Improving your climbing photography – 12 week mini course – week9
Hi all. I hope you’re enjoying my climbing photography series? In this week’s topic we’re going to cover some of my pet peeves…
9. Respect the climber
Having checked it was okay to take photos I met Geraldine when she topped-out. It turned out that she repeats London Wall every year on her birthday. This photo was used to illustrate a news article about the ascent. Geraldine Taylor on London Wall, E5 6a, Millstone Edge
Don’t distract climbers, and be ready to help but only if requested.
Respect others:
You won’t make friends by throwing your ab’ rope down a popular route just to get into position to shoot someone on the neighbouring line.
Check first:
If you’re obviously about to take photos of a climber you don’t know, and it’s reasonable to do so, ask them if it’s OK.
If you have taken photos of a climber then get their name so you can caption correctly and acknowledge them. Hell, send them a copy. I either try to hand over a business card or take their email address.
I think its a bit of a cheat when you see “Unknown climber on limestone classic” in a mag. You’re getting exposure from the published images, so make the effort to get the climber some too. In my experience climbers are generally happy to contribute. You might even find a story in their ascent!
As always, if you have any questions or comments, please drop me a message in the comments box below.
