Shelley Named 2016 Rangefinder 30 Rising Stars

I remember when I first read the email. It was the day Hurricane Matthew moved into central North Carolina, I picked up a Wendy’s chili and a frosty, and watched the rain and wind while I ate in the truck. As usual, I started browsing through my phone, when a notification popped up with the subject line “Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Stars Decision”. I predicted that we probably didn’t get it, but opened it anyways… and then saw the word “CONGRATULATIONS!” My eyes welled up a bit.

I have been reading the Rangefinder Magazine ever since I first got into photography. It’s full of wonderful inspiration and tips from all genres. To be among the pages of this magazine alongside so many other photographers I admire feels absolutely unreal. In order to receive this award, someone in the industry has to nominate you- you can’t just apply. The decision is made off of a well rounded portfolio of each part of the wedding day- not just your best portraits. This is a very prestigious international award only granted to to artists who have been in business full time for five years or less. There were 200 photographers nominated this year… and I am one of the 30 who were selected. It is such an incredible honor.

This year in itself has been the most adventurous, inspiring, and unbelievable time of my life. This January, I took a giant leap to follow our dreams and moved into a tiny camper to live full time on the road. I had no idea how this would affect our business, but things worked out so much better than I could have hoped. I’ve traveled across the country multiple times, booked weddings in places that I used to only dream of, and reconnected with myself and what I love. To be recognized as one of Rangefinder Magazine’s 30 Rising Stars in the midst of all this is absolutely amazing. I am so thankful to be able to connect with all the other talented photographers on this list and are so thankful to Rangefinder for supporting us and helping us grow. I really feel like this is just the beginning.

Ok now time to go pop a bottle!

Shelley Hartman, Hartman Outdoor Photography