Press release by Pacific and Court
Introducing Extraordinary Women with Cameras: 35 Photographers Who Changed How We See the World by Darcy Reed and illustrated by Vanessa Perez for Ages 8-12.
A new children’s book capturing the stories of iconic female photographers, including Dorothea Lange’s haunting portraits of American history, Margaret Bourke-White’s bravery as the first female war correspondent in WWII, Florestine Perrault Collins’ influential images depicting Black life in the 1920s, and Anne Geddes’ joyful and elaborately-staged portraits of adorable babies.
Ever since photography was invented almost 200 years ago, women all over the world have taken groundbreaking, inspiring photographs. Extraordinary Women with Cameras explores the stories of 35 of the most talented historical and contemporary shutterbugs. Some of their names may be familiar, and some may be totally new, but all of them contributed to the fascinating, beautiful field of photography.
Filled with colorful illustrations, this book also includes explanations of key photography terms, photo project ideas, and suggestions for other women photographers to study.
“If you’ve ever snapped a selfie or posed with your friends for a group shot, you’re following in the footsteps of these truly extraordinary women,” says author Darcy Reed. “We hope this book inspires you to pick up your own camera and start snapping interesting photos. Who knows? Maybe your work will be featured in a museum or book one day!”
About the Author:
Darcy Reed is a writer, editor, and actor. Her books include The College Bucket List, Disney: Ninety Years of Mickey Mouse, Wonder Woman Trivia Deck, The Photography Trivia Deck, Captain Marvel: The Tiny Book of Earth’s Mightiest Hero, Extraordinary Women With Cameras, and Shakespeare: Famous Last Words. In her free time she enjoys cooking, playing with her twin nieces, and following Pearl Jam on tour. She lives in Sonoma County, CA.
About the Illustrator:
From a young age, Vanessa Perez knew she had a connection with art and telling stories through drawings. This love for creating led her to pursue a career in illustration. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from California State University, Long Beach, Vanessa has been working as a freelance illustrator, creating drawings for individuals and small businesses. She primarily works digitally and occasionally with gouache paint. Vanessa is a Southern California native and loves exploring new food creations, roller skating at the beach, and spending time with friends and family. Find her work online at vanessaperezart.com and follow her on Instagram (@nessycreates). Extraordinary Women with Cameras is her first book.