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.