International Women's Day: Meet Virginia Woolf

To celebrate International Women's Day 2022 we spoke to inspirational Canon Master and photographer, Virginia Woolf

New Zealand-based Virginia Woolf is a photographer who captures images that are dynamic and filled with uplifting energy, dramatic lines, and strong colours that create depth and feeling. She specialises in architecture, travel, adventure and lifestyle photography.

“Remain strong and focused in your chosen career path, keep pushing/challenging the gender bias within the creative industry and celebrate all successes from your hard work and talented efforts and the breakthrough moment will come!”

Canon Master, Virginia Woolf

How did you begin your photography career

After leaving behind a corporate career in food science & food marketing, I returned to university and studied photographic design. My first paid jobs were working as a photo assistant which provided great learning opportunities and travelling around the world, and also part time as a press photographer honing my craft photographing people in all sorts of situations and from all walks of life. My photography career has grown to working with outdoor lifestyle brands such as Kathmandu, Moana SUP and Surf and Nancy Loves Bikes. I also have captured and work many Architect firms capturing award winning residential and commercial designs.

What are you currently working on?

Currently juggling between client shoots and a project with Stuff.co.nz and ‘NZ On Air’ to co-produce and present about NZ Chinese Identity.

What have been some of your career highlights to date?

Breaking out of the corporate rut to pursue my love of photography 12 years ago and having no regrets!
Finalist 2013 Canon Media Awards Press Photographer of the Year - Junior.
Finalist 2013 PANPA Awards Sports Photography of the Year.
Winner 2010 D-Photo Travel Photography competition to the highlands in Papua New Guinea.

What gender issues have you noticed as a female photographer.

People tend to look somewhat shocked when I speak about what I shoot - press/ lifestyle/outdoor/adventure photography. Less than 15% of advertising photography is shot by women which is a major issue in the industry.

What things could the industry and fellow photographers do to break the gender bias in photography.

I am part of the Women’s Work NZ collective and would encourage people to join and support. We are challenging the creative industry to counter their unconscious bias and to consciously consider and give women an opportunity.

Do you have any advice to up and coming female photographers?

Remain strong and focused in your chosen career path, keep pushing/challenging the gender bias within the creative industry and celebrate all successes from your hard work and talented efforts and the breakthrough moment will come!

What other photographers do you think are doing great work?

Victoria Baldwin - photographer and founder of Women’s Work NZ.

What's in your Canon kit? Why have you chosen this gear to be in your primary kit?

Canon 5D MkII which I still have as my second camera next to my Canon 1Dx along with my favourite lenses that I always seem to reach for - fast lenses with great aperture range, and are built well so trust they can handle any conditions in the outdoor elements.

See more of Virginia’s work here

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