I was excited to return to Pakistan in 2016 as previously my trip in 2011 ended prematurely due to an unfortunate accident on take off. The grandeur of the Karakoram Range is phenomenal and it is the lure that brought me back as I dreamed of seeing that view again from a paraglider. During our three weeks based in Hushé, there were very few flying days as the weather was much more tumultuous this time round. I must admit that as excited as I was to return to the sky, I would suffer from anxiety attacks on take off and landing as it brought back memories of the accident.
On this particular day, this was my only flight where all the elements came together that resulted in the opportunity to stay in the sky for hours. As the sun began to lower, the giant shadows began to cast across the landscape and I was in my happy place. As a photographer, I love the challenge of documenting and allowing things to be outside my control. Before we were forced to retreat back to Hushé, Tom De Dorlodot soared towards Drifika Peak (6447m) for one last pass.
Krystle Wright

About the shot

Biography
Originally from the Sunshine Coast, Australia, these days my home has become the road worldwide as I pursue projects and expeditions around the world. I began my career in sports photography but after experiencing my first expedition to Baffin Island in 2010, I knew I had stumbled onto a different lifestyle that I wanted to breathe constantly. It was then, a chance phone call in 2011 offering me to work as a guide in Antarctica, that I finally left the newspaper world altogether and pursued freelance full-time.
As a friend once taught me, the pursuit of adventure photography is a lifestyle that you live and breathe and the line between work and play blends into each other constantly. I don't think I would have it any other way. Over time, my career has also evolved into directing and cinematography and whilst I enjoy the new challenges, my love for photography is what lights the fire the brightest. The beauty of the still frame and capturing a story within a fraction of a second will always be an art that is never tamed since art is never finished. My clients include Canon Australia, Red Bull, National Geographic, and many more.