Gulnara Lyabib Samoilova, originally from Tatarstan and now residing in the United States, is a multifaceted individual known for her roles as a photographer, author, and the creator of Women Street Photographers.
With a wealth of experience spanning 43 years across various photographic disciplines including documentary, street, darkroom printing, photojournalism, and editing, Gulnara has elevated the @WomenStreetPhotographers Instagram account into a global platform celebrating women photographers.
This transformation has manifested through the establishment of a website, traveling exhibitions, artist residencies, an inspirational film series, and the publication of a photography book titled “Women Street Photographers” (Prestel, 2021).
Having previously worked as a photojournalist for the Associated Press, Gulnara has been recognized with both national and international accolades for her poignant images of September 11, earning her first place in the prestigious World Press Photo competition and a Pulitzer Prize nomination by the AP.
Her work has found a permanent home in esteemed collections including the Museum of the City of New York, The New York Public Library, New York Historical Society, and Houston Museum of Fine Arts. Gulnara holds a certificate in creative practices from the International Center of Photography (ICP) and currently resides in New York City.)
