In this edition of the R29 Photo Album, we're celebrating women both behind and in front of the lens for International Women's Day.
Ahead, we asked female photographers to share one picture of a woman who means something out of the ordinary to them. In portraits and details, from grandmothers to mothers, mentors to muses, best friends to wild friends and courageous activists, the results paint a beautiful picture of womanhood today.
Click through the album and read the stories behind each woman, and each moment.
This is a photo of Sylvie, the person I've documented the most so far as a photographer. Sylvie is one of the most intelligent and influential people I've ever met. I knew from the very first time I photographed her that I would want to continue photographing her for as long as I could. This photo was taken at the place we first met for a shoot just a couple of years before.
Chloe Sheppard
Tatty accidentally set herself on fire when she was 8 years old. She is such a positive, amazing woman and now makes videos and blogs about overcoming this trauma.
Laura McCluskey
This is Meg, who I met on a photo course in Latvia a couple of summers ago. We ended up sharing a workspace in London, and the studio has been a very important place for both of us I think. Meg has a beautiful way of looking at life – there’s not as many people who are as welcoming, open-minded and supporting as she is.
Eeva Rinne
This is Ponny Distakul. She is one of the many inspiring women who contacted me through the internet over the years to have creative collaborations, eventually becoming my muses and friends. I am forever thankful for having the chance to meet women like her, who are interested in what I have to say and want to become a part of my work. Without them, it would be much harder to tell my stories, so I am forever thankful.
Eylül Aslan
This is my sister, Isabel. I'm surrounded by amazing women and I feel really lucky to have a sister. My sister is the most caring person I know. She's patient, a great listener, and incredibly determined.
Lauren Maccabee
This is Ruqsana. She is the current British and World Kickboxing Association female Muay Thai boxing champion and captain of the British Muay Thai Team.
The photo was taken at her gym in Bethnal Green, where she runs classes to train up other young women in the sport. It's a constant source of inspiration to photograph women who are strong and determined in their fields.
Nina Manandhar
This is my grandma Herta. She lived opposite our house so I saw her every day. I have never met anyone as direct and honest as her. She always said what came straight to her mind. Back in my teenage days some friends of mine were even scared of her because she would tell them that their new hip jeans were about to burst. She brought me self-made carrot juice every day because she thought I was too pale. But she didn't only have a strong opinion on others, she was also really open to other points of view and lifestyles. Even though she spent her whole life on the same farm she was very open-minded and a free, independent and liberal woman. Last week she died at the age of 96 in her own bed. I can’t believe that she is not there anymore. I miss her loads already.
Frederike Wetzels
Allana Braddon: inspiring, courageous and full of character. Allana is one of the most beautiful and empowered women I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She is a true and loyal friend.
Susannah Alltimes
Giselle is a makeup artist; she's also a really great photographer and activist. I met her on set for a BRICK magazine shoot with Awful records, and fell in love with her instantly. She has a really beautiful energy, and when there was a moment between shots I asked to take her portrait. This is the only frame I have, and it's one of my favourite pictures from my whole archive.
Hayley Louisa Brown
Mumsmum, or Ann as everyone else calls her, is my 89-year-old grandmother and a working actor. I took this photograph in her kitchen. She has moved many times but it always looks the same. Her favourite colour is green because as a child she was told that green was bad luck for an actor – she wanted to prove them wrong and she certainly has. I want to be like her when I grow old, still inspired and still inspiring.
Tyro Heath
My mum's constant curiosity for life is truly motivating and inspiring to me. Growing up, she introduced me to many different cultures around the world, providing me with an education I'm able to carry with me wherever I go.
Taken during one of our many adventures in Turkey, a few years back.
Melissa Arras
After I graduated from Arts Institute of Bournemouth in 2011, I worked in an independent photography gallery in Fitzrovia for a year. One time they showed a retrospective of Dorothy Bohm's work. Bohm is one of the first celebrated female photographers of the 20th century. Clearly, this was very exciting for a young female graduate like me!
One day in the gallery, Bohm told me to visit her in her north London home for tea and to show her my portfolio. I jumped at the chance. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, I turned up with my portfolio where she welcomed me and sat me in her cosy drawing room. Over a few cuppas in beautiful china cups I listened to her inspirational stories. After some encouragement, I took this beautiful portrait of Dorothy. I knew there and then it was a special moment.
Shortly after, she took me to her little studio room and explained how she fell into photography and most importantly, how she survived in the once male-dominated industry.
It was music to my ears. After graduating, I was very lost and was feeling rejected after applying for countless jobs. To hear that it is possible to become a successful photographer inspired me and encouraged me to keep going. She left me some very important advice: Carry your camera with you wherever you go, you never know where it will lead you to. And you know what, she was so right! Seven years on, I'm finally doing exactly what I've always wanted – a professional film photographer!
Lily Bertrand-Webb
This is a photo of my mom. She encourages, challenges and inspires me to live life to the fullest. She gives me a lot of power and energy and sets an amazing example. She is aways eager to learn something new and up for a laugh. From a young age, she set an example that I will always be grateful for.
Daantje Bons
These are Nancy Celli's hands, in my world she is my Grandma Scotland, with bright red hair and blue nails; at 81 she is in her element.
Her love for costume jewellery is beyond – every time I see her the stack of bracelets gets bigger, yet she wears it with such style. I admire her so much for she found her passion of painting later in her life and has never stopped. Now every day she spends her time painting, which brings her so much happiness, a lesson that you can find that thing that brings you joy at any time in your life. I started photographing her over a year ago, every time I go home to Devon; it's an ongoing personal project. To me she is the making of who I am and her kindness, love and humour is something I will always carry with me. This photograph in particular just makes me smile; when I'm in my 80s, I'm going to paint my nails blue.
Nikki McClarron
When I meet new people I usually pay close attention to how they speak, think and treat others. Victoria is very special because she has a beautiful mind and no matter how hard things are going, she never fails to ask her friends if they are okay. I feel like that is a very important part of being a friend. She has such a big heart and I fully salute her for never ever giving up.
Victoria, I love you and respect you! Thank you for being our sister and friend.
Favour J
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