Do you find there are differences amongst male and female photographers?

Question

Ok, aside from the obvious physical attributes. Am referring to style, how they deal with clients, images, photo equipment, subject matter etc.

Answer 1

I have noticed that established female photographers can sometimes find extra nuance, a certain subtle twist that can make their work different to that of a male.

Difficult to describe, but I think you'll know what I mean.

Perhaps they pay more attention to fine detail .

Not saying they are better , just different.

Answer 2

One has a p***s and the other doesn't?

Answer 3

Haven't been able to stablish differences.  I think as photographers we have to be right-brainers and be in touch wiht our creative side.

The difference might be interacting with people perhaps

Answer 4

i find there are differences from one fotog to the other - you know like individuals are individual, to group all men together or all women together and say they are different is silly and sexist to me

a

Answer 5

When you study the history of photography after 1900 whether that is fine art or commercial you find that women are well represented in the history books as well as the museums unlike classical arts (painting and sculpture) which are  male dominated.  Women seem to excel at photography and for some reason there just aren't those boundaries that prevent women from succeeding.  As for the differences in style, character etc.. I would say that in general they are negligible if not nil.  However, I have to say that women do one thing better than their male counterparts, whether you are looking at historical figures like Gertrude Kasebier or a modern photographer like Sally Mann, women seem to have a better sense of photographing family/children.  I know it sounds sexist, but on the other hand you probably wouldn't argue the point that men seem to know how to photograph war better.   There is really nothing empirical I can point to such as composition, color, lighting etc that leads me to the conclusion that women excel in these genres.  The photographs just have a intimacy and warmth to them that their male counterparts just aren't able to produce.  For instance take a photograph of Jock Sturges and compare it against a Sally Mann photograph.  Both have similar subject matter, but the way youth react towards a male photographer and a female photographer can be quite different thus creating different results.  

Answer 6

Ya definitely....it seems to me that females are more likely to take pictures of flowers and children while males are more likely to take pictures of architecture and urban landscapes. But of course...there's exceptions to every rule.

Edit: I love getting thumbs down for my personal opinions. It sure makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside :)

Answer 7

There is a vast difference. Women, being totally different biological animals than us knuckle dragging males (well some, anyhow) have a equally totally different view and slant on things.

Oh, sure, we see the same trees, buildings, blue sky's, children, flowers, however it's in THEIR brains, where it is all processed that makes a difference. And, it is NOT a question of right or wrong here either.

Males and females are brought up totally different and thus we view the world different. When ones tries to photograph their world, you will see this difference. Especially when in a group setting where all are given a photographic theme to do and a limited area to do it in. Men often attack the subject head on, harsh angles, lights, etc.. not that women can't or don't, but often they look at things from a different perspective, angle, adding softness to a harsh view and such.

Many women make very good Glamor and Boudoir like photographers because they CAN relate to their models better than many guys can and make the female model feel secure and comfy. Many may not have ever noticed, but in the p**n Industry, some of the female producers of 'full length features' have made some very good and interesting movies. They leave a lot to the imagination (and of course showing the whole thing too) but they let the mind work over time to excite and titillate the viewer. The male producers see it as - Wham. Bam.. Thank you mam.. Next..!

The equipment has nothing to do with it at all. If the female photographer knows she needs this, that and the other, she will have such and carry it well.. My lady can whip any one of my 3 D-SLR's and lenses around as well as I, but her view is different than mine.

However, unless side by side study pictures are shown, it's hard to really tell just what gender took what picture because many male photographers ARE in touch with some of their fem side and let it come out in their photography and art.

So, do I find a differance..? Yes, a lot..! Why..? Because I - see - and not thru a fog of testosterone driven attitudes and narrow mind sets....

Bob - Tucson