Climbing Photography

Capturing the moment of climbing, the second where the subject is just right, the lighting is perfect, and the scenery amazes, isn't easy. More likely are the instances like this photo- where some dude in a Hawaiian Shirt poses on a problem that he can't do.



A photographer with work in climbing magazines like Rock & Ice, Alpinist, and Climbing , John Vallejo has had his share of good and bad photos.

Recently, John took pictures of the Touchstone Rope Comp at Great Western Power Company in Oakland. He employed a few different lenses, a remote flash, and an artistic eye to capture some rad photos.


Employing some flash photography, John shoot Touchstone route setter, Brian Hedrick on a 5.12 route.


John took this picture of Hans Florine in an excellent move.


Here John did a good job of capturing not only Andy Liu climbing but the logo and Al Liu watching.


Maria Schriver emerging from the overhang and the shadow.

Checking out climbing blogs and photography sites is a learn a little bit more about how to take that perfect climbing photo. For some other great climbing images and a little background on some professional photographers check out Max Hasson, Ben Ditto, Mikey Schaefer, and Jim Thornburg.

The Digital Photography School recently interviewed climbing photographer Kamil Bialous, who explains some of the challenges of taking pictures of climbing. This is another great reference.

Good luck capturing the image. Get out there and practice!