the female lens

Meet the photographers

Since March, we have been working with five renowned women photographers, from South East Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe, to document the experience of our female staff and the role of women in rebuilding communities after conflict.

Julia Kochetova

Julia Kochetova is a Ukrainian photojournalist and documentary filmmaker. She is currently in Ukraine, reporting on the war and its' devastating effect on communities.She studied journalism at Taras Shevchenko National University and Mohyla School of Journalism. Her work has been exhibited in the UK, USA, France, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Serbia, Portugal and all over Ukraine, and her reporting has been featured on Vice News, Der Spiegel, Zeit, Bloomberg, Vanity Fair, The Guardian, FP, Reuters and NBC. Her work is focused on the issues of the war generation, post-traumatic stress disorder and feminism.

https://kochetova.rocks/

Maryam Ashrafi

Maryam Ashrafi, a Paris-based Iranian photographer, was born in Tehran amidst the Iran-Iraq war. Driven by a profound interest in sociology, she channels her focus into exploring social and socio-political issues. She has covered various demonstrations and social issues in Europe while concentrating on her long-term project documenting the consequences of wars in Northern Syria and the autonomous Kurdistan region of Northern Iraq between 2012 and 2018. Her work, which captures the lives of fighters behind the frontlines and civilians as they return to newly liberated cities, has been compiled in her book, "Rising among Ruins, Dancing amid Bullets."

https://maryamashrafi.com

Sane Seven

Sane Seven, a visionary female portrait photographer celebrated for her ability to capture the subtleties and complexities of the female experience. Her work gives a closer look at the amazing women who shape our world, going beyond just beautiful photography to capturing moments that feel personal and real.Sane’s portfolio, rich with intimate portraits of public figures, celebrities, and influential women, shows her unique skill to get to the heart of who someone is, sharing stories of strength, challenge, and the unique experiences of women with both warmth and honesty. Her work serves as a powerful advocate for gender equality, cementing her status as a true force in the field of photography today.

https://saneseven.com

Sophal Neak

Sophal Neak is a Cambodia photographer who has developed her distinctive practice through performatively composed portraitures, commonly staged in collaboration with her subjects. Her works often illuminate the ongoing struggles and voices of those who can face marginalisation in Cambodian society, including women, rural communities, immigrants, and communities at risk. Playing with the politics of identities and aesthetics, and informed by conceptual and political motivations, her subjects may or may not have their identities revealed. Sophal’s works often challenge social structures, highlighting the hidden memories and fear that animate people’s lives.

https://neaksophal.com

Yagazie Emezi

Yagazie Emezi is a Nigerian artist and self-taught photojournalist focused on stories surrounding African women and their health, sexuality, education and human rights. Having worked extensively across Africa, Yagazie also covers stories on identity and culture, social justice, climate change and migration.Her art practice uses photography and sculpture to construct visual critiques of Nigeria's socio-political state and the roles media play in it.

https://www.yagazieemezi.com