I created this with Nik Berry on one of the most immaculate pieces of stone in all of Yosemite, if not the world. "Peace" is a Legendary line of unique knobs and sharp crimps put up by Ron Kauk. For two days Nik and I walked up to Medlicott as he tried to ascend the route. Just before the shoot, Nik put up one of the strongest efforts I've seen in climbing. Pushing himself through the sustained climbing past the first crux and up far above into the upper crux. The vibe was intense but flowing as he climbed up above me, I held the rope and watched intently his every move. Just below the anchors I heard his scream and braced to catch his fall as he soared through the air. This was his last attempt before going to Kyrgystan to establish a First Ascent. He graciously went up for a final lap with me shooting this time from above. After shooting we walked down from Medlicott Dome under one of the most blazing sunsets I've ever seen.
Elliott Bernhagen

About the shot

Biography
I got into photography through a great friend, Patrick Orton a finalist in the last Red Bull Illume. I had been an athlete in front of his lens for years, absorbing his knowledge and outlook during the many days we spent shooting together. We shared some incredible experiences until he suddenly passed away cliff jumping in his hometown.
His parents graciously gave me his old camera and since then I have traveled the world, creating images with the worlds best athletes. Any success in the last three years is a direct reflection of Patrick’s incredible talent. I studied the technical aspects of the art furiously after his passing but his eye is an intangible gift that lives on in me.
My images have appeared in the likes of Outside, Powder, ESPN. I’ve also worked with leading sports brands creating photos for advertisement campaigns and catalogs including Maui Jim, Oakley, and Spy Optics.
As an athlete myself, I have skied new lines in the mountains of Alaska, Northern British Columbia and all over the Western US. I have climbed El Capitan five times as well as speed climbing The Nose in 15 hours, Mt. Watkins in a 20 hour push, Half Dome in nine hours – and countless other lines across North America. My comfort in the vertical world and snow covered ranges transfers directly to my photography, allowing me to capture candid moments without compromising speed or safety in the mountains.