Photographer Fosters Confidence and Skill Among Women in Photography

Angela Nicholson, a photographer from Peppard Common near Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, has established a group dedicated to empowering women to become self-assured photographers. Through her Facebook group, SheClicks, Ms. Nicholson is currently assisting over 13,000 women in enhancing their picture-taking abilities. She encourages members to capture images using various devices, including mobile phones, film cameras, or DSLR cameras. Ms. Nicholson indicated that the group caters to individuals aspiring to pursue photography as a career, as well as those who simply enjoy it as a pastime. Ms. Nicholson shared that she had previously considered photography “a very expensive hobby” and “didn’t really indulge in it.” However, she purchased her own camera after receiving some money from her grandmother for Christmas. “I just carried that camera pretty much everywhere and was constantly taking photos,” she recounted. Ms. Nicholson also mentioned that she had attended courses at an adult education centre and pursued a part-time university degree. “You sometimes hone in on details or you see the light catching the trees or the leaves, and you just want to capture that element,” she explained. She added, “It’s about conveying some emotional feeling about a place.” According to Ms. Nicholson, women who contacted her were seeking opportunities to experiment, acquire new skills, and were “generally just enjoying their photography.” She observed, “There are quite a few SheClickers who are in the process of transitioning from being hobbyists to being semi-professional and professional photographers.” Ms. Nicholson further commented, “There are a lot of different strands of photography and it takes practice and for experimentation to find your niche… and what you really enjoy.” One of her recent photographs features the Northern Lights, captured from Temple Island near Henley, which she utilized as a foreground element. “That grounds the image,” she clarified. “It’s not just a picture of the sky. It’s a picture of a scene with an amazing sky.” Ms. Nicholson also hosts a podcast titled SheClicks Women in Photography, which debuted in June 2023. The podcast features women from the photographic industry discussing their experiences, career journeys, and motivations. She stated that its purpose is “to raise the profile of female photographers and discuss the issues women encounter in the business.” BBC Oxfordshire can be followed on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Details on our approach to external linking are available.