Girl Photographer?

"The job in Yemen is off. The client said you cannot go there as a woman. The police would probably..."

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 05:53:59 -0400

“The job in Yemen is off. The client said you cannot go there as a woman. The police would probably show up if a female human got to hold a camera and tell a man how to put up the lights.”

- Frank on the phone just now.

(via my other blog)

Email from Alex

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 06:52:15 -0400

If you turned up to a photo shoot I was some way involved in commissioning, I’d be like ‘holy fuck that’s Mareen motherfucking Fischinger’ And I’d say your first name as mah-reen just for the fun of it. Basically, it’s all relative. You take amazing photos and that’s all that counts, right?

(Though it’s understandable being annoyed at such a situation you find yourself in.)

From today. I guess I am the photographer. (Taken by my...

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:32:00 -0400

From today. I guess I am the photographer.

(Taken by my assistant Stefan.)

Email from Sorin

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:12:00 -0400

You’re a male photographer!

[…]
I like some of your photos, I dislike some of them. But judging is always a matter of taste and mood. What is constant in your work and I appreciate very much is your professionalism. Your professionalism is something that transcends genre, age or clients.

[…] I think this whole conversation about tagging people, about a gender capability to create is in vain. Sometimes it generates only collateral damage. Photography work is like in any other industry, people will try to create barriers to entry on different basis. But you know what you’re doing. […]

——

By saying “you’re a male photographer” it sounds like you’re not over it, Sorin!

——

Sorin: “By saying, ” you’re a male photographer!” the intention was to de-stereotype (if I can say that…) you. :)”

Mareen's new tumblr, Girl Photographer

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 14:01:00 -0400

Mareen's new tumblr, Girl Photographer:

glynnis:

Mareen chronicles her experiences with photographer stereotypes — mostly that people are surprised when she, a young female, shows up for a shoot as the photographer, when they are expecting someone much older and male.

This is something I’m curious about, myself. Even if I were never to pursue photography professionally, any work I create is created in an environment that, true to the stereotype, has been saturated with 35+ white males. The same way that one can argue that even women have a male gaze when they look at themselves or each other (since they live in a societal system of patriarchy), one could argue that female photographers can and are still creating “male” work. In a system that has been dominated by older white males and the way they view the world, anyone entering that system could be unduly influenced by the type of work men have created collectively.

This is something I wrestle with, or that I am still confronting in my own work, especially as it relates to my fascination with the female figure and how art addresses that figure. Certainly there is a lot of work created by men that is fascinating, unique, and worth examination. I just wonder sometimes how much my own eye has been trained by men, versus how much of the way I see the world is something unique to me, Glynnis, a young woman who has experienced all that I’ve experienced, especially since in my own way I rebel against the patriarchal and gender-specific constructs of society.

This has been A Big Idea that I’ve been chewing on since the fall, if not earlier, and I’ve yet to really work through it (through my photographs or otherwise). Any thoughts, comments? You can reblog a response on tumblr, or shoot me an email.

Girl Photographer?:

I have never had the slightst idea that my work could be any different or less strong than a man’s (“Oh, for this job we need a male view”?!) and didn’t even make that distinction until these real-life encounters.

Although I did become a little bit suspicious of the whole thing when I started realizing that there are books on the market like “100 female photographers” — as if they were a minority that needed to be treated differently for some sort of political correctness and respect. (Just like painting, where males were dominant in art history, but that has to do with our past standards and history.)

Feminism is something I was not into and I could never understand what their current problem was; all my life males and females had been treated the same way and were of the same average intelligence and skill — even if those skills were different.

Considering sensitivity, esthetics, clothing and awareness of one’s body etc., something that women are better at, I would even have to suggest women to be the better photographers. If they aren’t, it sure helps for variety.

I am mostly working with males who carry my equipment and put up light stands with logic and without being in fear of breaking a nail; so that I can focus on the soft stuff, which is thinking of and taking the pictures.

At the shoot for a campaign

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 08:41:00 -0400

(Handshakes.)
Female client / facility management (ca.50): Hello, my name is A. Nice to meet you.
Mareen: Mareen Fischinger, hello.
Female agent: My name is C., from the agency P.
Mareen: These are Stefan, assistant, and Jenny, intern.
Stefan/Jenny: Hi.
(Some small-talking between agent and client, while Mareen instructs Stefan and Jenny with putting together certain pieces of equipment and makes a phone call.)
Mareen: Okay, I would suggest we go upstairs first?
Female client: Ermm, what is your job here by the way? Are you an intern, too?
(Everyone awkwardly looks at each other, noone laughs.)
Female client: Assistant?
Mareen: ... Who do you think was going to take the photos?

Email from Rociel

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:54:21 -0400

I know you pretty much since I got fast internet about 2 years ago, and I got to know you through your fotoblog. (Well, your pictures + your comments, but which were often no longer than 1-2 sentences. I like your tumblr now) I had pretty much no idea about photography or photographers; you gave me my first impression and thus make me compare other photographers to you. You could say, I’m kinda Mareen-biased.

At first I was amused when I read this post, but now I’ve realized there’s more to it than that. And when I saw this tumblr, I found it… really hilarious!! SORRY! I know the way people react must be super annoying to you, but just the thought of people seeing you as the know-it-all intern and thinking “What is this girl doing with the camera!?? Mrs. Fischinger should totally HIT her.” makes me lol so hard.
Maybe you just belong to this gang of cool young creatives, the new generation (wooo!).
In fact, in my mind photographers are casually dressed FH students who have iPhones and MacBooks and drink Starbucks Coffee; and when I read comments on your Flickr, I think “What are all these old geezers doing here!? PERVS.”
Also, the name “Mareen” must imply something weird or not serious to not-Germans.

Just let your portfolio speak for yourself! (or go buy a big fat gold chain with M.F. on it.)

Meeting talk.

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:48:00 -0400

Girl Photographer: My daily rate is at between xxx-xxxx depending on the usage. I could offer you xyz for all photos including editing and basic post-pro.
Client: Oh haha, wait! This is how much I had to pay last time I hired a real photographer to shoot! And this guy knew what he was doing...
Client: I don't want to offend you or your work, but you must understand. I will give you half of what you are asking.
(...)
Girl Photographer: I am not one of the cheap "conveyer belt standard shooters", people hire me because they actually like my work and want their product displayed in a certain way.
Client: Don't get me wrong, I do believe that you can take good pictures.

"This topic reminds me of the eighties tv-series “Remington Steele”. Unfortunately it is a very old..."

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 07:46:00 -0400

“This topic reminds me of the eighties tv-series “Remington Steele”. Unfortunately it is a very old problem. And no, I’m not recommending you do something similar.”

- elbflorenz reblogged

Remington Steele wikipedia info

Email from Vinh

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:35:00 -0400

I want to assume that everyone who compares you to other photographers are men. These men are stereotyping you as a photographer. Maybe they think that women photographers only do still life or children’s portraits? I do believe that they’re intimidated by you. You’re accomplished and extremely talented. Also, you’re a woman working in a mostly male dominated profession, am I right?

I see this same attitude in other areas. Danica Patrick for example. If you don’t know who she is, she’s a race car driver in IndyCar. Do a google search and you’ll see misogyny directed toward her from her opponents.

Just keep doing what you’re doing. Even though it’s hard to ignore these people, ignore these people. What they think or say is insignificant.

Email from Jason

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:34:00 -0400

First let me say that I am a 36 year old male photographer.

I would hope you do not get to upset over such ridiculous statements from ignorant people. I have been following your blog for a month or so now and believe you to be a wonderful photographer firmly standing in your own place. Sorry that you have had trouble with this (coming from the 35+ male group).

For a long time men have had a strong foothold in the world of photography and I’m not sure why exactly – most of my favorite photographers are female. One of my colleagues here is a 40+ female photographer and I have heard many horror stories from her in regards to chauvinism and complete discrimination over her career. I hope you don’t take what these people say personally as I am sure that most are just jealous and intimidated of a strong talented female.

Email from Marc, not translated because his writing is too good.

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:33:00 -0400

Jeder Beruf ist als Klischeebild im kollektiven Gedächtnis verankert. Vor allem Medien wie das Fernsehen prägen diese Vorstellungen. Selbstverständlich ist jeder Anwalt reich, erfolgreich und arbeitet in einer global operierenden Kanzlei. Polizisten sind keine Beamte im Büro, sondern Draufgänger, die auch mal Gesetze biegen müssen um die Bösen zu schnappen. Und Fotografen haben alle mindestens eine Hasselblad (pro Hand), arbeiten in einem riesigen Loft-Studio, rufen immerzu „Ja! Sexy! So ist’s gut! Den Kopf höher! Ja! JA! SEHR SCHÖN!”, fotografieren ausschließlich Modestrecken vor weißer Leinwand, tragen vornehmlich schwarze Designerkleidung und haben weibliche Assistenten. Das sind einfach Vorstellungen, die die meisten haben, weil sie es anders nicht kennen. So weit ich weiß fielen bisher auch alle Fotografen bei Heidi Klum in die Kategorie.

Es gibt mindestens genausoviele kommerziell arbeitende, weibliche Fotogafen bzw. Fotografinnen wie Fotografen, aber das was in den Medien so genannt wird sind zumeist männliche Namen. Andreas Gursky, Wolfgang Tillmans, usw. (Die immerzu genannten Nan Goldin und Cindy Sherman fallen dabei eher in die Kategorie Künstler als in Fotografie. So unfair das auch ist.)

Und bei deinen Kunden kommt wohl vor allem das übermäßig ausgeprägte Ego der etablierten Fotografen zu tragen. Wenn man einen Tag bei HSL verbringt spürt man das deutlich. Schmierige Endvierziger in Audi TT und BMW Z8 oder Chayenne und Landrover fahren selbstgefällig vor und meinen alles drehe sich um sie. Ich erinnere mich da gern an einen Herren aus Wuppertal zurück, dem ich versäumt habe die Tür zum Labor aufzuhalten. Danach durfte ich mir aber erstmal anhören was für ein flegelhaftes Benehmen ich so an den Tag lege. Damit möchte ich keinesfalls sagen, daß alle erfolgreichen (?) Fotografen sich so verhalten, aber es genügen ja schon eine handvoll, denn die sind schließlich laut genug. Die verkaufen in erster Linie sich selbst, erst danach kommen die Fotos. Das bleibt dann beim Kunden hängen. Als Konsequenz erwartet er dann bei den Schlagworten jung + Fotograf einen Anfang 30er, männl. mit schwarzen Klamotten und schwarzer Hornbrille.

—-

Der Autor dieser eMail ist männl., noch unter 30 und trägt heute Abend ausnahmsweise mal viel schwarz.

Marc

P.S.: Ist Grau das neue Schwarz?

Email from Rich

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:32:42 -0400

I’ve been a fan of your work for some time now. I would always check and browse your photoblog. I think you’re great! I’m glad that you are on tumblr now. I follow you on tumblr as savage.tumblr.com. Anyway, I don’t know what you are talking about with this comparison to “real” photographers. I think you are one of the best!

"People assume that young people or inexpensive products are somehow inferior to old people or..."

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:31:00 -0400

“People assume that young people or inexpensive products are somehow inferior to old people or expensive products. When they condescendingly refer to “real” alternatives, what they really mean is someone older or something more expensive.
A young person couldn’t possibly be a professional.”

- my friend Marco in an IM

Email from Robert (translated from German)

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:30:00 -0400

1. Humans tend to think in narrow-minded categories; this gives a feeling of safety and control.

2. Humans often try to place themselves in better light by running others down.

3. Envy. It motivates people to do the wildest things.

4. Dullness. Motivates to even weirder things.

If this happens between some old ladies at an afternoon coffee-party: ok. If it happens in the job, that is very dilettantish!

Email from Joram

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:21:00 -0400

Being in the graphic business I tend to deal a lot with photographers. Maybe I can give a little explanation to your question (I hope it makes sense though, because this is just my personal experience);

Most photographers, especially product-photographers but some fashion photographers as well, are exactly what you wrote in your little post. 35+ and male. I have no idea why to be honest, but about 80% of all the photographers I’ve seen all fit into that category, so it’s probably nothing more then a stereotype of what people expect to see when they imagine what a photographer should be like.

A bit like artists actually… a lot of people think/feel that an artist is someone who’s walking on thin air with a joint in one hand and a pencil in the other, while blabbering nonsense about anything that comes to their mind. :)

klubbsoda.tumblr.com

"Because snobby antiquated classicists want to put their new comtemporaries into boxes; want to..."

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:16:00 -0400

“Because snobby antiquated classicists want to put their new comtemporaries into boxes; want to separate themselves from it. Because they’re jealous of your amazing zest and unconciously embarrassed of their own cynicism. It’s less threatening that way. Essentially, it’s fear that causes this. It is as if to say : “if this person is brilliant and beautiful and fearless and she’s only in her TWENTIES and she is FEMALE …. then what does that say about ME and my STATIC forty-year old MALE life? I MUST put her in her poopoo place.” Therevby making one feel better about oneself by demeaning others. That is crap. The good thing is that, in the end-end, the shit filters away and the great/courageous/true stuff is left standing. It just takes time and a lot of bullshit criticism or categorization or comparison to get there. Great work stands out NOT because it is taller or bigger in comparison to the someone else’s work—nope—great work stands because it fucking stands. Ya dig?

Marrianne Williamson said it well:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ”

- Constance, in New York. reblogged

Email from Chaely

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:13:00 -0400

I fear that we are still living in a world where people see a woman with talent and think “wow, she’s talented AND an estrogen crazed, emotional, hormonal female! That’s so impressive!” For whatever reason, people expect less from women & minorities and then expect to be handed humanitarian awards for admitting that you are some sort of exception to the rule for being able to shoot consistently good photos in spite of that pesky vagina. Or maybe they think that the big, scary male photographers have a way of intimidating all of the meek, little girl photographers. It’s as if people are convinced (and totally impressed) that you have found the key to overcoming the urge to drop the camera and rush into a nail salon or shoe store.

I believe those wacky feminists, between soap opera marathons and hair appointments, call that unintentional sexism. I would define that as ”when ignorant people go out of their way to compliment or support those of other races/genders with the intention of looking like the ‘good guy’ but only end up with the taste of toe jam in their mouths.”

Keep up the good work and don’t let the ol’ penis envy get in the way of your shutter finger. ;-)

skeptictank.tumblr.com

"Cause being 25 and non-male with the name Mareen kind of sticks out in the field. Same thing would..."

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:11:53 -0400

“Cause being 25 and non-male with the name Mareen kind of sticks out in the field. Same thing would be if you were a programmer. You’re like Leah Culver of photography. I dunno, nerds pay attention to such things. It’s a form of admiration, really. :)”

- one ukie’s world reblogged

"That sort of assessment comes from the antiquated notion that it takes decades of experience to earn..."

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:06:00 -0400

“That sort of assessment comes from the antiquated notion that it takes decades of experience to earn your stripes and become a “real” something in one industry or another. Often, any significant accomplishment by a young person is discounted as luck and not talent. There are resources, more so now than ever before, for creating your own opportunities, in lieu of hopping on the coattails of another, then clawing your way to the top. The people who went that route won’t know how to categorize you, so they’ll awkwardly try to write you off as playing photographer, not “real.” We all know they’re wrong. ”

- molly.caitlin reblogged