For too long, history books made photography sound like a boys’ club. But that was never true. Some of the most daring, poetic, and unforgettable images came from women who refused to wait for permission.

Why look back when the world is rushing forward? Because the past often sees more clearly than the present. The masters of photography may be gone, but their images remain alive and they still have lessons for us. But here’s the danger: admiration can easily turn into worship. And when you worship another photographer, you stop being yourself.