March 8th is International Women’s Day, in recognition of all the powerful women out there this blog is dedicated to you.
I’d like to showcase a few iconic women I have photographed recently in chronological order. I am always fascinated by the people I photograph and curious to learn more about them so I can capture them off guard and true to themselves.
Here are six of the best, read on to find out more…
Helena Bakunowicz from The Investment Boutique
Helena Bakunowicz photographed for Aspire Magazine – published on 8th March 2022 in recognition of the achievements of women in society, economics, culture and politics.
I first met Helena Bakunowicz ten years ago when she was in her early twenties. I was commissioned to take photographs to reflect the town where she worked to feature on the company website.
Her story is inspirational – I always look forward to revisiting her to hear how things have evolved and was delighted when she asked me to photograph her at the end of last year for a feature in Aspire Magazine published by Raymond James.
Below is part of the copy from the feature published on Internation Women’s Day 2022:
Helena participated in a graduate trainee program with a large private-client investment manager in London, acquiring on-the-job training as well as the necessary certifications to be a wealth manager in the United Kingdom. She worked hard to earn the trust of clients who often were much older.
Within just six years, she rose to assistant director. Then, recognizing an industry trend toward standardization – a course she did not consider right for the complex needs of her high-net-worth clients – she made a bold move.
She became an entrepreneur. At 28.
Helena launched The Investment Boutique in Oxted, Surrey and, with a like-minded partner, chose to work with Raymond James Investment Services (RJIS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Raymond James operating in the United Kingdom. Bakunowicz embraced the firm’s commitment to helping advisors run their businesses as they see fit.
Sarah Hardman during a coaching session to empower others to achieve their full potential.
Sarah Hardman has been a friend for many years and is very intuitive to the needs of others, even before they may care to know it themselves. Over time she used her intuition to evolve and created a coaching business to help others discover and trust themselves to feel in tune with their own desires and capabilities.
This how Sarah describes just what she does:
What lights me up is working with people to enable them to make the most of their unique “bag of tricks”, to tap into their natural resourcefulness and resilience and to stretch beyond previously perceived limits. I believe that leadership starts from within – we are all leaders in our own lives (whether we hold a “leadership” role or not) and so that’s where the work begins. As human beings we have a remarkable ability to get in our own way – my coaching approach involves holding the mirror up to the thought patterns and behaviours that may no longer be serving us, with kindness and without judgement, so that people can bring the best of themselves to their work and lives.
Tatiana Caulderón during a test drive at the British Grand Prix 2019
Tatiana Caulderón during an interview for a TV Series called ‘Chasing the Dream’ a behind-the-scenes series about the Formula Two drivers’ ambition to succeed.
Tatiana Cauderón is a Colombian racing driver who began racing at the age of nine and was the first woman to win national karting championships in either Colombia or the United States. I had the pleasure of photographing her at the 2019 British Grand Prix during the filming of the first series of an F1 TV program called ‘Chasing the Dream’ about the focus and determination the young drivers have to achieve success as racing drivers. Tatiana was the first woman to race in the Formula Two Championship.
Most recently taking part in Super Formula Championship and for Richard Mille Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Tatiana is a role model for all young women wanting to take up the sport of motor racing at a high level. She was a pleasure to photograph, wishing her every success in the future.
Neggin Heidari-Robinson at her Oxted surgery called Pipers Dental Practice.
This is Neggin Heidari-Robinson. I have been photographing Neggin for a few years now with her husband and adorable young boys. The first time I met her for a photo-shoot with her family in the woodlands, she was carrying a huge bunch of keys, and I asked what they were for. Neggin explained she owns two dental practices. She is an inspiration and works tirelessly looking after her patients and young family with the support of her husband. She never ceases to amaze me with the number of things she can do in one day!
She qualified from Kings College London in 2010 and subsequently worked as a senior house officer in Paediatric and Maxillofacial Surgery in King’s College and Kent and Canterbury Hospitals.
Neggin has completed the Royal College of Surgeons’ course in implant dentistry and, for six years, taught students at Kings and Guys in oral surgery. She has also published work on the interpretation of X-rays in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Neggin has experience in all aspects of general surgery, with a special interest in implants and endodontics (root canals). She has run her own practice, Pipers in Oxted, since 2012.
Claire Williams during a test pit stop tyre change at the British Grand Prix 2018
Claire Williams during a press conference at the British Grand Prix 2018
Claire Williams is a British motorsport executive who is the former deputy team principal of the Williams Formula One racing team. With her father, the late Sir Frank Williams at the helm.
In Formula One’s 70 year history Clair is only the second women to hold the deputy team principal title.
But female representation in the sport could soon see a sharp improvement. This year sees the all-female W Series partner with F1 to promote women’s involvement in motorsport.
I had the pleasure of photographing Claire during a commission working with the William’s racing team at the British Grand Prix in 2018.
Claire is a pioneer for more women in Formula One through the W Series:
“I really believe that if you are going to see more women in Formula One then you need more women exposed in F1 doing what they’re doing”, said Claire. “If other girls don’t see women doing those jobs they’re going to think that either it is not a welcoming environment, or they can’t do it, or I don’t want to work with a whole load of blokes and be the only girl in the room.”
I’m sure more young women are taking the opportunity to venture into the world of motorsport so we can witness the change.
And finally, but by no means least, my Mum!
Without whom I would not be here. She passed away in January 2021 at the age of 89. It’s only now in retrospect that I can truly appreciate how strong, resilient, self-less and creative she truly, truly was.
Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. I’m looking forward to meeting and photographing many more of you in the days, months, and years to come.
In support of all women, happy International Women’s Day!
Stella
