Archive · 19 Aug 2025
Bhopal Women Photographers Break Barriers in Male-Dominated Field
Some women in Bhopal are breaking barriers in the field of photography, which is often dominated by men.
Bhawana Jaiswal started her journey with her father's camera and now teaches.
Divya Sahai became known for wedding photography and built a team before moving to Dubai.
Priyanka Sonkar teaches and faces comments about her work.
These women have to work extra hard to succeed and balance their careers and personal lives.
Despite challenges, they aim to encourage more women to pursue photography professionally.
Professional photography continues to be male-dominated, despite the rise of smartphone photography.
Bhawana Jaiswal began photography 40 years ago, carrying on her father's legacy and now works at Women Polytechnic College, Bhopal.
Divya Sahai, who started her career 13 years ago, specialized in wedding photography, especially in Muslim families.
Sahai formed a team called Fotomagica Photography, which had around 20 people in 2017, and has now shifted to Dubai.
Priyanka Sonkar, inspired by her cousin, teaches photography and production at a university and has faced criticism for her attire.
- Who
- Bhawana Jaiswal, Divya Sahai, and Priyanka Sonkar
- What
- Profiles of three women photographers and the challenges they face in a male-dominated field.
- When
- On the eve of World Photography Day
- Where
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Why
- To highlight the experiences and challenges of women in professional photography.
- Bhawana Jaiswal's Age
- 55
- Divya Sahai's Age
- 47
- Priyanka Sonkar's Age
- 40
- Bhawana's focus
- Culture, fashion, nature, wedding
- Divya's Specialty
- Wedding photography
- Priyanka's role
- Production assistant & teacher