Ricky Harney
For most of my life I was an extreme introvert. In 2012 I decided to take a chance and leave everything I had ever known to find to find happiness in the Rocky Mountains. Yellowstone is where I landed. I was a visitor in 2010, and a resident from 2012-17. Those five years changed my life. I connected with nature in a way I didn’t think possible. My connection with nature soon led to my connection with people.
I moved out west to find myself. At the time, it was fly fishing steering the boat. I fished every day for the first half of my first season. One morning I laid down my fly rod and picked up my camera. I wound up capturing an image of an elk in velvet that I got lost in. I wanted more shots like that. From that day forward, I photographed in Yellowstone for those four and a half years. Every moment outside of work was devoted to learning the behavior of the wildlife, knowing where to be for a sunrise or set, and seeing light as the camera does.
My images, and the words I shared with them was a way for this introvert to express himself. My passion for photography soon grew stronger than my fear of meeting new people. I asked to photograph the Wranglers in Canyon in my second season. I was nervous introducing myself to the group, but soon settled in to what I loved. I walked away with so much more than some good photography. I forged lifelong friendships with them.
Some time has passed since then. I have been putting a lot of work into myself, and it is paying off. I have peeled back many layers and have come to know my true self. I landed in the Gallatin Valley, a stone’s throw from Yellowstone. I love the valley and the people who live there. They have become a driving force in my work. I have found a balance between people and nature. Both are essential to me now. Both will be displayed on this site. At first, photography brought me closer to people. Today, people have brought me closer to photography. This is my future. I would love for you to join me on my journey.
Ricky Harney