Harley Weir
Harley Weir stands out in the contemporary fashion photography scene, acclaimed for her cutting-edge advertising campaigns for high-profile brands like Balenciaga, Céline, Stella McCartney, and Jacquemus. Weir’s work is celebrated for its fresh take on fashion photography, notably challenging traditional perceptions through a lens that prioritizes intimacy and a unique portrayal of the female gaze. Her keen attention to the human form, focusing on specific body parts or features, distinguishes her in the industry.
With her work gracing the covers of POP, Self Service, and Wallpaper magazines, Weir has quickly made a name for herself despite being a relative newcomer. Her editorials have captivated audiences in AnOther Magazine, British Vogue, CR Fashion Book, Dazed and Confused, i-D, and Arena Homme+, showcasing her versatility and profound understanding of fashion’s visual language.
A 2010 Fine Art graduate from Central St Martins College of Art and Design, Weir is largely self-taught in photography, having honed her craft through experimentation with film and collage during her studies. Her aspiration, as she expressed to Bullet magazine, is to evoke emotion through her work, regardless of the specific feeling. “It’s so difficult to move people,” she reflects on the challenge and importance of impacting viewers on an emotional level.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of fashion photography, Weir is drawn to the stories of conflict zones, such as Israel’s West Bank, where she captures portraits and landscapes that offer a poignant, close-up perspective often absent in traditional coverage. “People usually take pictures from a distance. That’s not my point of view,” she explained to AnOther Magazine, underscoring her commitment to bringing a personal and immersive approach to her subjects, regardless of the setting.
Harley Weir’s career is a testament to the power of photography as a medium for storytelling, emotion, and social commentary, making her one of the most compelling voices in contemporary fashion photography.
