Rock Climbing in Colorado
Well, to be more accurate, taking photographs of rock climbers in Colorado…
I spent the past week in the mountains of Colorado near Buena Vista both taking in the sights and getting some climbing images (with model releases) for my stock portfolio. I was also trying out my new Canon 16-35mm F4 L lens – the one with image stabilization. I have to put my earnings to something, and I was really impressed with the reviews of this lens and decided to take some really wide shots of the climbers to give a feel for the location. The sun was in a great spot and I’m amazed how well this one came out – there was a little lens flare in the lower right (which I cloned out), but this was pretty much the full frame. No ghosting, no loss of contrast – great sharpness from edge to edge. This one was taken at 1/320 second and so the AF was not needed, but I’ve taken some very sharp shots down to about 1/10th second if I calmly breathe through the shot. I’ll be writing more about the locations and types of shot I was looking for on this trip as I finish processing and publishing the images.
Rock Climbing Buena Vista
What I like about this next image is that the entire weight of the climber appears to be on the toe of one shoe and these tight finger grips on the sharp quartz filled granite rock of the climb.
Hanging on with fingertips
Next up – don’t forget the details – the climbing shoes with ropes and other climbing aids. It all helps set the scene and could be used in a climbing magazine to illustrate preparation:
Shoes Ropes and Clips
As I had model releases, it was natural to capture some smiling outdoor enthusiast shots – in this case, abseiling down the rock face back to earth. The position I took nicely captured the distant mountains clouds and blue sky:
Glad to be outdoors
Finally, I wanted more technical shots of difficult moves with a lot of detail of the equipment necessary to climb these rocks. Not sure what they are all called, but I have a photo of them!
Difficult moves
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the post, enjoyed it. I noticed you said you got model releases from your climbers. Expand on the story just a bit for us if you would. Did you know the climbers and arrange to shoot or did you happen upon the scene? Did you get your releases before or after the shots and what was your vantage point? And if you don’t mind as we all find ourselves in the circumstance from time to time, what terms do you have to offer in exchange for the release … trade for copy or other? And BTW your endorsement (well you sorta/kinda did endorse by saying such nice things), for the 16-35 f4 IS and Canon sending me a $50 off coupon to be used by the 2nd was just the justification I needed to pull the trigger on that purchase. Happy Labor Day to me!
Hi Bill
Glad that you saw a good reason to get that new Canon lens – It really is better than the 17-40mm F4 in my view. Anyone want an old 17-40mm?
On the climb – I went there specifically with two friends who live in the area and he is a very keen climber – hence he knew where we could go for me to get at a reasonably level position for the side shots that look dramatic. I was doing a bit of clambering onto rocks, but nothing dangerous with my cameras! He was keen to get something other than the butt shots that climbers often have, taken by the person holding the rope underneath. The other people were there, and I offered them the images – so far, I’m struggling to get in touch with them – know their names, but not emails, but I haven’t given up yet. I’m sure that copies of the files in return for the MRs will be fine if I can make contact. He used to be an architecture photographer and so hopefully understands the reason for the MR.
Steve
🙂 When you find the “I want a 17-40” people, I’ve got one that needs a new home as well!