Sony launches “Alpha Female” program to improve opportunities for women in photography & filmmaking

 

 

Photography has long been something of a male-dominated industry. Despite there being many incredibly talented women photographers, if you head to a workshop or a popular photo spot, you will still often see a disproportionately high number of male photographers. Sony wants to help change that and empower women photographers and videographers to have access to more creative opportunities in the industry, while also connecting with each other in an easier and more meaningful way.

The new Alpha Female program will feature a Creator-in-Residence program which will award five female photographers and filmmakers a six-month grant. The grant will fund projects and activities to help advance their careers. The grant will include $25,000 in funds, a $5,000 product allowance and an additional $5,000 in product loans. Further, the grant includes a mentorship pairing with one of Sony’s Artisans of Imagery. Finally, in addition to the funds, gear and mentorship, each Creator in Residence will have headline exhibits of their work in New York and Los Angeles.

If you or someone you know is interested in applying to be a part of the new Alpha Female program, click here. Applications are open now and the first-ever class of grantees will be announced in the beginning of October, so don’t wait.

In addition to the grants, the Sony Alpha Female initiative will also support multiple female-backed and focused events to advance diversity within photography and filmmaking. There will also be showcases for some of the company’s existing women in their Artisans of Imagery and Alpha Imaging Collective programs. Of the Alpha Female initiative, vice president of Imaging Products and Solutions at Sony, Neal Manowitz, says, “Diversity and inclusion are core principles of our company, and we would not be where we are today this focus. ‘Alpha Female’ gives us the chance to open some very important doors for female creators, while also highlighting the impressive work of our existing roster of ambassadors. It’s a program that we are very proud to stand behind.”

(Index image copyright Brooke Shaden)