Jane Hilton is an acclaimed English photographer and filmmaker celebrated for her evocative explorations of American culture, particularly the American West, which she has been documenting for over twenty-five years. Her work brings to life the extraordinary within ordinary people's realities, capturing intimate, thought-provoking narratives that challenge societal perceptions.
Hilton's monographs include Dead Eagle Trail (Schilt Publishing, 2010), a profound portrayal of 21st-century cowboy life; Precious (Schilt Publishing, 2013), a series of intimate nude portraits of working girls in Nevada; and LA Gun Club(self-published, 2016), an examination of American gun culture featuring unique 'shot up' target posters.
Fascinated by subjects that are legal yet socially controversial, Hilton’s career includes diverse projects such as Love for Sale (2000), a BBC-commissioned series documenting Nevada’s brothels, the only state in America where prostitution is legal. More recently, she spent eight years filming The Last Lion Tamer, following a family’s struggle to preserve their way of life as circus animal performances face legislative bans.
Jane Hilton has exhibited internationally, with notable solo shows including LA Gun Club at Eleven Gallery, London (2016); American Cowboy at Nailya Alexander Gallery, New York (2015); and Jane Hilton’s America at Schilt Gallery, Amsterdam (2014). Her work has appeared in major publications such as The Sunday Times Magazine, The Telegraph Magazine, and the Financial Times Magazine.
In recognition of her contributions to photography, Hilton was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society in 2014 and named one of the Hundred Heroines, celebrating the most inspirational women in photography worldwide. She continues to live and work in London, crafting deeply human stories that resonate globally.