Camerawomen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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camerawomen

[ˈkeɪ.məˌwʊ.mən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

film industry

Camerawomen are professionals who operate cameras in various settings, including film production, television, and photography. They are responsible for capturing visual images and ensuring that the technical quality of the footage is satisfactory. Camerawomen may work with directors to achieve specific artistic visions and are skilled in various camera techniques and equipment. The role has gained recognition over the years as more women have entered and excelled in the traditionally male-dominated field of cinematography.

Synonyms

camera operator, cinematographer, photographer.

Examples of usage

  • The camerawoman expertly framed the shot for the documentary.
  • Many camerawomen are breaking barriers in Hollywood.
  • She worked as a camerawoman on several award-winning films.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'camerawoman' gained traction as more women entered the fields of photography and filmmaking in the late 20th century.
  • In early cinema, very few women worked behind the camera, but began to make their mark during the 1970s with significant contributions to documentary filmmaking.

Cultural Impact

  • Camerawomen have played a crucial role in documenting history, capturing social movements, and providing diverse perspectives in media.
  • The rise of social media has empowered more women to share their visual storytelling, leading to a greater representation of voices in contemporary media.

Notable Figures

  • Camerawomen like Agnes Varda and Kathryn Bigelow have made significant contributions to film, breaking barriers in an industry once dominated by men.
  • Women like Lauren Greenfield and Mary Ellen Mark have become renowned photographers, using their cameras to tell powerful stories about society.

Science & Technology

  • The evolution of camera technology has made it easier for women to enter photography and film, leading to a surge of diverse talent in the digital age.
  • Today’s smartphones and affordable cameras have democratized visual storytelling, encouraging more women to explore careers in cinematography.

Psychological Perspective

  • The representation of women in film and photography helps challenge stereotypes, allowing for a wider array of narratives and experiences.
  • Studies show that when women tell their own stories through visual media, it can lead to increased empathy and understanding among viewers.

Origin of 'camerawomen'

The term 'camerawomen' is a compound word formed from 'camera,' which itself derives from the Latin 'camera obscura,' meaning 'dark chamber' referring to the device that captures images. The word 'woman' is a common English term denoting female gender. The role of women in photography and film began to gain traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when women started to break into professions that were primarily male-dominated. As the film industry evolved, more roles became accessible to women, including cinematography. The feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s highlighted gender inequality in various professional fields, including film, leading to increased visibility and opportunities for women in roles such as camerawomen. Today, the term reflects the ongoing effort to promote gender diversity and representation within the film industry.