I don’t know very much about football, I’ve never been too into team sports, but respect some of the lessons that are taught on the field. I frequently read random quotes, and when I find a gem I will look up the author and research more about their life and additional quotes. This drives my imagery because I often find quotes that I want to embody. I am also motivated to continue to push my creative boundaries and try approaches I never would have imagined. This last week I read a quote from Vince Lombardi, who I knew was a football coach, I found out he coached the Greenbay Packers. The quote that initially caught my attention was: “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.” I see this in all of the photographers that I respect. Their ability and technical knowledge is exceptional, but it’s the time they invest to be there getting the shot. After digging around a learning more, I found another quote that impressed me from Vince Lombardi: “A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.” Often I hear from the uniformed that “being a photographer must be so much fun” and it is, but it often requires long days, sore muscles, and lots of failure.

All images were shot with Nikon D3s firing two Nikon SB900s via Pocketwizards in the top and bottom camera left.

Tom Adams showing his will working for the second ascent of Little Cottonwoods newest .13a

Nikkor 70-200mm @ 200mm. Rigging was a single cord from bolted anchors with a redirect through a bolt for positioning.

I had the chance to put these quotes into play recently. I had taught a seminar at the Wasatch Fly-Tying Expo all morning and I came home to eat lunch and work on some office projects when I get a call from my friend Tom Adams inviting to come up to Little Cottonwood Canyon to shoot some images on the newest .13a in the canyon. I often prefer to research locations and have a prepped time of day to shoot based on the lighting that will be available and will offer the best color. This was not one of those times; I didn’t even know what the route looked like. I packed up my 50lbs of ropes, hardware, and camera gear and rushed to the canyon and sprinted up to the climb. I was onsite in less than 35mins ready to shoot, even though I didn’t know exactly what I was shooting. The lighting turned out to be extremely challenging, but I was able to work with Singh Ray filters to help balance the light as well as using some remote strobes.

The first ascensionist Tom Hore in his favorite Tikki shirt showing how its done.

Nikkor 24mm PC lens balancing the exposure with a Singh Ray 2stop soft-step Grad ND

The following images are one of my deposits into the bank of becoming first string. I am continually seeking opportunities to capture the moments that inspire me in the mountains and in everyday life. Each one of those opportunities adds to my quiver and opens more doors. Every shooting opportunity is a new chance to show your work and move from the photography second string to the first string; to become the first photographer thought of for a project, to have the vision, the ability, history, and more than anything as Vince said so wisely, THE WILL.

Tom Adams a little further into the business and keeping it professional

Nikkor 70-200mm @ 70mm with a Singh Ray 2step soft-step Grad ND to balance the background.

Gordon’s Direct is a classic climb up Little Cottonwood Canyon. It’s located in the Green A gully. Last week I went up with Scott and Ari to shoot some morning images. The light is ideal at this time of day, we head up at 5am and the dawn glow creates a very even soft light that makes for some quality shots, especially when coupled with great climbers like Scott and Ari.

Ari Menitove making the crux clip
Ari starting into the business

Ari chalking before the runout section of Gordon’s Direct .11c RScott Epperson feeling strong
Scott, small gear, hard move, good times