It was 2016 when PhotoVogue launched a new series, PhotoVogue Female Gaze, focused on female photographers and their works. The series aimed to redefine reality through the lens of women, challenging the male perspective that had long dominated the arts. The female gaze is an act of reclaiming the narrative of women and their experiences, often overlooked or controlled by men. It is a powerful act of resistance. This series was launched in a socio-political landscape where women, while gaining more prominence, were still facing threats to their hard-won rights. In this context, highlighting the diverse talent of women artists became crucial. They serve as inspiring figures for those who dream but struggle to see or articulate their dreams and potential.
The photographer’s journey into motherhood began with her own experience, becoming a mother and photographing her own life. As she navigated the intense and transformative experience of matrescence, she realized her identity had shifted dramatically. This led her to question her purpose as a photographer and how she could capture the essence of this new phase. Early motherhood was a whirlwind of exhaustion, fueled by a newborn’s constant demands. She became a documentarian of this experience, capturing the loneliness, changes, and rebirth of her life. The camera became her tool to process the emotional landscape of motherhood.
Her work then expanded to include other mothers, delving into the spaces of loneliness, beauty, messiness, and fragility. She sought to unveil the multifaceted nature of motherhood, challenging the oversimplified narrative that often overshadows its complexity. She emphasizes that motherhood is not a singular experience, but a journey with diverse paths, including the difficulties of conception, miscarriage, and the challenges of chronic illness. Her own understanding of motherhood was shaped by her neurodivergence and the unique challenges of raising an autistic child. This made her hyperaware of the sensory experiences of motherhood and the tension that arises from masking neurodivergence.
She advocates for a more honest and inclusive portrayal of birth, moving beyond the often-repeated narrative that the only priority is a healthy mother and a healthy baby. She believes mothers deserve more respect, support, and accessible education to navigate their unique journeys. She highlights the need for communities where mothers can witness and learn from each other’s experiences, breaking down the isolation and secrecy that often surrounds pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
The photographer’s own relationship with her body was complex, leading to a sense of healing and a desire to show the vulnerability of women’s experiences in her work. She witnessed her own mother sacrificing her identity for the needs of others and was determined to maintain her own sense of self while embracing motherhood. Her photography aims to celebrate mothers and caregivers, empowering them to tell their own stories. She emphasizes collaboration, giving her subjects control over the message they wish to convey.
Her approach to photographing mothers is characterized by a deep respect and a desire to create a safe space for them to be seen authentically. She embraces spontaneity and chaos, surrendering to the unpredictable nature of working with mothers and children. She acknowledges the challenges of balancing motherhood and a demanding career, recognizing the constant demands on mothers and the need for greater understanding and support.
The photographer also addresses the societal devaluation of mothers and children, questioning the acceptance of disdain for children and the often-hidden contributions of caregivers. She highlights the essential roles mothers and caregivers play, often undervalued and underappreciated. She draws attention to the problematic societal attitudes that view children as incomplete individuals and the need for greater respect and protection for them.
The photographer’s passion for documenting motherhood stems from a desire to challenge the dominant narrative and bring visibility to the multifaceted experiences of mothers. She finds joy and inspiration in connecting with other mothers and sharing their stories, hoping to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all mothers. Her work serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and complexity of motherhood, reminding us to see mothers as whole people, worthy of respect and celebration.
