‘Girls on Film’ photography club puts the female gaze on display — front and center

Sep 10

The Girls on Film gallery show on Saturday was a sterling example of art in abundance— free of glass ceilings to shatter and gatekeepers to outmaneuver. Of the 37 featured female and non-binary photographers, 29 were first-time exhibitors —a powerful testament to Sayra Vasquez and Mari Aragon’s (event organizers/curators) commitment to providing a platform for film photographers, regardless of skill level or follower count.

“It was so rewarding to see so many talented women come together and showcase their work,” Aragon said. “They filled the room with all the love, smiles and excitement to show their work. It was truly inspiring. I’m super grateful for everyone that participated, and Safelight Labs/Camera Exposure for hosting us. Thanks to them, we were able to create this safe and inclusive environment for our community.”

It was a spectacle in inclusivity meant for leveling the playing field of artistic expression for women, and making room for aspiring photographers to plant the seeds for cultivating their unique visions.

Through open-entry events and community support, Girls on Film is setting the standard for offering female creatives not only exposure but empowerment.

With every developed photograph, a narrative unfolds. Through Girls on Film, Vasquez and Aragon aspire to supply women of all ages and backgrounds with the tools and space to tell their own stories — on their own terms. All the while, they’re building a creative coalition of women who are eager to celebrate one another.