If you follow our YouTube channel, you might recognise me - Alex and I get to review the latest and greatest cameras, lenses, drones, and all sorts of fun gadgets. I've grown with the channel since I first started presenting for Wilkinson Cameras, and let's say it's been a journey! I'm incredibly proud of where the channel is today and the audience we've built. 

When I first started in the camera retail industry, I didn't know much about hybrid cameras—my background was more in cinema, working with cameras like the ARRI Alexa and VariCam. Fast-forward to today, and I can tell you all about stacked BSI CMOS sensors, the benefits of the latest processors, and all the other exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) camera jargon. And honestly? I love it! 

What inspired you to pursue a career in photography or the camera industry? 

When I was younger, my dad and I used to review films and TV series, breaking them down shot by shot and looking at the script, narrative, lighting, production design, and so much more. That completely changed how I saw cinema. I became obsessed with understanding how those shots were created and everything that went into making a film or TV show. That's where my love for cameras, production, and lighting really started. 

The more I learned about the creative process, the more I fell in love with it. Now, I work with some incredible brands, build relationships with fellow creators, and review the latest gear on our YouTube channel. I also freelance in fashion and portrait, collaborating with brilliant production teams to create creative fashion campaigns—the best of both worlds! 

Have you faced any challenges as a woman in the industry? How did you overcome them? 

Plenty! One of the most common ones is our YouTube channel. We get comments about our appearance, accents, and even our ability to use the kit we're reviewing. My personal favourite was: "This person was clearly hired for her in-depth knowledge." (Thanks for that.) Another one that made Alex and me laugh was just: "Lesbians?" simply because we presented in a video together. Like… really? 

Luckily, this doesn't happen too often! The vast majority of our audience is brilliant and loves interacting with the channel, and we wouldn't have it any other way. 

Do you feel female photographers receive the same recognition and opportunities? 

As Alex mentioned in her article, it depends on the genre. In video, there aren't many female videographers who are widely recognised. The sports and wildlife photography industries also lack female representation, but I'm unsure if that's due to a lack of opportunities or more about confidence. 

Have you ever found photography gear designed in a way that wasn't ideal for you? 

Camera bags!! I have quite a petite frame, and I've never found a bag that fits perfectly—they're always too big, too long, or the straps are too far apart. It's just uncomfortable all around. 

Have you experienced assumptions about your role or abilities in photography? 

Oh wow, unfortunately, yes, more than once. One thing that still sticks with me is when I wanted to gain more experience in sports photography. As you do, I signed up with an agency and turned up early. 

When I arrived and gave the organiser my name, they looked at me and said, "I don't have women on my team." I was completely taken aback, but I wasn't about to let them push me aside. I showed them our WhatsApp messages where they had confirmed my place, and suddenly they changed their tune: "Hmm, no, I don't have you down." 

I glanced at their list and saw my name, except they had written me down as "Oliver Parkinson." When I pointed it out, they just said, "Oh, so I have. I don't tend to book women for these events; I just assumed you were a man." 

This was in front of three other photographers, who stood there silently. I felt so ashamed, not because I'm a woman in the industry, but because these kinds of attitudes still exist. 

That said, the industry can be amazing and rewarding. This one incident hasn't stopped me, and I know only a small minority of people think this way. There are so many brilliant creators, agencies, and brands out there that are genuinely supportive, and that's what I choose to focus on. 

What's the best advice you'd give to women entering the industry? 

Keep going! Imposter syndrome is real when starting in a creative industry, but you must push through it. Forget what others might think, break the rules, connect with fellow creators, and post the work that you love. 

It's important to stop worrying about vanity metrics on social media and focus on creating work that makes you happy. The recognition will come with time. 

How can the industry better support and uplift female creatives? 

Treat each other as equals. Support other female photographers and videographers. One thing I love about our YouTube channel is that it showcases two women reviewing high-tech cameras and lenses, which inspires more women to try them. 

What does International Women's Day mean to you in the context of photography? 

International Women's Day is about recognition, visibility, and support. There are so many incredibly talented female photographers, videographers, and creatives who deserve to be seen and celebrated. 

It's also about opening up more opportunities and making sure the industry is welcoming to everyone. I think representation is so important, when women see others thriving in this space, it gives them the confidence to step forward and claim their place in the industry. 

Wilkinson Cameras is proud to share the voices of the incredible women in our team. Follow Olivia and her journey through her social media channels: 

@oliviajaynefilms 

For more content featuring our team, check out our YouTube channel, where Olivia appears in our latest videos, and check out some of Olivia's work below: