Meet Ryan Hartford

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ryan Hartford. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Ryan, we’re grateful for your time today. Let’s dive into a topic that holds significant importance for us – something we believe distinguishes individuals and greatly influences their ability to achieve their goals. Self-discipline appears to wield considerable influence over one’s life trajectory, how did you develop yours?

Early in my photography career, I learned that my success depends entirely on me. Whether it’s being a successful photographer, directing films, or publishing children’s books, if I want to get something made, it’s my dream, it’s my responsibility to create the opportunities for myself. No one is going to beg me to do it.

I knew gaining momentum to start something new was going to be a challenge. When I began my career as a photographer, to gain momentum, I started by asking people or companies I wanted to work with to do free shoots. And by doing that, it led to some pretty incredible opportunities that really shaped my career; like photographing Kobe Bryant for The Jordan Harbinger Show or working with Make a Wish.

Much of my success has come from finding the things I enjoy and relentlessly acting on them. I’ve been able to bounce around doing photography for big companies and clients, video production that has led to directing commercials for TV, and publishing an award winning children’s book. Those exciting opportunities however were the result of hundreds of grueling emails that mostly went nowhere and many late nights at the computer. I have a very ‘burn the boats’ mentality, there wasn’t a bail out waiting for me, success is really my only option. It was really up to me to create opportunities for myself and to keep my photography and video business thriving in a competitive LA market.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m currently working on my second kids’ book, “Malcolm in Space.” I’m keeping the story under wraps until I receive the illustrations back from the artist, but I can tell you that it’s an incredible and uplifting tale about reaching one’s goals and dreams. It’s brimming with action and adventure, I initially wrote it as an animated movie.

My first book, “Searching for Polaris,” is available at EclipticBooks.com and has been winning awards. I’m extremely proud of it. It’s about the importance of family told through the adventures of a magical bear and a boy named Orson.

As for my photography, I recently started collaborating with the magazine Life is Art, where we plan to feature some big names and advertisers. It’s a fantastic team of individuals who are eager to work together to create amazing editorial images. It’s great working with people who have a similar dream and love creating. We recently had a big shoot with Melora Hardin, known for her role as Jan in The Office; it was a dream photographing her.

I’ve also been chasing the proverbial carrot of making my first feature film. I anticipate that will be in my future in the next few years. I’m in the writing process now. The industry has undergone significant changes recently, so I’ll need to navigate the best way to secure funding and determine potential distribution channels. Regardless, it seems to be the direction I’m striving toward.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

  1. Lose the ego. Some of the busiest people I know are also the easiest to work with. Talent is great, but willingness to learn and  improve is even better. Don’t be afraid to assist or do free work, but don’t let those things define you. Work with intention. Watch, learn, and then go do it.
  2. Be a leader. Show people how to act on a set (or anywhere) by being the example. Have integrity and treat your surroundings with respect and kindness. Be strict with yourself and have patience with others.
  3. Be flexible. Find what you love to do and immerse yourself in it, but it’s okay to change your mind.
  4. Understand business. If you aspire to pursue an artistic career, focus on learning the business side of things such as invoicing, contracts, taxes, marketing, and communication. It’s tough to make a living as an artist, but it’s even harder if you can’t provide clean, professional-looking documents to clients.
  5. Networking is often understated, but not in the way you might think. I always suggest attending school in the city where you plan to work. I went to school in Kansas, and upon moving to Los Angeles, I had to rebuild my network almost entirely. While I received a few opportunities from my Midwest peers, I would have progressed much further and faster by already being in the area I live in. Be generous with your time for others, people give opportunities to friends (especially ones who they’ve collaborated with before).

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always seeking to expand my network of artists and to learn from others.

I enjoy organizing group shoots to continuously build my photography portfolio and work with new people. If you have a brand or you feel would complement my work, I’d love to hear from you. I’m also constantly searching for resources to direct films or commercials. If you have a project you’d like to collaborate on, let’s chat!

I always want to keep creating and meeting inspiring people.

@eclipticphoto
ryan@eclipticmediaphoto.net
EclipticMediaPhoto.net

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Behind the scenes with Melora Hardin: Sienna Benton BTS Make a Wish: Anne McGregor Searching for Polaris/Malcolm in Space illustrations: Victor Tavares Melora Hardin/Pantages/Art Streiber/Pedro Pascal portrait: Ryan Hartford Radio Show Photo: Tyrone Tann

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