Today we welcome rock climber and photographer John Price to our new series which focuses on the creative side of Canberra. In the coming weeks we will be running interviews with a range of different artists from around town. So I hope you enjoy our new segment. Getting to Know the Creatives #CBRFB: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how photography and rock climbing became a part of your life? JP: I started rock climbing when I moved to Christchurch, New Zealand in 2009, and I completely fell in love with it. In 2011 I was displaced by the earthquakes ,and afterwards decided to move to Banff, Canada to improve myself as an alpinist. While living in Canada, I was so inspired by the landscapes that I started taking photography a bit more seriously. A photographer who inspired me greatly was Paul Zizka, and I was lucky enough to befriend this world-class photographer. We collaborated on some night ice climbing projects. and along the way he kindly taught me some tricks of the trade. While I spent almost all of my time in Canada climbing ice and rock routes, it was also my main subject for my landscape, adventure and night photography. #CBRFB: Where in Canberra where do you usually climb? JP: There is plenty of quality climbing in the ACT. From history rich granite areas like Booroomba Rocks, to more modern sport climbing areas like Lost Vegas near Mt Coree, or Red Rocks near Kambah pools. I try to climb at many of the different locations around Canberra, but most of them reside in and around the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park. #CBRFB: Rock climbing isnt the the only type of climbing you have done recently though is it? JP: When I’m back in Canberra I work for a local Rope Access Company called ‘Touchdown Building Services’. If I’m not out climbing, you might see me hanging off the side of a building in Canberra. Rope Access is a common trade for nomadic climbing types who want to earn money for the next expedition or climbing trip. I’m currently compiling a series of Rope Access Photographs for them and for my own portfolio. #CBRFB: What are your top three spots in Canberra or surrounding region to take photos: JP: My three favorite areas in and around Canberra to take photos would be Lake George Wind Farm (Capital Hill Wind farm), On a clear night with no moon, that location can offer some incredible astrophotography opportunities with interesting subjects - the wind turbines and bright stars! The Tidbinbilla nature reserve with its forests of eucalyptus trees and outcrops of granite boulders offer some beautiful vistas to work with. Another location would be down by Lake Burley Griffin at night, especially when the annual Enlighten festival is on during late February to early March. #CBRFB: Last we spoke you were headed out to Lake George for some astrophotography, how did that go where have your travels taken you to now? JP: That night went really well! Thanks! I drove out to Lake George to the Capital Hill Wind Farm. The giant wind turbines make for some incredible subjects. The skies were clear, and the moon was waxing crescent at around 7%, so light pollution was minimal - offering amazing dark skies to capture the Milky Way. The only drawback was the wind, which was gusting quite hard. To no surprise, when shooting at a Wind Farm, you will encounter quite windy conditions! Right now I am writing this from New Mexico in America, a pit stop on a cross-country road trip of the historic Route 66. Driving this road has always been a dream of my fathers, so my brother Nick and I are here to accompany him on the journey. The photography opportunities have been amazing so far! #CBRFB: As you have traveled far and wide, what is your most memorable climb / photograph so far? My most memorable climb would have to be one called ‘Shaken not stirred’ on a mountain called ‘The Mooses Tooth’ in Alaska. While we did not reach the summit due to gale force winds, -20C temperatures and zero visibility we did reach the top of our route. My most memorable climbing photo would have to be of an amazing and very famous ice climb called ‘Sea of Vapors’ on Mt Rundle in Banff National Park in Canada. It’s a dead vertical 150m+ ice climb that is perched high on the side of a 3000m mountain above the Bow Valley. I lead a 60m pitch of ice and then photographed my two climbing partners seconding the pitch. The results were pretty amazing! #CBRFB: Do you have any info for people wanting to get into rock climbing or any tips for nature photographers you would like to share? JP: If people are interested in getting into rock climbing they should check out: - canberraclimbing.org.au/ for information related to the Canberra climbing community. I would also recommend going to the climbing gyms in both Mitchell and Hume, and start networking with climbers there. Most of the time climbers are very open, friendly people who are willing the show newbies the ropes. #CBRFB: Thank you for your time and where can we find out more about your work? JP: My pleasure, thanks for following my work! I’m currently building a website, but If you are interested in seeing my work you can find it at my Facebook page: ‘John Price Photography’. I update this page daily with new photo posts and information. I also write a climbing blog which can be found at: john-climbs.blogspot/
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 08:25:32 +0000
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