Best Local Photographer

Chad Harder

Readers' Pick

It takes a certain type of photographer to make images work in newsprint. It’s sort of like asking a chef to make culinary magic out of two-day-old leftovers and a can of beans—it can be done, but it ain’t easy. Since 1999, Chad Harder has been making magic by bringing evocative images to the pages of the Indy. Whether he’s showing off another Montana vista or presenting state legislators as somewhat photogenic, he’s found a way to make our readers forget that they’re holding a free weekly and not a glossy magazine. (Although, you could see his work in glossies, like Montana Headwall, as well.) That high level of artistry and craftsmanship earns Chad this award once again. Chad Harder: chadharderphotography.com