Photographer, writer,
War Foundation
Giles Duley is a photographer, writer and presenter, born in 1971 in London. His work focuses on the long-term humanitarian impact of conflict. Starting his carer as a music photographer, Duley worked with the likes of Mariah Carey, Oasis and Lenny Kravitz for publications including Q, Vogue, Sunday Times and Elle. In 2000 his image of Marilyn Manson was voted amongst the 100 greatest rock photographs of all time.
In 2004 Duley changed his focus to documentary work, partnering with well-respected charities such as HI (Humanity and Inclusion), EMERGENCY, Save the Children and UNHCR to highlight lesser-known stories deserving of public attention and action. Although documenting challenging, and at times, horrific situations, Giles captures the strength of those who fight adversity rather than succumb. His photographs draw the viewer to the subject, creating intimacy and empathy for lives differing from ours only in circumstance. His work has taken him to Iraq, Afghanistan, South Sudan, DR Congo, Angola, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ukraine, Jordan, Lebanon, Colombia, Vietnam and Nigeria among others.
In 2015 he started his Legacy of War project, which looks to explore common themes of conflict. A core part of the project is collaborations with other artists and writers to reach a wider audience. These collaborations have included the musician’s Massive Attack and PJ Harvey. In 2011, whilst working in Afghanistan, Duley was severely injured by an IED. As a result of his injuries, he is a triple-amputee. In 2012 he returned to Afghanistan to continue his work as a photographer.
Duley is also CEO and Founder of the NGO Legacy of War Foundation and is a campaigner for the rights of both refugees and those living with disability caused by conflict. In 2017 the Sunday Times included him in their Alternative Rich List, for those who are ‘rich in experience, rich in spirit, rich in life….’ In the list, Natasha Kaplinsky said of Duley “Even catastrophic injury has not stopped him doing what he feels he should be doing with his life.”
In 2019 he was awarded the prestigious Amnesty Media Award for Photojournalism.