Historically, photography has always been an industry that is male-dominated. Pioneers for women in the world of photography had a tendency of being heavily scrutinized and undermined — so it’s no wonder why there weren’t a lot of female photographers to follow back in the day.
The world has evolved, and now there are numerous female photographers that have been able to leave their mark as masters of the art of photography. Using their skills and unique perspectives as a means of capturing the attention of enthusiasts all around the world!
Capturing scenes and landscapes with precision and dedication, women have been dominating the field by providing not just beautiful photos — but also empowering advocacies by using photography as a medium for change. It doesn’t matter whether you’re here as a beginner seeking inspiration or a professional looking to revitalize the way you look at photography, these 25 female photographers to follow all have their unique styles that are all nothing short of art.
Why female photographers matter now more than ever
Diversifying the industry isn’t the only reason why we need to support women in photography. Female photographers provide a completely different perspective in the photos that they capture. This allows us to have better access to stories that we would’ve never otherwise known about — or advocacies that might’ve gone unnoticed.
This visibility enables more women to take up their passion of being a photographer, and even serves as an inspiration for young girls to pick up the camera and follow their dreams!
Breaking barriers: women in photography
1. Hannah Reyes Morales
Hanna Morales is a well-recognized female photographer — having graced the pages of The Washington Post, New York Times, and even National Geographic. Her stark photography and honest depictions of the mundane are what captures the attention of the people — exploring themes that are inherently relatable.
2. Regine David
Regine David captures raw emotions every time she takes a photo. Best known for her portraits that also serve as an act of protest for the diverse spectrum of the LGBTQIA+ community. Her work is centered around identity and vulnerability, making it an expression of art rather than a simple photo.
3. Annie Leibovitz
Looking to improve your portrait photography? If you idolize the iconic photo of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, you’ve already been exposed to Annie’s portfolio! She revolutionized how people took portraits, and she currently sits in her rightful throne as the chief photographer of Rolling Stone magazine.
4. Xyza Cruz Bacani
Xyza’s work is all about authenticity and depth, exposing the reality of living under heavy hardship and capturing it for everyone to see. She dramatically reveals layers of human life that we often choose to turn a blind eye to, pushing the boundaries of storytelling through her images.
5. Sally Mann
We all focus on vibrant photography that highlights the colors of the world, but Sally is a contrarian who embraces the charm of black and white photography. Her work has left a mark on the world of art and photography, remaining a vital reference for those who want to learn more about creating intimate stories through photos.
6. Cindy Sherman
Sherman’s focus on themes of identity, gender, and the female gaze makes her a transformative figure among female photographers. Her conceptual approach continues to inspire those looking to explore and deconstruct modern identity.
7. Nan Goldin
Best known for her series “The Ballad of Sexual Dependency,” Nan Goldin offers a look at the LGBTQIA+ community in New York City back in the 1970s. Her fearless documentation of her life’s highs and lows makes her an inspiring figure for anyone researching famous female photographers.
8. Lorna Simpson
As the first black woman to exhibit at the Venice Biennale in 1990, Simpson uses photos and text to create and uncover stories on sensitive subjects. Simpson weaponizes her photos by redefining cultural narratives and confronting bigoted views on history and race.
9. Erin Babnik
Looking for fresh inspiration on how you can capture the beauty of the landscape during one of your escapades? Erin Babnik specializes in immortalizing the beauty of nature through her thirst for adventure. Her work is perfect for those who want to study how to bring out the soft hues of natural terrain!
10. Valérie SIX
If street photography is more of your style, Valérie SIX is a master at crafting compositions that are eye-catching and complex. The way she uses color, light, and shadows set her apart from common street photographers. Valérie plays around with her subject and the environment, ensuring that every photo has a puzzle that you need to deconstruct yourself.
11. Charisma Lico
Have you ever looked at a portrait and felt like you could feel the person’s presence through the image? That is what Charisma Lico has mastered through feminine portraiture! Her work is always vivid and full of life, capturing the essence of every strong feminine portrait she’s taken in her career.
12. Jane Zhang
A lot of photographers choose to breathe life into urban cities by highlighting the bright flashing lights of buildings and cars. Jane Zhang contrasts this by instead portraying the raw emotions of urban life through a dark and moody style of photography. Her work is perfect for female photographers looking to improve on their cinematic storytelling.
13. Melissa Breyer
Capturing the energy of New York City is one thing — but being able to accentuate it through vibrant color or black and white imagery is another! Melissa Breyer is an award-winning street photographer who plays around with light and shadow to get the perfect image every time. She’s definitely the female photographer to follow if you want to understand how to navigate urban photography.
14. Stella Kalaw
Photos should always tell a story — that’s why people usually call photography an art form. Stella Kalaw takes it to a whole new level with cinematic shots that transform mundane chores and interactions into a movie. Stella is perfect for those who want to capture the beauty in monotonicity.
15. Paola Franqui
This is for those who want to brush up on their post-processing techniques. Paola Franqui is an amazing street photographer, but her true talent shines after the shots have already been taken. Her post-processing work is phenomenal, enhancing the vibrant colors in her image and giving it her own creative flair!
16. Lucy Hamidzadeh
Knowing how to take perfect advantage of candid moments is a skill that all photographers should have. Lucy Hamidzadeh is an expert at capturing candid moments, even in the bustling streets of London!
Her work captures the essence of everyday life, valuing the pure emotion that comes from her chosen subjects.
17. Sara Melhuish
Silhouettes can be tough to master, however, Sara Melhuish is able to perfectly nail it even when creating vibrant narratives of the street. Her work demonstrates how creativity can elevate shots through her use of silhouettes and dynamic color palettes during shoots.
18. Patty Jansen
Patty Jansen thrives when given freedom, being able to fully utilize artistic composition and vibrant storytelling in any setting. Her diverse set of experiences has elevated her adaptability, and it definitely shows in most of the photos that she captures.
19. Esther Ruth Mbabazi
Back to advocacies, Esther Ruth Mbabazi is a documentary photographer who aims to demystify how society views African life. Capturing the stories of those who are often overlooked, Esther’s images give a powerful commentary on resilience and the unwavering will of humanity.
20. Kristina Wilson
Kristina Wilson is the perfect female photographer to follow if you want to understand how to take soft yet striking images of landscapes. Her work perfectly encapsulates the beauty of the natural world, and her shots of the Pacific Northwest’s geography are unmatched!
21. Isabella Tabacchi
Tabacchi is another amazing landscape photographer. Her work explores the intersection of art and nature. Additionally, her innovative use of techniques like luminosity masks creates landscapes that are rich in mood and emotion. Isabella’s approach to capturing natural beauty is both inventive and deeply personal.
22. Cass Bird
Cass Bird’s portfolio exudes freedom and raw energy. Her casual, candid style makes for beautiful shots — capturing the beauty of her subject. Also, her style of photography is so unique that it landed her on numerous album covers and even The New York Times!
23. RJ Fernandez
If you’re drawn to vibrant images that play around color and contrast, RJ Fernandez is a female photographer to follow. Based in London, her perfect blend of traditional photography techniques and modern technology redefines what it means to be a photographer in the modern age!
24. Diana Markosian
Diana has breathed new life in photojournalism with her ability to harness light and composition. She has traveled all across the world, taking photos that align with the storytelling expertise of National Geographic. She’s definitely worth a follow if you want to stay updated on her constantly expanding portfolio.
25. Ami Vitale
Most recognized for her work in Kashmir, Ami has built a name for herself by pushing for advocacies in every photo that she takes. Her focus on facing global issues such as the rising prevalence of poaching in Africa has solidified her position as not just a world-class photographer, but also a fearless activist.
Hallmarks of inspiration — breaking glass ceilings one photo at a time
These 25 women are redefining photography in 2025, each with a unique perspective and powerful visual storytelling. Whether you’re into documentary, portraiture, or landscape photography, there’s something to learn from every single one of them. Follow them, be inspired, and maybe even pick up the perfect camera yourself!
