There are so many extraordinary women in art out there – And that includes behind the camera lens! I finished a kids’ book last week that highlights 35 amazing photographers from the past and present. This is my review of Extraordinary Women with Cameras: 35 Photographers Who Changed How We See the World. It is written by Darcy Reed and illustrated by Vanessa Perez.
Disclosure: I was gifted this book in return for an honest review. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from any purchases made through the links in this post at no extra cost to you.
What to expect from Extraordinary Women with Cameras
The hardcover book is both informative and beautiful to look at. Each of the 35 women featured in it has a paragraph devoted to her accomplishments in photography. She also has a beautiful colored illustration of her and a quote. All on 80 high-quality glossy pages
There are also several prompts in this book that encourage a young reader to explore photography outside of the book. For example, there are suggestions on how to recreate some of the photographic styles mentioned in the book for themselves.
I like that Extraordinary Women with Cameras is geared toward kids (ages 8-12). It will help more youngsters get excited about photography, whether using their smartphone to take pics or getting a professional camera.
Learning without feeling overwhelmed
I learned a lot from Extraordinary Women with Cameras about many women whose names I wasn’t familiar with yet, as well as photographic concepts. All without feeling like I was being bombarded with too much information.
I can only imagine for youth who are thumbing through the pages how much knowledge of past and present photographers they will gain, as well as camera techniques, without it being like a school lesson. The read is light and easy, providing the information without having a classroom feel or being overwhelming.
Seeing the illustrations helps bring each woman to life too. Some are popular names in photography, and others are less well-known.
Who are the 35 women photographers in the book?
You are likely already familiar with some of them. One is Ann Geddes, who is famous for her uplifting baby photos.
Others you might not know yet, such as Imogen Cunningham (1883-1976), one of the first female photographers in America. She is known as the “Grandmother of Photography” for helping it become an accepted art form.
There are figures from history and those who are still snapping pics today. I liked the range of photographic styles included, from Diane Arbus’ black and whites to the unique ways Dayanita Singh displays her photos. Each woman is wonderfully unique and groundbreaking in her photographic technique in some way.
Have you heard of Ming Smith? I learned that she became the first Black woman to have her photography acquired by MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art) in New York City.
What about Rinko Kawauchi? This Japanese photographer is featured in museums worldwide, and one of her many talents is giving ordinary scenes a new light.
These are only some of the 35 prolific photographers spotlighted in this children’s book. I would love to talk about them all, but I don’t want to take away the experience others will have reading it for the first time!
Who is the book Extraordinary Women with Cameras for?
This illustrated book is intended for kids ages 8-12. It features 35 women who have each furthered the field of photography in an extraordinary way.
I think any child with an interest in photography would love to read this one! It includes tips for creating photos and prompts for kids to take their cameras to try after reading the short biographies.
If a youngster is looking for inspiration, this one is sure to please. It brings attention to women’s photographic accomplishments around the globe, both now and in the past.
I also love that it is two women who bring the book to us. Writer Darcy Reed and illustrator Vanessa Perez did great teaming up for this one!
I recommend the read. I give Extraordinary Women with Cameras: 35 Photographers Who Changed How We See the World 5 out of 5 stars.
Top photo: My copy of the book Extraordinary Women with Cameras.