New Book by History Professor Nicole Hudgins Explores Marginalization of Women in Early Days of Photography – and How These Artists Pushed Back
January 27, 2020
Contact: Office of Government and Public Affairs
Phone: 410.837.5739
Popular beliefs about the initial phases of photography as a distinct medium of self-expression—the heavy equipment, toxic chemicals, tedious processes, and a lack of real acceptance of the form—often deliver a subtle but negative message about gender: That women played no real role in the development of photography in those early decades, or, if they did, their involvement was minimal, and their contributions simply were not as important as those of men. Generally speaking, the many women who worked in early photography—the period from about 1840 through the beginnings of the 20th century—lack proper recognition, sometimes even by specialists in the field.
Now, a new book by Nicole Hudgins, professor of history at the University of Baltimore and an expert in the history of early photography, aims to correct these impressions and examine the experiences of a number of women photographers from this surprisingly rich, detailed era.
Published by Bloomsbury and available in February, The Gender of Photography: How Masculine and Feminine Values Shaped the History of Nineteenth-Century Photography, affords the reader a broader understanding of the period's attitudes about photography, especially as they concerned gender. Among the medium's earliest hallmarks, Hudgins says, is a determination by male institutions to discount, or even eliminate, the contributions of women who were working in the field. The reality of handling awkward, unreliable equipment, patiently setting up a picture, or, most importantly, deciding what photography is or could be—all of these key moments and more were masculinized by men. The readily accepted use of gendered language in American, British and French literature focusing on the photography of the period "made it appear that women's interactions with early photography did not count as significant contributions."
Out of this important example of gender bias, Prof. Hudgins says, "We find there is a link between prescribed femininity and silence."
And yet, she says, Victorian women photographers continued their studio work despite these efforts at repression. Their record of achievement stands; some of the most important photography of the era is by women, such as Julia Margaret Cameron and Frances Benjamin Johnston, and more is being uncovered by scholars every year.
The Gender of Photography contains nearly 100 images covering the period, and offers important insights for students of gender studies, photography and history.
Read about Prof. Hudgins's previous book, a history of women in France during World War I as told through period writings and photography.
Learn more about Prof. Hudgins, associate professor in the Division of Legal, Ethical and Historical Studies, part of the University of Baltimore's Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences.
The University of Baltimore is a member of the University System of Maryland and comprises the College of Public Affairs, the Merrick School of Business, the UB School of Law and the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences.