Rosie Foster And The Power of The Female Gaze.

Words & Film directed by Ewa Stryczek

I’ve been following Rosie Foster’s photography account on Instagram for over a year now. When I saw that she was going to be visiting London to shoot new work, I knew I had to approach her to make a behind the scenes film. And guess what – she agreed! As Rosie shoots on a 35-mm camera, I decided to shoot on film, too, helping to capture the intimacy of the photoshoots. However, it’s not just Rosie’s photography that has fascinated me about her. Currently working as a Victim Support Worker for the South- West and being a mum, she’s staying honest about her struggles and the constant compromises she must face as a creative. I knew that simply capturing her working will not present the multi-faceted woman she is.

Whilst visiting Plymouth for Rosie’s first solo exhibition in June 2018, I had the opportunity to capture Rosie around her family and friends, revealing Rosie as a mother, daughter, businesswoman and a great friend. Voiced over by the models I met whilst working with Rosie in London, the audience can find out about the influence of her work, not only on the women she photographs, but also on those that view her work online.

As Rosie comments herself: “When Ewa approached me about this project I didn't realise how much I would enjoy having her around; I am so grateful to her for giving me something I can cherish forever. Hearing the words of the models over the film just confirmed to me why I shoot the way that I do.

““For me, it is all about the models and their lives, none of it is about me, I want these girls to be seen for who they are and for them to express their beauty in a way that they are comfortable with. Hopefully, they can look back when they’re old and think, damn, I was an absolute goddess.””