Margaret Bourke-White – June 14, 1904 – August 27, 1971 was an American photographer. She is best known as the first foreign photographer permitted to take pictures of Soviet industry and was the first American female war photojournalist.
She was also the first woman to be allowed to work in combat zones during World War 2. In 1941, she traveled to the Soviet Union just as Germany broke its pact of non-aggression. She was the only foreign photographer in Moscow when German forces invaded. Taking refuge in the US Embassy, she then captured the ensuing firestorms on camera.
And what a camera! In a book she wrote after the war, she described what she took with her. Five custom built Speed Graphic cameras, all of her film, and everything she needed to process the film, and print, which she did – using the bath in her room.
In total, she had over 600pounds of camera equipment including portable lighting.
As she wrote in Portrait of Myself: “People often ask me, ‘What’s the best camera?’ That is like asking, ‘What is the best surgeon’s tool?’ Different cameras fill different needs. I have always had a special affection for the larger-than-miniature cameras.”
I mention this because I think we – as photographers in this upcoming new decade – need to appreciate how much easier it is for us, than it was for her.
Photographic Musings......... Or 
Interesting item about for me an unknown photographer, I wonder how she would have got on today with all that kit on a plane. I would think she would have breezed through it all. She sounds a formidable lady in a very mans world at that time, and you know only too well how hard it is for a woman photographer even to day, but you over came that attitude and I know you are a very determined, strong minded lady, a very expert photographer and International judge, and our guiding light. Look forward to next years Musings, keep writing.
LikeLike