The recent departure of
@kathyryan from the
@nytmag has me reflecting on all the work I've done for her and her team over the years. One of those towers above the others–my cover of
@alexhonnold for the 2015 Voyages Issue, which I've never posted here (because apparently I'm great at social media).
The Times had sent me to photograph Alex climbing on buildings during a rainy weekend in Boulder, CO, but thankfully, the story pivoted to Yosemite. I was stoked, knowing that Yosemite was where Alex had made his name, and it was a place close to my heart. I found out we'd be photographing there with a little less than 24 hours notice, though, so it was a mad scramble to get my gear into the car. Alex had only one day in the Valley before he was heading to Patagonia with
@tommycaldwell .
I was driving down I-5 in the dark when I finally connected with Alex. He told me he had an obligation with
@thenorthface , his sponsor, in the middle of the day, and it really wasn't the best day to photograph him. I knew we didn't have an option, and I sensed an opportunity. Give me sunrise and sunset, I said, and you can do whatever you want during the middle of the day. He agreed, and I was thrilled, knowing I'd just secured two golden hours.
I met him and his van in Curry Village the next morning, for the start of a truly blessed shoot day. I photographed breakfast in his van as alpenglow graced the upper valley walls, and soon it was time for him to meet the crew of sales reps from The North Face. They were going to take the old trail up to Glacier Point, 3000 feet straight up. I asked if I could join.
After a super intense hike, we finally emerged from the valley and saw the iconic Glacier Point ahead of us. Alex strode confidently out to edge and looked straight down. It was something only he would do. It was a moment that referenced a long history of photography at Glacier Point, and Alex's own history, with Half Dome (site of one of his first famous solos) looming in the background. I slithered out toward the edge of the cliff for the best angle. I took the picture. I knew it would be the cover. It's a feeling I've never had before or since. (1/2)
