After running the group for a few months we decided it was time to meet in person. We chose an autumnal date, the most beautiful season of the year for spectacularly colourful scenes, in the Lake District. One of England's most stunning areas. The first time we met, we felt like we already knew one another for a long time. We spent two amazing days talking, walking, taking photographs and most of all, having fun. During that time I realised that I just loved watching all these women, who didn't know of one another a few months ago, enjoying each other's company, sharing their ideas, planning new ventures, and even forming friendships. It was a truly wonderful experience to get to know some of the people behind all those stunning images we had been sharing for months. I already look forward to our next trip, and meeting those who couldn't make it this time.

At the beginning there were two of us. Today there are twenty two of us. That's only counting the UK contributors to our website. However our Facebook page and Flickr group are open to women from all over the world. Our group is still growing and we are hoping that we will inspire more women to get out there and follow their heart in pursuing their love for art.

LBW

Share this story

Comments Expand -
  1. Hi
    What a super idea! I have recently met a fellow female landscaper and we go out shooting every week. Even in just two months, my photographic experience has been enriched beyond all expectations. So I understand just how wonderful it is to find fellow enthusiasts. Love the images you made on this trip.
    Best
    Rachael

    1. Hi Rachael. Thank you very much for your kind comment. I’m glad you like the idea. It certainly is very inspiring to be in a company who share the same passion as you. Please feel free to join us on Facebook and Flickr.

    1. Thank you so much, Deborah. It means so much to me that you are connected with us as well. That by such a wonderful coincidence our paths crossed. Meeting you was such a precious experience. I truly hope that one day you will be able to meet the rest of us in person as well…

  2. Thank you very much Vanda for this article. I nearly gave up photography as I feel I am a bit stuck at the moment. But you have given me some hope as I do like taking photographs as a form to relaxation from the daily stresses and for having fun. I guess it is important to have a photographic “buddy” and inspire each other.
    Thanks again and please keep these images posting on Facebook, I love it.
    Kind regards
    Ruth

    1. Thank you so much, Ruth for your kind words. I am really glad you decided not to give up photography. It is such a wonderful form of getting away from it all. It would be a shame to give up if you have passion for it. I have seen your name on our Facebook page – thank you for all your encouragement, likes and nice comments for all of us. Please share your photos with us…
      Kind regards,
      Vanda

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *