The Ultimate Guide to Digital Photography in the Mountains

Climbing images

The most interesting images, however, often feature climbers. It can be simply to give an idea of scale, or to show someone involved in a very dangerous looking activity in a very vertical environment. Here are again some remarks:

• Perspective is extremely important, especially if you are doing a wide shot of someone close by. Try not to shoot horizontally, as this tends to be quite boring. Even if the subject is at the same level than you, either get low or shoot above your head.
• Feel free to cheat a little. The route might avoid this big crevasse and this overhanging ice wall, but the viewer doesn't necessarily have to know it. Playing with perspective can also often make things look a lot more exposed than they really are. But of course, don't push this too far: it's all about suggesting something. Things like cloning ropes out, for instance, are obviously unacceptable.
• Take action shots. If you can get this climber while he is swinging his ice axe, the image will be a lot better than if he is just hugging the wall. Likewise, get pictures of walkers while they are mid-stride, possibly with a cramponed boot in the air.
• Show what's around the climbers. The main interest of such images is the environment in which they are, so be sure to shoot wide enough to show all of it.
• If you are lucky enough to have another party at some distance, use the opportunity to get shots of tiny people in front of big mountains.
• You can get very good portraits of fellow climbers. Backgrounds won't get any better, light is often very good and more importantly, you can show them doing something that they really love. Plus few things say hardcore tough guy/gal than frozen hair and this unique "exhausted but happy" look. Just remember to make them take their sunglasses off and shoot fast, as sunblindness isn't very fun.
• Don't underestimate simple shots of climbers life, such as the inside of a tent, camp, cooking food, putting shoes on, etc... This is a completely foreign universe to most people, and such documentary shots can be surprisingly strong.

V. Keep in mind

Finally, a few (very) important things to keep in mind at all times:

• Mountains are dangerous. People get killed. You can die. Don't climb without the proper gear and instruction, and do not head in the mountains without really knowing what you are doing. I warmly recommend taking a mountaineering course before attempting anything.
• If you screw up your photography, you miss a shot. If you screw up your climbing, you and your partner get injured or die. Put your priorities where they belong. No summit and no photo is worth getting injured for.
• Once again: don't remove your gloves to take pictures. No shot is worth frostbite.
• In the mountains, speed is safety. If your photography is going to slow down the party, make sure that your partners are ok with it and that you are not putting everyone in danger by doing so. Always assess the situation before halting.