Rania Matar, Rosem Morton, and September Bottoms

The Leica Women Foto Project Award was originally launched by Leica Camera USA, to help increase diversity in the photography industry. It was presented for the third time this March. The jury selected three winning photographers: Rania Matar, Rosem Morton and September Bottoms. Each of them was awarded $10 000 in prize money and a Leica SL2-S; as well as a four-week exhibition at Fotografiska in New York. We spoke with them about the significance of the award and tips for young female photographers.

What is the significance of winning the LWFP Award?
Rosem: I'm incredibly honoured to be one of the winners of the Leica Women Foto Project Award. I got this award alongside women whose work I really admire. This has been an incredible recognition for my project, Wildflower.
Rania: I had submitted a brand new, and for me very personal project, and receiving the award was very validating – a stamp of approval that encourages me to keep going with this work.
September: It's a never-ending endeavour to do this work, and it's nice to have support and feel like there is value in it.

What has changed since winning the award?
Rania: I've travelled to Lebanon for 3 weeks and added images to the series. I plan on going back next month. Because of the award, the project has received attention in the press and boosted my will to keep working on it.
September: Since winning the award I've been able to breathe, slow down and really think about how I want this work to be presented, and the myriad of different ways I can do that. I've been working on a book with the funds from Leica, and it's nice to be able to take my time and make it just how I want it.
Rosem: Since winning the award, I've been able to use my Leica to further develop my series. I am looking forward to it culminating to a book and an exhibition, to further spread awareness on the realities of sexual assault.

What are your plans with the new camera? What are your new projects?
September: Lately I've been focusing mainly on assignment work and putting the book together. I love the Leica, it's probably the most expensive, beautiful thing I've ever owned!
Rosem: Aside from Wildflower, I have also been reporting on the Filipino healthcare diaspora. So, I am really looking forward to expanding those projects and doing assignment work with my new camera.
Rania: I'm still in the midst of this project here in Lebanon, but as I also live in the US and love to collaborate with women here, I'm also working on a series I am titling: Becoming: Here and There. The work hasn't been published yet.

What would you suggest to younger photographers?
Rosem: I encourage young photographers to follow their heart. What moves you? What inspires you? And ask yourself, how can I translate that into imagery and text so that other people can care about it too.
September: Yes, follow your heart. Truly. Don't get bogged down in the work you think others want you to make, or what others are making. If you stick to your guns and do the work that you care about the most, that is what will be most impactful and pure.
Rania: Keep making work you're passionate about, work that is personal and meaningful to you. Write about what you are doing – to yourself – and adjust as the project evolves. Be open to things that happen along the way, but stay true to your vision, and work hard. Stay passionate and excited. As Diane Arbus said: "The more specific you are, the more general it'll be".

The next edition of the LWFPA will be launched in August. More information at Leica-Camera.com.