Climbing Photographer Spotlight: Stefan Kürzi

Ibach, Switzerland

March 31, 2016 Julie Ellison

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This story originally appeared in the July 2014 issue of our print edition.

Rock Climbing Photographers Photos Bouldering — Christoph Schaub on the infamous Gaia (5.13+/E8 6c), Black Rocks, the iconic route from the movie “Hard Grit,” which features the scary and dangerous gritstone climbing of the United Kingdom.

Being a social worker for the last 10 years helped Kürzi understand communication and human behavior, which he directly credits for his ability to make models and athletes calm in front of the camera. “When working with people, I think I’m able to shape the mood on the set, which often results in truly authentic shots,” he says. “I want the viewer to dive into his own thoughts and emotions while looking at the images.” Kürzi is no slouch in the climbing department, either, having developed boulders in Ticino and central Switzerland up to V11/8a and repeated problems in the V13/8b range. With his work appearing in German, Czech, and other foreign climbing magazines, Kürzi continues to travel throughout Europe for assignments.

Website: stefankuerzi.ch