The aim of the text is to present a short history of professional photography of women in former Polish Galicia, from the end of 19th century to the fi rst half of 20th century. The text consists of three parts and each one addresses other aspect of women’s works as photographers. The fi rst one is an introduction to the photography and the women’s issue. The second one examines photography as a new technology and a tool of emancipation. The third part combines biographies of selected women photographers who lived and worked in Galicia, and who despite of class and gender limitations, became owners or managers of photo studios. It is interesting to examine very diverse social and educational background of women photographers, who benefi ted the modern time and technology to became economically independent professional women.