Review of Brian Stater Lecture 12th Jan 2026

Women Behind the Lens Survey

105 members attended with 6 guests.

From today’s lecture how would you rate the lecturer?                                  

16.9% - Outstanding                                                                                61.4% Excellent

19.3% - Very Good                                                                                     2.4% Good

82.9% would like another lecture by this speaker

Brian arrived by train well ahead of schedule, and his pleasant and approachable demeanour set a positive atmosphere for the lecture. He has a strong interest in both architecture and photography and is a member of the Association of Historical and Fine Art Photography.  

Brian began his lecture by focusing on Juliet Margaret Cameron, (June 1815 – Jan 1879) recognised as one of the earliest female photographers. Cameron’s journey into photography commenced in 1863, at the age of 48, when her daughter gifted her a camera to help lift her spirits during a period of melancholy. This serendipitous present marked the beginning of her unique artistic endeavours.

Living on the Isle of Wight, Cameron was fortunate to reside near the renowned poet Lord Alfred Tennyson. Her proximity to such influential figures afforded her numerous opportunities, enabling her to photograph several leading personalities of the era, including Charles Darwin and Thomas Carlyle. These connections were instrumental in shaping her photographic portfolio, which featured many of the 'celebrities' of her time.

Cameron became known for her distinctive style, characterised by soft focus, intimate close-ups, and dramatic use of lighting. She frequently enlisted her household staff to model for her, staging them in compositions inspired by literary, religious, and mythological themes. While her unconventional techniques attracted criticism from some contemporaries, Cameron was also celebrated for the aesthetic quality of her work and her steadfast belief that photography was a true art form.

Brian then moved on to Dorothea Lange (May 26, 1895 – October 11, 1965) who was an American documentary photographer best known for her work during the Great Depression with the Farm Security Administration (FSA). Her photos brought attention to the struggles of rural Americans, especially migrant farmers affected by economic hardship and the Dust Bowl. Between 1935 and 1939, Lange documented these conditions across California, the Southwest, and the South. Her iconic image, Migrant Mother, was published in March 1936 and helped prompt emergency relief efforts for affected workers.

Brian continued his lecture by introducing Fay Godwin (February 1931 – May 2005), a photographer renowned for her evocative black and white landscapes. Godwin's passion for walking deeply influenced her photographic style, allowing her to capture sweeping vistas that reflect both the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Her work is frequently compared to that of Ansel Adams, the celebrated American landscape photographer; however, Brian expressed the view that Godwin's photographs possess a greater emotional depth, describing them as having "more soul."

Beyond her artistic achievements, Godwin became a committed environmental campaigner throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Her advocacy was closely linked to her photography, as she used her images to highlight the importance of preserving Britain's countryside. In 1987, she was appointed President of the Ramblers Association, a period the organisation described as pivotal in its history. During her presidency, the Ramblers intensified their long-standing right-to-roam campaign, applying significant pressure that ultimately contributed to the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, securing greater access to the countryside for the public.

Brian then shifted focus to Annie Leibovitz (born October 1949), renowned for her distinctive portraiture of celebrities and public figures. Her journey into professional photography began with a fortunate encounter: while attending a peace march in San Francisco, she captured an image of the poet Allen Ginsberg. This serendipitous photograph led to her being offered a position at the influential music magazine, Rolling Stone.

Leibovitz’s work with Rolling Stone marked a pivotal point in her career, where she photographed leading musicians like the Rolling Stones during their 1971–72 and 1975 tours. Her candid style captured subjects’ true personalities, as seen in her favourite image of Mick Jagger taken in a lift after a concert. Renowned for powerful portraits, highlighting both her technical expertise and emotional impact, Leibovitz’s work includes a naked and pregnant Demi Moore’s famous Vanity Fair cover  and the memorable photo of John Lennon and Yoko Ono just hours before Lennon’s death,

Despite receiving criticism for some of her later work, particularly her portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, Annie Leibovitz has maintained her prominence within the field of photography, and she continues to be both active and highly sought after by celebrities who consider it an honour to be photographed by her.  Liebovitz’s distinctive style and technical expertise ensures ongoing relevance and success among peers and clients alike.

Brian concluded his lecture by highlighting the remarkable career of Jane Bown (March 25–December 2014), an understated yet influential English photojournalist. Bown began working for the Observer in 1949, entering the field at a time when most newspaper photographers were male. Her work stood out for its simplicity and authenticity; she was devoted to black and white photography and relied exclusively on available and natural light.

Bown’s first significant assignment was to photograph the renowned philosopher Bertrand Russell—a commission that initially filled her with apprehension. However, this opportunity marked the beginning of a distinguished career spanning over six decades. Throughout this period, she captured enduring portraits of some of the most prominent actors, writers, and statesmen of the modern era, including Jean Cocteau, Orson Welles, Maggie Thatcher, Gordon Brown, Mick Jagger, among others. Her portraits were praised for their respectful approach, yet they were also remarkably revealing, offering genuine insights into her subjects.

In addition to her portraits of cultural and political figures, Bown also documented ‘real life’ news stories, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to photojournalism. In 2002, she was entrusted with photographing Queen Elizabeth II for her 80th birthday, further cementing her reputation as one of Britain’s most esteemed photographers.

Over the course of her illustrious career, Jane Bown received numerous accolades in recognition of her contribution to photography. Notably, she was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1984, honouring her legacy and impact within the field. END

Brian's critiques of these impactful female photographers provided valuable insights enhancing the overall presentation. He also encouraged further exploration of other female photographers including Vivien Maier, Tina Modotti and Lee Miller