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Ever wondered how photographers take pictures of rock climbers? (i.imgur.com)

submitted ago by momarortotinon

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[–]TheAtomicPlayboy 484 points485 points ago

Action photographer Corey Rich photographs climber Alex Honnold:

http://i.imgur.com/agPCz.jpg

When Alex Honnold and I discussed the Nikon D4 project several months prior, we locked in on Joshua Tree National Park. Given the area's dry weather in late November, J-Tree seemed to be the obvious climbing location. During our first phone call, we simultaneously suggested Equinox as the climb. At 5.12c, this is a test piece in Southern California climbing. On a rope, Alex is a top climber. Without a rope (free soloing), he is in a class unto himself. If Equinox felt good with a rope, there was a high likelihood he would be up to free solo the climb. Again, much like Dane, if Alex did decide to free solo the route, we might only have one opportunity to capture the ascent. Obviously, the stakes are very high, when a fall could mean death. To our amazement, after Alex's first lap he announced "it felt good, actually pretty easy". He then proceeded to do it two more times in the last 20 minutes before the sun set. On the second day of shooting with Alex, the tables had turned. He climbed to the crux (the hardest section of the climb), fiddled with getting good finger jams, was not feeling it and backed down. After a 20 or 30 minute rest, he was back on the wall, did one lap and called it. I really value and respect Alex's ability to listen to his mind and body and not allow any external forces to influence whether he climbed again or not.

Video of the shoot here.

[–]Mirshikar 494 points495 points ago

Now how was the picture of the photographer taking a picture taken?

[–]I_Post_Drunk 362 points363 points ago

This is reddit. "WHO WAS CAMERA?"

[–]NickDerpkins 134 points135 points ago

"Who filmed the moon landing?"

[–]Mrs_Mojo_Rising 33 points34 points ago

Marvin the Martian. DUH

[–]jtwill10 9 points10 points ago

Marvin was on Mars man. Not the moon...

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    [–]Adagi 9 points10 points ago

    I smell a conspiracy.

    [–]matrixfs 4 points5 points ago

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaOY3FXxUwk

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        [–]amisamiamiam 279 points280 points ago

        Ever wondered how photographers take pictures of rock climbers?

        FIXED http://imgur.com/3sDyz

        [–]alle0441 119 points120 points ago

        Right. Cause we've all seen vertical clouds like that.

        [–]amisamiamiam 422 points423 points ago

        Right. Cause we've all seen vertical clouds like that.

        Good point.

        FIXED http://imgur.com/27iCu

        [–]VinRayd 78 points79 points ago

        Is that a volcano? Haha wow and to think I doubted your conspiracy.

        [–]iama_walrus 10 points11 points ago

        Actually that's a geyser.

        [–]oblu 16 points17 points ago

        duude,

        what's that stuff you're on, would buy.

        [–]AVTizzle 5 points6 points ago

        you're killing it right now.

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          [–]MajorSuccess 3 points4 points ago

          ...Can clouds be vertical?

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              [–]IAMZEUSALMIGHTY 3 points4 points ago

              Cameraception.

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                [–]Grand_Imperator 2 points3 points ago

                The moment I saw the photo, I was actually about to ask if that was Alex Honnold.

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                  [–]I_get_up_again 252 points253 points ago

                  I have that ladder. It's a great ladder.

                  [–]Fruit-Salad 152 points153 points ago

                  Hey. It's you. I remember you. You're that 47 year old who still gets erections! Congratulations man!

                  [–]ostrasized 91 points92 points ago

                  If you stop getting erections at 47, there's definitely something wrong with you.

                  [–]Boondock-Saint 8 points9 points ago

                  pretty sure it's called ED. But yes, you are 100% correct.

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                    [–]mewte 44 points45 points ago

                    yep, pic related

                    [–]blemford 57 points58 points ago

                    Risky click.

                    [–]ios_k 6 points7 points ago

                    If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have clicked, thank you.

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                          [–]metaman72 81 points82 points ago

                          who took this picture then?

                          [–]Wax_The_Nip 67 points68 points ago

                          Ladders all the way down

                          [–]athiestgamer 18 points19 points ago

                          That ladder is probably thinking "THIS IS NOT WHAT I WAS MADE FOR! GET ME DOWN!" But his screams were not heard, because he is an inanimate object, which do not talk.

                          [–]Sir_Walken 6 points7 points ago

                          you're an inanimate fucking object!

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                              [–]TriggerCut 7 points8 points ago

                              and also.. who took a picture of that person? or at least, if we saw that picture, then who took it? the point is.. you can't get fooled again.

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                                [–]protecon 51 points52 points ago

                                I have enough trouble opening those stupid ladders on level ground.

                                [–]AShadow0fFear 615 points616 points ago

                                nope! never wondered

                                [–]Pseudophobic 141 points142 points ago

                                But, now you now.

                                [–]nomofica 151 points152 points ago

                                know*

                                [–]Superchair14 231 points232 points ago

                                But, know you now.

                                [–]Nisas 191 points192 points ago

                                And nowing is half the battle

                                [–]Insomnialcoholic 79 points80 points ago

                                J. I. GOOOOOEEEEEEEE

                                [–]IAMAVelociraptorAMA 15 points16 points ago

                                I thought nobody would fucking think of it.

                                God dammit.

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                                  [–]MananWho 36 points37 points ago

                                  http://imgur.com/6yPDB.png

                                  I apologize for the shoddy work.

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                                    [–]Fruit-Salad 9 points10 points ago

                                    Yes, I believe this is correct know.

                                    Edit: now to know. Yes, thank you eviloverlord88.

                                    [–]eviloverlord88 3 points4 points ago

                                    know

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                                          [–]flounder19 129 points130 points ago

                                          Relevant

                                          [–]vijrox 31 points32 points ago

                                          OP's post made me immediately think of this thread!

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                                            [–]mrhunt3 132 points133 points ago

                                            The man climbing has more confidence and strength than I ever will O.O

                                            [–]Romoraic 38 points39 points ago

                                            /r/climbing for all the man-babies who think they can't do it. Get your ass up and go climb!

                                            [–]ANAL_EMANCIPATOR 39 points40 points ago

                                            Seriously. Climbing gyms tend to be honest unlike traditional gym memberships, and outdoor is free. Climbers are quite friendly--just start frequenting the local climbing gym, and once you get the hang of it, start asking around for who at your level is going on expeditions... Most experienced climbers will be more than willing to help prevent injuries by teaching proper technique--because the only way to not fall, is to fall a lot, and its a fucking blast.

                                            [–]jlawl 7 points8 points ago

                                            No climbing gyms locally :(

                                            My gym does have a tread-wall though.

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                                              [–]BenOfTomorrow 12 points13 points ago

                                              The man climbing is free soloing, and I wouldn't call someone a man-baby for lacking the confidence to do it. That's pretty up there in terms on my list of "unnecessarily dangerous activities".

                                              Climbing in general, though, that's cool.

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                                                [–]Milosmilk 20 points21 points ago

                                                Why don't you change that?

                                                [–]Olsont123 285 points286 points ago

                                                Yea mrhunt3 why don't you go climb up a cliff side without a harness on?

                                                [–]mrhunt3 145 points146 points ago

                                                That's a great idea! I will get right on that.

                                                [–]gleefulmidget 100 points101 points ago

                                                And he was never heard from again.

                                                [–]mrmarmaman 59 points60 points ago

                                                Rest in Peace mrhunt3. Loved by none many. He was a beacon of hope to us all.

                                                [–]mrhunt3 29 points30 points ago

                                                This one looks perfect

                                                [–]FuckingDIY 33 points34 points ago

                                                That actually looks pretty nice. If you chicken out halfway up, you can just live in one of those caves. Plus, if you fall it looks like there's some water below.

                                                [–]IAMAVelociraptorAMA 28 points29 points ago

                                                Water stops fall damage. You're good, OP!

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                                                            [–]Southern_Sandstone 20 points21 points ago

                                                            Actually Alex Honnold is ranked above Kobe Bryant in a listing of the worlds most athletic individual, it's not very easy to equal that. http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/climbing/Alex-Honnold-on-the-Challenges-of-Fame.html?page=all

                                                            [–]mrbuttsavage 6 points7 points ago

                                                            Kobe is getting kind of old these days.

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                                                                  [–]harryballsagna 14 points15 points ago

                                                                  I'm scared for both the photographer and the climber, but I'd rather be the former than the ladder.

                                                                  [–]MuffinDewz 12 points13 points ago

                                                                  FUCK- TO THE -THAT

                                                                  [–]Bluestank 9 points10 points ago

                                                                  I can only imagine how THIS picture was taken.

                                                                  [–]Tyjovi 85 points86 points ago

                                                                  He had better damn well instagram that picture or it doesn't count

                                                                  [–]Demolin 18 points19 points ago

                                                                  Quickly, lets make this picture look like we took it with an 80 year old camera.

                                                                  [–]ChuckYoCouch 5 points6 points ago

                                                                  And then scanned it with a late 90s scanner.

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                                                                    [–]drewgarza 26 points27 points ago

                                                                    Alex Hannold is insanely talented. 60 Mins report on him: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7383158n

                                                                    [–]Grimwold2 20 points21 points ago

                                                                    That's not very typical. If there are any rock climbers here, I witnessed Sean McColl climbing Dreamcatcher in Squamish, BC. There were two photographers, and both of them were suspended in the air by harnesses, attached to the top. No ladders there.

                                                                    [–]RJCantrell 2 points3 points ago

                                                                    I don't live near world-class climbing, but you're right that I've never seen a ladder in the system. Most of the time, the photographer will be directly above (either on solid ground or a higher pitch) to get the "high noon" shot, or will be on the next line over, with ascenders on a static rope.

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                                                                      [–]RNAPII 8 points9 points ago

                                                                      While I know Alex is pretty much the man, people need to realize he doesn't have a rope tied to him, and that looks like a very difficult route.

                                                                      [–]wikkedwhite 15 points16 points ago

                                                                      Rock climber isnt wearing a line?!

                                                                      [–]FatKidThuggin 11 points12 points ago

                                                                      nope

                                                                      [–]bkraj 2 points3 points ago

                                                                      Here's a clip from another redditor

                                                                      Showing that falls, even roped, can still be scary!

                                                                      Original link here

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                                                                        [–]Ramen6pack 1130 points1131 points ago

                                                                        The photographer is doing a more daring stunt than the guy he's trying to portray doing a daring stunt. The question is, what is the photographer who's photographing the photographer standing on?

                                                                        [–]flounder19 1517 points1518 points ago

                                                                        He's actually taking the photo in free fall from the cliff face

                                                                        [–]bdog2g2 959 points960 points ago

                                                                        Hooollllddddiiiiiiiiiittttttttttttttttttt(thump)

                                                                        [–]autocorrector 133 points134 points ago

                                                                        Shit he blinked.

                                                                        climbs back up mountain

                                                                        [–]noncontributing_zer0 32 points33 points ago

                                                                        Any landing you can walk away from is a good one...

                                                                        [–]bdog2g2 8 points9 points ago

                                                                        Especially without a parachute.

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                                                                            [–]extraneouspanthers 316 points317 points ago

                                                                            Every so often there's a comment you visualize. Thank you.

                                                                            [–]grape_juice_nigz 85 points86 points ago

                                                                            That one was brought you by bdog2g2 and sponsored by the good folks at acme.

                                                                            [–]InternetSuperTrooper 49 points50 points ago

                                                                            Meep meep.

                                                                            [–]throw_away_user_name 2 points3 points ago

                                                                            Your username made me lol

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                                                                                  [–]Paratath 9 points10 points ago

                                                                                  Nice Try

                                                                                  [–]SkyNTP 2 points3 points ago

                                                                                  Ah yes, of course. A classic case of the Bat-climb.

                                                                                  [–]nulll0gic 18 points19 points ago

                                                                                  He was such a great photographer too, getting an awesome still while accelerating downwards. Such a loss...

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                                                                                    [–]JohnScribbles 686 points687 points ago

                                                                                    Actually, not in this case. That guy is free soloing (probably el capitan or the nose in Yosemite) while the photographer is safely strapped into the wall. If the photographer fucks up, he swings around for a minute until he regains composure; If the climber fucks up, he falls a thousand or so feet to his death.

                                                                                    EDIT: turns out he's probably just bouldering in Joshua Tree, which is way less badass and actually makes what prior comment said about the photographer being in a more precarious position very true. That doesn't mean, however, this climber doesn't do REALLY BADASS STUFF, in the vein of what I originally said.

                                                                                    [–]is_mr_clean_there 272 points273 points ago

                                                                                    Yea, I believe that's Alex Honnold, one of the best free solo climbers in the world.

                                                                                    [–]Limitedcomments 98 points99 points ago

                                                                                    Just curious, what happens when he has nothing to grab onto? does he go back down or what? (genuine question)

                                                                                    [–]me_and_batman 225 points226 points ago

                                                                                    I'm guessing they don't free solo the first time on a new route.

                                                                                    [–]Measton42 70 points71 points ago

                                                                                    Some do! Some people are weird like that. Rescue can be as simple as lowering them a rope.

                                                                                    [–]jetflier7727 32 points33 points ago

                                                                                    This guy in the picture, Alex Hannold, actually has several free solo first climbs. He is pretty amazing

                                                                                    [–]VisualAssassin 54 points55 points ago

                                                                                    The only thing I don't get about this sport is that there is no margin for error. That ONE time you lose your grip, you're done, forever. I'm an active and sometimes daring person but this just blows my mind.

                                                                                    [–]Measton42 7 points8 points ago

                                                                                    Ive been climbing overly actively for 5 years now. I still don't have the grip endurance to ever trust my hands on any sort of free solo. I don't know how they build up the strength. Then again i guess they are not hauling up 95kg's like me.

                                                                                    [–]Sarcasm_Incarnate 7 points8 points ago

                                                                                    Once you get cocky to the point that some people are capable of, then one can feel like they would rather die than make that mistake.

                                                                                    Hell, probably better to die doing what you love than being 80 and unable to do the one thing you truly enjoyed.

                                                                                    [–]TheCatapult 19 points20 points ago

                                                                                    There are plenty of enjoyable things that don't come along with one small mistake leading to death.

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                                                                                            [–]Zanta 31 points32 points ago

                                                                                            Climber (not a soloist) here. Typically, the climber will have done the route before with a rope, or at the very least will know the difficulty (rock climbs are given a difficulty rating). Very rarely do people free solo routes they have no information about. If that situation were to come up, they would go back down. In fact on this route the climber (Alex Honnold) ended up downclimbing on one of his attempts.

                                                                                            'On the second day of shooting with Alex, the tables had turned. He climbed to the crux (the hardest section of the climb), fiddled with getting good finger jams, was not feeling it and backed down.'

                                                                                            [–]autocol 14 points15 points ago

                                                                                            I would have thought going back down was just as hard, if not harder, than going up!

                                                                                            [–]damnitcletus 6 points7 points ago

                                                                                            Down climbing is absolutely harder to do. But he is probably down climbing a 5.8

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                                                                                              [–]vedder10 83 points84 points ago

                                                                                              There is no going down, only up. Death climbing is practically certain for Alex Honnold

                                                                                              [–]goeagles55 270 points271 points ago

                                                                                              In that video he:

                                                                                              • climbs 2000 ft with no safety gear

                                                                                              • drives in a van at 25 mph and puts his seat belt on

                                                                                              [–]rohinton 503 points504 points ago

                                                                                              He found something he is willing to die for and it's not driving a van.

                                                                                              [–]alexiuscomnenus 143 points144 points ago

                                                                                              This is actually a really profound statement.

                                                                                              [–]ByJiminy 42 points43 points ago

                                                                                              Not when it's followed by, "Yeah, it's climbing a rock."

                                                                                              [–]damnitcletus 19 points20 points ago

                                                                                              Just because it isn't your passion doesn't mean you can talk down to anyone.

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                                                                                                  [–]IDriveAVan 45 points46 points ago

                                                                                                  That hurts.

                                                                                                  [–]Frigorific 9 points10 points ago

                                                                                                  Also he has control over himself on the mounain. No control over others on the road.

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                                                                                                    [–]Mixed-Signals 81 points82 points ago

                                                                                                    Well he's not an idiot.

                                                                                                    [–]mrmilf 26 points27 points ago

                                                                                                    everyone has their limits

                                                                                                    [–]soloreddit 21 points22 points ago

                                                                                                    Former is legal, latter is not (without a belt, that is). Maybe he just doesn't want a ticket.

                                                                                                    [–]LadyCailin 2 points3 points ago

                                                                                                    Good ole government, helping us be safe.

                                                                                                    [–]Sarcasm_Incarnate 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                    Would you rather them tell you exactly what you can and can't do in all regards, 1984 style?

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                                                                                                      [–]veriix 5 points6 points ago

                                                                                                      It's probably pretty rare for a stranger to run into him while climbing like he does.

                                                                                                      [–]ikinone 2 points3 points ago

                                                                                                      When driving, other people can cause an accident.

                                                                                                      [–]RobbyLee 6 points7 points ago

                                                                                                      That's two different things, you can't compare them. They need to be evaluated on their own.

                                                                                                      Free climbing is without gear. You do it for the fun of climbing, without the annoying rope and everything. Also to proof your skill in climbing.

                                                                                                      Driving a car is for transportation, you put your seatbelt on, to get from A to B, instead of crashing into a car because a drunk driver got off the road.

                                                                                                      [–]kejadlen 6 points7 points ago

                                                                                                      Technically, free soloing is doing it without any gear. Free climbing is doing it with gear only for safety (not using the gear to ascend, only for safety).

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                                                                                                        [–]triforce711 4 points5 points ago

                                                                                                        I live in a van down by the river.

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                                                                                                          [–]bkraj 16 points17 points ago

                                                                                                          This is just wrong. When he climbed Moonlight Buttress free solo, he downclimbed another route to get down.

                                                                                                          While other free soloists have died in their pursuits, many do it for decades.

                                                                                                          [–]vedder10 18 points19 points ago

                                                                                                          I would say that exactly zero free solo climbers attempting the routes he does live a long life. Also many of the routes he attempts also have very little opportunity to down climb once you go past a certain point. If you top out and then find a different route down sure, but that's it. We all love Alex, but the reality is that it is very likely he will die pushing the limits like this.

                                                                                                          [–]bkraj 7 points8 points ago

                                                                                                          While I do agree that what he does is incredibly dangerous, and in my gut I fear he'll mess up, but he seems to be in a class of his own.

                                                                                                          I hope he isn't destined for the same fate as past free soloists.

                                                                                                          [–]theropegunner 16 points17 points ago

                                                                                                          I don't see Alex pushing himself to do anything past his limits. I don't think he will free solo too much longer. He doesn't do it for his sponsors, or anybody else. He just likes doing it. But lately, he has switched gears towards shorter and more powerful climbing. Last time I was in Yosemite he said he had been working on Todd Skinner's old route on leaning tower. I think he's moved on to other things. Not because he's afraid of soloing, but because he just feels like climbing a different style. I've talked to Alex on a few occasions and it is amazing how enthusiastic he is about climbing. He may be in a bad mood or tired, but you bring up climbing and he gets as excited as any other die hard climber. The fame has absolutely not gotten to his head. This man is a special individual in so many ways.

                                                                                                          [–]lejefferson 1 point2 points ago

                                                                                                          I like how you skipped over the part where you know fucking Alex Honnold.

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                                                                                                            [–]bobtheterminator 26 points27 points ago

                                                                                                            Actually, it's not unusual for him to back down off a route if he's not feeling it. The reason he's not dead yet is he's pretty good at assessing the situation objectively and deciding whether he can do it.

                                                                                                            [–]HoHoNOPE 7 points8 points ago

                                                                                                            The death part would be certain for me.

                                                                                                            [–]danheinz 12 points13 points ago

                                                                                                            How does he get so close to the wall with such giant balls?

                                                                                                            BTW happy cake day

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                                                                                                              [–]RJCantrell 10 points11 points ago

                                                                                                              Great question! Everyone's opinion is different, but allow me to speak vicariously as a climber who sees no value in soloing. =P What I hear from soloists is that the goal is complete mastery of the route. What that means in practice is that it's a route they know quite well, and if for some reason they run into trouble, they have to keep their cool enough to be able to back down to familiar territory. Down-climbing is crazy-hard, by the way, though you might intuitively think otherwise.

                                                                                                              If you're interested in watching some videos on this, the most accessible video to non-climbers was this piece done for 60 Minutes about Honnold. There are others that are part of copyrighted climbing videos, but I'm too lazy to see if any are online. ; )

                                                                                                              [–]doree 11 points12 points ago

                                                                                                              They usually climb something with ropes until they know it like the back of their hand and never fall on the rope. As long as there are no freak accidents (hello rockfall) and they can get over the psychological aspects they can keep the deathtoll for the activity relatively low

                                                                                                              Not having to fiddle around with a rope and carry climbing gear up the wall also helps

                                                                                                              [–]rsolow 7 points8 points ago

                                                                                                              He free solos routes where you top out. When you get to the top, you're basically at the precipice of a cliff, then you just walk down the other side.

                                                                                                              [–]Rebelduck 6 points7 points ago

                                                                                                              Free soloing it never done on a route that hasn't been done before (unless they can fall and be ok, like over water)

                                                                                                              [–]Testiculese 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                              Water is like concrete at 1/2 that height.

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                                                                                                                  [–]mrahh 3 points4 points ago

                                                                                                                  Honnold*

                                                                                                                  [–]D911 27 points28 points ago

                                                                                                                  Whats Schwarzenegger got to do wit this?

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                                                                                                                      [–]Changoleo 43 points44 points ago

                                                                                                                      This shot was taken in Joshua Tree National Park, California. You can tell by the color of the stone. The granite in Yosemite is grey and much smoother making it more difficult to climb. Both locations boast world class climbing routes but personally I think that Joshua Tree is better for beginners. Yosemite is much more beautiful. I grew up 40 minutes from Yosemite & spent a lot of time in Joshua Tree 'cause I had lots of family in 29 palms, Ca. (a few miles from JT) BTW: It's called El Capitan or "El Cap" for short

                                                                                                                      [–]JohnScribbles 5 points6 points ago

                                                                                                                      Oh good call. Probably should've caught on to the rock color (I'm familiar with J tree). Phone auto corrected capitan to capital. Have you done Bishop?

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                                                                                                                        [–]kepleronlyknows 17 points18 points ago

                                                                                                                        Also, just because I'm a nerd about this, El Cap has never been free soloed, and probably wont be any time soon. Freerider might go down, but it's a considerably harder free solo than the Regular Northwest Face, with almost twice the pitches, and much more tenuous slab climbing with a high risk of slipping (even if the route grade doesn't represent it as that much harder than the RNW).

                                                                                                                        The Nose will probably never be free soloed, or at least not for a very, very long time. To date, only four people have even managed to free the thing, and the crux pitch (the changing corners) weighs in at around 5.14b.

                                                                                                                        [–]TerranBarron 4 points5 points ago

                                                                                                                        That's true but Honold did just aid solo both of those climbs in one day.

                                                                                                                        [–]kepleronlyknows 7 points8 points ago

                                                                                                                        True, but that's a huge difference from freeing. I could see him possibly free soloing Free Rider pretty soon, but not the Nose.

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                                                                                                                          [–]Jayross 8 points9 points ago

                                                                                                                          Consistent, I like it.

                                                                                                                          [–]coreyisthename 2 points3 points ago

                                                                                                                          Little do you know, the ground is actually 5 feet below this picture. The second photographer is safely standing on the ground.

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                                                                                                                            [–]french1canadian2 91 points92 points ago

                                                                                                                            I just love that this top rated comment couldn't be more wrong. The dude who is being photographed is climbing an insane mountain without any ropes or protection of any kind.

                                                                                                                            [–]Buckbeak69 37 points38 points ago

                                                                                                                            The mountain was trying to take a Myspace angle shot

                                                                                                                            [–]Menospan 10 points11 points ago

                                                                                                                            Photographer has safety equipment on. So unsafe.

                                                                                                                            [–]ibeinthesea 22 points23 points ago

                                                                                                                            http://i.imgur.com/Z12CC.jpg

                                                                                                                            [–]DoctorRobert420 26 points27 points ago

                                                                                                                            definitely not more dangerous, the photographer is tied in and the climber is free soloing

                                                                                                                            [–]skipdog172 53 points54 points ago

                                                                                                                            Why is this comment still so high? It's obviously wrong.

                                                                                                                            [–]Cillantro 13 points14 points ago

                                                                                                                            Haven't you paid attention to our generation? We are a collection of ignorance, patting itself on the back.

                                                                                                                            Edit: Happy now?

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                                                                                                                              [–]interg12 16 points17 points ago

                                                                                                                              The rock climber has no ropes in this picture.

                                                                                                                              [–]pgrily 5 points6 points ago

                                                                                                                              The climber isn't roped up. If he falls, he's done. If the ladder gives on the photographer, he'll just swing into the rock.

                                                                                                                              [–]LoafingAround 3 points4 points ago

                                                                                                                              I HAVE ONE of THOSE LADDERS

                                                                                                                              [–]_______okay 2 points3 points ago

                                                                                                                              What? No he's not. The camera man is strapped in.

                                                                                                                              [–]tobsn 2 points3 points ago

                                                                                                                              photographer = rigged up and secure

                                                                                                                              climber = no ropes

                                                                                                                              what's more daring? ;)

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                                                                                                                                [–]turbofeedus 7 points8 points ago

                                                                                                                                What's really interesting about this picture is that that climber is on a much higher route than one would expect to see a climber without protection, until you consider the climber. For everyone here claiming the photographer is more ballsy than the climber, you should know that this is Alex Honnold, the most badass dude since Ben Franklin. If you don't believe me, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR1jwwagtaQ

                                                                                                                                [–]pungkerton 6 points7 points ago

                                                                                                                                Positioned in that way, I'm surprised the ladder can withstand the weight of the photographer's balls.

                                                                                                                                [–]das7002 42 points43 points ago

                                                                                                                                Fixed

                                                                                                                                [–]BipolarBear0 19 points20 points ago

                                                                                                                                Gravity took a day off.

                                                                                                                                [–]soupyhands 2 points3 points ago

                                                                                                                                that xkcd comic comes back to haunt every climbing redditor.

                                                                                                                                [–]Armageddon_shitfaced 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                Right. Cause we've all seen vertical clouds like that.

                                                                                                                                [–]phideaux 2 points3 points ago

                                                                                                                                Photographer is still showing his skills.

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                                                                                                                                  [–]heardlb 3 points4 points ago

                                                                                                                                  You're selling him short calling him a photographer. You should call him a badass mcguyver with a camera

                                                                                                                                  [–]revbone 3 points4 points ago

                                                                                                                                  Not really, but I have wondered how photographers take pictures of other photographers taking pictures of rock climbers

                                                                                                                                  [–]joshthehappy 4 points5 points ago

                                                                                                                                  Nope.

                                                                                                                                  [–]ienginbeer 3 points4 points ago

                                                                                                                                  Wow! What another great use for the Little Giant Ladder System. But wait, there's more! If you order now, we'll throw in another Little Giant Ladder System for 10 easy payments of $19.99. Shipping and handling not included.

                                                                                                                                  [–]caretaker82 3 points4 points ago

                                                                                                                                  I do not think the photographer realizes the gravity of his situation.

                                                                                                                                  [–]ragebomber 1 point2 points ago

                                                                                                                                  Now we wonder how the photographer took pictures of a photographer taking a picture of a rock climber.

                                                                                                                                  [–]lost623 6 points7 points ago

                                                                                                                                  No I've never wondered how photographers take pictures of rock climbers.

                                                                                                                                  [–]Nowwatchingyou3 1 point2 points ago

                                                                                                                                  I'm pretty sure that's not how you use a ladder.

                                                                                                                                  [–]sterex55 1 point2 points ago

                                                                                                                                  We need a subreddit for crazy ladder angles.

                                                                                                                                  [–]Creedence47 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                  But how do they take pictures of someone taking pictures of a photographer taking pictures?

                                                                                                                                  [–]bodaciousbilly 1 point2 points ago

                                                                                                                                  The photographers who photograph people doing awesome things are almost universally doing more awesome things to do so.

                                                                                                                                  [–]PlayrHatrXtrordinair 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                  Never really thought about it. I would, however, like to know how photographers of photographers that take photos of rock climbers take pictures.

                                                                                                                                  [–]Diiiiirty 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                  So wait...then who takes the pictures of the guy taking the pictures of the rock climbers? They must have one hell of a ladder.

                                                                                                                                  [–]GameDrain 4 points5 points ago

                                                                                                                                  but wait.... How are we getting a photo of the photographer getting a photo of the rock climber?

                                                                                                                                  [–]Bob06 4 points5 points ago

                                                                                                                                  As a physics major, all I can see are physics questions. "What is the tension of rope A?", "What is the torque at the point the photographer is standing?", "If the rock climber is at height, h, with mass, m, what would his velocity be, if he falls, when he hits the ground? What would be the force at impact?", "If the sun is at angle theta to the photographers lens and air is n=#, use Snell's law to determine the indices of refraction of the lens."

                                                                                                                                  [–]RounderKatt 17 points18 points ago

                                                                                                                                  I have the solution but it only works for spherical ladders in a vacuum

                                                                                                                                  [–]porsche930 2 points3 points ago

                                                                                                                                  sophmore physics major?

                                                                                                                                  [–]i_eat_catnip 3 points4 points ago

                                                                                                                                  5

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                                                                                                                                    [–]mishmoigon 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    Yeah, but how did the person taking the picture of the person taking the picture take the picture :O

                                                                                                                                    mymindisfulloffuck.jpg

                                                                                                                                    [–]prankpub 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    Ever wonder how photographers take photos of photographers taking pictures of rock climbers?

                                                                                                                                    [–]colts300 1 point2 points ago

                                                                                                                                    The guy climbing should be taking the picture of the crazy guy standing on the ladder. That's impressive.

                                                                                                                                    [–]Shopno 2 points3 points ago

                                                                                                                                    Begs the question: how do photographers take pictures of photographers taking pictures of rock climbers?

                                                                                                                                    [–]i_heart_yarn 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    But who took this picture?!

                                                                                                                                    [–]saywhatisobvious 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    That man better get a great salary!

                                                                                                                                    [–]EyeAmMoMo 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    Now that's the business

                                                                                                                                    [–]esskayare 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    shit i think we found the new hero

                                                                                                                                    [–]jonnyrotten7 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    NO, I HAVEN'T!!!

                                                                                                                                    [–]1stOnRt1 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    You should see what the guy taking this picture looks like

                                                                                                                                    [–]MountainMadman 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    In a few minutes, some Redditor will come along and explain to us how this is mathematically perfectly safe.

                                                                                                                                    [–]slefob 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    Ironically he is taking a picture of something impressive this climber is doing. Or its a picture for a motivational poster

                                                                                                                                    [–]Beastieee 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    I think the climbers should be photographing the photographers

                                                                                                                                    [–]Tezzy74 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    and there is another ladder camera guy taking a pic of that ladder camera guy!

                                                                                                                                    [–]cokeforgin -1 points0 points ago

                                                                                                                                    no

                                                                                                                                    [–]cshabsin -1 points0 points ago

                                                                                                                                    Now I want to see a pic of the guy taking THIS picture. That must be one crazy rig!

                                                                                                                                    [–]Pobobo 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    TIL photographers are fucking insane.

                                                                                                                                    [–]charles2511 -1 points0 points ago

                                                                                                                                    Ever wonder how photographers take pictures of photographers taking pictures of rock climbers?

                                                                                                                                    [–]hygemaii 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    That's amazing and I have nothing but the utmost respect for all the people involved, but all of them are ALL THE WAY OUTSIDE THEIR DAMN MINDS.

                                                                                                                                    [–]princessheeter 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    Nope, nope, nope, nope! Instant vertigo just looking at this picture!

                                                                                                                                    [–]enjoiabletaco 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    Photographers always go above and beyond what is actually seen in pictures. Props to these guys!

                                                                                                                                    [–]purrsian 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    That clinches it. I'm buying a little giant ladder.

                                                                                                                                    [–]chiquichin 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    His balls are so big, I can see them front here...should tag nsfw. Wow.

                                                                                                                                    [–]ivanalbright 1 point2 points ago

                                                                                                                                    If you shoot up at the climber, they can be barely above the ground and nobody will know.

                                                                                                                                    [–]Theorex 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    Well fuck that.

                                                                                                                                    [–]SecretarySlayer 0 points1 point ago

                                                                                                                                    Does not compute

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