Photojournalism was physically demanding , often risky work .
Beals could be seen carrying out assignments in her ankle - length dresses and large hats , with her 8 - by - 10 - inch glass plate camera and 50 pounds of equipment in tow .
Photojournalism was physically demanding , often risky work , but Beals could be seen carrying out assignments in her ankle - length dresses and large hats , with her 8 - by - 10 - inch glass plate camera and 50 pounds of equipment in tow .