Follow the Leader
On an attempt of Denali, North America's highest point. This was our rope team making it into camp on a spine on the Northeast flank of Denali....
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On an attempt of Denali, North America's highest point. This was our rope team making it into camp on a spine on the Northeast flank of Denali.
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Feb, 2018Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken on the northeast flank of Denali in the Alaska Range. We had traveled for three weeks to get to this point. To the left is a 2,000 foot vertical drop and another 1,000 foot drop to the right. Above the climber in front of me, you can see our tents in camp. We had gone to retrieve some ropes that we used to cross the bergschrund (area where moving glacier separates from the rock).Time
This was in the afternoon. It was this light most of the day. It is very windy on the mountainside and it constantly blows snow around, so it tends to stay a similar light for days.Lighting
Lighting is difficult in the summer in Alaska during some snow flurries. However, sometimes from around 10pm to 2am is all one big sunset sunrise and the lighting can be incredible.Equipment
This was shot with an Olympus Tough Series camera. I kept it in my pocket as I was roped up. It is unsafe to carry a large DSLR in front of you when roped up because if you or a climbing partner fall, you need to be able to self arrest (technique to stop yourself from sliding on the ice/snow) with your ice axe and can't have anything in the way that could compromise your self arrest.Inspiration
Alaska is an immense state. It's hard to describe if you haven't been there. The mountains are massive and make you feel extremely small as a human. The call it, "The Alaska Factor".Editing
Minimal processing in Lightroom. With 90 pounds of camping and climbing gear, I wasn't able to take as much photography gear as I would have liked to.In my camera bag
On a trip like this where my main focus is on mountain safety, risk management and education, I usually only have a smaller point and shoot that can fit in my pocket. On a personal trip into the mountains I will be carrying my Canon 7D Mark ii with a 70-200mm, an 18-135mm, and a 10-22mm, along with a tripod, dry bags to keep everything dry, lens cleaning equipment, a good pad to sit on or stand on depending on the time of day. If you're doing a night shoot, you'll want a foam pad to keep you insulated from the ground in the mountains.Feedback
Always be looking for the shot. In the mountains, weather can change so quickly and so dramatically you have to be prepared. The changing weather often offers great photography opportunities if you are ready and prepared to take the shot. However, mountain safety should always come first, no matter how tempting a beautiful photo-op is. Always know where you're walking, who you're roped up to, and be communicating. I will either take out my camera when we are stopped for a break on the ropes, or simply ask the others on my rope team if we can take a short break so I can take a picture. Often times, people are happy to take a rest and it works out great.
