Important piece, something I worry about as my daughter gets older. I have very occasionally come across some troubling individuals on my walks, but it is so depressing to realise the world feels so unsafe for women almost everywhere they go.
Thanks Ian, I can only agree. My first experience of this happening, when I was out in nature with my camera, was forty years ago so, sadly, it's an issue that's been lingering for way too long without any real concrete schemes in place to create change.
A really important topic Lin and something I think about a lot. I regularly go out on my own and for the most part I feel safe, although I do always tell someone where I am going. I have occasionally changed my plans because of another lone person in the location I want to explore, but this is rare.
I get a lot of women come on my sunrise workshops because they don't feel safe going out alone and I think this is very sad. However I recently had a male workshop client who told me he was attacked and beaten after a sunset shoot by a group of youths just as he was putting his camera kit into his car. This story shocked me especially as he was an older man. He said he will never go out at dusk on his own again.
I think it is a sad world where anyone feels unsafe to go out into nature alone.
Thanks for your comments and input, Gill - I did wonder how you managed as a woman photographer in nature especially when you go into woodland alone. I've found that many women, myself included, feel safer on the beach as it's a wide open space where we can be more aware of who's around us.
What happened to your older male client is such a dreadful thing, and sadly all too common nowadays. A similar incident happened to a friend of ours on the local valley where she was alone photographing and robbed of her camera gear by a group of three youths. Indeed, the older generation are just as vulnerable as women are when out alone in nature and sharing these stories is a way of raising awareness of all of the wider issues of safety.
I'd love to hear more of the male perspective on women's safety in nature - the more we can talk openly and share ideas like Martin at the RSPB, the more we can influence change and make photography for all in nature more accessible.
Thanks for reading this Michael, I'm glad that you've found it thought provoking and that Martins article was helpful...as with anything change always starts with raising awareness.
To give you an example of how this affects me through a nature for wellbeing lens - I would love to be able to stand in a woodland alone and engage mindfully with what I want to photograph, yet that is almost impossible as I have to be aware of my surroundings from a personal safety aspect. I always go with someone and that adds another awareness of not wanting to keep them waiting as I photograph.
This issue isn't a new one but if my article can raise awareness amongst more photographers so much the better.
Thanks for joining in the conversation Manuel, I agree it is a sad truth. As to an answer, there's no easy way. but raising awareness through open discussions like this can help.
A timely and important essay, Lin. Here in the states I would not consider walking in a secluded part of nature alone. Luckily, I have a good network of caring men in my life, but our culture, under the leadership of he-who-shall-not-be-named, is more dangerous than ever for women. I don't have answers, except, as you suggest, to raise consciousness about the problem and to pair up on our forays into the wilderness. That is a sad fact of life for women.
Thank you for your input Jenna. Yes I had a feeling it may be a similar, if not worse, story over there, I thank goodness that we have restrictions on guns over here or I fear it would be even more challenging. I know some American women I've spoken with actually use bear spray as a deterrent! That said, with International Women's Day coming up I thought now would be a good time to open up this conversation...the more women's safety in nature is talked about the more awareness is raised and hopefully change for the better will eventually happen.
I live in a rural area - woods and fields - and walk alone almost every day. I have never felt threatened, until last week. I was walking on the Cotswolds Way, when I came across a couple of middle-aged men with motorbikes, on a recce for a forthcoming event.
I wasn’t concerned; I said good morning to the first, no problem. But the second approached and stood much too close to me, persistently asking where I had come from, not a general enquiry it transpired - he wanted to know exactly which house. I laughed it off and immediately took my leave, feeling pretty vulnerable.
An unexpected and unsettling experience, on a very familiar route, which, as you can tell, is still preying on my mind, though I have enjoyed several more walks alone since.
I found your piece thoughtful and thought-provoking. From my experience with Wildlife Photographer of the Year, I know there is a dearth of women in nature photography generally. I think safety may well be a contributory factor.
Thanks for your kind comment Jane. Yours was an intimidating and unsettling experience which perfectly captures the issue. I have to admit that when it happened to me last year it really knocked my confidence again, I still find myself being hypervigilant even when we're two women together walking.
I used to think that the more rural areas were less likely to experience this sort of incident, yet when I spoke with the women in the photography group many spoke of walking on the fells in the Lake District and being harassed. That surprised and saddened me.
And yes I do agree, this issue certainly seems to be contributary to the lack of women in nature photography whether that be wildlife, landscape or woodland...I'm sure more could be done to make this genre more accessible to all.
On that note, I’ve shared your piece with my old MSc Conservation friends, many of whom (including Martin Harper, as you referenced) now work in nature conservation and are concerned with reducing barriers to nature access generally - the experiences you highlighted are very pertinent.
That feeling of being vulnerable and unsafe is a killer of creativity… I definitely avoid being by myself on photo walks of all kinds - think of all the photographs never taken because female photographers are not safe out there. We all lose. An important read, thank you!
Thanks Diana, that's a good point..."all of the photographs never taken". When I have gone out alone I know that I don't relax, if I see something I want to photograph it will happen in a far more hurried way than if I have someone with me...and if I feel uncomfortable I'll just move on without making the image, an image that will never be seen by anyone. Another great point - we all lose.
Thank you Dan for sharing your support and your comments. I'm a firm believer that attitudes and behaviour can change with more awareness so seeing the community here, both men and women, pulling together in this way to raise that awareness is really heartening.
Thanks for your comment Alicia - I'm sorry to hear you've had similar experiences, it can be quite frightening can't it and certainly creates barriers to being able to enjoy our creativity outdoors. I think if we all talk about it in our own circles it raises more awareness and spreads the word.
Hello Lin, I empathize fully with your views. Having had the good fortune to travel widely into very remote landscapes in Africa, South America and Asia, my experiences as a man, often on my own especially at dawn and dusk, have been very pretty and darned scary at times.
I wont detail my experiences. However suddenly finding myself abandoned by my guide in deep jungle at dusk, miles away from camp, without access to any comms, and without deep jungle knowledge to be my guide, was horrifying. and I am a farmer from South Africa!!!
I was out of my depth.
May I suggest the following, and this is an off the cuff think Lin..
Get to know your own capabilities, attend voluntary self med aid, rescue and wilderness leadership
gaining life long skills.
Perhaps spend a week end with invited first aiders, medics, self defense experts, make it a photo shot of what they are doing and deep dive into their skill set... they will be only happy to have a photo spread about their work, and in return your confidence should skyrocket.
Most spots now have tracking via the net, cellphone. use them and set up your emergency SOS functions. Just this will reduce your angst.
Let your circle of friends and backup know your course. call in and have specific call in check times from them, even a silent text msg system so its not when you are photographing in ultra deep silent mode... a lion kill for instance or awaiting the return of your humming bird to its nest...
Travel in threes, six eye are very very useful, for your photography, and awareness, but often for companionship, and will be a deterrent itself.
There is no such thing as Use Your Common Sense... our society having leapfrogged into a new challenging era...develop and rely on a smart skillset which works for you.
Final thought,,, There are many single women, young and older, and some pretty older indeed, who have travelled the world over, writing spellbinding accounts of their journeys.
Some, I posit, live pretty close by, wherever we are, what about getting them to share their first hand accounts of defending themselves from unwanted attention, just a thought... spread the request on the net, you frequently find that you are indeed only three connections away from excellent and calming advice..
Right... where is my truncheon? I am off to the hills. Oh no i am not, still got to cook supper.
My goodness that sounds like a really scary experience!! Thank you for your solid advice Keith - the self defence classes and having a phone tracker or checking in is sensible advice, but it doesn't stop some people who really don't understand how intimidating their behaviour can be for women whether alone or in two's. That's something that needs to be passed on through education maybe at a young age and for families to teach their kids, who may then call out others in their friendship groups. It's a big issue but keeping the conversation going will I hope spread the word and raise awareness.
What a truly truly important article - do we call them articles here? There is a particular part in your piece where you talk about giving space, noting that this is a very important facet of helping people feel safe. For me, I always try a cheery hello in passing, and if I seem to be catching up with someone walking on a path, I'll make sure I pass, rather than drop back, as so many strangely do, as that can, I think, spook people. I do think walking my dog Barney probably helps, as he is a cheery little fella himself. Thank you Lin for this really well-written and thoughtful piece.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment and joining the conversation, Neale - it's much appreciated.
Yes, giving space is a big factor on safety and what you do is exactly the considerate type of behaviour that I wish more men would take. Plus, as you say, I’d be less worried about a man walking a happy little chappy like Barney than a more aggressive looking dog.
Funnily enough, and really, I’m not making this up…the first time this happened to me as a photographer, was in my twenties when I was photographing reeds at sunset at Thatcham Lake, and a guy stepped off the tree lined path to where I was standing. He said hello and I responded while I was doing some long exposures but then he just stood there and stared at me and the water for what seemed like an age. Eventually, feeling really uncomfortable and cornered, I made out I’d finished, packed up my gear and, holding my tripod ready to swing it if necessary, walked pretty fast back to the open area and my car near where the discovery centre is now. He just stood there continuing to stare at me!
I’m so pleased that you got to see this as I’d like to raise as much awareness as possible about this issue…the way I see it is if we keep the conversation going, then those men who don’t understand the impact of their behaviour out on walks, as innocent as that may be, will become more conscious of it and think a little more when they do approach lone women walking.
Goodness, what a strange way for someone to act, standing over you as you make a picture. Knowing the place you describe so well due to my daily walks during the summer here with Sir Barkalot, I pictured this scenario as I read your words.
There is an inherent responsibility we have, I believe, to behave appropriately, and I find it odd that some people just don't get it. I like to believe you were in no danger and that this man had no comprehension of how to act appropriately - but I entirely understand how and why you didn't feel this was the case.
I'd like to work with this on the podcast with you, if you'd be inclined to?
Hi Neale - I think that's exactly the issue, some people really just don't get it! But talking about it might just get the message across to a few more people and if that's the case then it can only be good!
Re the podcast I've only just seen your message and have dropped you a line - yes I'd be happy to.
Thanks so much for your writing about this Lin. I too have had some frightening experiences while photographing wild horses alone or with one other female friend on the Great Basin desert. But what is even sadder is that the threat, perceived or real, is making women so paranoid that they are not pursuing their passion to photograph landscapes. I feel that women bring something very different to landscape and wildlife photography than men and it's sad to know that we will be seeing far less of the creative talents of women because of their perspective on photographing alone in nature.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts - that is one of the most frustrating parts of the issue, all the photographs never made because of this threat. It is indeed very sad.
Father of two daughters who are now middle-aged adults I can state firmly that this was a major worry for both my wife and myself. Sadly, my wife passed away about nine years ago, but even now when I’m at age 82 I still worry about my daughters for the reasons you have written about.The way men treat women and their attitude towards women is completely unacceptable so I am in total agreement with your essay and you and I’m always puzzling how to solve this issue.
Thank you for your comment Allan - I can resonate with worrying about your daughters, ours is adult and living her life independently but there's always that concern there.
There are no easy answers, educating young men and raising awareness are first steps - the more we have these conversations the better.
Thanks for your input Pamela - it's so frustrating to be restricted doing what we love through fear for our safety isn't it. This is such an important issue, lets hope that just by this small action of sharing more awareness can be raised.
Hello Lin, I found you by way of Xavi. This too, has happened to me at the end of last year. I went to the woodlands to meet some fellow nature photographers. When I arrived, there was a man outside his van with the door opened, cleaning something. I glanced up and he noticed me. I grabbed my bag and started heading in towards the area where my friends were. Unfortunately, this was a new place to me, so I started walking the wrong way and turned around to take a left at the fork instead of a right. When I got to the fork, there was the man at a bird hide. He looked at me and was friendly, asking me a question or two as I was walking away. One of the last things he said was, "you put your hair up..." I had in fact, put my hair in a ponytail when I got on the trail. NOW, I was starting to get really nervous after that comment! It wasn't long before I saw my friends, all taller, bigger men and was relieved! I told them what happened and they stuck to me like glue. Since then, I haven't returned to that place, which is sad because I really want to go, but have to arrange to go with one of the males from my group. Thank you for sharing this important topic. I hate that it exists!
Thank you for sharing your experience Juliette - it's exactly this type of event that stops many women photographers practicing and enjoying the genre of photography they love...It's horrible that you had to experience it. I have to agree that having a male photo buddy helps but it is a restriction on freedom so the more these stories are shared with others the more awareness will be raised and hopefully steps towards change can happen.
Important piece, something I worry about as my daughter gets older. I have very occasionally come across some troubling individuals on my walks, but it is so depressing to realise the world feels so unsafe for women almost everywhere they go.
Thanks Ian, I can only agree. My first experience of this happening, when I was out in nature with my camera, was forty years ago so, sadly, it's an issue that's been lingering for way too long without any real concrete schemes in place to create change.
A really important topic Lin and something I think about a lot. I regularly go out on my own and for the most part I feel safe, although I do always tell someone where I am going. I have occasionally changed my plans because of another lone person in the location I want to explore, but this is rare.
I get a lot of women come on my sunrise workshops because they don't feel safe going out alone and I think this is very sad. However I recently had a male workshop client who told me he was attacked and beaten after a sunset shoot by a group of youths just as he was putting his camera kit into his car. This story shocked me especially as he was an older man. He said he will never go out at dusk on his own again.
I think it is a sad world where anyone feels unsafe to go out into nature alone.
Thanks for your comments and input, Gill - I did wonder how you managed as a woman photographer in nature especially when you go into woodland alone. I've found that many women, myself included, feel safer on the beach as it's a wide open space where we can be more aware of who's around us.
What happened to your older male client is such a dreadful thing, and sadly all too common nowadays. A similar incident happened to a friend of ours on the local valley where she was alone photographing and robbed of her camera gear by a group of three youths. Indeed, the older generation are just as vulnerable as women are when out alone in nature and sharing these stories is a way of raising awareness of all of the wider issues of safety.
I'd love to hear more of the male perspective on women's safety in nature - the more we can talk openly and share ideas like Martin at the RSPB, the more we can influence change and make photography for all in nature more accessible.
Thanks Lin for an engaging and eye opening article. I’m thankful for the RSPB paragraph onwards, as it’s helpful to get a wider perspective.
I find myself thinking not about how women can feel safer out in these landscape areas, but how I need to change so that you can.
To be clear, i think the burden of responsibility is on men to do more, be better and, have more understanding.
Thank you for writing an article that forces me to ask myself these questions.
Thanks for reading this Michael, I'm glad that you've found it thought provoking and that Martins article was helpful...as with anything change always starts with raising awareness.
To give you an example of how this affects me through a nature for wellbeing lens - I would love to be able to stand in a woodland alone and engage mindfully with what I want to photograph, yet that is almost impossible as I have to be aware of my surroundings from a personal safety aspect. I always go with someone and that adds another awareness of not wanting to keep them waiting as I photograph.
This issue isn't a new one but if my article can raise awareness amongst more photographers so much the better.
This is the sad truth for women photographer. You don’t even feel very safe in nature anymore.
Thank you for sharing your story and bringing up this important topic.
Wish there was something we could do to change this.
Thanks for joining in the conversation Manuel, I agree it is a sad truth. As to an answer, there's no easy way. but raising awareness through open discussions like this can help.
A timely and important essay, Lin. Here in the states I would not consider walking in a secluded part of nature alone. Luckily, I have a good network of caring men in my life, but our culture, under the leadership of he-who-shall-not-be-named, is more dangerous than ever for women. I don't have answers, except, as you suggest, to raise consciousness about the problem and to pair up on our forays into the wilderness. That is a sad fact of life for women.
Thank you for your input Jenna. Yes I had a feeling it may be a similar, if not worse, story over there, I thank goodness that we have restrictions on guns over here or I fear it would be even more challenging. I know some American women I've spoken with actually use bear spray as a deterrent! That said, with International Women's Day coming up I thought now would be a good time to open up this conversation...the more women's safety in nature is talked about the more awareness is raised and hopefully change for the better will eventually happen.
I live in a rural area - woods and fields - and walk alone almost every day. I have never felt threatened, until last week. I was walking on the Cotswolds Way, when I came across a couple of middle-aged men with motorbikes, on a recce for a forthcoming event.
I wasn’t concerned; I said good morning to the first, no problem. But the second approached and stood much too close to me, persistently asking where I had come from, not a general enquiry it transpired - he wanted to know exactly which house. I laughed it off and immediately took my leave, feeling pretty vulnerable.
An unexpected and unsettling experience, on a very familiar route, which, as you can tell, is still preying on my mind, though I have enjoyed several more walks alone since.
I found your piece thoughtful and thought-provoking. From my experience with Wildlife Photographer of the Year, I know there is a dearth of women in nature photography generally. I think safety may well be a contributory factor.
Thanks for your kind comment Jane. Yours was an intimidating and unsettling experience which perfectly captures the issue. I have to admit that when it happened to me last year it really knocked my confidence again, I still find myself being hypervigilant even when we're two women together walking.
I used to think that the more rural areas were less likely to experience this sort of incident, yet when I spoke with the women in the photography group many spoke of walking on the fells in the Lake District and being harassed. That surprised and saddened me.
And yes I do agree, this issue certainly seems to be contributary to the lack of women in nature photography whether that be wildlife, landscape or woodland...I'm sure more could be done to make this genre more accessible to all.
On that note, I’ve shared your piece with my old MSc Conservation friends, many of whom (including Martin Harper, as you referenced) now work in nature conservation and are concerned with reducing barriers to nature access generally - the experiences you highlighted are very pertinent.
Thanks for sharing this Jane - the more we can spread awareness the better.
That feeling of being vulnerable and unsafe is a killer of creativity… I definitely avoid being by myself on photo walks of all kinds - think of all the photographs never taken because female photographers are not safe out there. We all lose. An important read, thank you!
Thanks Diana, that's a good point..."all of the photographs never taken". When I have gone out alone I know that I don't relax, if I see something I want to photograph it will happen in a far more hurried way than if I have someone with me...and if I feel uncomfortable I'll just move on without making the image, an image that will never be seen by anyone. Another great point - we all lose.
A very important article Lin. Thank you for sharing this.
As a matter of responsibility I wish that it's reshared as much as possible. This needs to change and to stop!
While I'm super glad nothing happened we keep reading horrible stories. 😞
Thank you Dan for sharing your support and your comments. I'm a firm believer that attitudes and behaviour can change with more awareness so seeing the community here, both men and women, pulling together in this way to raise that awareness is really heartening.
I also can relate. Unfortunately I’ve had a couple of encounters that left me feeling uneasy about wandering alone. It’s a sad world
Thanks for your comment Alicia - I'm sorry to hear you've had similar experiences, it can be quite frightening can't it and certainly creates barriers to being able to enjoy our creativity outdoors. I think if we all talk about it in our own circles it raises more awareness and spreads the word.
Hello Lin, I empathize fully with your views. Having had the good fortune to travel widely into very remote landscapes in Africa, South America and Asia, my experiences as a man, often on my own especially at dawn and dusk, have been very pretty and darned scary at times.
I wont detail my experiences. However suddenly finding myself abandoned by my guide in deep jungle at dusk, miles away from camp, without access to any comms, and without deep jungle knowledge to be my guide, was horrifying. and I am a farmer from South Africa!!!
I was out of my depth.
May I suggest the following, and this is an off the cuff think Lin..
Get to know your own capabilities, attend voluntary self med aid, rescue and wilderness leadership
gaining life long skills.
Perhaps spend a week end with invited first aiders, medics, self defense experts, make it a photo shot of what they are doing and deep dive into their skill set... they will be only happy to have a photo spread about their work, and in return your confidence should skyrocket.
Most spots now have tracking via the net, cellphone. use them and set up your emergency SOS functions. Just this will reduce your angst.
Let your circle of friends and backup know your course. call in and have specific call in check times from them, even a silent text msg system so its not when you are photographing in ultra deep silent mode... a lion kill for instance or awaiting the return of your humming bird to its nest...
Travel in threes, six eye are very very useful, for your photography, and awareness, but often for companionship, and will be a deterrent itself.
There is no such thing as Use Your Common Sense... our society having leapfrogged into a new challenging era...develop and rely on a smart skillset which works for you.
Final thought,,, There are many single women, young and older, and some pretty older indeed, who have travelled the world over, writing spellbinding accounts of their journeys.
Some, I posit, live pretty close by, wherever we are, what about getting them to share their first hand accounts of defending themselves from unwanted attention, just a thought... spread the request on the net, you frequently find that you are indeed only three connections away from excellent and calming advice..
Right... where is my truncheon? I am off to the hills. Oh no i am not, still got to cook supper.
Kind regards Keith
My goodness that sounds like a really scary experience!! Thank you for your solid advice Keith - the self defence classes and having a phone tracker or checking in is sensible advice, but it doesn't stop some people who really don't understand how intimidating their behaviour can be for women whether alone or in two's. That's something that needs to be passed on through education maybe at a young age and for families to teach their kids, who may then call out others in their friendship groups. It's a big issue but keeping the conversation going will I hope spread the word and raise awareness.
I agree...and well done Lin. Thank you.
What a truly truly important article - do we call them articles here? There is a particular part in your piece where you talk about giving space, noting that this is a very important facet of helping people feel safe. For me, I always try a cheery hello in passing, and if I seem to be catching up with someone walking on a path, I'll make sure I pass, rather than drop back, as so many strangely do, as that can, I think, spook people. I do think walking my dog Barney probably helps, as he is a cheery little fella himself. Thank you Lin for this really well-written and thoughtful piece.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment and joining the conversation, Neale - it's much appreciated.
Yes, giving space is a big factor on safety and what you do is exactly the considerate type of behaviour that I wish more men would take. Plus, as you say, I’d be less worried about a man walking a happy little chappy like Barney than a more aggressive looking dog.
Funnily enough, and really, I’m not making this up…the first time this happened to me as a photographer, was in my twenties when I was photographing reeds at sunset at Thatcham Lake, and a guy stepped off the tree lined path to where I was standing. He said hello and I responded while I was doing some long exposures but then he just stood there and stared at me and the water for what seemed like an age. Eventually, feeling really uncomfortable and cornered, I made out I’d finished, packed up my gear and, holding my tripod ready to swing it if necessary, walked pretty fast back to the open area and my car near where the discovery centre is now. He just stood there continuing to stare at me!
I’m so pleased that you got to see this as I’d like to raise as much awareness as possible about this issue…the way I see it is if we keep the conversation going, then those men who don’t understand the impact of their behaviour out on walks, as innocent as that may be, will become more conscious of it and think a little more when they do approach lone women walking.
Goodness, what a strange way for someone to act, standing over you as you make a picture. Knowing the place you describe so well due to my daily walks during the summer here with Sir Barkalot, I pictured this scenario as I read your words.
There is an inherent responsibility we have, I believe, to behave appropriately, and I find it odd that some people just don't get it. I like to believe you were in no danger and that this man had no comprehension of how to act appropriately - but I entirely understand how and why you didn't feel this was the case.
I'd like to work with this on the podcast with you, if you'd be inclined to?
Hi Neale - I think that's exactly the issue, some people really just don't get it! But talking about it might just get the message across to a few more people and if that's the case then it can only be good!
Re the podcast I've only just seen your message and have dropped you a line - yes I'd be happy to.
Thanks so much for your writing about this Lin. I too have had some frightening experiences while photographing wild horses alone or with one other female friend on the Great Basin desert. But what is even sadder is that the threat, perceived or real, is making women so paranoid that they are not pursuing their passion to photograph landscapes. I feel that women bring something very different to landscape and wildlife photography than men and it's sad to know that we will be seeing far less of the creative talents of women because of their perspective on photographing alone in nature.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts - that is one of the most frustrating parts of the issue, all the photographs never made because of this threat. It is indeed very sad.
Father of two daughters who are now middle-aged adults I can state firmly that this was a major worry for both my wife and myself. Sadly, my wife passed away about nine years ago, but even now when I’m at age 82 I still worry about my daughters for the reasons you have written about.The way men treat women and their attitude towards women is completely unacceptable so I am in total agreement with your essay and you and I’m always puzzling how to solve this issue.
Thank you for your comment Allan - I can resonate with worrying about your daughters, ours is adult and living her life independently but there's always that concern there.
There are no easy answers, educating young men and raising awareness are first steps - the more we have these conversations the better.
Thank you for this Lin. I am a landscape and nature photographer living in coastal Massachusetts in the U.S. I rarely walk any trails alone.
Thanks for your input Pamela - it's so frustrating to be restricted doing what we love through fear for our safety isn't it. This is such an important issue, lets hope that just by this small action of sharing more awareness can be raised.
Hello Lin, I found you by way of Xavi. This too, has happened to me at the end of last year. I went to the woodlands to meet some fellow nature photographers. When I arrived, there was a man outside his van with the door opened, cleaning something. I glanced up and he noticed me. I grabbed my bag and started heading in towards the area where my friends were. Unfortunately, this was a new place to me, so I started walking the wrong way and turned around to take a left at the fork instead of a right. When I got to the fork, there was the man at a bird hide. He looked at me and was friendly, asking me a question or two as I was walking away. One of the last things he said was, "you put your hair up..." I had in fact, put my hair in a ponytail when I got on the trail. NOW, I was starting to get really nervous after that comment! It wasn't long before I saw my friends, all taller, bigger men and was relieved! I told them what happened and they stuck to me like glue. Since then, I haven't returned to that place, which is sad because I really want to go, but have to arrange to go with one of the males from my group. Thank you for sharing this important topic. I hate that it exists!
Thank you for sharing your experience Juliette - it's exactly this type of event that stops many women photographers practicing and enjoying the genre of photography they love...It's horrible that you had to experience it. I have to agree that having a male photo buddy helps but it is a restriction on freedom so the more these stories are shared with others the more awareness will be raised and hopefully steps towards change can happen.
It absolutely is a restriction on freedom. Thank you again for bringing this to light, Lin.
The best perspective ever! Happy Woman's Day! 💖🌹💖
Thanks Aladin! Have a restful weekend 😊