A few weeks back I had the privilege of capturing some action climbing shots for the @rrgcc to help promote their work in restoring access to the Oil Crack and Arena crags! We spent the day chasing shade and blasting widowmakers off the topside of the cliff so I could drop in for some still photos. Big thanks to the models who flexed down for some sweet snaps without a chance to even warm up properly.
#rockclimbing #climbing #redrivergorge #kykicksass #outdooradventures @blackdiamond@thenorthface_climb@bluewaterropes
While the Kentucky ice season was a total banger, I had about 72 hours from my last ice climb in KY to set course for the UP of Michigan and the @michiganicefest . Like KY, Munising was also having an all-time ice season, with the incredible Grand Island being accessible to boot. I went back and forth on my days there between climbing and shooting, spending time around some of the awesome clinics they teach and getting out to some wild backcountry ice routes on the island. I also taught two photography clinics; a night photography class as well as a rigging and jugging course, so was plenty whooped by the end of the week. It was great to see old friends and make new ones, always a great time in Michigan! Thanks to all the festival organizers, volunteers, athletes, partners, and locals who make this weekend a great time for the 1,000+ visitors. It warms my frosty heart to see first timers to the sport being welcomed to the tribe by all the seasoned pros.
#iceclimbing #outdooradventure #puremichigan #michiganicefest2026 #lakesuperior #realwinter #yoopers #liveclimbrepeat
“Kentucky ice is like the wildflower that never blooms, it’s there for a moment and then it’s gone” - @climberclif We had a season of a lifetime here in KY a couple weeks ago. 2 weeks of freezing temps provided never before seen ice flows, and we raged. I’m very grateful for stoked partners and patient belays while we put up some really adventurous FAs in the bluegrass state. Lines on the Kentucky River that hasn’t been repeated in 48 years, first ascents on waterfalls attached to arches in the Red River Gorge, and canoeing through ice flows to reach hidden gems. Shoutout to @heath.rowland@stephgodshall@meganoski@ericolterman
Some recent work for the @rrgcc to promote the new climbing area openings. Great time working with Molly and Zach as our talent at some beautiful new areas like Newcum Tower and Hell’s kitchen. Definitely some adventure shenanigans involved to get top access, but totally worth it for the freedom of position when setting a placement for a fixed line.
#redrivergorge #rockclimbing #kentuckykicksass #climbingphotography @accessfund@steepsouth
@guardian just published a beautifully written article about the waste tire pollution problem in Kentucky's waterways and Russ Miller, the hero in KWA's River Cowboy documentary. The film was made in partnership with @friendsofredriver and @wilkinsonvisual . The impact of this film includes the recently adopted senate resolution 238, a bipartisan resolution passed by the Kentucky Legislature acknowledging the scale of the tire pollution – thanks in large part to advocacy by KWA and its partners. River Cowboys will be available to the public later this summer, along with a curriculum we've created for teachers across the Commonwealth who want to use the film in the classroom as a teaching tool. Link to article in profile, story & highlights.
Last fall I spent 10 days in New York, filming travel and tourism content in Dutchess, Sullivan Catskills, and Central NY. We toured museums, chased goats, drank some amazing wines, and so much more! This is one of the many videos cut from that content and they turned out so good; there’s so much to see and do beyond the big apple!
Making content this good was only possible through a major team effort from a great crew both on set and behind the scenes.
@meet.miles + @odysseystudios_ - Agency
@wilkinsonvisual - Acam
@hazenfilms - Bcam
@kylescamerachaos - AC
@wilkinsonvisual - Drone
@amonfocus - Creative Producer
@hillfed - Field Producer
@missyoberly - Production Manager
@kelbylm - Line Producer
@austinrye99 - Talent
@hayleyclover - Talent
#btba #beyondthebigapple #tourism #travel #videoshoot #newyork
Who’s ready for dessert? @145_roadhouse bringing out some tasty looking treats, perfect on hot summer day! Another snap from our restaurant shoot with @wolfetourism
Photo captured at 45mm at f/3.5, a single off-camera light (continuous) was used since we were shooting video as well. While it was tempting to shoot this with a prime lens closer to f/2, getting all of the food in solid focus was very important, and we didn’t want our talent to be too blurry from depth of field either.
#redrivergorge #wolfecountytourism #foodporn #dessert #foodphotography #icecream #bar #kentucky
An Epic Journey burger served up from a series of restaurant photo shoots last year for @wolfetourism . This may also be your sign to go grab a locally sourced burger from @skybridgestation tonight while enjoying some @qatrivia
#redrivergorge #localfood #foodporn #photoshoot #kentucky
Join @michiganicefest and the UPCC for weekly movie nights at Ice Fest HQ (Saturdays)! Doors will open at 6:30PM and a climbing movie will start at 7:15. Feel free to bring food, and the UPCC will have beverages available for donation. All funds received will go towards protecting and preserving UP climbing. This Saturday, thanks to our friend @wilkinsonvisual , we will be showing Gone Tomorrow: The Story of Ky Ice Climbing! This is one of the best climbing movies out there! Come hang out this Saturday with us!
I have so much to be grateful for, including friends, opportunities, and being reasonably healthy. That’s what I mostly share on here, but that’s not the whole picture. Real life for everyone is full of ups and downs, and I’m going to be real with y’all for minute. Pretty much every facet of my life took a beating this year: personal, mental, physical, financial… and their affects will linger into 2025. That’s not to say 2024 didn’t have its bright spots as well… But I think it’s important to share a “real” glimpse sometimes, because it’s not always red bulls and high fives 😎
1 A cold snap in Kentucky delivered the goods for ice climbing. Turned out to be the most ice I’d get on all year, as Michigan had a warm spell and things were melting out
2 Jose got to experience ice climbing in KY with a ride on The Abyss
3 A quick trip to Red Rocks
4 Surprise kidney stone and subsequent hospital visit to get it blasted into tiny pieces for easier passing
5 Getting vertical with Kathy for some guidebook pics on the Quest. Ran my first trail race, a 25K on the rough trail with Chuck and Jose, then the very next weekend won the trad climbing category at RIAD with my partner Jose
6 Eclipse as seen from Batesville, IN. My feelings about life after I broke my toe trail running, which to this day I’m still dealing with issues from 😑
7 Sedona for Geoff and Amanda’s wedding
8 Finished The River Cowboy, and it was accepted to a few film festivals. Caught the northern lights from the Red River Gorge, which was wild to see there. My babies after one of many bathtimes as they both got bad skin allergies this year
9 SAR calls and technical rope rescue training, this pic was after we found and rescued Scott Hern. The cabin got completed this year, a mixed bag of awesomeness and frustration. Got super busy with work from the summer through fall, with 20 days in New York alone, where I made friends with this cool llama
10 killing wasps during infestation 2024. Finally taking a break and trying to relax because, well, it’s been a year
Closing in the comments ⬇️
Exciting news! The River Cowboy has been accepted to the 2025 LookoutWild Film Festival in Chattanooga! This is one of my favorite film festivals, and am looking forward to seeing some old friends while enjoying some great adventure films on the big screen. January 17-19, come check it out!
#rivercleanup #nationalwildandscenicriver #kentucky #adventurefilm #paddling #filmfestival
I was talking with a friend recently at the Slade Welcome Center in the Red River Gorge, and while there I happened to glance across the rack of publications and maps. A note of red caught my eye, and upon closer inspection, I noticed that it not only one of my photos, but I photo I captured of myself from a tourism shoot I did back in April of 2023!
With dozens of tourism and travel shoots each year, it’s easy to forget that there are photos out there in circulation, or sitting on a hard drive just waiting to get used. I don’t typically receive any notice when placements are made, so it’s happened more than a few times that I’ve happen to come across my photos on billboards, in travel magazines, or in this case, on a fold-out map and park guide. It’s a fun surprise to see your work in its final destination like that.
This particular shoot took place at Kingdom Come State Park, along the Pine Mountain Scenic Trail, and the cover photo was taken at a spectacular overlook, a short walk from a parking area. I recall that I arrived to the location on the afternoon before the actual shoot day; I wanted to hike around a little bit and scout out location for the following day. What I didn’t expect was to see that an incredible sunset was developing right in front of me! Never one to miss a moment like this, I quickly got out my camera and snapped a few frames.
I’m thrilled that my photography was chosen to represent @kystateparks during their centennial celebration. It’s incredible to see my work featured in such a meaningful context, highlighting a hundred years of natural beauty and heritage. Being part of this milestone not only inspires me as an artist but also deepens my connection to the places I love to capture. 📸
Check out my blog (link in bio) for more images from this shoot.
#hiking #kentucky #kykicksass #kentuckykicksass #getoutside #outdooradventures #photoshoot #explorekentucky #overlook
