I chose both Vivian Maier’s and Francesca Woodman’s self-portraits. As two women in a predominantly male field who were amazing artists in their own way. Although it started out as a hobby, Vivian Maier’s work is remarkable. Maier’s camera which shot from the chest helped photograph some unique and amazing images which a lot were of subjects candidly doing their thing and there is so much life portrayed through her lens. Her self photos, like the one below, were extremely creative. The fact that the man is holding the mirror as he is moving it makes it clear that Maier had an eye for capturing decisive moments in people’s lives. It makes us, the viewer feel alive, like we were there ourselves. The only way I can describe her work is full of life, and inspiring as she is a woman doing something never done before and almost not even knowing the impact her work would have in the future which is a great transition to talk about our next photographer who reached so many people after her tragic death.

Francesca Woodman’s work is breathtaking and extremely raw. The tone of her work is dark unlike

Maier’s just as powerful differently. Both artists shot in mostly black and white but a different message is conveyed by Woodman who was also known as “the Sylvia Plath of photography”.  Woodman’s work reminds me of Mary Magdalene. Hanging from a door frame, Woodman is painting a scene of what may be going on in her mind. The empty chair with the cloth, her hiding her face, and even the very idea of hanging all portray a talented yet troubled young woman who is an artist beyond her years.