We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ryan Hartley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ryan below.
Ryan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve had the privilege of working on were collaborations with The Bitter Southerner Magazine, where I had the honor of having my photos published. As a native of the South, having grew up in northwest Tennessee, this opportunity was particularly special to me, as it allowed me to showcase the essence and beauty of the region I hold close to my heart.
The project centered around capturing the spirit of two dear friends and talented musicians, S.G. Goodman and Peter One on separate assignments. Through my lens, I aimed to not only portray their spirits but also to tell a visual story that resonated with the values and cultural richness of who they are. S.G. Goodman’s music, deeply rooted in the southern experience, provided a compelling backdrop for my photography and Peter One’s enchanting music paints a beautiful journey of hardship, loss and triumph, which paved the way for what I aimed to capture.
The Bitter Southerner Magazine, known for its commitment to authentic southern storytelling and its celebration of diverse voices from the region, became the perfect platform for this collaboration. Seeing my photos, featuring S.G. Goodman and Peter One, grace the pages of a magazine that I deeply admire and whose values align with my own was a profoundly rewarding experience.
The publication not only recognized my work as a photographer but also allowed me to contribute to the cultural narrative of the South. It was more than just an achievement; it was a celebration of the unique stories and individuals, like S.G. Goodman and Peter One, that make the South a vibrant and complex tapestry. The experience has fueled my passion for capturing and sharing the authentic narratives of my community, reinforcing my belief in the power of visual storytelling to connect people and preserve the cultural identity of a place.
Ryan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Ryan Hartley— an award-winning filmmaker, a writer, and photographer with roots in the tranquil town of South Fulton TN, nestled on the border of Kentucky. My journey into the realm of storytelling began in the simplicity of small-town life and family gatherings, when you’re little, your world is small and the people around you are your inspiration. My grandmother’s giant Beta camera recorded the playful skits my family and I did. I can remember being little and noticing how the light looked or that my cousin was unset and so I questioned why and felt connected to that emotion through the camera. I was little but that memory is so crucial to my journey. Those early home movies were my introduction to the art of capturing life’s fleeting moments.
Growing up, I found solace and inspiration in the unhurried spaces. I roamed the outskirts of my town, skateboarding, creating home movies, and photographing friends and the locals who often went unnoticed. I graduated high school and started college but soon found that it wasn’t for me. I wanted to be out there finding and making my own way instead of listening in a lecture hall. I dropped out and began traveling to sleep on friend’s couches while working in the film industry. Continuing to make short films and eventually a feature film when I was 24. This creative spark continued to burn as I transitioned from town to town eventually finding myself in the vibrant chaos of Los Angeles, where I was able to for the first time make a living in the world of reality TV, working diligently in the camera department.
My journey as a filmmaker came with its share of challenges and frustrations. In the midst of this, a new chapter unfolded as I embraced photography not just as a hobby, but as a profound means of expression. Armed with a camera, I found the freedom to explore without the weight of expectations. This shift became a rediscovery of the joy in telling stories through a different lens.
Transitioning from filmmaker to photographer was more than a career move as I still work in reality TV; it was a revelation however as my lens became a vehicle for exploring the vast American landscape, capturing the essence of unique communities and the often overlooked individuals who inhabit them. I now reside in Nashville, as I immerse myself in the stories of local musicians and artists.
I take pride in my individualism, finding satisfaction in the drive and passion that fuels my unique journey. Frustrations with the creative process are not setbacks but rather acknowledgments that true creativity often thrives on the edges of discomfort. I try to make my craft go beyond capturing images; it’s about weaving narratives that resonate with the raw essence of the image. Through my creative journey I have found a connection, and through my lens, I invite others to share in the beauty and complexity of the stories I tell.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
At the core of my creative journey lies a deep-seated longing—for connection, for truth, and a nostalgic embrace of my youth as a photographer. My lens is not just a tool to capture images; it’s a vehicle for storytelling.
The yearning for connection fuels my work. In a world often bustling with noise, I strive to capture those quiet, authentic moments that bridge the gap between the subject and the observer. It’s about forging a connection that goes beyond the confines of the frame—a connection that resonates with the shared experiences, emotions, and vulnerabilities of both the storyteller and the audience.
Truth is the compass guiding my lens. I seek to unearth the raw and unfiltered narratives that linger beneath the surface. Each photograph is a quest for authenticity, a relentless pursuit of the genuine stories that define the landscapes I explore and the people who inhabit them. In a world that often projects curated realities, I aim to present the truth as it is and nothing more.
Reflecting on my youth as a photographer adds a layer of nostalgia to my creative mission. Those early days laid the foundation for a lifelong love affair with visual storytelling. It’s about reclaiming the purity and curiosity of youth and the discovery.
Ultimately, my goal is to weave out the superficial and invite viewers to delve into the essence of the stories being told. Longing for connection, truth, and the spirit of my youthful exploration, my creative journey is a continual search for those things that have defined me.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One poignant lesson I had to unlearn in my creative journey was the belief that success and fulfillment were solely tethered to external validation and traditional milestones. Early on, I found myself caught in the web of industry expectations and societal norms, and the latest trends on social media, measuring my worth by the conventional markers of success—awards, recognition, seeking attention.
In the pursuit of accolades and industry approval, I often compromised the authenticity of my work.
However, as I progressed in my career and delved into photography, a shift occurred. The more I immersed myself in the art of visual storytelling, the clearer it became that the true essence of my work lay in the stories I told, not the trophies on the shelf. I began to unshackle myself from the external expectations that had confined my creativity.
The turning point came when I embraced the intrinsic value of my craft, finding fulfillment in the process rather than fixating on the outcome. I learned that the heart of storytelling is being true to oneself. The genuine connections forged through my work and the impact it had on individuals became more meaningful than any external validation.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: ry.hart
Image Credits
Ryan Hartley