Hugh Stewart

Bio

Hugh Stewart, a talented photographer born in New Zealand, spent his formative years on a farm as the eldest of seven siblings. However, his aspirations reached far beyond the pastoral life that surrounded him. Following his education, Hugh ventured to , where a serendipitous turn of events unfolded in the early 1980s. While living in a notorious London squat, he discovered his passion for photography, capturing candid portraits of his friends that would set the stage for his remarkable career. After a dramatic eviction from the squat, Hugh journeyed back to the Southern Hemisphere, with a brief stop in New York, eventually making Sydney his new home. Faced with the challenges of unemployment, he seized the moment to compile a portfolio that soon caught the attention of Sydneyn Vogue, leading to his first major assignment. This pivotal opportunity opened the door to a myriad of commissions from prestigious magazines and advertising agencies. With newfound encouragement, Hugh returned to London, where he meticulously cultivated a diverse career that now transcends borders. Today, he divides his time between New York, London, and Sydney, and his impressive client roster includes renowned publications like i-D, The Face, British, Sydneyn, French, and American Vogue, as well as Conde Nast Traveler, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, and major brands such as Sony, HBO, Microsoft, and Chanel. Hugh's lens has captured the essence of iconic figures, including Johnny Cash, Nicole Kidman, George Clooney, and Cate Blanchett, among many others. His work has been celebrated in exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery in London and Canberra, affirming his status as a distinguished artist. In a twist of fate, Hugh now regards farming as the ideal life—a testament to his journey of self-discovery and the enduring influence of his roots.