In an educational exploration of under-represented works and a poignant tribute to female photographers, 10x10 has published How We See: Photobooks by Women. Set at a level above mere convention, the publication features one hundred photobooks, each published by a female photographer. It is a wonderful snapshot of a multitude of female photographers and the undervalued work that they have created, making known many unknown artists.

The three editors of How We See: Photobooks by Women, Olga Yatskevich, Russet Lederman and Michael Lang, conceived the concept for the book after meeting to brainstorm book ideas over drinks. Through conversation, and eventually research, the three came to the full realization of the severity of female under-representation in the published world. What’s more, they realized that their own publisher, 10x10, was not excluded in these faults. A tale as old as time: women are all too often disregarded on professional levels. In almost all fields, the work of women is not held in the same light as their male counterparts. The same remains true in the world of photography. Created with intentions of inclusion and representation, the editors sought to correct some of the inequities of the past and present.

In order to decide which works should be included in the photobook, ten various women from a range of countries and nationalities, were selected by 10x10 for their expertise. Those ten women then went on to meticulously handpick ten photobooks which they thought were quintessential to be featured in the publication. The outcome was a great spectrum of photobooks by women, published anywhere from 1843 to 2010.

Fola Fototeca Latinoamericana, Buenos Aires. © Jeff Gutterman

A delightfully conceived plan, How We See: Photobooks by Women, is something to be experienced. Salon-styled reading rooms have been set up in various places where the public can leaf through the hundred selected photobooks. After a successful reading room event that took place in New York City, those contributing to the project have set their sights on Massachusetts. Next month, reading rooms will be set up in various locations in Boston. The aim of the project is to not only shed light upon under-appreciated photography created by women, but to spark curiosity within those turning the pages of their work.

Men and women make up history together. Dually, they are a part of the world of photography. Through How We See: Photobooks by Women, as well as the reading rooms, viewers can fully realize the vast amount of female-created work that exists and the importance it holds. Female photobooks have not, to this point, held great influence and have continued to be under-published. The works of so many women await justified acknowledgment and adoration. How We See: Photobooks By Women sparks a desire to know more, ignites praise of exceptional works, and kindles recognition for great female photographers across the globe.