Giles Duley

Duley at the 2013 AIB's

Giles Duley (born 15 September 1971, Wimbledon, London, England) is a British documentary photographer and photojournalist. He is best known for his photography of humanitarian issues and the consequences of conflict. In 2011 he was severely injured after stepping on an IED whilst in Afghanistan and as a result became a triple amputee.^[1]

Biography

Early career

Duley started his career as a music photographer after studying at college. During the 1990s he worked for publications such as Select, Q, Esquire, GQ and Arena, particularly photographing the Britpop movement. He worked with Oasis, the Prodigy, the Charlatans, Underworld and Pulp. He also photographed numerous international artists including Mariah Carey, Marilyn Manson, Lenny Kravitz and the Black Crowes.

In 2000 Q Magazine voted his portrait on Marilyn Manson among the greatest rock photos of all time.

Documentary photography and photojournalism

In 2000 gave up music photography to pursue his passion for documentary photography on a full-time basis. Concentrating on lesser known humanitarian issues and the consequences of conflict on civilians, Duley's work focuses on the human spirit and aim to retain the subjects dignity. He has worked with many respected NGO's including MAG, UNHCR, Emergency and Médecins Sans Frontières in countries including South Sudan, Nigeria, Congo, Kenya, Angola, Bangladesh and Ukraine.

In 2010 his work was nominated for an Amnesty International Media Award^[2] and he was a winner at the PX3 - Prix de Paris. In 2013 Duley received an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society which is given 'to distinguished persons having, from their position or attainments, an intimate connection with the science or fine art of photography or the application thereof'

Afghanistan and injury

In 2011, whilst on foot patrol with the US 75th Cavalry Regiment in Afghanistan, Duley stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). He was severely injured, losing both legs and his left arm. It was only the quick response by the medic on patrol and the medevac crew that saved his life. He was treated in Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where he spent 45 days in the Intensive care unit nearly succumbing to his injuries on more than one occasion. After several months and multiple operations Duley began his rehabilitation at DMRC Headley Court.

Despite being a triple amputee Duley has remained determined to return to work as a photographer.^[3]

Quotes

• "I thought, 'Right hand? Eyes?'"—he realized that all of these were intact—"and I thought, 'I can work.'" Giles Duley, NYT^[4]
• It (loss of three limbs) is going to give me greater insight and empathy into people's suffering and hopefully put me in a better position to tell their stories. Because that's all I am, a storyteller." - Giles Duley, Becoming the Story.^[5]
• "These photographs remind us of our humanity and of the need for understanding and compassion if we want a peaceful world and a just one. The great English poet John Donne once wrote "No man is an island..... any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee." What he said in words Duley's compelling photographs tell us in pictures. They are a must for anyone who values the unity, tragedy and potential of the human condition." - Lord Ashdown^[6]

References

External links

• Giles Duley
• Giles Duley Fund