Blue Diamond Cave is situated just above Highway 160 as it runs out of the big city of Vegas, past Mt. Potosi and on towards the dusty town of Pahrump. The sweep of the road winding its way towards the mountains had caught my eye. I knew that I could use it capture the sense of passing time as each car left streaks of lights below while I climbed above, leaving my own streaks of light.
I suited up beneath my chosen climb “M16” (5.11d) and powered on the LED lights that I had strung up my back and across my arms. These lights would allow me to illuminate the motion of my climb. By leaving my camera’s shutter open, I could capture the streaking light left behind as I moved from one hold to the next, winding my own way up the 60-foot route. I climbed quickly, flowing from one position to the next in an unwavering dance up the wall. The climb was hard, but with each new take I moved faster. On the fifth take I was finally satisfied with a 92 second exposure. I could rest my tired arms and shredded skin. I had got my shot.
Luke Rasmussen

About the shot

Biography
I started rock climbing at the age of 11. From around the same time, I have a vivid memory of studying some stripes worn into the flagpole at my school. With every gust of wind, the clasp at the end of the halyard would rub against that flagpole, taking with it a microscopic layer of metal. It fascinated me that what I was looking at was the passage of time, frozen in a single moment.
Years later, I began experimenting with photography. I wanted to use photography as a tool to capture this "passage of time in a single moment" that I was so fascinated by. So, I started experimenting with longer exposures. And it wasn't long before I started brainstorming ideas for incorporating my passion for rock climbing into my passion for photography. I wanted to capture the passage of time as I moved up a rock face, flowing from one hold to the next. I wanted a way to visualize the line that exists in a climber's mind as he pieces together the natural features of the wall. I wanted to be able to illuminate the motion that I experience while climbing, to freeze time in a moment.