Behind the Image: The Proof is in the Perspective

Joe Versus the Cliffside
Nikon F5 with a 20mm lens on Fuji Velvia 50 ASA film
By Abrahm Lustgarten

Rock climbing is not only about physical challenge and facing fear; it's also about attaining a different perspective of the world around you. In order to capture that essence of the sport on film, I feel a picture needs to reflect the lofty positions and dynamic, dizzying experience of the climber, not just the typical angles from the ground.

Setting up such a picture is therefore an involved undertaking, one that requires expertise not only of photography but also of the rope and safety systems used in climbing. As a climber of more than ten years, I have become familiar with the unique rigging expertise required to make such an endeavor safe.

Despite all preparation and experience, however, I still felt nervous for my upcoming photographic adventure. I hiked up to the cliff base at Mt. Charleston State Park just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, as the sun broke over the horizon. My backpack weighed a solid 50 pounds with all the ropes and gear I needed to set up the shoot, and I figured I needed at least an hour to prep before my subject arrived.

Without delving into the minutia of my complicated system, I hung a climbing rope from the top of the cliff, and anchored it so that it could support my weight as I dangled over the edge. Then, using a climbing harness; a variety of ropes, carabineers, and nylon slings; and a couple of tools called ascenders, I rigged a system that would allow me to safely work my way up and down the anchor rope. This way I could constantly adjust my perspective while following the climber's progress up the cliff side.

The photograph's subject, Joe Brooks, is a professional—he climbs full time and receives sponsorship money from a number of outdoor companies. On this day he was taking on a new, very difficult climb, and I would photograph his attempt for both his sponsors and a few special-interest magazines. I wanted to catch Joe near the top—when he was tired and approaching the hardest section of the route. As I waited, dangling, about 80 feet off the ground, Joe slowly worked his way toward me, grimacing and growling with every exerting move. As he drew closer, I tracked his progress in detail, burning frame after frame with the motor drive on my Nikon F5.

Finally, just when I thought he was too close to shoot any further, I framed this picture. Using Fuji Velvia 50-speed film and a 20 mm lens I was able to capture the "Spiderman" essence of Joe’s strength while retaining the stomach-turning perspective of the distance he'd traveled by framing Joe's partner, carefully working the safety ropes from the ground, some eight stories below.

Abrahm Lustgarten in an internationally published, award-winning photojournalist whose work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, and Men's Journal magazines. He most frequently covers social, travel and outdoor adventure subjects, and is a regular contributor to Away.com. You can see more of his work at www.abrahm.com