Celebrating women in photography

“Photography, as a powerful medium of expression and communications, offers an infinite variety of perception, interpretation and execution” ~ Ansel Adams (American Photographer, February 20th 1902 ~ April 22nd 1984)

In Sri Lanka, Photography, a field which is still being dominated by men. Few women have taken up photography or photojournalism as their challenging career. It’s not a cake walk on a daily basis, but gives self ~ satisfaction. Mainly and mostly the women's talents are underestimated! Many questions are still asked when a woman proudly says SHE is a photographer or photojournalist. The questions including "Can you handle a professional camera?", "do you know how to use the lens?", "can you travel alone at night?", "can you travel to the North and East of Sri Lanka to cover the conflict?", "can you cover protests and riots?, "can you leave the comfort zone and live in a conflict zone?", "can you climb a tree or a building to take shots?", "can you live without your high heals?" "can you carry big back pack with equipments?" and "can you continue the same profession even after the marriage?". The answers for these questions are reflected on the photographs which were displayed at the recently held exhibition in Colombo.

Women and Media Collective has been supporting these talented women for the past 4 years since 2009. The exhibition was part of a series of events organised to celebrate International Women’s Day. Women and Media Collective has received over 200 photos, and through a tough selection process 86 photos were selected by the judges for the exhibition. 33 women photographers participated in the Women’s Photography Exhibition 2012. It was held at Lionel Wendt Gallery in Colombo from 23rd ~ 25 March 2012.The photography exhibition displayed the work of women, from professionals to amateurs, and featured a wide range of black and white to colour photography, from culture, nature, portraiture to wild life.

Featured Photographers of the Women's Photography Exhibition 2012 are as follows:~

• Gazala Anver
• Tehani Ariyaratne
• Azra Abdul Cader
• Anya Cooke
• Isuri Dayaratne
• Shayari De Silva
• Nathali Devinka
• Chathuri Dissanayake
• Nihara Fernando
• Anjali Gamage
• Indira Gonsalkorale
• Chami Gunasekere
• Charmalee Jayasinghe
• Velayudan Jayachithra
• DushiYanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
• Rushda Mohinudeen
• Aamina Nizar
• Piyumika Pathirana
• Niroshini Perera
• Poornima Perera
• Sachini Perera
• Thadchayini Pushpanathan
• Poongothai Ratnavadivel
• Shifani Reffai
• Rushika Silva
• Natalie Soysa
• Tanuja Thurairajah
• Caryll Tozer-Perera
• Roshanthi Weerawardena
• Bhagya Mandakini Wickramage
• Nayanatara Wijayanandana
• Chandanie Wanigathunge
• Sepali Kottegoda