Great Women Photographers

This expansive survey documents the groundbreaking contributions women have made in the field of photography since its origins in the 19th century. Channeling the spirit of innovation that has shaped photographic history, this book will readdress its male dominated past, shining a light on trailblazing practitioners and celebrating their relentless experimentation.

From Anna Atkins, who in 1843 created the first photobook, to Felicia Ewurasi Abban, the first professional woman photographer in 1950s Ghana, women who have been at the forefront of photographic image making are lauded for their ingenuity. These pioneering artists have not only conquered technical innovations but have also used photography as a powerful tool for social commentary, personal expression, and cultural documentation.

Organized alphabetically, each artist, from Berenice Abbott to Maryam Zandi, is represented by an iconic image and newly commissioned text written by scholars in the field.

The fourth in Phaidon s Great Women series, this book spans almost 200 years and covers documentary photography, portraiture, fashion, conceptual art, and photocollage, forming an essential volume that honors the women who have shaped visual culture.