Renee Harbers is a fine-art photographer whose narrative-driven projects explore themes of identity, societal perceptions, and the complexities of representation. Her acclaimed series, Trixie and the Ranch, curated by David Campany and exhibited at The Blue Door Gallery in Livingston, Montana, exemplifies her ability to intertwine deeply personal storytelling with broader cultural dialogues.
Her work has been recognized with several honors, including the Regents Award from the University of Hartford, the Curator's Choice award from South x Southeast Magazine, and the Fred Wilson Installation/Exhibition Award. Her photographs have appeared in group exhibitions and publications, contributing to contemporary conversations about visual culture and identity.
Beyond her artistic practice, Harbers is the founder and CEO of the Harbers Family Foundation (est. 2007) and Harbers Studios (est. 2014). Through these platforms, she collaborates with photographers and filmmakers to amplify the narratives of global nonprofits such as the National Geographic Society, Conservation International, and the Rwanda Girls Initiative. As the Executive Producer for Harbers Studios, she has greenlighted and overseen the production of more than 90 short documentaries, many of which have been featured by The New York Times Op-Docs, The Atlantic, SXSW, the Tribeca Film Festival, and The Criterion Channel.
Harbers holds an MFA in Photography from the University of Hartford and an MSt in the History of Art and Visual Culture from the University of Oxford. Her recent academic work has focused on the visual representation of middle-aged women, enriching her photographic practice and reflecting her dedication to reframing societal ideals through fine art.
She serves as the Executive Vice President for the International Center of Photography and is an active member of the Photography Initiative at the National Gallery of Art. In these roles, she supports the work of other photographers and contributes to the advancement of the medium and its cultural significance.