Today we’re talking about the power of networking. While roaming the inter webs I was invited to join a group called “Women Networking in Photography Photographers, Models, HMUAs“. Curious, I jumped into this network and discovered a diverse, welcoming and protective assortment of women. I soon discovered that this network was not limited to the Phoenix area; in fact, it has representatives in…
San Francisco
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
Colorado
Atlanta
Ireland
Hawai’i
and New York!
Heading this network is a determined female model who wanted to change the world with her vision of an inclusive, supportive and safe modeling industry for all. As time went on her vision grew and continues to expand. During my exploration of this network I was asked to be Sailor Jupiter at a photo shoot by the “Champion of Justice” herself, Sailor Moon. It so happened that the woman presenting as Usagi was none other than the visionary for this networking endeavor: Amanda De Leon! So, without further adieu, let’s jump into this incredible woman’s concept!
Desert Unicorn Photography
Welcome to Fan Girl Nation Magazine Amanda! Thank you for taking the time to meet with me! Tell me…what inspired you to start the first “Women Networking in Photography” group?
Originally from Kailua Kona, Hawai’i, I am a professional model who is passionate about traveling, mermaids, fashion, food, women empowerment and modeling. A few years ago, after moving to Phoenix, I started Women Networking in Photography and have actively tried to make a positive difference in the industry since then. It began with the purpose of supporting women by promoting: safety, awareness, collaboration, featuring talented women and empowering the professional photography industry as a whole.
Well you have certainly created a safe space. You are very clear about conduct in your groups and are quick to ensure that name calling, prejudice, inappropriate behavior and dysfunctional actions are prohibited. So how do you come up with this concept?
It was started out of a necessity to bring the women that I was working with together in the same place. Wanting to create a safe space for women in our industry to network, share ideas and spread awareness about predators in our industry was imperative. Since its establishment, I have been fortunate enough to connect thousands of ladies to develop skills, create strong industry collaborations and make incredible friends! We’ve accepted everything from post castings, paid gigs, events, TFP and ideas to share! We often host meet ups, workshops, collaborations, networking events and other collaborations!
That’s incredible! In the short time I’ve been in your network I have seen a fire storm of activity. During the pandemic I’ve seen safety awareness campaigns, social distance shoot ideas, remote concepts and more. The people in your network are highly supportive and welcomed me with open arms. It was heart warming and something I sorely needed so thank you. But enough about me, how have the groups helped you and the communities they are a part of?
Networking and collaborating with ladies of all experience and skill level; photographers, stylists, designers, hair and make up artists as well as other models. Showing women the opportunities they might not otherwise see. As well as I am creating the art I’ve always admired and dreamed of doing, while making a difference for women in the industry. We have created amazing experiences and images together as a community!
It seems like you are taking the safety in numbers advice to heart and that’s great! The bonds I see forming in these groups are heartening. For those who have not had a chance to explore your network, what would you tell them your message is?
We are trying to elevate women in our industry and put a spotlight on them! Highlighting in our group models of diversity, every age, size and shape as well as giving female photographers, filmmakers, hair and make up artists, designers, crew and other creative opportunities an environment to flourish.
In summary: you want a safe space for creative women to be themselves without judgment. I admire that. After having met you I can see how motivated and determined you are to create connections with all people. What are your goals for the future?
My goal for 2020 is to turn the women’s group into a nonprofit organization to help even more women succeed and thrive while working to achieve their dreams! I hope to create an app that would be an amazing resource for women to collaborate, create and check references on a custom database all while being an artist and stay safe doing it!
I wish you the best in that goal and hope to see it blossom into reality for you. For our readers: if you would like to learn more about the Networking in Photography: Photographers, Models, HMUAs groups please visit them on Instagram at: Instagram.com/WOMENNETWORKINGINPHOTOGRAPHY OR visit their Facebook links referenced at the start of this article. We would like to thank Amanda for her time once again.
Below is a peak at the “Champions of Justice” shoot I was invited to participate in. Photos were captured by networked photographers Desert Unicorn Photography and Kincart Photography. The models for this shoot will be referenced per image.
Champion of Justice – Desert Unicorn Photography
MissMandyDevine
Fomhar_Banrion_Shi
Carly.Fegrsta.Model
Himekayecosplay
Thermocosplay
Champions of Justice: Empowering Women Through Networking Today we're talking about the power of networking. While roaming the inter webs I was invited to join a group called "
