I found an opportunity in this group to work with Field Projects International as a videographer on-site at their research station in Madre de Dios, Peru. It's been an incredible opportunity to connect with a new mentor and get hands-on experience working with researchers studying  wildlife in the Amazon. To me, the group is an incredible example of how we can leverage the power of social media to build an international community and share opportunities like this one, in order to ensure a more diverse workforce. The group is really shifting the industry by being a grassroots resource to get your foot in the door of a historically closed off industry.

Being a freelance cinematographer can feel a bit isolating sometimes, especially when you travel for a majority of the year. The Wildlife Camerawomen Community has given me a community of exceptionally talented and passionate women who share my love for wildlife and filmmaking. It is safe space to discuss anything from creating showreels to overcoming imposter syndrome to maintaining relationships. The group’s leadership are incredibly dedicated to providing the tools and resources that people in the community need to succeed. I have received feedback on my showreel and have made great connections through the community. One of my greatest joys is to see my fellow Wildlife Camerawomen grow and thrive. Best of all, I know I’m not alone anymore.

It was not until I joined the wildlife camera women community that I actually believed I could make it as a freelance wildlife cinematographer. This group helped me get my first shooting role on the biggest little farm series, and encouraged me to create a reel, which landed me a wildlife cinematographer job while attending Jackson Wild this year. It’s absolutely incredible to feel this supported in a male dominated industry and I can only hope that I can help future camera women as much as this group has helped me.

As women in a clearly male-dominated industry, it is very easy to think you are not capable. Since joining the group, my mentality, sense of worth and experience has improved enormously - I have been lent thousands of dollars worth of equipment and given hours of wisdom from other women. Most importantly, seeing the wealth of talent around the world has inspired me to keep going, and keep dreaming

When this community was first created I was just getting started in my career and was struggling to find my way in the industry. The television world seemed so secretive but this group has been so generous and supportive, providing guidance and countless opportunities that have made the industry so much more accessible. It was through a mentorship scheme that I was able to gain my first blue chip job on an Attenborough series and progress further in my career. 

Joining the Wildlife Camerawoman Community has been a game-changer for me. It's an incredible space where I feel truly supported and empowered to grow and follow my dreams! From workshops and feedback that have helped me hone my skills to the truly incredible network of inspiring women, this group has pushed me to become a better camerawoman (and presenter!). The connections I've made, like the Seattle meetup and at Wildscreen, have been genuinely life-changing. This community is more than just a group; it's a driving force, and I'm excited to pay it forward and help other women achieve their dreams in wildlife filmmaking!

The wildlife camerawomen community is a sisterhood, a support system, a safe space. In our global community, we celebrate each other’s wins, share tips about tech, self-care and anything else under the sun, and lift each other up when the times are low. Sometimes you wonder, can’t someone who has gone through this situation just be forthcoming to share their knowledge? And that’s just what is done in WCCG, with everyone being open. I am from India, and I am fortunate and grateful to be a part of this inspiring community.

I know it sounds cliché, but the Wildlife Camerawoman Community Group helped turn my dream of becoming a wildlife filmmaker into a reality. Thanks to this group, I was able to attend a hands-on, REDucation wildlife filmmaking class where I was taught by some immensely talented women from this group, and this was one of the first times that I had the knowledge and equipment to shoot a natural history sequence on my own. One year later, I was invited on a shoot in Madagascar with an all-female crew and cast, and the women leading that production were from this group. I am very grateful I’ve had the chance to learn from, work with and shape my future career with the Wildlife Camerawoman group.