Black and white photo of a lone bison standing in the middle of an empty highway on open plains.

Adventure & Travel photographer

MelHartz Photography

east coast based + global
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Meet the photographer

ABOUT ME

I believe the most compelling images aren’t staged; they’re discovered. Whether I'm capturing brand stories in unpredictable environments or highlighting local communities, my approach to visual storytelling is anchored in a deep appreciation for the natural world and authentic human connection.


My journey behind the lens is deeply intertwined with a lifelong passion for exploration and global travel. Photography as a universal language I've brought with me to connect with communities worldwide. Rooted in a deep love for nature and raw landscapes, my happiest moments are spent out in the elements. I captures the wild places and honest interactions that remind us how interconnected we really are.

Female hiker with backpack sitting on rocky mountain summit overlooking stunning alpine lake and green valley below.

Community & Partnerships

Bold orange Strava fitness tracking app logo on a clean white background.
Elegant fp movement cursive script logo in black ink on a white background.
Black Altra running shoes logo with swoosh design on a white background.
Black and white Houston Chronicle newspaper logo featuring bold text and a star graphic.
Classic black Adidas logo with three stripes emblem on a white background.
Moroccan craftsman working on traditional pottery in a rustic workshop with ceramic plates and artwork on walls.

My Mission

I work with purpose-driven brands, travel outfits, and organizations to create timeless imagery that feels lived-in and deeply human. I hope my photographs remind you that it's the unplanned, effortless moments that are of the most valuable.

Meet Mel
Large diverse group of women posing together at an outdoor fitness running event in Atlanta.

In their own words...

Girls Who Run, Atlanta

“Absolutely could not recommend Mel enough! She is incredibly communicative and so easy to work with. One of my favorite things she does is provide preview photos almost immediately after the event for us to share on social while the excitement is still fresh! She truly goes above and beyond!”

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Shirtless man flashing peace sign holding JBL speaker on beachside promenade with crowd in background.
Silhouette of group of runners on grassy hill at golden hour against clear sky.
Three men jumping joyfully on coastal path at dusk with ocean horizon behind them.
Aerial view of group of runners on rocky coastal trail in athletic wear.
Black and white photo of two women running under sandstone rock overhang by the ocean.
Large group of people wading into ocean waves at sunset during beach gathering.
Two women in bikinis splashing joyfully into ocean waves at dusk with arms raised.
Two athletic women laughing while stretching legs on wooden bench outside urban building.
Stylish woman in pink visor and sunglasses sitting beside white hydrangea bushes in athletic wear.
Three smiling women in colorful athletic wear hugging outdoors after a run on sunny day.
Two women hold signs reading Nice Peach and I Love ATL at an outdoor fitness event in Atlanta.
Three smiling women in colorful athletic wear pose together at an outdoor running event.
Athletic woman in white sports bra ties her sneakers on a wooden bench before a run.
Group of women in athletic wear laugh and socialize at an outdoor running club gathering.
Smiling woman in black sports bra and blue shorts runs joyfully during an outdoor group run.
Energetic woman in red sports bra leads a group of female runners on a sunny urban path.
Large group of women running together along a tree-lined path during an outdoor running event.
Three women in athletic wear smile and flash peace signs during an outdoor group run.
Two women in sports bras take a selfie near a Running Mate event banner outdoors.
Two women in matching pink sports bras and black skorts pose with peace signs at a running event.
Two smiling women standing together outdoors at sunset event with cloud sticker overlay.
Group of people doing beach workout exercises on sand at dramatic orange sunset.
Overlanding campsite setup with rooftop tent on truck and ground tent in Australian bush forest.