A Micro moment with India for IWD

04 of March 2020

Words by: Kylie Hetherington

Photos by: State of Escape

Photos by: India Hartford Davis and Female Narratives

Empowering women and female creatives is something we at State of Escape are passionate about. The inspiration we gain from one another and the collaborative nature that comes with this allows for the creative magic in our team – in office and those we work with around the globe.

In celebration of International Women’s Day we had a chat to one of our incredible content creators and photographers that lensed our latest Micro shoot.

Australian born and London based, India Hartford Davis is a part of Female Narratives – an integrated creative agency that champions new ways of creating and collaborating. One of the few agencies that houses female creatives from all industries and backgrounds connecting brands to real women and real stories.

India shares her views on female empowerment and making a positive impact on the creative industry.

Tell us a bit more about Female narratives - the initiative behind it and why you decided to be a part of this agency?

Female Narratives is an all-female run creative agency based in London. It was co-founded by models Tijana Tamburic and Franzi Klein who I am lucky to now call good friends! When I first moved to London, I came across them (they were only a year old at the time) and wanted to be a part of a collective that supported women – which also produced amazing AND authentic work... It was the perfect fit!

How is FN different to other creative agencies?

Well it brings together female creatives across the board, from all different industries. Franzi and Tijana have managed to find women who all have beautiful stories to tell, and who are very good at what they do. Beyond that, it’s how they support their creatives that makes the difference in how you carry yourself into every job with them - you feel confident!

Do you work with other FN talents? How do you find working collectively with other members?

Yes I do! It really depends on the project but every time I meet another creative from Female Narratives - I always get along with them and enjoy being on set together. With our latest shoot with SOE, we had two models, Franzi and Micah who are both apart of FN, as well as Diana who is a makeup artist with FN. It’s very empowering to work with such strong female creatives and I'm so glad FN enables me to work with so many of them!

How do you see your role as a photographer make a positive impact in the fashion industry?

I think first and foremost - I want to make women feel good. Whether it be shooting a model for a job or selling a product another woman is going to buy. It’s about promoting a positive message, telling a story that celebrates women as opposed to objectifying them. I try to always help and encourage the women around me, and whilst I am still young and early in my career - I try and support younger women coming up through the ranks because often in fashion - the competition we experience prevents us from encouraging our peers. I really hate that attitude and hope that as a female photographer I bring other women and creatives up with me, as opposed to fighting against them to get the top job.

Do you think there is a shift in the industry that is leaning towards more female empowerment? Where have you seen these changes?

I hope so. I'm not sure I've been in the industry long enough to witness any significant change, but I love working with the brands I work with, and my fellow creatives and certainly feel a positive energy. I do think we have a lot to work on as an industry, and I think women need to be encouraged to embrace the feminine parts of them that make them women, instead of being influenced to highlight those masculine traits that are supposedly synonymous with success.

Why do you think it’s important to empower women in the creative industry?

Because we've spent too long being told we aren't powerful and that our thoughts and values aren't important enough. How can we succeed if we aren't even allowed in the room? How do we realise our own potential and creative voice if we aren't encouraged to speak up?