Blair Bartlett has always had an eye for beauty, first as a fashion industry insider in his younger years, and now as a rising star in the world of photography. The Halifax-based osteopath and photographer is making headlines after being featured on Photo Vogue — a platform for artists from every background and region to showcase their work worldwide on Vogue — for the eighth time, a rare and celebrated achievement for any artist, let alone one balancing two careers.
“I was told five in a year is impressive…so to be at eight, it’s affirming that this work matters,” says Bartlett.
Bartlett’s journey into photography didn’t begin until three years ago, following his graduation from osteopathy school. “After finishing osteo school, I knew I needed something creative in my life, photography just made sense.”
What began as a personal pursuit quickly gained international attention. His first photo accepted by Photo Vogue featured local model Esther Kisembo. While it was initially deleted due to a technical glitch, Bartlett reapplied and the photo was ultimately featured — a twist of fate that marked the beginning of his ongoing relationship with the platform.
Now, that relationship has grown and he’s been invited to the Vogue headquarters in the fashion capitals of New York City, London, and Milan.
One of Nova Scotia’s top models Ethan Horton who has walked in Milan and Paris fashion weeks, looks to Bartlett as a mentor.
“He has been great source of Information and knowledge… he is one of the people who has gotten me to the place I am in now in just one year, and I am very grateful,” Horton says.
Bartlett’s work isn’t just getting noticed on the global stage — it’s also making waves locally. He was recently invited to participate in the ViewPoint Gallery’s prestigious +1 Showcase. For this showcase, an established artist invites another talent to collaborate and exhibit alongside them. Bartlett chose Carlo Jiménez, known for his work in Mexico before relocating to Halifax.
“I saw Carlo’s work online when I was just starting out,” Bartlett recalls. “In 2023, after the closing show of Halifax Fashion Week, I introduced myself.” This was the start of a friendship and mentorship between the artists. “When I got the chance to be part of the +1 Showcase, I reached out — and he said yes. He’s been so supportive.”
The recognition couldn’t come at a more meaningful time for the local creative community. Halifax has long struggled to receive its due on the national and international fashion and arts scenes. Bartlett believes change will only come if the industry collaborates from within.
“We have to create our own opportunities,” he says. “Photographers, designers, and models — we need to come together and build something sustainable. People say ‘support local,’ but local also needs to support local.”
Bartlett is doing his part to foster that community. Recently, he was named director of photography for House of Soli, the Maritimes’ leading talent management agency and production company, founded by Solitha Shortte. ”He plays a vital role in elevating Atlantic talent onto the global stage,” says Shortte. “Through his lens, he captures more than just images, he tells the deeper stories of our region with vision and heart. Blair creates a space where talent feels safe to show up as their full selves, and that authenticity is what resonates beyond borders.”
“Working with professional models can be a dream — sometimes you only need 10 minutes to get the perfect shot,” says Bartlett who has shot local models like Esther Kisembo, Ethan Horton, Nonso Ayabazu, Sienna Shortte, Princess Samou, Gisel A, Ini Oluwaadara, Kaili Kws, and Yuhe Guo who are represented by Soli Management, and has landed them features in Vogue.
His most recent feature was on May 5.
As buzz builds around Halifax Fashion Week set to take place on August 10-16, there is interest from contacts at Vogue’s New York headquarters to potentially attend. Bartlett is hopeful about the future of arts careers in the Maritimes. “More than anything, I want to help others see that it’s possible,” he says.
This article appears in May 1-31, 2025.